Trike Auxiliary Fuel Tank

[tndragonrider]

When I was considering purchasing a Roadsmith, one of the features that I liked was the ability to have additional fuel on board for long stretches without fuel stops. Now according to my Brother-in-law who has traveled out west multiple times, he claims you don't need extra fuel, just stop at every station without passing any up. Well I guess that depends on which roadway you are traveling on. So while doing my usual do diligence in research for auxiliary alternatives I have discovered this product. It appears to be just the ticket to take with you when you venture out on those long distance trips, without having to have it contribute to excessive weight when not. I plan to contact the manufacturer next week just to verify my safety concerns and about mounting it in my trunk (vapor issues). I will post an update after my further investigation. It comes in multiple capacities.

Link to the product: http://rotopax.com/3-Gallon-Packs/

You can also purchase it on Amazon with the fuel nozzle and hold down system: http://www.amazon.com/RotopaX-RX-3G-Gasoline-Pack-Capacity/dp/B004RT0BPO

 

[Rev Ray]

fuel

Steve, my little bride and I have traveled the western states and Canada as well as other places, never needing added fuel capacity. Always watch your mileage and know where you are and where you are going. We have been doing this for 59 years and in the early part of this time some fuel stops were few and far between. Looking forward to hearing how the trip went. Have a safe and fun,fun,fun trip. ThumbUp

 

[tndragonrider]

Thanks Ray. I hope you got and like the item I emailed you.

 

[DWATC]

I travelled all lower 48 on my bike and had no problem finding fuel. We've also been in all the western states on our trike except for north of Kansas to the coast. The longest distance I've ever noticed is one place on I-70 where it's 117 miles between fuel and it is well advertised. Use the advice you have been given and get fuel when you can. I use the fuel locator on my GPS religiously but always add a fudge factor because I found out the hard way when you are looking the distance is line of site and when you put it in the GPS it will show up farther. Once it was off by 17 miles and that time I ended up putting 6.331 gallons in the tank. The pucker factor was there.

 

[tndragonrider]

The worst I have ever done on two wheels was 6.4 gallons, definitely sucking fumes.

 

[Dirtydan]

I've never run out of gas on my bike and I've travelled pretty extensively. Been close once or twice. Now cars n trucks just from be complacent and thinking about something else, being in a hurry etc. it has happened to me but always when local. More of an embarrassment then anything really. As for those gas cans, man they are pretty dam proud of them!

 

[rhino 2]

As for those gas cans, man they are pretty dam proud of them!

They have to be, Every time some yahoo blows themselves up with one' They have to add in the cost of legal fees...:gah:

 

[mhgoldwing]

I have the Roadsmith with the auxiliary fuel and love the freedom it provides. Quite simply I am not forced to stop at every fuel stop; I have time to make a decision on whether I want to stop and when. You say you don't want the auxiliary but you're searching for a way to carry additional fuel which eats into your onboard storage and possibly creates additional danger due to fumes, spillage, etc. Why?

I'm carrying and additional five gallon safely and simply transfer it into main tank when I need it. I also have five gallons to assist other bikers who miscalculated their fuel needs or that lone station was closed.

 

[bikerbillone]

mh, I'm with you on this one.....I ride a RS and the aux tank is a winner for me. I decide when I stop for fuel, or just keep riding for that 300+ miles plus.

 

[Rev Ray]

The email was received and is greatly appreciated. Thank you SteveThumbUp

 

[Fabricater]

I have the Roadsmith aux fuel tank.I pull a camper with the bike,and it cuts into the fuel mileage .My brother has a MyPod camper he pulls behind his CSC Goldwing trike,and if running hard through the hills,he needs to start looking for gas around a 100 miles,At 150 miles he is getting real empty.

 

[tndragonrider]

The only reason I posted about the secure tank was to have a way to carry optional gas when required, but a lot safer than the Iron Butt guys. I've met a few of them and they mount the spare tank to the rear of the bike with a pump to transfer it to the main tank, similar to Roadsmith. However, this is a disaster waiting to happen, especially if rear ended by a car/truck. It would be an instant fire/explosion depending on amount of fuel in the tank.

 

[PilotJO]

Just for the record----
Between Tonapah and Ely in Nevada on hyw 95 you will find a stretch of about 180 miles between fuel stations--- Rode it last friday on my Champion IRS 2010 Goldwing trike w/o additional fuel. Speed does make a difference but I just plan on a flat 30 miles per gallon to determine IF I'll even try the run without extra fuel. Now, if I was 2 up and pulling a trailer I revise the fuel to 25 mpg----- Then I would have definitely have needed extra fuel. Stong headwinds will also increase the fuel burn!

I am working on a couple ideas for additional fuel that will auto fill and drain into main tank without needing a pump or additional fuel inlet!

 

[tndragonrider]

Well the item that I listed would come in handy for such occasions and you would not have to have it with you at all times. The guys with the aux tanks have them all the time; therefore, the chance of bad gas, pump failures and other issues if they are not used on a regular basis. I was toying with the idea when I was looking into getting a Roadsmith, but nixed it because of the aforementioned reasons. Of course, this is no longer an issue since I am waiting to have a Motor Trike Razor conversion added to my bike.

If you search out there for the guys riding hard in the Iron Butt Rally, they have all kind of gas accessories, some of which I consider unsafe.

 

[CobraXL]

The guys with the aux tanks have them all the time; therefore, the chance of bad gas, pump failures and other issues if they are not used on a regular basis.

Not exactly. My CSC aux. tank is just a 3.6 gallon gravity-fed tank that adds capacity to the main tank. There's no transfer process to mess with. The aux tank won't back-fill as fast as the gas pump delivers, so if you feel you might need your full 10-gallon range you fill the main tank more slowly to let the aux. tank fill completely as you top off. Normally a fast fill gets me a good 8 gallons on board--plenty of range.

While I agree that I don't really "need" the aux. tank if I use my head I'm finding that I enjoy being able to skip fill-ups and take roadside breaks at places that aren't gas stations.

 

[tndragonrider]

Cobra I believe that the CSC is the only one that uses gravity to transfer the fuel.

 

[CobraXL]

Cobra I believe that the CSC is the only one that uses gravity to transfer the fuel.

As far as I know you are correct. If CSC had offered either method I think I would have chosen Roadsmith's approach--that made the most sense to me initially. Just use it when you need it and test/transfer periodically to make sure it still works. But this non-mechanical method ought to be 100% reliable at least.

 

[tndragonrider]

As far as I know you are correct. If CSC had offered either method I think I would have chosen Roadsmith's approach--that made the most sense to me initially. Just use it when you need it and test/transfer periodically to make sure it still works. But this non-mechanical method ought to be 100% reliable at least.

I agree about the reliability part, there are no moving or mechanical parts to wear or break down, other than the rubber hose. It's just that my new MT doesn't offer up any solution. Some guys have told me that when confronted by a long distance fuel stop problem on a long trip that they head to their friendly local Wally World and purchase a cheap plastic gas can. The spider wire it to the rear seat and use it for that part. When done they either donate to a worthy individual or file 13 it.

I will have to see what amount of fuel economy/consumption I achieve when its finally triked. I am taking my Wing to the dealer in the morning to drop it off for painting and installation of the kit. Wish me luck!

 

[CobraXL]

I will have to see what amount of fuel economy/consumption I achieve when its finally triked. I am taking my Wing to the dealer in the morning to drop it off for painting and installation of the kit. Wish me luck!

Good Luck with the conversion! I wouldn't let the lack of an aux. tank option concern me if you're sold on Motor Trike. A CARB-compliant no-spill 1-gallon can would get your range up over 200 miles--plenty for peace of mind most anywhere. ThumbUp

 

[tndragonrider]

Good Luck with the conversion! I wouldn't let the lack of an aux. tank option concern me if you're sold on Motor Trike. A CARB-compliant no-spill 1-gallon can would get your range up over 200 miles--plenty for peace of mind most anywhere. ThumbUp

Thanks Cobra - I will only do this if pressed for more fuel...

 

[schiel1]

I have the Roadsmith aux fuel tank.I pull a camper with the bike,and it cuts into the fuel mileage .My brother has a MyPod camper he pulls behind his CSC Goldwing trike,and if running hard through the hills,he needs to start looking for gas around a 100 miles,At 150 miles he is getting real empty.

I agree. If you ride in a group or with at least one other 2 wheeler the aux tank is a nice extra. I ride eith a buddy of mine that did not get it and it forces everyone to stop more often to get gas. I think.it may bother him more than me but I look at it this way. It's better to have it than not. Anyway its not that expensive.

I also keep a 1 gallon mc gas can in the trunk. Made to fit a Harley saddle bag but fits perfectly behind the taillight in the csc trunk. It could not have been made to fit better. I used it twice. A stranded motorists and a Harley that was abnormally going through fuel.
In Amaxon search for:
Reda Portable Motorcycle Gas Can - 1 Gallon

 

[tndragonrider]

I have also been looking for a cheap tightly sealed two gallon gas can that I can purchase to have along and insure that if confronted with a situation of a great distance between stations that I could have 2 add'l gallons of fuel. Now until I do mileage testing with my new conversion and verify the mpg, I won't know for sure my maximum range. But based on projected numbers the maximum I could have if 28 mpg holds up, would be 184.8 miles. That's assuming that I expend all 6.6 gallons and go on fumes as I arrive at another gas station. The 2 gallon can would give me an additional 56 miles for a new grand total of 240.8. I could only assume that would definitely be more than enough to accomplish the "No Gas for ??? miles ahead" sign!