If it is emergency fuel you are looking to carry I would
instead  recommend you buy a product called "Penzoil Rescue"
that is a non-volitile fuel replacement that can safely be
stored inside the vehicle.

Alternatively you can purchase a gas can that fits in your
spare tire. I have one for my 15" rims that holds 2 1/2
gallons but they make them for stock 14" rims too.

Putting gas on the roof is a bad idea for several reasons:

1) It MUST be filled on the ground and hoisted up there. If
you fill it on the roof you run a high risk of explosion due
to static electricity  rom an ungrounded tank. Hoisting it
up full is a pain.

2) If your vehilce ever rolled over gas would go
everywhere... you don't need this complication in a severe
accident.

3) Weight high up on an already top heavy vehicle will
adversly affect handling.

Thanks,
Chris

---- Original message ----
>Date: Thu, 9 May 2002 22:16:34 -0700
>From: dave bowers <dave@SPARKPLUG.COM>
>Subject: gas can in your westy cargo area?
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>
>Anybody store a gas can in their Westy storage area?
>
>If so, what shape/size/material can do you use?
>
>and
>
>Do you simply tie it down (i.e. bungie cords), or do you
secure so it cannot
>be stolen (and how?).
>
>Just curious. I am going on a long road trip, and would
like to have the
>extra fuel. Don't have any experience with storing fuel in
the open. I
>wonder, if I just used cargo straps, and left it there ...
will some one
>eventually steal it? Which makes me feel like,  I should
consider a way to
>lock it down.
>
>Any ideas, suggestions, and especially fotos would be great!
>
>thanks,
>dave :)
>1986 westy