Diesel is a combustable fuel (Flashpoint above 60 deg C). Petrol is flammable and it has a Flashpoint of around minus 43 deg C. I have one jerrycan for diesel and one for petrol mounted on the "A" frame of the van. The way I see it is that any fuel, regardless of it's flashpoint, furtherest from the rear of the van, the better.
I'm not sure on the legals but I noticed that the van manfacturers at the Brisbane Camping show this month had jerrycan holders on the "A" frame. You would surmise they were abiding by the rules. Well one would hope so.
I use steel jerricans. I have found that the plastic ones for petrol expand too much and have a tendency to rub on the holder, therefore, creating a likelyhood of a leak and or fire.
Point to note, make sure you have identifying markings on the cans that indicate what fuel is in each.
Two Strays wrote:I'm not sure on the legals but I noticed that the van manfacturers at the Brisbane Camping show this month had jerrycan holders on the "A" frame. You would surmise they were abiding by the rules. Well one would hope so.
They can put jerrycan holders where they like. It is up to you how you use then. It is up to you to determine whether you are going to follow the law or not.
Fuel must be carried within the confines of your vehicles. The front of your tug or the rear of your van are not within the confines of you vehicles. Things mounted on the drawbar are considered within the confines of the vehicle.
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PeterD Nissan Navara D23 diesel auto, Spaceland pop-top Retired radio and electronics technician. NSW Central Coast.
This issue has been discussed at length in many forums I have researched it myself and am yet to see where its says its not legal to carry a container of fuel on the rear of a caravan I know many people do myself included In some cases you can be referred to the dangerous goods act but further reading will show that because of the quantities involved you will find you are exempt
-- Edited by snapper49 on Wednesday 20th of June 2012 11:35:34 PM
This issue has been discussed at length in many forums I have researched it myself and am yet to see where its says its not legal to carry a container of fuel on the rear of a caravan I know many people do myself included In some cases you can be referred to the dangerous goods act but further reading will show that because of the quantities involved you will find you are exempt
-- Edited by snapper49 on Wednesday 20th of June 2012 11:35:34 PM
While it may not be illegal, one must consider the extra weight added well rearward of the axle. Depending on the rear overhang, 20Kg can quickly become 200Kg due to forces applied to the weight as the rear of the van undulates over bumps and through corners etc. This extra weight contributes to Chaotic Yaw forces. Ozjohn
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Retired Engineer, Ex Park Owner & Caravan Consultant. Holden 2.8 Colorado - Roma Elegance 17'6" Pop Top. Location: Mornington Peninsula Vic.
A. securing diesal jerry can to the draw bar of the van next to the gas bottles?
B. Placing them on the back bumper of the van?
My choice if legal is on the draw bar
PS. it would only be 20 -30 litres max
Thanks in advance Brian
G'Day Brian. There are some interesting articles by Collyn RIVERS about extra weights at the extreme rear or extreme front of a van (trailer etc). Quite rightly, Collyn speaks of the 'pendulum effect' which can cause excess yaw and/or sway of a van (particularly the longer ones). Collyn remarks on collisions due to the weight vs mass formula when vans have weights (even fairly small weights) positioned at the front or rear. Worth a look by goggling Collyn RIVERS articles. For what it's worth.
Funny enough I have just read where somebody had a plastic jerry can puntured by a stone thrown up by the rear wheels of their tug Was bolted on the A frame
