Jerry can questions: what size do I need for South America with a DL-650?

[arooni]

Hi folks:

Currently in Colombia, but will start my travels South towards Ecuador in about a month (continuing a 10 month odyssey from Seattle => Argentina).

I have a 5.8 gallon tank on the 'Strom and have been averaging 45 MPG so that would get me about 250 miles. I plan on riding through Bolivia and I know gas is a bit tough there. So I'm wondering:

a) What size jerrycan would you folks recommend carrying with you? 1 Gallon, 2 Gallons?
b) Where do you folks mount this sucker? I'm in Colombia and I'm wondering if I can a welder to make something like the below (it's $140 in the USA, I bet I can get it done for $20 or so here).
c) What country do you really need to begin carrying a jerrycan? Peru?



Thanks!

[markharf]

Gallons don't do much for you in South America. 5 liters is a reasonable size to carry. I hardly ever used my extra fuel--the only real issue was headwinds in Patagonia, which sometimes halved my mileage. Oh, plus one of the Andean passes--Paso de San Francisco, I think.

The real question is what are you doing to that poor Strom to get such miserable mileage? I've never gone below 50 on mine, and I've definitely hit 70 (miles/US gallon). Unless you're burning high-ethanol fuel, like what's sold in Brazil, I'd be thinking about maintenance issues.

This advice worth precisely what you paid me for it, but in no case in excess of US$0.02.

Mark

[BruceP]

I agree with Mark, petrol is not that big an issue. We carried a (US) 2 Gal can each from Mexico to Argentina. The only time we needed to use them was between Arica and Iquique in Chile (over 250km with no gas stations). Then found the next one 5km down the road at Pozo Almonte :-).

It is nice to carry the fuel as a safe guard, it makes you feel easier and more confident in some of the less populated regions.

But if you bear in mind that every where you go, people are driving around in TukTuks or small CC bikes, and they need fuel. There is generally a fuel station at each end of most small conurbations (IMO).

[arooni]

Originally Posted by markharf

Gallons don't do much for you in South America. 5 liters is a reasonable size to carry. I hardly ever used my extra fuel--the only real issue was headwinds in Patagonia, which sometimes halved my mileage. Oh, plus one of the Andean passes--Paso de San Francisco, I think.

The real question is what are you doing to that poor Strom to get such miserable mileage? I've never gone below 50 on mine, and I've definitely hit 70 (miles/US gallon). Unless you're burning high-ethanol fuel, like what's sold in Brazil, I'd be thinking about maintenance issues.

This advice worth precisely what you paid me for it, but in no case in excess of US$0.02.

Mark

That's helpful; I was thinking Bolivia was pretty crazy.

I think it's probably a combination of:
* a motor that already has 43K miles on it
* me loading the sucker down with two happy trails panniers, top case, and full camping gear as well as some climbing gear
* the fact i'm 6'6" and im sure I increase drag quite a bit.
* stock sprocket
* i like to accelerate

I wish I did get 50+MPG average but sadly its not happening.

[scooper]

You doing good, All I get is 38 miles to the gallon the last 15000 miles on a KLR 650 and I hear everyone else get 60+ on these moto's, but tthen I am loaded down as well and have the same ride style
But I fill every time up the same amount of gas as every one else, but I do it only more often:confused1:

[troyfromtexas]

You should have no problems in Colombia, Ecuador and Peru finding gas stations. Upon entering Chile I bought a 10 liter (2 gallon) tank at a YPF gas station. It is square so it sits nicely on top of my rear case. I often ride with it empty and only fill it when I'm going remote or crossing long distances - mainly in northern and southern Chile and Bolivia.

Here's what my setup looks like. I have a cable with lock passing through the handle that holds it on from moving backwards. A nylon strap that holds it from moving forward. And, a elastic net that holds in from moving side to side. It has worked so far.

You can how it is setup at:
The Adventure Begins: The Seven Lakes

[ta-rider]

Hi,

You dont need any jerrycan. I only used some old Oil chanisters to take free petrol from Venezuela to Brasil or so and sometimes to have a save feeling

Travel save, Tobi

Motorbike trip around Southamerica: Chile and Argentina part 1

[markharf]

Actually, the OP does need some sort of supplemental fuel carrier. A 250 mile range wouldn't be enough for various common routes (e.g., out of Uyuni, some of the high passes through the Andes). When that range is cut in half by 60 mph headwinds and the next fuel stop is waiting for a delivery which might arrive the day after tomorrow, he'll be glad to be carrying an extra five or ten liters.

Some people seem to have good luck with soda bottles and oil containers. I found fuel containers to be admirably suited for carrying (and pouring) fuel: something about that comfortable handle, the built-in strainer, spout, gasketed seal......

Mark

[glasswave]

Originally Posted by markharf

Gallons don't do much for you in South America. 5 liters is a reasonable size to carry.

I believe Peru & Ecuador both sell fuel by the gallon. That said, it does not mater how your jug is measured, just how much it holds.

One stretch on ruta 40 Patagonia required extra fuel , I believe it was 450 km. Also, Iquique to Arica is a long ways, didn't think to fill my jugs and had to beg a gallon off a nice Pakistani family.

I'd definately take extra if you do the Solar de Uyuni to San Pedro, especially if you do any exploring or get off route. It'd be very hard to find a route in Peru w/no fuel for 350km, but I am sure you could.

Ther are some very long dirt routes in the E Andes near Mendoza. You can go on dirt road from mendoza to Las Lenas! Bring fuel!

Cuzco Peru would be a good place to get some kind rack fabbed up. It'll be cheap and it's a good place to chill. Get away from the plaza & visit the machine/mech area.

Containers can be hard to find in Peru, but are easier as you go south. True gas cans are scarce. As you approach Patagonia, 6 liter bottles will be everywhere. When ruta 40 wears a pin hole in one, put in your tank 7 grab another at the next station.

[charapashanperu]

In Peru and Bolivia you will not need a jerry can. My range is only 170 km and I have never run out! The more important thing is to have a good filter because up in the Andes a gas station is a hose by the road with a 55 gallon drum out front! Fill up every chance you get and you will be golden!

Cheers, Toby

[Manolito]

In Patagonia you are going to need one. The wind blows out your mileage, plus the long distance between cities.

[TravellingStrom]

I carried a 1gallon, or 4lt can from Pru Bay to Ushuai. I actually cannot recall actually using it because I was running out, although I did use it many times when the fuel filter clogged up and needed extra fuel in the tank to force the fuel through the filter.

I went through the Atacama desert with a group and 4wd, so we did all fill up at the overnight stop from jerrie cans bought for that purpose. If I was travelling that way again, then the 4lt would have done the trick, it was only 450km between fuel stops and the Vstrom (2007 and up)can do over 400 even with shit fuel, depends on the soft sand though.

There is usually an option to fill up somewhere, just never let it get too low. Remember, when the first bar is missing off the fuel guage, that is half a tank gone, keep that in mind when going past fuel stations because you may find one that is closed, hey Mark

Cheers
TS