Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 05-09-2019, 02:07 PM   #1
1 Rivet Member
 
Washington , Washington, D.C.
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 18
Just Rite Type 2 Gas Can, Tonneau Cover and Safety

Hey All! My wife and I are about to hit the road to live in our 23 FB FC for the next 7 months are very excited! We have never lived out of our trailer, and so we are really looking forward to it. But, I do have a few questions I am hoping folks on the forum may be able to help us with.

For background, we purchased a Honda 2200 watt generator, and installed an Easy Start for the A/C. We also bought a 5-gallon Just Rite type 2 safety can. My plan is to store the can in a milk crate in the bed of our pick-up, underneath a hard tonneau cover. I want to tow with the can empty, and only fill it up when we are or near our various destinations. And, when we break camp to move to our next destination, I plan to dump any remaining fuel into the tow vehicle, so the can is empty while we tow.

I have read many forums here and on RV Net about the safest way to tow with a gas can, and would love feedback and suggestions on how to be the safest out there on the road. (For folks that may write in with LP conversion kit, I would like to preemptively ask why is a 20 lb tank of propane gas safer in the bed of the truck?). Also, I read on one forum that it is actually safer to keep gas in the gas-can when towing, because having too much air in the gas-can can lead to a greater risk of combustion (which is counterintuitive to me). Can anyone weigh in on this? Last, does anyone thinking keeping a gas can under a hard tonneau cover is dangerous due to a lack of ventilation? Or, is the tonneau cover sufficiently ventilated?

Thanks everyone in advance!
danandmimi is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-09-2019, 02:17 PM   #2
4 Rivet Member
 
twobikes's Avatar
 
1997 25' Safari
Montgomery , Alabama
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 262
Not trying to drive you toward a propane conversion but we hook our converted generator to one of the propane tanks at front of trailer. BUT , that means some noise and exhaust quite near the trailer... with a spare 20 lb tank in a milk crate , the noise can be sited 20+ feet away..
__________________
PAT & AL MEYER
TAC AL-26 WBCCI 2626

Montgomery, Alabama

follow the Two Bikes and an Airstream blog at https://airgo.blogspot.com
twobikes is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-09-2019, 02:40 PM   #3
Rivet Master
 
1988 25' Excella
1987 32' Excella
Knoxville , Tennessee
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,101
Blog Entries: 1
Your idea is more or less the way I do it. We carry the generator full of fuel in the back of the truck. Under a fiberglas clamshell. I carry an empty small capacity gas can. Or sometimes I leave home without a gas can with the idea I can buy a can while on the road if I need it. I have looked at the propane conversions several times and just have not been interested in going that route. If my generator leaked or smelled of gas I might look at the propane route. But so far in 9 years of carrying and a little use it has been perfect.
Bill M. is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-09-2019, 03:56 PM   #4
Rivet Master
 
gypsydad's Avatar
 
2017 28' Flying Cloud
2014 25' FB Flying Cloud
2008 25' Safari FB SE
Georgetown (winter)Thayne (summer) , Texas & Wyoming
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 6,619
Quote:
Originally Posted by twobikes View Post
Not trying to drive you toward a propane conversion but we hook our converted generator to one of the propane tanks at front of trailer. BUT , that means some noise and exhaust quite near the trailer... with a spare 20 lb tank in a milk crate , the noise can be sited 20+ feet away..
Same as you...propane generator..no gas in the back. Works great and no issues with spilt gas or smell...Love the propane convenience; 20lb bottle in milk crate and connections to the front LP fittings with 20' hose if I want.
__________________
Empty Nesters; Gypsies on the road!
2017 28' Twin Flying Cloud
2017 F250 King Ranch, 4X4, 6.7L, Blue-Ox WDH
Summer-Star Valley Ranch RV Resort (Thayne, WY); Winter-Sun City (Georgetown,TX)
gypsydad is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-09-2019, 04:54 PM   #5
Rivet Master
 
Mollysdad's Avatar

 
2017 26' Flying Cloud
Tampa , Florida
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 7,636
Blog Entries: 1
Quote:
Originally Posted by danandmimi View Post
We also bought a 5-gallon Just Rite type 2 safety can. My plan is to store the can in a milk crate in the bed of our pick-up, underneath a hard tonneau cover. I want to tow with the can empty, and only fill it up when we are or near our various destinations. And, when we break camp to move to our next destination, I plan to dump any remaining fuel into the tow vehicle, so the can is empty while we tow.

Can anyone weigh in on this? Last, does anyone thinking keeping a gas can under a hard tonneau cover is dangerous due to a lack of ventilation? Or, is the tonneau cover sufficiently ventilated?
I'm with you!
I did a lot of research on gas cans, never found a plastic one I liked and so I bought two of the Just Rite gas cans.
I have a 5 gal. and a 2.5 gal. And yes, they fit like a glove in a milk crate! So they don't get scratched up moving around, I have a length of cord attached to the milk crate and I tie it to a loop in the bed side. It doesn't move.
Since I have a 150 pound generator, it stays in the truck bed. I found the 5 gal. too heavy to hoist and fill the genny. I now only carry the 2.5 gal. I don't run the generator much.
However, I travel with gas in the generator and the gas can. The Just Rite can seals so well there's hardly any odor under the tonneau, and my tonneau seals pretty well!
I think there's enough gap around the tailgate that any fumes get purged under way.
I think you nailed it!

I use ethanol free gas, and when I'm thinking I've left the gas can sit too long, I dump it in the truck. No problemo.
Mollysdad is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-09-2019, 05:24 PM   #6
1 Rivet Member
 
Washington , Washington, D.C.
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 18
thanks everyone for the feedback!! it's really helpful!

one follow up question tho, for the lp folks -- why is carrying a 20lb propane tank in truck bed safer than a just rite gas can? i am genuinely curious on this topic, and hoping to garner as much information as i can.

thanks again!
danandmimi is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-10-2019, 07:23 AM   #7
Rivet Master
 
gypsydad's Avatar
 
2017 28' Flying Cloud
2014 25' FB Flying Cloud
2008 25' Safari FB SE
Georgetown (winter)Thayne (summer) , Texas & Wyoming
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 6,619
Quote:
Originally Posted by danandmimi View Post
thanks everyone for the feedback!! it's really helpful!

one follow up question tho, for the lp folks -- why is carrying a 20lb propane tank in truck bed safer than a just rite gas can? i am genuinely curious on this topic, and hoping to garner as much information as i can.

thanks again!
Not sure it's "safer", except for the comments from the last post from Molleysdad regarding "hardly any odor"; any fumes can ignite if confined and somehow exposed to a flame; not that you see this a lot, but it can happen if you smell fumes; they are there.

For me, I just don't want to deal with any gas issues in the back,...I do have to carry gas to/from the gas station for my ATV's in MT and of course, my lawn mower; occasionally the containers have leaked if not secured down and seals totally tight. I hate when there is a leak for what ever reason. Also, when it gets hot or cold, and altitude can cause gas cans expand/contract. Fumes can be dangerous and of course spillage can happen.

I like the propane convenience; an extra 20lb bottle of propane is very convenient; it allows me to move it around the camp site or run generator in my truck bed. I have to carry propane for my BBQ anyway, so this gives me more options beyond the small canisters. The front LP port on the AS can drive either the BBQ or the generator if I choose to use it also.
__________________
Empty Nesters; Gypsies on the road!
2017 28' Twin Flying Cloud
2017 F250 King Ranch, 4X4, 6.7L, Blue-Ox WDH
Summer-Star Valley Ranch RV Resort (Thayne, WY); Winter-Sun City (Georgetown,TX)
gypsydad is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-10-2019, 07:48 AM   #8
4 Rivet Member
 
Hiho Silver's Avatar
 
2016 27' Flying Cloud
Overland Park , Kansas
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 365
Type 2 or type 1 gas can

Question: Is the difference between a type 1 and 2 gas can just the spout? I have a type 1 Eagle brand, that looks the same as the Justrite type 2 gas cans accept the spout is different. Any gas can experts out there? I need to purchase a 2 1/2 gallon size, (I already have 2, 5 gallon eagle brand type 1 gas cans) and trying to decide which one to purchase.
Hiho Silver is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-10-2019, 08:13 AM   #9
Rivet Master
 
Mollysdad's Avatar

 
2017 26' Flying Cloud
Tampa , Florida
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 7,636
Blog Entries: 1
Quote:
Originally Posted by gypsydad View Post
Not sure it's "safer", except for the comments from the last post from Molleysdad regarding "hardly any odor"; any fumes can ignite if confined and somehow exposed to a flame; not that you see this a lot, but it can happen if you smell fumes; they are there.
I avoid absolutes. If I said, "I can't smell gas" someone would question my medical license as a olfactory specialist.
So, let me put a finer point on it. When I open my hard tonneau, I don't notice gas smell from fumes. I also have a generator with gas in it, various lubricants and cleaners.
So, can I say I notice any additional smell from a Just Rite gas can? No.
Mollysdad is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-10-2019, 08:20 AM   #10
Rivet Master
 
Mollysdad's Avatar

 
2017 26' Flying Cloud
Tampa , Florida
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 7,636
Blog Entries: 1
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hiho Silver View Post
I have a type 1 Eagle brand, that looks the same as the Justrite type 2 gas cans accept the spout is different. Any gas can experts out there? I need to purchase a 2 1/2 gallon size, (I already have 2, 5 gallon eagle brand type 1 gas cans) and trying to decide which one to purchase.
I looked at both.
I don't think you'd go wrong. The Eagle type 1 with the funnel is what our company generator guys used. I just thought it would smell more since the funnel would be wet with gas.
I can say the Just Rite seals well and the spring closure is very positive. Almost annoying to fill at a gas pump because the flapper is fighting you.
No regrets. I'd buy the Just Rite again. I like the 2.5 gal. because it's easier to maneuver.
If they offered an aftermarket spout that was wider, 1", I'd buy it. Just to speed up pouring.

Mollysdad is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-10-2019, 08:47 AM   #11
4 Rivet Member
 
Hiho Silver's Avatar
 
2016 27' Flying Cloud
Overland Park , Kansas
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 365
Type I and Type II gas can difference

I found the answer to my question, in case anyone else is interested:

What is the difference between Type I and Type II Safety Cans?

Type I safety cans only have 1 opening – pour & fill from the same opening. Type II safety cans have 2 openings – one for pouring and one for filling – the fill opening serves as a vent when pouring.
Hiho Silver is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-10-2019, 09:03 AM   #12
Rivet Master
 
1988 25' Excella
1987 32' Excella
Knoxville , Tennessee
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,101
Blog Entries: 1
Yeah, I think carrying a 20 lb propane tank in the rear of the truck under a tonneau might be "safer" than a gas can. But I think either can be managed safely.
Bill M. is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-10-2019, 09:07 AM   #13
Rivet Master
 
Mollysdad's Avatar

 
2017 26' Flying Cloud
Tampa , Florida
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 7,636
Blog Entries: 1
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hiho Silver View Post
I found the answer to my question, in case anyone else is interested:

What is the difference between Type I and Type II Safety Cans?

Type I safety cans only have 1 opening – pour & fill from the same opening. Type II safety cans have 2 openings – one for pouring and one for filling – the fill opening serves as a vent when pouring.
Wow, I never knew that.
Thanks.
Mollysdad is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-10-2019, 09:27 AM   #14
Rivet Master
 
A W Warn's Avatar
 
2000 25' Safari
Davidson County , NC Highlands County, FL
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 4,493
I used a Just Rite can but it developed a pinhole. I now use 1 gal plastic.
__________________
Alan
2014 Silverado LTZ 1500 Crew Cab 5.3L maximum trailering package
A W Warn is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-10-2019, 01:07 PM   #15
Rivet Master
 
gypsydad's Avatar
 
2017 28' Flying Cloud
2014 25' FB Flying Cloud
2008 25' Safari FB SE
Georgetown (winter)Thayne (summer) , Texas & Wyoming
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 6,619
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bill M. View Post
Yeah, I think carrying a 20 lb propane tank in the rear of the truck under a tonneau might be "safer" than a gas can. But I think either can be managed safely.
No doubt; but how many times have you carried a gas can, metal or plastic by the way, where when you got to destination it was expanded and when you crack the lid, it goes "whoosh"! That and sometimes they can leak, which smells up the back for sure for a while. I do carry gas from time to time, as I mentioned earlier. I just prefer using propane when I can.
__________________
Empty Nesters; Gypsies on the road!
2017 28' Twin Flying Cloud
2017 F250 King Ranch, 4X4, 6.7L, Blue-Ox WDH
Summer-Star Valley Ranch RV Resort (Thayne, WY); Winter-Sun City (Georgetown,TX)
gypsydad is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-10-2019, 03:46 PM   #16
2 Rivet Member
 
1991 34' Limited
Tucson , Arizona
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 83
I attached a battery box to my back bumper in which I store a rectangular 2 1/2 gallon gas van secured with a strap. In hot weather I relive the pressure every time we stop for a break. So far no leaks and no odors.
Hikingsolo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-10-2019, 05:01 PM   #17
Rivet Master
 
1976 31' Sovereign
Oswego , Illinois
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,017
Blog Entries: 1
A plastic gas can on bed liner can cause static as warnings on pumps state. In milk crate should be safe.
featherbedder is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-10-2019, 08:31 PM   #18
4 Rivet Member
 
Adiredneck's Avatar
 
2014 27' FB Classic
Cambridge , New York
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 454
Images: 8
Quote:
Originally Posted by danandmimi View Post
thanks everyone for the feedback!! it's really helpful!

one follow up question tho, for the lp folks -- why is carrying a 20lb propane tank in truck bed safer than a just rite gas can? i am genuinely curious on this topic, and hoping to garner as much information as i can.

thanks again!



Most new Airstreams come with a propane "quick connect" at the front A-frame, which allows you to draft propane out of the two large propane tanks that you are already hauling. You can use either a 10' hose and keep your genny in the bed of your truck (tailgate open, tonneau down) during rainy weather - or just for noise and security reasons - or use a 20' hose to set your genny farther away from the trailer for less noise and fumes. Keep in mind that propane doesn't produce the smelly exhaust that gas will. Those that are carrying spare propane tanks are only doing so so that they can set their gennies farther away from their campsite; i.e. genny and propane tank 50' off in the woods and extension cord run to the Airstream. So, carrying an extra propane bottle is purely optional. Safety-wise, having the propane tank secured in a milk crate is probably no more safe or unsafe than a 5 gallon gasoline can. The trip will go far better if neither of them ignite and explode...
__________________
"Hot meals, cold beer, dry bed & flush toilet - everything I look for in a wilderness experience..."
Adiredneck is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-11-2019, 07:22 AM   #19
3 Rivet Member
 
2017 30' International
Charlotte , North Carolina
Join Date: Jul 2018
Posts: 160
My 1959 Chevrolet pickup came from factory (as did other manufacturers trucks) with gas tank IN THE CAB right there behind the seat. They were all that way for I guess at least a couple of decades. Yet no historical records of the great pickup explosion events of the 1950s.

You have to have a leak and you have to have an ignition source and I am failing to identify the sources of ignition that makes this a perceived problem. If you gas container leaks in the back of your truck open up any enclosures and let it dry out. Trash the receptacle and get a new one. A certified container makes sense, but it is no more likely to leak than the 36 gallon plastic tank under your truck exposed to road hazards.

Open to comments on things I am not aware of.
Al U. Minium is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-11-2019, 09:33 AM   #20
2 Rivet Member
 
2016 Interstate Grand Tour Ext
St Petersburg , Florida
Join Date: Oct 2018
Posts: 46
Gass Can

I agree with pretty much all in this thread.

From a technical perspective, a full gas can is indeed safer than a half empty gas can.

Gasoline vapor is vastly more explosive than liquid gasoline, though both are to be respected. When the can is half empty, it provides internal-can volume allowing some of the gasoline to evaporate from liquid to vapor, where is then readily mixes with oxygen. This is where an open spark can lead to unwanted excitement and perhaps tragedy.

Keep the can full, or empty and well ventilated. Half full is a bad idea.

Be well and play safe
PirateChris
PirateChris is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Safety - Safety - Safety - Best Roadside Emergency Reflective Triangles PSU1981 Towing, Tow Vehicles & Hitches 8 02-26-2019 11:36 AM
Glide Rite Air Suspension felixkagi Sprinter and B-van Forum 4 09-02-2016 10:32 AM
ACU-RITE ? What is it? pvmsteve Land Yacht/Legacy Motorhomes 5 07-23-2013 11:57 AM
BRAKE-RITE II SD or BRAKE-RITE EHB Dwight Brakes & Brake Controllers 8 01-30-2012 06:06 PM
Tonneau cover campcollector Off Topic Forum 9 07-20-2006 05:45 PM


Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Airstream, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Airstream is a registered trademark of Airstream Inc. All rights reserved. Airstream trademark used under license to Social Knowledge LLC.



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 02:12 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.