We added 4 Jerry cans for fuel and to extend the range of the thirsty discovery engine. Land Rover Discoveries have very poor fuel economy achieving around 15 mpg or 15.7 l/100kms. So a full fuel tank provides a range of around 375 miles or 600 kms. The four Jerry Cans will extend the range to a total of 675 miles or 1,100 kms. Still not great, but better.
We had read in Lonely Planet that there are fuel availability issues in Mongolia and Uzbekistan. And maybe they would be useful in Australia. Turns out we never had issues obtaining fuel. We did fill the Jerry cans once, just before we crossed from China into Mongolia as a precaution. And this is when we discovered that the particular Jerry cans we purchased had a major flaw. They leak. The fancy pouring spout has to be installed facing out, otherwise the can will leak badly. But with the spout facing out, the cans can’t be secured in the carriers. We quickly transferred the fuel back into the main fuel tank and never used them again for car fuel. We did carry a small amount fuel for our stove in one of the cans.
Also, we were quite worried about the extra load on the roof rack. Not because of roll over, but not sure if the rain gutter would be strong enough. So again, lucky we never had to use them. The alternative to Jerry cans was to fit a second fuel tank. But that would have been a considerable undertaking, and glad we did not bother with that.
The current thought is to sell or give away the cans in Belgium and not return to America with them.
