Extra tow vehicle fuel - Escape Trailer Owners Community
Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×

Go Back   Escape Trailer Owners Community > Escape Tech > Towing and Hitching
Click Here to Login
Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
 
Old 03-06-2022, 06:05 PM   #1
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Bellingham, Washington
Trailer: 2018 Escape 19
Posts: 16
Extra tow vehicle fuel

Has anyone used a rack on the hitch behind the trailer to haul extra fuel cans for the tow vehicle? Any suggestions?
Marshall Escape is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-06-2022, 06:36 PM   #2
Site Team
 
John in Santa Cruz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: Mid Left Coast, California
Trailer: 2014 Escape 21
Posts: 5,122
my tug holds 38 gallons of diesel, so a couple 5g jerry cans wouldn't be worth bothering with. I've heard there's a aux tank made for my truck that doubles its capacity, but I hate to think how many times I'd have to swipe my credit cards at a pump to fill that. it already takes two swipes if its much below 1/3rd tank.
John in Santa Cruz is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-06-2022, 06:42 PM   #3
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Bellingham, Washington
Trailer: 2018 Escape 19
Posts: 16
Extra fuel

My Tacoma holds 21 gallons, and planning a trip to Alaska leaves me a little concerned with a 250-300 mile range.
Marshall Escape is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-06-2022, 06:53 PM   #4
Senior Member
 
Civilguy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Mike in Puget Sound, Washington
Trailer: Escape 21 & Jeep GC 5.7 (Previous 2012 Casita FD17 & 2010 Audi Q5)
Posts: 236
This reminds me of a joke by a disc jockey back in the 70's when it was found that Pintos had a high risk of bursting into flame on impact.

"They're just like my secretary," he said, "one little tap on the rear and she blows up."


__________________
“You must learn from other people’s mistakes. You can’t possibly live long enough to make them all yourself.” - Sam Levenson
Civilguy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-06-2022, 06:57 PM   #5
Senior Member
 
Vermilye's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Oswego, New York
Trailer: 2017 Escape 21C, 2018 Ford F150
Posts: 5,363
Quote:
Originally Posted by Marshall Escape View Post
My Tacoma holds 21 gallons, and planning a trip to Alaska leaves me a little concerned with a 250-300 mile range.
I towed a 17B with a RAV4 that has an 16 gallon tank getting 13 -14 MPG to Alaska & back in 2015. While I carried a metal 2 1/2 gallon fuel can, I never needed it.
__________________
Jon Vermilye My Travel Blog
Travel and Photo Web Page ... My Collection of RV Blogs 2018 F150 3.5EB, 2017 21
Vermilye is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-06-2022, 07:37 PM   #6
Senior Member
 
Ron in BC's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: North Van., British Columbia
Trailer: 2014 Escape 19, sold; 2019 Escape 21, Sept. 2019
Posts: 8,743
Quote:
Originally Posted by Vermilye View Post
I towed a 17B with a RAV4 that has an 16 gallon tank getting 13 -14 MPG to Alaska & back in 2015. While I carried a metal 2 1/2 gallon fuel can, I never needed it.
I remember seeing you oncoming there. Don't know what the tank capacity of my old Ranger was but fuel was a non issue.

I have a liitle car that has no rear bumper and the gas tank only has an 1" clearance to the aluminum skin and I sit on top of a 6gal. tank on my m/c but I'd still be hesitant to put gas cans on the rear of the trailer.

Ron
Ron in BC is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-06-2022, 09:17 PM   #7
Senior Member
 
brroberts's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2020
Location: Overbrook, Kansas
Trailer: 2021 E19 (Padawan)
Posts: 1,904
I’ve never really needed it, but I keep a 5 gallon jug in the truck bed for the generator, and in case. The last few times I’ve not needed the gen or fuel, but it’s reassurance for boondocking more than 5 days, and my Ranger’s small fuel tank.
__________________
Randy & Barb
1998 C 2500 (Cruncher) and 2021 Ranger (Yoda)
brroberts is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-06-2022, 09:21 PM   #8
Senior Member
 
Mike Lewis's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Santa Rosa County, Florida
Trailer: 2014 Escape 21 Tow: 2024 Toyota Tundra
Posts: 3,097
My 2013 Tacoma with the 4.0 V6 has a range of about 220 miles while towing, FWIW. That's towing over average terrain until the yellow "Low Fuel" light comes on. I also had this concern while planning a trip to Alaska. At this point I may have a new tow vehicle before I go there.
__________________
Mike Lewis
She don't lie, she don't lie, she don't lie-- propane
Photos and travelogues here: mikelewisimages.com
Mike Lewis is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-07-2022, 05:42 AM   #9
Senior Member
 
Iowa Dave's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Benton County, Iowa
Trailer: 2013 Escape 21 Classic Number 6, pulled by 2018 Toyota Highlander
Posts: 8,235
If I was to need an extra fuel setup, I’d get a high quality 5 gallon plastic fuel container. They cost about $35. I would travel with it empty. When I consulted a map for the next days travel and the range was iffy I’d fill the can and top off the tank in the morning. Then when I felt I had drawn down the vehicle tank, I’d stop and put the 5 gallons in. This would minimize my exposure if that is a concern. Ii would travel with the can inside of the Escape, secured. Others I’m sure would proceed differently.
Iowa Dave
__________________
Ain’t no trouble jacking a double Burma Shave
Dave
Iowa Dave is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-07-2022, 12:01 PM   #10
Senior Member
 
Chasing Trials's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2021
Location: Near Asheville, North Carolina
Trailer: 2013 E19
Posts: 471
Quote:
Originally Posted by Marshall Escape View Post
Has anyone used a rack on the hitch behind the trailer to haul extra fuel cans for the tow vehicle? Any suggestions?

I thought of bringing extra gas.], but would only be a couple of gals for a dry length of no gas stations(has happened to me in an F250, 12 MPG & the station shown was CLOSED!). I'm of the age now where, I need to stop get out & walk around & all, a lot more often. Plus traveling with dogs. I rather put the weight in water.
Chasing Trials is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-06-2022, 09:27 PM   #11
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Sammamish, Washington
Trailer: 2014 Escape 21...our EscapePod; 2013 Toyota Tundra 5.7L
Posts: 28
Heading to Alaska as well. Our plan is similar to Dave, we will keep a 5 gallon can empty in the bed of truck and will check mileage track for the following day(s), if we think were going to need it...then will fill it up and then use it after the situation passes. Stick the dry can back in the bed. Doubt we will need it much, but better to have it than not.
camperwa is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-06-2022, 10:30 PM   #12
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Santa Rosa, California
Trailer: 2014 Escape 15B sold, 2019 Escape 19
Posts: 367
I secure a couple of 2Gal Rotopax gas tanks between the batteries and the propane tank's cover, enough room for the tanks and the securing hardware. Mainly for the rare generator use and for some peace of mind.
Attached Thumbnails
RotoPax.jpg  
Effie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-06-2022, 11:35 PM   #13
Senior Member
 
7Gentex's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2020
Location: CenTex, Texas
Trailer: 2022 E19
Posts: 597
NATO style

In the bed of a truck or mounted to the rear of the trailer please.........never inside a SUV or vehicle.

Scepter MFC is the best for "short term" storage - but crazy prices in the US and technically "not available" via Scepter in the US.


"Technically"..............


Example of crazy price - https://www.princessauto.com/en/20-l...t/PA0008451411

But, for longer term storage in the bed of a truck, these are great, though prices are now crazy as well. FYI - plastic cans "breathe" (through the plastic even with no vents) and the gas will go "bad" over time - metal NATO style don't breathe, and are great - I have gone over a year with 10% ethanol gas with zero problems with such. Get the holder (lockable) and the donkey "thing" or the shorter spout as well.............

FYI - They make 2 1/2 gallon and smaller ones (1.3G) ones as well...........

https://www.roverparts.com/off-road-...ns/GJC20HLDSP/

Better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it...

Two is one, and one is none.............
7Gentex is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-06-2022, 11:36 PM   #14
Senior Member
 
7Gentex's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2020
Location: CenTex, Texas
Trailer: 2022 E19
Posts: 597
Why.........?

Would anyone carry an empty gas can.......?


Especially these days.



7Gentex is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-07-2022, 09:47 AM   #15
Senior Member
 
TTMartin's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2020
Location: Venice, Florida
Trailer: 2020 Escape 19
Posts: 1,265
Quote:
Originally Posted by Marshall Escape View Post
Has anyone used a rack on the hitch behind the trailer to haul extra fuel cans for the tow vehicle? Any suggestions?
During one of the Florida Covid fuel shortages I purchased and carried a 5 gallon fuel can of diesel on the back of my trailer. Turns out, while many station were out of gasoline, they still had diesel.

The same occurs during hurricane panic buying. While many stations run out of gasoline during hurricane evacuations. They all have diesel.

One of the reasons I prefer a diesel tow vehicle.
TTMartin is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-07-2022, 11:55 AM   #16
Senior Member
 
cpaharley2008's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Central, Pennsylvania
Trailer: Escape#5 2022 E19
Posts: 26,268
Quote:
Originally Posted by TTMartin View Post
During one of the Florida Covid fuel shortages I purchased and carried a 5 gallon fuel can of diesel on the back of my trailer. Turns out, while many station were out of gasoline, they still had diesel.

The same occurs during hurricane panic buying. While many stations run out of gasoline during hurricane evacuations. They all have diesel.

One of the reasons I prefer a diesel tow vehicle.
There may be local or DOT regulations on where you can safely carry a fuel can, diesel or gas.
__________________
Jim
Sometime life gets in the way of living.......
cpaharley2008 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-07-2022, 12:06 PM   #17
Senior Member
 
TTMartin's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2020
Location: Venice, Florida
Trailer: 2020 Escape 19
Posts: 1,265
Quote:
Originally Posted by cpaharley2008 View Post
There may be local or DOT regulations on where you can safely carry a fuel can, diesel or gas.
I don't believe those type of DOT regulations apply to noncommercial vehicles.

Generally, Federal Regulations are justified because they are regulating interstate commerce. New vehicles have to meet DOT regulations, because they aren't made and sold in only one State.

There may be State regulations regarding that, but, not to my knowledge.

Is it safe or legal to fill jerry cans with gasoline and transport them inside a car?
TTMartin is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-07-2022, 03:18 PM   #18
Senior Member
 
Iowa Dave's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Benton County, Iowa
Trailer: 2013 Escape 21 Classic Number 6, pulled by 2018 Toyota Highlander
Posts: 8,235
There are some regulations on a state by state basis or even locally which are to be observed. For example in my home town in Iowa it was illegal to put gasoline in glass jars. When I was a kid, once in a while someone would come into our filling station with an old screw top cap on a one or two gallon glass jug. It was the container they had used to put gasoline in their lean mower. I was instructed by the fire inspector not to dispense gasoline into glass. In addition we had a couple posters to that effect that indicated the ordinance and authority. I heard a fellow tell my dad “I’ll never come back here.” Dad’s response “Good.”
Iowa Dave
__________________
Ain’t no trouble jacking a double Burma Shave
Dave
Iowa Dave is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-07-2022, 03:39 PM   #19
Senior Member
 
gbaglo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: North Vancouver, British Columbia
Trailer: 2009 Escape 17B 2020 Toyota Highlander XLE
Posts: 17,136
Quote:
Originally Posted by Iowa Dave View Post
“I’ll never come back here.” Dad’s response “Good.”
Iowa Dave
Idle threats are so funny.
__________________
What happens to the hole when the cheese is gone?
- Bertolt Brecht
gbaglo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-07-2022, 03:56 PM   #20
Senior Member
 
Iowa Dave's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Benton County, Iowa
Trailer: 2013 Escape 21 Classic Number 6, pulled by 2018 Toyota Highlander
Posts: 8,235
Threats

Quote:
Originally Posted by gbaglo View Post
Idle threats are so funny.
My Dad wasn’t much affected by threats. Fighting in the Battle of the Bulge and being part of the liberation force of the concentration camps at Nordhausen with the Third Armored division in WWII seemed to have changed him from what my Mom said. I just got out his favorite fishing reel and cleaned it for the season. A Mitchell 300 my brothers and I bought him for Father’s Day in 1964. He used it for three years before he died in the Spring of 1967.
Iowa Dave
Attached Thumbnails
4CA60025-6596-4E9E-8559-E2A219B9C425.jpg  
__________________
Ain’t no trouble jacking a double Burma Shave
Dave
Iowa Dave is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
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




» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Escape Trailer Industries or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:19 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Copyright 2023 Social Knowledge, LLC All Rights Reserved.