Mastering Off-Grid Trips: Jerry Cans & Fuel Planning Guide

By: arkcorporation.com Date: 29 April 2024

Going on an off-grid adventure promises unparalleled freedom and exploration, but it also demands meticulous planning, especially when it comes to fuel – your literal one-way ticket into and out of plenty of remote locations!

Whether you’re traversing remote terrains or camping in secluded areas, ensuring an adequate fuel supply is essential for a smooth journey. 

In this guide, we’ll explain what’s involved in proper fuel planning and how jerry cans must be in your 4×4 accessories arsenal for every trip.

Calculating Your Car’s Fuel Economy and Identifying Fuel Stations

Coloured fuel pumps at a petrol station

Before setting off on your off-grid journey, it’s crucial to understand your vehicle’s fuel consumption and identify available petrol stations along your route. 

Start by calculating your car’s fuel economy, which can vary based on factors such as vehicle type, load capacity, and driving conditions. 

By monitoring your car’s fuel efficiency under different circumstances, you can estimate how much fuel you’ll need for your trip and plan refuelling stops accordingly.

Mapping out the route and pinpointing petrol stations along the way is equally vital, especially when venturing into remote areas with limited access to fuel. 

Use navigation apps or online resources to identify petrol stations along your route and take note of their operating hours and amenities. 

Related: How to Choose the Right Wheel Bearing For Your Trailer

Calculating Fuel Consumption for Appliances

In addition to your 4×4’s fuel requirements, consider any auxiliary appliances you’ll be bringing along, such as generators or camping stoves. 

Each appliance may have varying fuel consumption rates, which must be factored into your overall fuel planning. 

Refer to the manufacturer’s specifications to determine the fuel consumption per hour for each appliance and calculate the total amount of fuel needed for the duration of your trip.

Accounting for the weight of the fuel cans and ensuring they’re securely stored within your vehicle is essential for maintaining stability and safety while driving. 

Be mindful of your vehicle’s maximum load capacity and distribute the weight evenly to prevent overloading and maintain optimal handling.

Jerry Cans for Easy, Effective Fuel Planning

The Ark truck being refuelled with a jerry can

Jerry cans are ideal for extending your off-grid fuel range. Despite the best petrol station planning efforts, there will almost always be a stretch of travel that simply doesn’t have a fuel stop available.

So, what do you do? Fill her up with your jerry can, of course.

With capacities ranging from 5 to 20 litres available on the Australian market, these durable fuel cans are versatile, accommodating various fuel types and ensuring secure containment with leak-proof seals. 

Packing extra fuel in a container like a jerry can is one of the most essential steps to off-roading adventures, so make sure you’ve got enough to last.

Streamline Further With Ark’s Jerry Can Holders

A man putting a jerry can into an Ark holder

Designed for rugged performance and compliance with safety standards, our robust Jerry Can Holders securely store jerry cans on vehicles. 

Mounted externally, they prevent spills, provide easy access to extra fuel, and give you that much-needed peace of mind. There’s every reason to install a Jerry Can Holder in your 4×4 to make your off-road trips that much better.

Fuel and Safety-First Mindset

Mastering off-grid trips requires meticulous planning and foresight, particularly when it comes to fuel management. 

By calculating your car’s fuel economy, identifying refuelling points along your route, and accounting for auxiliary appliance fuel consumption, you can embark on your off-road adventure with confidence and peace of mind – exactly the way it should be, right?

With careful preparation and strategic planning, you’ll unlock the true essence of off-grid exploration and create unforgettable memories along the way!
Further reading: Need more essential 4×4 accessories and tips? Check out our Trailer Lights Wiring Guide and How to Choose the Right Wheel Bearing For Your Trailer.