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Best Stackable Liquid Storage Containers
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Strapping on your helmet for a long, thrilling ride but worried about running out of fuel in the middle of nowhere? Worry no more!
In this article, we will break down 5 different ways to carry extra gas on your motorcycle. It might be for a motorcycle camping trip or just an extra-long commute.
Whether it’s brand name motorcycle fuel cans or a motorcycle jerry can, we’ve got you covered with a range of creative yet safe solutions to ensure you never have to worry about running on empty on a ride again.
So how do you carry extra gas on a long motorcycle ride?
To carry extra gas on your motorcycle you will require a motorcycle gas container. These containers come in all different shapes and sizes depending on where you might be mounting on your bike, the amount of gas you’ll be carrying, and your certain use case.
Each of these options has its own merits, so the best way to determine which one is right for you is to read through all of them.
5 Ways to Carry Extra Gas on Your Motorcycle
If you’re wondering how to transport additional gas on your motorcycle, we’ve got you covered. Here are 5 clever and safe ways to carry extra fuel on your bike:
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Best Stackable Liquid Storage Containers
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Best Aluminum Fuel Bottles
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Best Flexible Fuel Bladder
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1. Stackable Liquid Storage Containers
Stackable fuel storage containers are made of very heavy-duty and durable, thick plastic. They are rectangular in shape and have a cut-out in the centre to accommodate a mounting bracket.
They come in a variety of capacities ranging from 1 gallon to 4.5 gallons.
The beauty of these fuel containers is that they stack neatly together and are secured with a mounting bracket. The enables you to carry even more fuel as needed along with other fluids, like drinking water.
- Durable, Crack & Leak Resistant
- Carry Multiple On One Mount
- Perfect For Adventure Bikes
- Very Efficient Use Of Space
- Stack Neatly Together
- Includes Fill Spout
- Crush Resistant
- Expensive
These containers also come designed to carry different types of liquid and the contents of the container are designated by color. Red is for fuel, white will carry water, green for diesel fuel, etc. They also make containers, blue and orange, that are used for first aid kits or tool kits. Very cool.
Installation & Mounting Options
These cans can be mounted just about anywhere on your bike such as on the top of a side case, or a luggage rack, or you can mount them to the sides of your hard panniers. There really are no exact instructions on where they should go.
The installation will require brackets and mounting plates depending on your bike and where you decide to put them. Also, the installation will require you to set aside a fair amount of time, maybe an hour or two, and some specialty tools, such as a drill.
One thing to consider is the weight of the canister when it is full in addition to the weight of the mounting brackets. The brackets can weigh as much as 5 pounds and a single gallon of fluid weighs about 8 pounds. That’s enough of a load to make a bike feel off balance.
If you choose to mount it on a side pannier, it’s smart to make sure you either, mount a second container (possibly for water) on the opposite side or at least load the opposite pannier so that it balances out the weight.
Also, if you mount it on top of hard top-case luggage, you are adding weight that is up high, raising your center of gravity. This will affect your riding, especially if you’re riding off-road where technical riding skills come into play. So, it’s best to mount them as low as possible on your bike.
The mounting brackets must be bolted to your bike either on a hard pannier or top case or on a rear rack. But, there is an L-shaped bracket that’s available giving you more options for mounting location. The spinning mounts that hold the canister in place, come in other options, regular and deluxe, the deluxe mount includes a lock to prevent theft.
2. Aluminum Fuel Bottle
For smaller amounts of gas (anything up to 30 ounces or 1 L), an aluminum fuel bottle can do the trick. MSR (Mountain Safety Research), Optimus, and Lowbrow Customs are brands that make bottles designed specifically to carry liquid fuel of various types such as gasoline, kerosene, or isopropyl alcohol. All these bottles are designed for multiple liquid fuels.
Now, don’t go thinking you can carry gas in an aluminum bottle designed for water. They may look the same, but water bottles will leak. Fuel bottles are equipped with seals that won’t deteriorate with exposure to gas.
- Can Be Used For Camping Too
- Fits In Most Saddlebags
- Most Durable Option
- Difficult To Mount To Bike
- Small Capacity
Mounting Options
Holsters of various sizes and materials are available on the market for mounting. These holsters can be strapped to rear racks, side panniers, engine guards, and even handlebars. The type of motorcycle you own will determine where you mount it. One of the benefits of a holster is that it will protect the bottle from damage from flying rocks or other road debris. However, you can mount the cans without a holster, using adjustable clamps.
You’re probably safe with placing them in your saddlebags, but that’s not the most favorable location due to the risk of leaks. The last thing you want is gas leaking on your clothes or gear.
MSR fuel bottles come in a variety of sizes, 11 oz., 20 oz., and 30 oz. and if used in pairs, you can carry enough fuel to get you out of a tough spot.
3. Fuel Bladders
The Desert Fox Overland Gas Bag is a versatile and lightweight fuel solution perfect for any outdoor adventure. Its sturdy build, compact design, and 6L capacity offer a seamless blend of weight, size, and packability. The bag's durable canvas and heavy-duty inner bladder ensure longevity.
- Heaps Of Steel D Rings
- Fold's Up When Empty
- Fits Lots Of Sizes
- Extremely Strong
- Easy To Mount
- Terrible For Long-Term Storage
- Few Manufacturers
Mounting For Fuel Bladders
Fuel Bladders are designed specifically for use with motorcycles and off-road vehicles. They range in size from 1L to 20L with the 6L version weighing in at only 0.5kg.
The bladder itself & the outside is protected well and are extremely strong and is easy to mount. It is covered with heaps of steel D rings for mounting and can easily be folded up when empty.
The gas bag is a convenient way to carry fuel due to its flexibility. It can be tied onto the top of your luggage, on top of a panner or soft saddlebag and it doesn’t require any hardware to mount it.
4. Auxiliary Gas Tank
If you are considering a serious off-the-grid ride where you’ll be required to carry more than just a gallon or two of extra motorcycle fuel, then you might want to consider an auxiliary Tank.
Auxiliary tanks are in most cases permanently installed on the bike and plumbed directly into the engine, like a reserve tank. A lot of people have figured out clever DIY versions of AUX tanks and have rigged them up successfully, but some manufacturers have been designing tanks to fit the needs of the rider.
- Convenient Once Installed
- Large Capacity
- Usually A Custom Install
- Expensive
Installing an Auxilary Tank
Aux tanks will need to be able to fit the specific bike you ride and will also need to accommodate the type of saddlebags or hard pannier system you use. Generally, an extra tank will be installed along the side, the rear of the bike inside the pannier rack mounting system. The pannier adds extra protection in case of a down bike. These tanks are equipped with a switch, usually a manual lever, that will turn the fuel from the tank on and allow it to flow to the engine when needed.
An auxiliary tank can be made of aluminum or fuel-grade plastic. When purchasing a tank for your specific bike you will receive mounting brackets and all necessary hardware for installation. Often, some modifications to your motorcycle will need to be made to accommodate extra brackets and fuel lines, etc. Installation of these types of tanks is a bit of a lengthy process and may require some specialty tools, but it is possible to install them at home without the aid of a professional mechanic. That’s half the fun of owning a bike anyway.
5. No-Spill Jerry Can
Plastic Jerry Cans are the typical plastic jugs that you can find in most garages, usually storing enough gas to keep the lawnmower running. These are not the best choice for carrying extra fuel on your motorcycle. Generally, the shape of the can and the lack of tie-down handles makes it difficult to secure the can to a motorcycle.
But because everyone has one around, they are listed here as an option.
- Super Cheap
- Convenient, You Might Have One
- Difficult To Mount To Bike
- Not Made For Motorcycle Transport
Mounting Kit or DIY Solutions
Occasionally someone will come along and build a DIY bracket to hold a gas can in place, but there’s a better solution. There are gas cans that are shaped specifically to fit inside a saddlebag, with the ends of the gas can angled to fit the angles of certain saddlebags. Check them out here.
This can be a viable solution if you are willing to store a gas container in your bags and you ride a cruiser or Harley Davidson with the right kind of bags.
Risks of Using Plastic Jerry Cans While Riding
Plastic gas cans do come with some risks. Although the plastics used to fill and construct these cans are considered anti-static, they are not 100% so. Gasoline and its vapors need some kind of spark to ignite it, and an electrostatic charge built up in the plastic can be enough to set a spark.
Manual venting is required if you are using this method and for goodness sake, don’t use a utility jug!
How to Decide on a Motorcycle Gas Can
- Know your motorcycle’s average mileage per tank of gas. Bigger tank vs. Small Tank. High gas mileage vs. Low gas mileage. Remote areas and a vehicle with no fuel is a bad combo.
- Plan out route & distance between each gas station. Google Maps is the only tool you need for this.
- Work out how much extra fuel you need. This will depend on the distance between each gas station and your motorcycle’s average mileage per tank.
- Determine where you will mount this extra fuel. This will depend on what kind of motorcycle you ride. There may be limitations, but with a little ingenuity, you’ll find a solution for any motorcycle.
Related Questions, Safety & Comments
Hazards of Fuel Containers on a Motorcycle:
Well, the obvious risk is that they can ignite under certain circumstances. In fact we have a whole article about whether it is dangerous to carry extra gas on a motorcycle. Leaks can be caused by faulty seals at the cap or cracks in the container.
If leaking motorcycle fuel or the vapors were to find a spark, they could ignite a fire. Also, there is a risk of puncturing the container in a crash, or if it falls off the bike. Fuel containers should be consistently inspected to prevent these risks.
Can I Use a Plastic Soda Bottle as a gas can for motorcycle trips?
No, this is not a good idea. You have probably read in bike forums that a lot of people have carried gas in water bottles, or Gatorade bottles among other things. But, these bottles are not designed to withstand the corrosive nature of gasoline which will cause some plastics to erode over time, and the lids are likely to leak. The last thing you want is container leaks while riding down that country highway, that’s dangerous!
Can I put a Fuel Container in my Backpack/Other Bag:
You can, but it is not recommended. Even if you’re using a gas-safe container, you will want to consider your safety in the event of a crash. If you’re sliding down the pavement with gasoline strapped to your back, you are likely to become a human flame thrower. It is much safer to carry it somewhere on the bike, rather than on your person.
Do Gasolie Bottles need to be Vented?
No, they don’t need venting, however, it’s important to keep any gas can out of direct sunlight to prevent overheating. When the fuel heats up, the vapors will expand and the container, under enough pressure, can explode. Plastic containers pose a greater risk than metal cans. Auxiliary tanks are designed with a side vent and ventilation system to avoid this problem.
What is the best emergency gas can for motorcycles?
The aluminum fuel bottles made by MSR are the best emergency gas can for motorcycling. That’s because they can compact enough to fit into any bag and will get you out of a tight spot in a pinch!
How many Miles my Gas Tank will Take me between gas stations:
Calculating an estimate of your fuel range will vary depending on a number of factors, but there are some basic mathematical rules you can follow.
- Google your tank Gallon Size (let’s assume it’s 3.5 Gallons)
- Googe your bikes mpg (let’s assume it’s 60mpg)
- Multiply these numbers together to find how many miles your bike ‘should’ run on a full tank of gas (the answer here is 210 miles)
How can I carry extra fuel on my motorcycle?
There are several ways to carry extra fuel on a motorcycle such as getting a bigger fuel tank, investing in a fuel bladder, using fuel bottles, using stackable cans, installing auxiliary tanks, or using a traditional jerry can.
What is a fuel bladder?
A fuel bladder is a soft container that can hold fuel. It is available in various sizes, can be rolled up or stored flat when not in use, and is less cumbersome than traditional containers. It is also less likely to crack or suffer from vibration. Popular options include Desert Fox fuel cells and the Giant Loop Gas Bag.
What are stackable storage cans?
Stackable cans are containers for carrying extra fuel that can be conveniently stacked on top of each other. RotopaX storage cans are popular options that come in various sizes and have guaranteed non-leaking spouts.
What are auxiliary tanks?
Auxiliary tanks are dedicated additional fuel storage that can be turned on or off. They function like a second fuel tank for your bike and are usually smaller than the main tank. Popular options include Camel tanks and Acerbis tanks.
What is a jerry can?
A jerry can is a traditional container for storing and carrying extra fuel. It is cheap and readily available, however, it can be cumbersome to store and can crack if you have an accident.
Is carrying extra fuel on a motorcycle safe?
Carrying extra fuel on a motorcycle comes with its risks, so it is important to take necessary precautions such as ensuring proper ventilation and avoiding contact with the exhaust system. Additionally, it is important to use products specifically designed for carrying fuel and to properly secure and mount them on your bike.
Of course, European countries will use liters and KM instead of gallons and miles, but the logic is the same
Mounting Tips
- Cargo Trailers: Integrate a fuel tank into a trailer that you tow behind your motorcycle. This will give you more storage space for additional gear as well.
- Tank Bags: These bags will work great for short trips and have a little extra space for storing fuel on the go. They fit onto the motorcycle tank and can be easily removed.
- Panniers: These are great for long trips. Panniers come in different sizes meaning you can customize based on your fuel needs. They can be mounted on the sides of the motorcycle for easy access.
- Cargo Racks: Install a cargo rack onto your bike’s rear fender and use a bungee cord to tie down your gas container. This option is cheap and very practical.
Dirt Bike Options
Honestly, the capacity to carry fuel on a dirt bike is pretty much the same as an other motorcycle.
