One of the most common questions we receive is:
"What's the best way to carry extra fuel?"
The answer depends on how you use your vehicle.
If you're spending a Saturday on local trails close to home, you may not need any extra fuel at all. But if you're overlanding, exploring remote areas, or traveling where gas stations are few and far between, carrying extra fuel can provide peace of mind.
The goal isn't to carry as much fuel as possible.
The goal is to carry enough to get there and back with confidence.
I learned this lesson the hard way.
Years ago, we traveled from Hurricane, Utah, all the way to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. It was an incredible trip, but one thing caught me completely off guard.
The stretch between southern Utah and northern Arizona was much more remote than I expected.
At the time, I was driving a Toyota Tundra. It was a great trail rig, but it used considerably more fuel than the other vehicles in our group. I figured we'd eventually reach pavement, find a gas station, and fill up.
That gas station never appeared.
Fortunately, my friend Matt had planned ahead. He was carrying a 5-gallon jerry can, and those extra gallons were enough to get my Tundra off the trail and back to civilization.
That experience completely changed the way I think about carrying extra fuel.
One thing we've found over the years is that it's a good idea for at least one vehicle in a group of five or six to carry an extra 5 gallons of fuel.
Most trips won't require it.
But if someone miscalculates their fuel range, encounters an unexpected detour, or simply burns more fuel than expected, having one emergency fuel supply in the group can save the day.
RotopaX has become one of the most popular fuel solutions in the off-road community because they're incredibly convenient.
They're compact, lightweight, and easy to mount without taking up much space. If you only need a couple of extra gallons of fuel, it's hard to beat how easy they are to package on a vehicle.
Why People Like Them
Things to Consider
Most RotopaX containers hold between 2 and 2.5 gallons, so longer trips may require carrying multiple containers.
The good news is that it's easy to find mounting solutions for two 2-gallon RotopaX containers, giving you 4 gallons of fuel while still maintaining a compact footprint. Depending on the mount, the containers can even be stacked, making RotopaX one of the most versatile fuel storage options available.
RotopaX containers can also be affected by temperature and elevation changes. As you climb in elevation or temperatures rise, pressure can build inside the container.
Before opening one after a long day on the trail, carefully relieve any built-up pressure.
Jerry cans have been trusted by military and expedition travelers for decades because they simply work.
If your priority is carrying the most fuel with the fewest containers, it's hard to beat a traditional 5-gallon jerry can.
Why People Like Them
Things to Consider
Five gallons of gasoline weighs over 30 pounds before you even count the weight of the can.
That makes mounting location important. A quality mount is essential, and if you're storing one on a roof rack, remember you'll eventually need to lift it down when it's time to refuel.
Choosing the right fuel container is only half the equation. You also need a secure place to carry it.
There are plenty of great mounting solutions available. Many companies offer bumper-mounted fuel can holders, roof rack mounts, and MOLLE panels with provisions for RotopaX containers.
The important thing is choosing a mounting system that's secure, durable, and fits the way you travel.
Rear Swing-Out Bumper
A rear bumper with a swing-out tire carrier is one of the most popular places to carry extra fuel.
It keeps fuel outside the vehicle, doesn't take up cargo space, and makes refueling quick and easy.
Roof Rack
Roof racks are another common solution, especially for overland builds.
They're great for freeing up cargo space and carrying multiple fuel containers, but remember that fuel is heavy. Always stay within your roof rack's weight rating and consider how often you'll need to lift a full container on and off the roof.
Exterior MOLLE Panels
Exterior MOLLE panels have become one of the most popular places to mount RotopaX containers.
They're compact, easy to access, and make excellent use of otherwise unused space on the vehicle.
Victory 4x4 Mounting Solutions
At Victory 4x4, we offer both single and dual jerry can cages. Made from lightweight aluminum, they securely hold standard jerry cans and can be mounted vertically or horizontally depending on your vehicle and available space.
Many of our exterior MOLLE panels include provisions for RotopaX mounts. We also offer a tire carrier bracket that holds MaxTrax recovery boards on one side and up to 4 gallons of RotopaX fuel on the other, making excellent use of the available space.
Here's another option many people don't realize.
Our single and dual jerry can cages also work well with RotopaX containers. If your needs change over time, the same cage can accommodate different fuel storage solutions without requiring an entirely new setup.
Whenever possible, gasoline should be carried outside the passenger compartment.
Even properly sealed fuel containers can vent small amounts of fuel vapor, especially during hot weather or significant elevation changes.
Exterior mounting solutions not only free up valuable cargo space, but they also help keep fuel where it belongs.
A few simple habits go a long way.
There's no universal answer.
If you're looking for a little extra insurance on weekend trail rides, a 2-gallon RotopaX is tough to beat. It's compact, lightweight, and easy to mount almost anywhere.
If you're planning longer adventures where fuel stops are limited, a 5-gallon jerry can provides significantly more range.
Many experienced overlanders carry both. A RotopaX handles shorter trips, while a jerry can comes along for remote adventures where every extra mile matters.
Choose the setup that matches how you actually travel, not the one that simply looks the coolest.
Extra fuel is one of those things you hope you never need.
But if you've ever watched the fuel gauge drop faster than expected while the nearest gas station is still hours away, you quickly understand why experienced off-roaders carry it.
Plan for the type of trips you enjoy, carry only the fuel you need, and choose a quality mounting system that keeps it secure and outside the vehicle.
A little planning before the trip can make the adventure a whole lot more enjoyable.
And if someone in your group ever miscalculates their fuel range, they just might owe you a tank of gas... and dinner.
See you on the trails!
Brian Meyers - President and CEO
