Emergency fuel can for frunk

[bwilson4web]

Briggs and Stratton has a 2.5 gallon tank that fits perfectly. The 1.0 gallon tanks are OK but 2.5 gallons really gives the car long legs.

Bob Wilson

 

[wlsmith12]

The Rotopax 2-gallon fits very well in the frunk.

 

[MarkNo]

Ditto - the Rotopax 2gal tank is solidly built and fits perfectly in the back of the frunk. I posted a photo in the BMW i3 Worldwide group:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=127972241174482&set=gm.1618652968208558&type=3&theater&ifg=1

 

[imkazaam]

Did anyone implement this?

Also I found the statements about the crush zone interesting, because if that were unsafe ... where else would be a safe place to store a gas can? I think you have to choose between mounting on the outside of the car ... which is also outside of the crush zone, or storing it inside of the car, where you get to breathe in the fumes. I actually have to put a plastic bag between the cap and body of the gas can in my frunk, so the fumes don't waft through the AC vents.

 

[Mehdi]

I just finished a 500 miles trip with my i3 REX without an emergency gas container. I would say unless if the gas stations are very far from each other (more than 30 miles or so) there really isn't any need for an emergency container. But I did have my car coded to allow "Hold State of Charge" and I used that all the way through.

I did end up charging the car once but only because I was at a mall and wanted to spend some time there anyway.

Having said that, if you drive for longer distances, you will eventually need some charging because even with holding the state of charge, little by little you lose some charge. This is because if you ever run our of gas, the car starts using the battery and when you eventually get some gas ans start the car again and try to hold state of charge, it will not go back up beyond where it is. So if your battery is at 40% by then, you cannot charge it back up to, say 75%. So in a very long trip, you will need to charge the battery so that you can count on it "as a backup" when you are running on gas. To avoid this to a great degree, you would need to stop and get gas just before it is completely empty.

 

[unL33T]

I know this is a way old thread but I thought there might be some benefit to keeping the information all together. Maybe because I've already read about gas cans in the frunk in about 5 different places today, lol.

Does anyone know if the No Spill 5 gallon fits? I know 2 of the 2.5 gallon will. Currently I am running 3x 5L Spectre which fit exactly but they're kind of messy to use (nozzle lives in the tank so you get gas all over your hands/gloves while flipping it around) and if I can fit a taller tank that leaves some real estate for other items and a 5 gal would hold more than 15L, as well. I could swear I saw a pic of it in there earlier today but can't find it now so I'm not sure. Other brands appear to fit.

Having said that, if you drive for longer distances, you will eventually need some charging because even with holding the state of charge, little by little you lose some charge. This is because if you ever run our of gas, the car starts using the battery and when you eventually get some gas ans start the car again and try to hold state of charge, it will not go back up beyond where it is. So if your battery is at 40% by then, you cannot charge it back up to, say 75%. So in a very long trip, you will need to charge the battery so that you can count on it "as a backup" when you are running on gas. To avoid this to a great degree, you would need to stop and get gas just before it is completely empty.

One of the benefits of using a gas can is you can fill up while the REx is running, meaning you never lose SoC. You just need something to hold the brake down so the car doesn't know you got out. I modified a clamp/expander for this purpose recently. Slightly safer than doing it at the pump and you won't have to worry about the attendant shutting off the pump. Still risky, though. I guess even without that the gas can means you don't have to stop at stations as frequently.

This is the clamp/expander I used:
https://www.princessauto.com/en/12-in-adjustable-bar-clamp-spreader/product/PA0008821977

It doesn't show in the picture but the end is removable so it works in reverse as well.

To modify it I cut a hockey puck (old one I used as to prevent damage from my jack) in half, cut a little off the round end to make it flat, then screwed it to the removable rubber foot on the side that moves, so that it was at a 90 degree. This end then wedges in the floor in front of the seat while the other end pushes on the pedal.

 

[alohart]

One of the benefits of using a gas can is you can fill up while the REx is running, meaning you never lose SoC. You just need something to hold the brake down so the car doesn't know you got out.

Can't you just lift the center console armrest, slide across to the passenger seat, and exit through the passenger door?

 

[TLynn]

I installed a 4 gallon tank with a relay and pump. It auto fills for first couple gallons. The remaining two utilize the pump no need to stop and pour gas.

 

[unL33T]

Can't you just lift the center console armrest, slide across to the passenger seat, and exit through the passenger door?

Kind of hard with cables for the phone plugged in under there, 3 drinks, and a bag in the middle for me, lol.

 

[AlanfromBigEasy]

I bought two NATO spec “Jerry cans”. 10 liter & 20 liter, but fill only 80% to 85% full (easier to pour). Made in Latvia or Lithuania.

No fumes, no spills. Useful for hurricane evacuations when electricity can be out after the storm and gas stations out before the storm.

Photo is in Bogalusa LA after Ida, where half the town was blacked out including all gas stations but not my motel. On Day 4 first gas station opened but mile long lines as people needed gasoline for their generators.

Picture: Level 1 charger (set on low) from inside our motel room and cord through the window. Gas cans in front.

 

[ksnax]

I've thought about going the Jerry Can route myself for a more permanent install. A properly made one is not cheap, but being welded mild steel, they are more durable than anything else that could fit the frunk if it gets damaged. That's obviously no guarantee of being leak free after impact, but the last thing I would want is a massive ignitable mist cloud from a more direct hit and I don't trust plastic or even aluminum to prevent that on their own.

 

[unL33T]

So anyone try the No Spill 5 gallon? Unfortunately they are hard to come by where I live so I can't really test fit myself as if it doesn't work I wouldn't be able to return it.