Gerry Cans

Good question FoN - Funnily enough a question I was going to ask!

I give up. I've searched all the appropriate roads authorities web sites and downloaded numerous Acrobat PDF files, yet i can't even find documentation outlawing the carrying of fuel, let alone water.

The only reference I can find is in Queensland Transport's 'Safe Towing' flyer which I quote; "There are some general conditions you should follow when loading a trailer. These are: . . . . . • caravans, horse floats and box trailers which have the axle group in the centre of the load space are not permitted to have loads, including spare wheels and bicycles overhanging the rear of the trailer; . . . "

Luckily this is a recommendation (not legislation) as it would make 99% of caravans unroadworthy.

You would think that the authorities would make the type of information which you are seeking readily accessible for those who want to do the right thing!

Anyway over to our fellow EOs - My money is on this one NOT being comprehensively solved."Live today as if there may be no tomorrow"

Wombat

MAY be in the ADR's. It was a problem with Pajero's and others with the integrated jerry can holders on the back doors. Problem being if you hit them you end up with copious quantities of petrol and a ready ignition capacity from damaged electrics, with the burning fuel thrown over a large area. Queensland has banned the carriage of jerries with fuel in rear mounted holders on vehicles or vans/trailers (you need to ask these questions at Queensland Transport to get the right answers). Common sense really. If you need to carry extra fuel (a) get a long range or auxiliary fuel tank fitted, (b) tow a trailer with the jerries in the forward half of the trailer, inside the confines of the trailer walls.

personally i cant see a problem with water on the back but weight may be a problem Jayco set a limit of 30kgs on the rear bumper of the van and on offroad van thats just about taken by spare as for fuel be it petrol or diesel if you got hit in the bum better you than me . i have jerry can holders on the draw bar and water goes on the roof of the car
but thats only my opinion
steveits arrived just got to get photo and download
only 32 sleeps to go then off nth to darwin yeah

Hi There,
I thought it wise to mention that I have heard that the maximum amount of spare fuel to be carried in any vehicle is only 5ltrs!!.
I cannot confirm this, but it seem's ludicrus if true, maybe a 5lr fire is a lot better/safer, than a 10lt one!
Water on the rear should be fine as long as you get the balance correct, weight distrubution in a caravan is essencial to avoid the dreaded death sway (been there done that! very hairy!!)
I see them carry motor bikes (probibly direct onto chassie) so a few ltr's of water should be no problem.
Cheers, safe driving, TomIC

I think from memory most aus states do not classify deisel as a dangerous fuel so this would make a differance and most companies who make a jerry holder /wheel carrier would have to stick to ADR surely and this would kick the 4wd fraternity in the ghoulies especially the ones making money from it?

looking at one myself ?????
hmm1999 NISSAN NAVARA DUALCAB
DIESEL 3.2 & SPRINGY CARLTON TOY

There are certainly some off road manufacturers that have holders on the back, however, they are between the body of the van and the bumper bar which means that, technically, they are within the external bounds of the van and certainly "protected" by the bumper. I have had mine mounted similarly on my Jayco for years and have never been questioned (yet!). I leave the Gerry's in all the time, even if empty as I have nowhere else to store them basically and so far have not even had a comment from anyone. I have also heard that the same applies to the holders on the side of camper trailers - as long as they are within the framework of the trailer it's OK (as distinct from hanging them on the outside virtually unprotected from side impact). However, all this is simply hearsay as I have yet to see anything in black and white.