Extra gas storage options

[Use2btrix]

There's a good chance I'm going to have some downtime with work in the next couple months and if so my wife and I plan to do the continental divide motorcycle route. I've seen various opinions of a range needed, from 220-270 miles. With my ST loaded in that type of riding I'd expect I would get in the 200-220 range, but don't want to push it in the middle of nowhere. My mileage really drops most past 75 mph.

So - I'm looking at other gas options. I think to be as safe as possible, I'd need an extra 2 gallons. Right now I have Bumot panniers and no top case. I was planning on getting the 41L top case for the trip. With more consideration, I'm thinking maybe I should get the 25L top case and mount a 2 gallon rotopax on top. That will make it about an inch or 2 shorter than the 41L. That will cut down on my luggage space for what I plan to be about a total of a 30 day 2 up trip with camping. Between the panniers and wolfman bags on each pannier, plus the 25L top case, I think we'd still be fine. If anything it'd force us to bring less, just don't want to miss anything critical.

Does anyone have any other options? Another thought was MSR fuel bottles attached to the rear of the panniers. I could nicely fit 3 but that'd only give me about 3/4 gallon in fuel. Two, 1 gallon rotopax would fit nicely on each side of the 41L top case, however that's where the top case latches are, so I don't think it would mount well.

My only concern is regretting the 25L top case vs the 41L for other trips down the road. I like to think that I could routinely use it to carry the extra 2 gallons which would always be nice having that peace of mind. Or, if needed, I could mount a small waterproof duffle on it for additional storage.

Suggestions?

 

[OX-34]

Get the 41L topcase and buy a 2 gallon gas can from Walmart. Put the gas can and camping gear inside the topcase.

 

[Use2btrix]

Another option could be getting the 41L top case and mounting a 1 gallon to the rear or top of it. While I don't like the extra weight that high, I could just leave it empty most the trip until I get to areas where I'll need the 200+ mile range. It looks like the 240-260 would only be needed if the station in one town I go through in Wyoming is closed, which I could just aim to plan to arrive when it's open.

 

[Velvet]

Another option could be getting the 41L top case and mounting a 1 gallon to the rear or top of it. While I don't like the extra weight that high, I could just leave it empty most the trip until I get to areas where I'll need the 200+ mile range. It looks like the 240-260 would only be needed if the station in one town I go through in Wyoming is closed, which I could just aim to plan to arrive when it's open.

This is what I would do. I routinely carry a Rotopax container with me but I only fill it when I know that fuel stations are far and few. Since you will be two up I would definitely mount it externally and keep the extra space inside the case for other items.

 

[Use2btrix]

I found a touratech 3L and 2L jug that both mount easily and within the widths on the rear of my panniers. That will give me about 1.3 gallons that is stored low and out of the way. Still waiting on work to see if we're going to make this trip happen. I do contract work and my current project is winding down so I'm hoping to have some downtime between jobs, but I never know.

 

[Velvet]

I found a touratech 3L and 2L jug that both mount easily and within the widths on the rear of my panniers. That will give me about 1.3 gallons that is stored low and out of the way.

Certainly a good choice as well. I almost went that route last year when I found two Touratech units for sale used. I should have bought them but I waited too long to decide and someone else snatched them up.

 

[itlives]

I have a two gallon Rotopax I stand up in front of my top box. Strapped on with bungees, it doesn't take up much room. I never travel with another person but still have room for my 80L dry bag which is then close enough to provide some back rest.
I would trade someone straight up for a 1 gl. Rotopax though....

 

[Use2btrix]

Certainly a good choice as well. I almost went that route last year when I found two Touratech units for sale used. I should have bought them but I waited too long to decide and someone else snatched them up.

Definitely not the cheapest route. For both canisters and mounts it's about $135. That being said, I'm over skimping on things where I end up just buying nicer. Boots.. Gloves.. Jackets.. Heck, I even just ordered 2" Rock risers because I decide my 1" was enough.

Some things I can skimp on - love my Chinese headlight guard, but in this case I think the touratech route will be best for my situation with a pillion and needing valuable space elsewhere.

 

[Checkswrecks]

Whatever you do, putting gas containers in the top case or side boxes is a bad idea. The least little drops even on the outside when you fill the container will permeate absolutely everything in the top case. And if the container leaks at ALL you are really screwed. And then there is the fire issue.

You can guess how I know this.
:

 

[nico_yyz]

i carry a rotopax that I lay flat on the back rack. it's strapped in with a flat strap.

I put my bags over the top.

easy, safe, and cheap

 

[itlives]

Whatever you do, putting gas containers in the top case or side boxes is a bad idea. The least little drops even on the outside when you fill the container will permeate absolutely everything in the top case. And if the container leaks at ALL you are really screwed. And then there is the fire issue.

You can guess how I know this.
:

I'm not a betting man , but if I were, I'd bet it wasn't a Rotopax. I've never heard of one leaking. Still, not taking away from what you said.

 

[Boondocker]

It doesn't have to leak to reek. Just spill a couple of drops of gas on the outside of the can while filling. You can wipe off the fluid but you can't wipe off the smell. Vapor can pass through smaller gaps than fluid. If you make your wife's clothes smell of gasoline, there will be no end of hearing about it.

Keep the gasoline outside.

I'm not a betting man , but if I were, I'd bet it wasn't a Rotopax. I've never heard of one leaking. Still, not taking away from what you said.

 

[oldbear]

How about mounting a rotopax on an AltRider rack and then using a soft dry bag on top of the rotopak. Will help keep the weight a little lower and more balanced and should address your concerens both fuel wise and luggage wise.

 

[Davesax36]

Mine won't work for you, but you could put it on the rack and strap things creatively to the side cases.

 

[RCinNC]

I can't say I endorse this idea (because I've never used it myself), but a fuel bladder is an alternative to a Rotopax or a Wal Mart gas can. The advantage is that it doesn't take up nearly as much room when it's empty as does a gas can, so it doesn't hog up a lot of your storage space. The obvious disadvantage is that it wouldn't be as resistant to impact in a crash as a gas can would. The one shown here, a Desert Fox, holds a little over a gallon, I believe, and cost around a hundred dollars.

There are some threads about them on ADV Rider if you wanted to research them a little more.

 

[Checkswrecks]

::026::
You got it.

It doesn't have to leak to reek. Just spill a couple of drops of gas on the outside of the can while filling. You can wipe off the fluid but you can't wipe off the smell. Vapor can pass through smaller gaps than fluid. If you make your wife's clothes smell of gasoline, there will be no end of hearing about it.

Keep the gasoline outside.

 

[limey]

I just got about 1/2 way through the Continental Divide Ride and never used the Rotopax that I carried. Had a slow speed fall in the Grand Tetons. Broken Fibula , two broken ribs and an ankle that needs major surgery and 3,000 km from home..

 

[Don in Lodi]

I just got about 1/2 way through the Continental Divide Ride and never used the Rotopax that I carried. Had a slow speed fall in the Grand Tetons. Broken Fibula , two broken ribs and an ankle that needs major surgery and 3,000 km from home..

Ouch! Have had a chance to reach out to any of our Colorado brethren yet? Bike storage, shuttle to the airport, odds & ends.

 

[Don in Lodi]

I've seen a picture of a bike with a RotoPak mounted under each pannier. As in the bottom 'under'. Kind of disturbing at first glance, but once all the 'you're gonna die' thoughts get thought, hmm, where will a gas leak go? On the ground of course.

 

[limey]

Ouch! Have had a chance to reach out to any of our Colorado brethren yet? Bike storage, shuttle to the airport, odds & ends.

I thought of doing a post Don for help. What I did was rent a 10ft uhaul paid the local bike shop to load and tie down the bike and drive the 3,000km in 48 hrs back to Buffalo NY to meet up with my brother in law and loaded the bike on his truck and drive to Toronto. Longest 48 hrs of my life.