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Fuel burn for a day of wheeling? High-lift jack?

2595 Views 31 Replies 14 Participants Last post by  johncanfield
Wondering if I need to plan on carrying extra gas or not. I could wheel my KJ diesel for two or three days on a tank of fuel, but I have no idea about the LJ.

On an accessory note, how many people that carry a high-lift jack actually use it? I have an old one in the shop that I could throw in the back, but I wasn't sure how necessary one was. Not crazy about mounting it on the outside of the Jeep. I know the two jerry cans and a high-lift jack on the stern of the Jeep look macho, but how practical is that stuff?
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always travel with mine,,, factory jack wont touch the axle any more, also good for straightening bent parts, breaking beads on flat tires, can be used as a winch in a pinch
etc, etc , etc.

as far as extra fuel, I usually dont get that far from a fuel stop... but I do have a 5 gal can just in case
Since I am on the East Coast and have a trailer, I do not have a need to carry extra gas. If I was going to be at Moab for a week, then I would carry some. When in 4 low, you can factor the mpg to be near 8.

My factory jack blew out a few years ago so I carry a 5 ton bottle jack for just in case. Since 2004 I have had the hilift mounted on the back and have yet to need it.
I used my hi-lift 8 or 10 times over the years. Was very glad to have it. I had it mounted to the roll cage at the top of the back window.
As for gas, I would average between 5-10mpg in 4 low. Came very close to running out once. I always try to fill right before going on a trail just in case.
Since I already have the jack, I'll plan on taking it and sounds like an extra can of gas might be a good idea. Sometimes we're wheeling (with some roads thrown in) from 9 am to 6 pm, so that might be pushing the limit for the Rubi tank.

Thanks guys :)
Tigger said:
As for gas, I would average between 5-10mpg in 4 low. Came very close to running out once. I always try to fill right before going on a trail just in case.
X2 -low range wheeling really sucks the fuel. Depending on trip intended fill up just prior or take fuel with you. In snow, best to carry fuel as snow REALLY kills mileage.

Had a hi-lift for a while till somebody else decided they needed it more than me. Factory bottle jack has worked on the trail more times than I can count, BUT we did use TenaciousTJ's hi-lift on the Rubicon in a pinch... Hi-lift has many more uses than factory jack, but-your choice... :D

Best of Luck,

Mike
Hi-lifts have saved my rear a few times, but the ones with removable handles are the way to go IMO. I'm guessing the one in your shop doesn't have that feature, but I promise the first time you bend/break a steering link, or need a torque multiplier to break that bent bolt free, you'll wish you had it.

As for the fuel consumption, if I can start the trail with a full tank, I usually am good for all day, usually two in low range. I always have a 20L jerry can on board JIC though.

Happy trails pal!
I carry mine, but use sense when using it. They aren't the most stable, so be leary to crawl under the jeep. Do what you've got to do and get out from under it. I use a 3.5 ton floor jack to rotate my 37's. factory jack and carpet never left the dealership. But I have used it to swap axle shats, and such.
I spent 3 days using 4LO in loose sand last year, and with a topped off tank I got 60 miles until the gas light came on. I carried a 5 gallon jerry can on that trip becasue I new that would be my way out. My next upgrade will be the Genright 32 gallon tank.

Havent had to use the hi-lift in 4 years but the day I dont have I'll need it! :D
Gustapo said:
Hi-lifts have saved my rear a few times, but the ones with removable handles are the way to go IMO. I'm guessing the one in your shop doesn't have that feature
Just looked at it, took a picture and the handle is removable if I pull a cotter key :)

So what do you guys do when you take a can or two of gas? Tie it to a roll bar? Use a rear purpose-built carrier?
High Lift always goes with me. Just make sure it, and any other projectiles, are securely fastened down.

I have not carried extra gas yet. No need so far. One cool thing I have seen is to take a piece of plywood the same size as the base of a 2.5 or 5 gallon plastic gas jug. Nail a couple short pieces of 2X2 or 2X4 on the ends so the "platform" sits on top of the spare tire. The 2 by material works like a cradle. Tie the gas can on top securing the whole works down. I saw this on a Bronco and an older Wrangler. I figured for sure that kind of deal would come loose and fall off, but it didn't. And having the gas tank up that high prevents it from being smashed if someone hits you in the rear. I'd have no fear doing that.

Some of these fancy gas cans can cost over $100.00 by the time they are mounted. Go figure.
When ever I do carry gas I drain it into the gas tank as soon as I can just to get rid of any danger factor in carrying it.
Jerry can on winchless Jeep... Strap it to your front bumper an go!

*Just make sure you don't block too much of your grill or that temp gauge wont be happy with you!
So what do you guys do when you take a can or two of gas? Tie it to a roll bar? Use a rear purpose-built carrier?

Kolpin sells gas tanks that hold up well. I have #89135 and it fits between the wheel wells at the tailgate. you can find it for 40 on amazon and ebay.

http://www.kolpinpowersports.com/products/water-and-fuel-packs/fuel-pack.html
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Kolp...335075QQptZMotorsQ5fATVQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories
Ooh - I like the Kolpin. Do you carry one or two of them?
johncanfield said:
Ooh - I like the Kolpin. Do you carry one or two of them?
Those are cool, although expensive, but I just never took well to carrying gas in the cab with me. Not that it can't be done safely, I just don't like the idea.

And I am cheap! :rotflmao:



Those kind of cans can be had for under $20.00 most places and under $10.00 at some. CARB and EPA compliant.

I have had many steel Jerry cans in my life. Never had a good one that did not leak!
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johncanfield said:
Ooh - I like the Kolpin. Do you carry one or two of them?

I only have one at the moment but eventually I would like to get another for water.
bob1340 said:
Those kind of cans can be had for under $20.00 most places and under $10.00 at some. CARB and EPA compliant.
Yeah, but your image of the can says "Gasolina" - that must be for Mexican gas (Petromex.) :laugh:
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Yeah, but your image of the can says "Gasolina" - that must be for Mexican gas (Petromex.) :laugh:[/quote]

Just put that pic on for fun. But it is the same can.
Those type of cans are used by yard guys and get abused pretty bad and seem to hold up well. I have a home built tire carrier I mounted a receiver hitch deal on top I intend to use for a removable rack. I will build the rack to take 2 of the 5 gallon cans. That places them out of the way of most all passenger cars if I get rear ended.

Here is a pic of the tire carrier/receiver. Kind of hard to see the 2" ID receiver, but it's on top.




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I always carry the jack inside my rig (fits across the back... you can also get clamps to attach it to your roll cage). It saved my butt once when I lost a bolt on my suspension and had to get the axle lined up again. I was on a flat dirt road.

You can do a day of wheeling without needing extra fuel. I've never seen anyone I've done day-wheeling with needing to fill up with extra gas (in CA, CO, and Moab). I guess it all depends on what you're comfortable with and how you work the skinny pedal.

I've used the kolpin packs for years on my ATV. Took them on the Rubicon trail too and didn't need 'em (I had the Genright Safari tank at the time).

Gas cans can carry a fuel smell when in the cab. So that's something to consider. I like Bob's idea of emptying it asap.
Interesting idea! Are the tailgate hinges up to the extra weight? Maybe I could weld up something out of square tube to fit over the tire to hold a can on each side. I noticed the bumper mount racks/carriers are lotsa buck$
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