SJ - Jerry can mounting options?

BriefObsessions

Forum Member
Joined
Jun 15, 2020
Messages
28
Location
Australia
Car Year
2016
Car Model
SJ Forester XT
Transmission
CVT
Does anyone carry jerry cans for those remote trips? Thinking about attempting the Simpson Desert in an SJ and estimate I'll need another 60 litres of fuel, or 120 in total. I know SubaXtreme has a rear bar for the SH and just waiting to hear back on the potential for an SJ version. Then there's those hitch mounted tyre carriers, but nothing just for jerry cans that I can find. The Rotopax containers look good but don't know where to mount them. I'll have a roof top tent so can't put any extra weight up there. Cheers.
 
When I crossed the Simpson in the Foz (also with a roof top tent) I removed the rear seat base, cut to shape and laid down some high density foam then I was able to carry 3 x 10L metal jerrys laying on their sides and the seat back folded down on top to form a shelf. A 4th sat in beside the rear quarter panel and then 20L in the rear bar carrier.
 
Normally I'd say that's what trailers are for... but the Simpson... 🤔
DesertRunner (not on this forum but you can google him) has done the Simpson a few times in his SVX, pulled the rear seats out altogether so he could fit a couple of spares wheels in there, not sure what he did about extra fuel. probably jammed a couple of Jerrys in with the spares, would have been a bit of a squeeze.
He doesn't do offroad in his SVX any more, races it (or one of them) instead. :(

People used to laugh at him at the entry points. They weren't laughing so much when they got to their destinations and he was there, fully set up campsite, washed and changed, relaxing with a beer or three.
 
@BriefObsessions Also keep in mind there are regulations for sand flags, type, size, height etc. And, yes, you'll need a 2nd spare or even a tyre carcass and the tools to change the tyre.
 
Thanks guys. I'm leaning towards purchasing a heavy duty hitch mount bike rack, since it's something I need anyway. There's models that can handle up to 25kg per bike, which is about what a 20l jerry would weigh. I'd just need to sort out a method of mounting some jerry can holders. :unsure:
Not sure about a 2nd spare, I'll already be pushing the GVM limit. I've carried 2 spares on other trips and never had a single flat, but of course when I don't take it that's when I'll need it ;)
 
BriefObsessions said:
Not sure about a 2nd spare,
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Prioritise, carry less of other stuff.. freeze dried foods instead of cans, less clothes, remove rear seats, anything you can think of!
There's models that can handle up to 25kg per bike, which is about what a 20l jerry would weigh
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I recommend keeping all your weight towards the centre of the vehicle, rather than behind the rear axles, particularly in rough (or very soft) terrain. If I was doing such a trek, I'd carry my fuel on the roof. Even better if possible, on the sides behind the rear doors like saddle bags to reduce the centre of gravity (no good on narrow tracks of course!) There are some pretty funky setups in the States like that, not sure if this sort of thing is available in Oz.

Eg: Rotopax:
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edit: I posted a screenshot, and it's doubled up?
edit #15 Ahh.. Looks like I can delete one.. fingers crossed!
 
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BriefObsessions said:
I haven't come across any side mounts like that for the Foz.
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Necessity is the mother of invention as 'some bright spark' says. :)
You'd definitely have to customise something existing, probably have to consider removing the rear (quarter?) windows and replace it with a solid panel so you could attach the mounts.
Had a quick google and there are a number of suppliers of Rotopax in Australia, pretty eyewatering prices though!
 
I can carry 3 ten litre diesel plastic jerry cans, vertically, in each rear passenger footwell of an Outback. Nice fit for 60 litres. I put in anchor points to tie the jerrys down. Wouldn't do it with petrol though.
 
Bill_P said:
Wouldn't do it with petrol though.
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I agree, I'm pretty sketchy on the idea of carrying petrol inside the vehicle with me. If you have an incident and the containers rupture it could be a horrific outcome.
 
Ratbag said:
Should NEVER be left empty ...
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Leave them with a bit of fuel in them in the sun in the outback and they can swell quite a bit. Then if you open to reduce pressure and then close them up at night they compress. ABS plastic is a bit more forgiving in that respect...
 
Yeah I don't really want petrol tanks in the cabin.

What about using a hitch mounted tyre carrier and putting something in the spare tyre well? Could even plumb it in semi-permanently and install a cover over the top. Would mean drilling holes in the body though and I'm not sure how I feel about that.
 
If you are travelling in the company of a larger vehicle perhaps they could carry 20L at least for you?
 
BriefObsessions said:
What about using a hitch mounted tyre carrier
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Lots of people do it, talk to Subaxtreme. Personally I don't like hanging weight off the back (except for a trailer, worse comes to worse, you can leave it behind..)

and putting something in the spare tyre well?
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Pretty sure someone here was looking into that, not sure how far they got with it. Get friendly with a boilermaker :)
 
I think it’s @Subaru Man who has done the Simpson in his forester SJ. Pretty sure he put the jerry cans on a pioneer roof platform.
 
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