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.

 

[808Pants]

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.

The Sceptre 5-gal (green fittings on red HDPE) fits like a glove in the frunk - but not to imply that I like carrying fuel that way. The fit is one thing, but whether due to altitude or temp changes or both, it almost immediately sucked itself into a deformed-corner situation that seems semi-permanent. Since I think that will eventually lead to cracks, if I can still do it, I'll be taking it back to Depot.

 

[Marquis DeShay]

Fuel Cell in frunk
Hi BMW I3 forum member. I do a 800 mile round trip every week and my I3 , I modified it for this task,. I removed the frunk bucket and install a RJS 8 gal
fuel cell where the frunk bucket was. and a 12v electric fuel pump plumbed to the Rex fuel tank that controlled by a momentary switch mounted inside the car. You can add fuel to the Rex tank going down the interstate or stop. the extra fuel add 390 miles +- of range at a constant 70 mph a little less on hilly or mountainous highways here a list of parts 1. RJS 8 gal fuel cell, 2 AN-8 90 deg with 3/8 hose barb ffttings, 6 ft of 3/8 fuel hose, 3ft nylon see through hose
1, rollover -vent valve, 1 12v electrical fuel pump ( I tried 2 different pump from Amazon and both leak like a sieve. Get a A C Delco or a known good pump )
1, Bosch relay ( I recommend a weather sealed relay ) 1 add a fuse ( for the in cab switch 5amp fuse ) 1, in line fuse ( for power from the 12v battery to the relay 10amp fuse ) 1, 1/8 NPT 90deg with a 3/8 barb fitting 1, new fuel tank cap ( Remove the black top of the cap and drill a 0.332 hole in the dead center of the cap and tap with a 1/8 NPT tap ) 1, Rubber truck flap ( cut a flat 5in X 18in piece to put between the crossmember and the botton of the fuel cell ) 1 2in ratchet strap. the setup can be removed in 5min for A/C service or emissions test( remove and cap fuel hose in filler neck and put the original fuel cal back, if A/C needs service removed both AN-8 fittings and remove fuel cell.. I do not need the frunk its not weather sealed and everything i put in it gets dirty and wet. Also I was tired of replaceing tires every 8k to 15k and I am not a fan of Bridgestone tires, so I did some research on tires and found out that you can use a Michelins primacy AS 195/50-19 for the rear and my Ft tires are michelins E primacy 175/60-19. I ordered the 175/60-19 michelins from a tire dealer in Italy with free shipping that on E Bay, the 195/50-19 was sourced at tire rack. com( probably will lose 2-3 mile per kilowatt but its a Rex, will trade that for longer tire lifeHope this helps tell me what you think or hate on me Thanks

 

[Marquis DeShay]

I failed to mention that i use Bimmer code to code for a larger rex tank coding and to be able to turn on the Rex below 75 percent

 

[pilpherjack]

Nice, tidy setup. How many miles have accumulated on your Rex so far?

 

[tob1as]

Fuel Cell in frunk
Hi BMW I3 forum member. I do a 800 mile round trip every week and my I3 , I modified it for this task,. I removed the frunk bucket and install a RJS 8 gal
fuel cell where the frunk bucket was. and a 12v electric fuel pump plumbed to the Rex fuel tank that controlled by a momentary switch mounted inside the car. You can add fuel to the Rex tank going down the interstate or stop. the extra fuel add 390 miles +- of range at a constant 70 mph a little less on hilly or mountainous highways here a list of parts 1. RJS 8 gal fuel cell, 2 AN-8 90 deg with 3/8 hose barb ffttings, 6 ft of 3/8 fuel hose, 3ft nylon see through hose
1, rollover -vent valve, 1 12v electrical fuel pump ( I tried 2 different pump from Amazon and both leak like a sieve. Get a A C Delco or a known good pump )
1, Bosch relay ( I recommend a weather sealed relay ) 1 add a fuse ( for the in cab switch 5amp fuse ) 1, in line fuse ( for power from the 12v battery to the relay 10amp fuse ) 1, 1/8 NPT 90deg with a 3/8 barb fitting 1, new fuel tank cap ( Remove the black top of the cap and drill a 0.332 hole in the dead center of the cap and tap with a 1/8 NPT tap ) 1, Rubber truck flap ( cut a flat 5in X 18in piece to put between the crossmember and the botton of the fuel cell ) 1 2in ratchet strap. the setup can be removed in 5min for A/C service or emissions test( remove and cap fuel hose in filler neck and put the original fuel cal back, if A/C needs service removed both AN-8 fittings and remove fuel cell.. I do not need the frunk its not weather sealed and everything i put in it gets dirty and wet. Also I was tired of replaceing tires every 8k to 15k and I am not a fan of Bridgestone tires, so I did some research on tires and found out that you can use a Michelins primacy AS 195/50-19 for the rear and my Ft tires are michelins E primacy 175/60-19. I ordered the 175/60-19 michelins from a tire dealer in Italy with free shipping that on E Bay, the 195/50-19 was sourced at tire rack. com( probably will lose 2-3 mile per kilowatt but its a Rex, will trade that for longer tire lifeHope this helps tell me what you think or hate on me Thanks

For those tires: looks like they are on stock rims? Did you have to add spacers?

 

[Marquis DeShay]

with the tires that I mention in my first post you will need wheel spacers 15mm for the Ft and 15 or 17 mm for the rear the tires are a little wider
than the stock tires but for highway driving it feel a lot more stable thanks

For those tires: looks like they are on stock rims? Did you have to add spacers?

yes on stock wheel. the 195/50r-19 rim width range is 5.5 to 7.0 so they fit you need spacers because the 195/50-19 has a cross section of 7.9in compared to 7.0in for the 175/60R-19 so I think 15mm spacer or OK . the tread width for the 195/50-19 is 5.6in compared to 5.2in for 175/60-19the overall diameter for 195/50-19 is 26.7 and the diam for the 175-60-19 is 27.3. and the 195/50-19 has a higher max load of 1235 lbs compared to 1168 lbs for the 175/60-19that for the rear tires. the Ft tires I just put the tires that would go on the rear and put them on the front , if you need spec on the Ft tires just reply . the 175/60-19 cross section is 7.0in compared to 6.2 in for the 155/70-19 so you need a spacer min 10mm minimun but I will use a 15mm to play it safe the the wider tire are close to the strut springs , the overall diam of the 175/60-19 is 27.3 in and the diam for the 155/70-19 is 27.6. I think the Bridgestone have a buttery soft compound that good for handing but not good for tire wear and the bridgestone are the only choice we have in the states for the I3 if you want different tires brands you have to source them from overseas

 

[Marquis DeShay]

if you need extra oil capacity for your Rex you can use a Wix filter# 51348 and cost half of the stock filter

 

[Marquis DeShay]

Nice, tidy setup. How many miles have accumulated on your Rex so far?

55000 miles