On 07/09/2013 05:32 PM, Dennis Haynes wrote:

"I can see if planning an off road adventure over some extended time or
mileage the need to carry extra fuel."

Not off-road, but I do a lot of travel down dirt roads in
lightly-traveled backcountry areas. Far from cell service, rarely within
range of a ham radio repeater, all alone. Seemed not stupid to carry
extra fuel. But this whole gas dripping down the front of the van
brought opened up a whole new dimension of stupid.

So I'd like to find an affordable safer way to carry a few extra
gallons. Maybe I can re-mount that Rotapax in another location, but
nothing comes to mind.

"If you must keep some fuel available on a regular basis consider one of
the safer gasoline alternatives such as this.

<http://extrafuel.net/>

"I don’t completely understand how it works but it does."

That stuff just seems weird.

--
Jack "Rocket j Squirrel" Elliott
1984 Westfalia, auto trans,
Bend, Ore.

On 07/09/2013 05:32 PM, Dennis Haynes wrote:
> No company is going to tell you that there products fail. Over the
> years I have seen many a container fail including the propane tank on
> Fun Bus recently. Plastic containers are subject to aging, chemical,
> and UV attack so in those situations can have a limited life. I am
> familiar with Rotopax containers and they are a great product.
> However there are considerations that need to observed especially
> when handling and storing flammable liquids are any hazardous
> material. I am also sure that most states have laws concerning
> carrying fuel containers especially over certain quantities.
>
> I can see if planning an off road adventure over some extended time
> or mileage the need to carry extra fuel. For traveling normal roads I
> just don’t see the need to take on the risk. Heck I can’t drive 200
> miles without a potty or rest break so I might as well get fuel while
> I'm at it. Gives a chance to check the other fluids and stuff and
> feed my face. Leaving a full fuel container on the roof semi
> permanently just doesn't make sense.
>
> While I am not a fireman I have spent most of my career working in
> industry and I am a trained chemical emergency responder. I
> understand the dangers in handling hazardous materials and what can
> happen when over filled containers get heated, over pressurized, and
> burst. Property gets damaged and people get hurt.
>
> If you must keep some fuel available on a regular basis consider one
> of the safer gasoline alternatives such as this.
>
> http://extrafuel.net/
>
> I don’t completely understand how it works but it does.
>
> Dennis
>
>
> -----Original Message----- From: Vanagon Mailing List
> [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Dave Mcneely Sent:
> Tuesday, July 9, 2013 4:57 PM To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM Subject:
> Re: Good customer service experience, Rotopax
>
> Well, I answered my own question.  Rotapax recommends mounting them
> on the roof.  The presenter even states in the video that mounted
> flat on the roof, the Rotopax has not been known to leak.  Quite
> interesting.  From the Rotopax web site:
>
> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JF_M-963_jA
>
> I'm not arguing with you, Dennis, just pointing out what the company
> recommends.  Interesting that the advice here is one thing, but that
> to Mr. Squirrel, after he had a problem, is different.
>
> Hmmmmm..... .
>
> mcneely
>
>
>
> ---- Dave Mcneely <mcneely4@COX.NET> wrote:
>> where on a vehicle does Rotopax recommend mounting the things?
>> mcneely
>>
>> ---- Rocket J Squirrel <camping.elliott@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
>>> "Now let's take this container and place it so that that the sun
>>> can hit the large surface area of the side. This way we can heat
>>> it up even faster. If we vent enough the gasoline will be gone.
>>> Oh, and lets place this container outside and over our heads.
>>> Just a whole bunch of bad ideas."
>>>
>>> Yeah well I'm not the brightest one in the classroom.
>>>
>>> How about let's discuss better ways to pack spare gasoline? I
>>> personally can't afford an expensive rear rack to mount a
>>> jerrycan.
>>>
>>> -- Jack "Rocket j Squirrel" Elliott 1984 Westfalia, auto trans,
>>> Bend, Ore.
>>>
>>> On 07/08/2013 10:20 PM, Dennis Haynes wrote:
>>>> No matter how well a container is designed some good judgment
>>>> has to be made in how it is used particularly with flammable
>>>> liquids. There is a reason that propane tanks can only be
>>>> filled to 80% capacity. That is a good choice for any liquid
>>>> container that will be exposed to temperature changes and in
>>>> particular if any heat sources are involved. That is also the
>>>> reason that the Vanagon fuel system has expansion tanks and why
>>>> vehicle fillers are in the side of the tank so there is always
>>>> some air space somewhere. As for venting, that is only a
>>>> temporary fix when a heat source like sitting in the sun is
>>>> applied. The vapor pressure will be determined by the liquid
>>>> and its temperature. Since gasoline can make enough vapor to
>>>> burn at ~-40 just imagine what it can do heated to 120+. Now
>>>> let's take this container and place it so that that the sun can
>>>> hit the large surface area of the side. This way we can heat it
>>>> up even faster. If we vent enough the gasoline will be gone.
>>>> Oh, and lets place this container outside and over our heads.
>>>> Just a whole bunch of bad ideas.
>>>>
>>>> Dennis
>>>>
>>
>> -- David McNeely
>
> -- David McNeely
>