Fixing Jerry Cans on Roof

Jdpatrol, I did this on a recent trip. I laid them on their long edge to reduce height and drag, with spouts up to minimise any leakage. (There wasn't any.) They were secured with ratchet tiedowns to the mesh rack. I used bits of old carpet under and between cans. The only problem was chafing of the tiedowns where they rubbed on the ridged cans. This was fixed with more carpet between cans and tiedowns. Worked well after that.

HTH
John

JD, when we travel I put the jerry cans on the roof rack. We carry two and I just ratchet strap them down. I have an old rubber camping mat that I lay the full length of the rack before I put anything on. I also wrap more rubber on any spot that will be steel on steel. Seems to work and they never come loose, get damaged or leak.
Draff

A useful trick if you are carrying metal jerries. Go to a truck tyre dealer. Get a couple of BIG used tubes that they were going to throw out. Cut lengths to the length of the body of the jerry and pull them over like a condom. They should stretch on so they fit neatly. The slight curve in that length of tube straightens out and isn't a prob. This is a very effective way to stop jerries rattling/rubbing/chafing straps etc. The covers fit tightly enough so that they stay permanently on the jerries.

I don't know Kev. I have had mine on for about 5 years without deterioration, but I store them in the shed when not in use

Kev, I don't use Jerries up on the roof a lot, As I use diesel, I am happy to have them in the vehicle behind the cargo barrier if there is room. The rubber sleeves stop them rubbing whether inside or on top. They do go on top sometimes, so thinking about it, in 5 years or so, they might only have spent a few weeks travelling up on top. But the covers cost nothing anyway. Should have said, had some mates who stretched a cover over a cover to make them really squishy but I haven't found this necessary.

Search for photos of Stans Playdoe.. he took 19 jerrys with him on a trip in the petrol playdoe.. 3 on the lid shouldnt be an issue

Much thanks everyone for your responses. Very helpful. JD

The carpet works well.
We use 8mm elastic cord to secure them - 3 straps on each jerry means they never work loose. To make them safe, I have a loop on one end, and hook on the other.
It can be pretty hard to get a good seal with the fillers on the metal jerries. I know one guy who had 6 diesel jerries on his roofrack for a Madigan Line trip - first day he had 4 of them leaking diesel all over his tent and camp gear, which was of course unusable for the rest of the trip - ended up sleeping in the back of his troopie. So check the seals thoroughly before you go.

The baskets often work loose - check the bolts daily. And if the U-bolts stuff up, the 8mm elastic strap does a good job of fixing it.

if i have to carry jerry cans on the roof i use plastic 20L cans (had them them for years with no problems).
i can fit 3 X cans into 1 black recyle bin, i find it easier to strap down the bin on the roof rack and it stops the cans moving around.
when the cans are emptied (asap) i re-arrange the rack.
i lie the empty cans down or on end, depending on space, and use the recycle bin to carry rubbish.

Re Jerry's on the roof - be aware of fuel problems and STATIC electricity.
AT one of our CFS training sessions about 1998 or maybe 1999, we had a session on static and resulting fires destroying two (2) rigs in the NT. The owners had thought it a good idea to simply siphon fuel down to the vehicle tank and WHAM!
Static had been developed just from the flow of fuel in the plastic siphon tube and - NO MORE RIG - just a burnt out wreck! Twice over even!
Standard practice should be to literally ground the jerries (that is PUT THEM ON THE GROUND) and then open them pointing AWAY from vehicle & persons before pouring into funnel or use of supplied spouts.
Worth a thought or two!
Cheers - Mobi