What is the best way to carry extra fuel with you for those long trips? I've seen the flat gas can that goes on the atv rack and is held down with straps. I've also seen the type that has a metal carrier that hangs off the rack in the rear of the atv. Anyone with experience with either of these types? Which is better?

 

You didn't say what kind of bike you have, but I'm guessing it's a utility with racks?? I've tried everything over the years!

For sport bikes: Larger capacity (IMS) tanks are sooooo nice (4.3 gal. for the 400EX and 3.2 gal. for the 300EX-I don't think I've ever even run one of these down to reserve). I often ride in groups with kids (you don't want to run dry in the desert!), so I take a 1 or 2 gal. can on a "universal" (Maier) 6-pack rack attached to my grab bar (available from White Bros.).

For Utility bikes: You can use the 6-pack rack described above, if you have a space open on your rack where you can fit it, but the flat "cans" are really the good way to go! If you are carrying bags or cargo, they just go underneath. They ride well and hold a lot more than the 3.2 (I think?) gallons it says they do (available from Rocky Mountain).

 

Just a reminder, rinse everything out thoroughly before using!!!! One of my flat cans had so much plastic floating around in it that it clogged the screen on the spout. Don't learn this lesson the hard way!

 

I bought the flat one last weekend, looking forward to filling that one. Only thing that makes me nervious is the metal wingnut/breather thingy on the side with the cap. Hate to see that get hit and smished.

 

I've got the flat tank, and I'd recommend it. I've had it for about 2 years, and it's pretty much permanently attached to my ride. When I got it I was dissapointed with the velcro attachment straps, but you can cinch them up tight, and they've never given me a problem. Because their flat, you still have access to your racks. I've only known one guy with the can holder, I believe it was a Kimpex. He said it wasn't very rugged and kept bending. He solved it by welding on some bracing.
Oneidgoof,
good name[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img] I was concerned with the wing nut too, but never had any problems. I've been known to use my quad as a brush hog a time or two.

Brian

 

I was looking through the Montana Jacks catalog this weekend, and noticed they had one of the "hang it off the back" type setups. It fits in a receiver hitch and has the advantage of keeping you rack space free for something else. Trouble is, the hardware looks REALLY HEAVY! Personally, I use the Rancher 4X4 mostly as an EXTREME SPORT BIKE. If I can't get there on a 400EX, then my weapon of choice switches to the Rancher. I stay away from any added weight of any kind. I really thing the flat ones are the way to go.

 

92LT....I use the flat kind (fuel pack) that you speak of. I personally think it's great. Since one can put up to 800 pounds onto the fuel pack, one doesn't lose any rack space.

 

If your not afraid of losing rack space you might try this. I have and it works out great.

Go to Wal-Mart and get a plastic boat gas tank. You can hook it into your gas line and it comes complete with a gage for only about 20 bucks. I holds 6 gallons and only uses about half of the rack, is very easy to mount and is quite durable.

Just a thought.

 

Thanks for all the replies. I think I'm going to go for the flat gas tank. Minehunter's idea is good, but I do need all the rack space I can get. So no has trouble with the flat tank sliding around with those velcro tie-down straps?

 

Velcro is some pretty snazzy stuff. It doe's double duty for me with my GPS. Wish I'd invented it.
Brian