We’ve all been there. You’re deep on a trail, the engine is humming, the scenery is epic, and then you glance down at your fuel gauge. That needle is dipping lower than you’d like, and the nearest gas station is a long, anxious ride away. That feeling of “range anxiety” can cut an adventure short.
I promise you, there’s a simple, rugged solution that will give you the confidence to push further and explore more. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about selecting, installing, and safely using a can am outlander jerry can setup.
We’ll cover choosing the right can and mount, a step-by-step installation process, critical safety practices, and how to solve common problems you might encounter. Let’s turn that fuel anxiety into trail freedom.
Why a Dedicated Jerry Can is a Non-Negotiable Outlander Upgrade
Strapping a cheap, flimsy gas can to your rack with a bungee cord isn’t just risky; it’s a recipe for disaster. A proper, purpose-built jerry can and mount system is a fundamental piece of gear for any serious rider. It’s about more than just carrying extra fuel.
The benefits of a can am outlander jerry can setup are about safety, preparedness, and peace of mind. It’s an investment in your ability to explore without limits and handle whatever the trail throws at you.
Extend Your Ride, Eliminate Your Worry
The most obvious benefit is dramatically increasing your riding range. A single 1.75 or 2-gallon can could add 20-40+ miles to your trip, depending on your machine and terrain. That’s the difference between turning back early and reaching that remote lake or scenic overlook you’ve been aiming for.
Be the Trail Hero: Emergency Preparedness
Extra fuel isn’t just for you. You might come across another rider who miscalculated their trip and is stranded. Having a jerry can allows you to be a good Samaritan and help a fellow enthusiast out of a tight spot. It’s a core part of the off-road community spirit.
Beyond Fuel: Carrying Water and Other Essentials
Don’t forget that “jerry can” style containers aren’t just for gasoline. Many companies, like RotopaX, offer dedicated, color-coded containers for potable water (blue), storage (black), or even first-aid kits (white). This modular approach allows you to customize your loadout for any adventure, ensuring you have hydration and supplies when you’re far from civilization.
Choosing the Right Gear: Jerry Cans and Mounts Explained
Not all cans and mounts are created equal. Your choice will depend on your budget, your Outlander’s rack setup, and how you ride. Making the right choice upfront will save you headaches—and potential leaks—down the road.
Types of Jerry Cans
The container itself is your first big decision. Modern options are far superior to the old metal cans you might picture.
- Durable Plastic (HDPE): This is the most common and practical choice for ATVs. Brands like RotopaX and FuelPaX have perfected thick-walled, seamless high-density polyethylene cans that are incredibly tough and resistant to punctures.
- Metal Cans: While classic, traditional metal “NATO” style cans are heavy, prone to rust internally if not cared for, and can dent, which compromises their integrity. For the constant vibration and abuse of off-roading, modern plastics are generally superior.
- CARB-Compliant Spouts: Look for cans with high-quality, CARB (California Air Resources Board) compliant spouts. While sometimes tricky to use at first, they are designed to prevent spills and vapor release, which is better for both safety and the environment.
Finding the Perfect Mount for Your Outlander
How you attach the can to your ATV is just as important as the can itself. A loose can is a dangerous can. This is a core part of our can am outlander jerry can guide.
- LinQ System Compatible Mounts: If your Outlander has the BRP LinQ system, this is the cleanest and often easiest option. Several manufacturers make adapter plates or direct-fit mounts that use the secure LinQ latches.
- Universal Rack Mounts: These typically consist of a base plate that bolts directly onto the bars of your front or rear rack. They offer flexibility in placement but require you to drill into the plate to position the can holder itself.
- Pack Mounts (RotopaX Style): These are specific to the brand of can. They use a unique locking handle that screws down to hold the can securely to a base plate. They are known for being exceptionally rugged and vibration-proof.
How to Install Your Can-Am Outlander Jerry Can Mount: A Step-by-Step Guide
Alright, let’s get our hands dirty. Installing your mount is a straightforward job you can easily tackle in your garage. This section covers how to can am outlander jerry can mounting properly.
Tools and Supplies You’ll Need
- Your chosen jerry can mount and hardware
- Socket set and wrenches (in the correct size for your hardware)
- Drill and drill bits (if using a universal plate)
- Marker or paint pen
- Medium-strength threadlocker (like Loctite 243)
- Tape measure
The Installation Process
- Position the Mount: Place the empty jerry can and mount on your ATV’s rack. Move it around to find the best position that doesn’t interfere with your taillights, seat, or other accessories. Check for clearance when turning the handlebars.
- Mark Your Holes: Once you’re happy with the placement, hold the mount base firmly and use a marker to mark where you need to drill your holes on the rack or universal plate.
- Drill (If Necessary): Remove the mount. If you’re drilling into a plastic rack cover or a universal plate, start with a small pilot hole and work your way up to the correct size for your bolts. Go slow and steady.
- Secure the Base: Place the mount base back on the rack, aligning it with your holes. Insert the bolts with washers from the top and secure them with nuts and washers from underneath.
- Apply Threadlocker: Before you fully tighten the nuts, apply a drop of medium-strength threadlocker to the bolt threads. This is a critical step to prevent the hardware from vibrating loose on the trail.
- Tighten Evenly: Tighten the nuts in a star pattern to ensure even pressure. Don’t overtighten and crack the plastic rack, but make sure it’s completely solid with no wiggle.
- Test Fit: Attach your empty jerry can to the mount and secure it. Shake it vigorously. It should feel like a solid part of the machine with zero play.
Can-Am Outlander Jerry Can Best Practices for Safety and Longevity
Owning a jerry can comes with responsibility. Fuel is dangerous, and treating it with respect is paramount for your safety and the preservation of the trails we love. Follow these can am outlander jerry can best practices every time.
Filling, Transporting, and Refueling Safely
- Fill on the Ground: Never fill a jerry can while it’s on your ATV or in a vehicle. Place it on the ground to prevent static electricity buildup and potential sparks.
- Don’t Overfill: Leave some room for expansion. Fuel expands and contracts with temperature changes. Filling it to the brim can cause dangerous pressure buildup or leaks.
- Check Your Seals: Before every ride, give the cap and spout a quick check to ensure the rubber gaskets are in good condition and the cap is tightened securely.
- Refuel a Cool Engine: When you need to refuel on the trail, let your Outlander’s engine cool down for a few minutes. Spilling gasoline on a hot exhaust is a serious fire hazard.
Your Essential Can-Am Outlander Jerry Can Care Guide
A good quality can will last for years with minimal care. Your can am outlander jerry can care guide is simple: keep it clean and inspect it regularly.
After a trip, empty any remaining fuel into your primary vehicle or a proper storage container. Let the can air out completely before storing it to prevent fume buildup. Every few months, inspect the O-rings and gaskets for cracks or brittleness and replace them if they look worn.
Common Problems with Can-Am Outlander Jerry Can Setups (And How to Fix Them)
Even with the best gear, you can run into issues. Here are some common problems with can am outlander jerry can systems and how to troubleshoot them on the fly.
The Dreaded “Can Swell” in the Heat
On a hot day, you may notice your plastic can has expanded and looks like a balloon. This is normal! It’s caused by fuel vapors expanding. The solution is to slowly and carefully unscrew the cap to vent the pressure. Do this away from any ignition sources. Modern cans are designed to handle this pressure, but regular venting on hot days is good practice.
Leaky Spouts and Gaskets
A leak is most often caused by a dirty, damaged, or improperly seated gasket. Un-thread the spout or cap and inspect the rubber O-ring. Wipe it clean and make sure there’s no debris preventing a good seal. If it’s cracked or flattened, it’s time for a replacement.
Mounts Loosening from Vibration
If you skipped the threadlocker during installation, this is bound to happen. The constant vibration of an ATV will work any standard nut and bolt loose over time. The fix is to re-tighten everything, this time using a quality threadlocker as recommended.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Jerry Can Use on the Trail
Being an off-roader means being a steward of the land. Using your gear responsibly is a huge part of that. A sustainable can am outlander jerry can practice starts with preventing spills.
Always refuel on a level, stable surface, away from waterways. If a small spill does occur, use an absorbent rag to clean it up and pack the rag out with you. Never leave fuel-soaked material behind.
An eco-friendly can am outlander jerry can tip is to use a fuel stabilizer if you plan on storing fuel in the can for more than a month. This prevents the gas from going bad, ensuring you don’t have to dispose of it wastefully. It keeps your fuel system clean and ready to go.
Frequently Asked Questions About Can-Am Outlander Jerry Cans
What size jerry can is best for a Can-Am Outlander?
For most riders, a can between 1.75 and 3 gallons is the sweet spot. It provides a significant range boost without adding excessive weight or being too bulky. Consider your typical ride length to decide what’s best for you.
Can I use a regular gas can, or do I need a special one?
You absolutely need a purpose-built, ruggedized can designed for powersports. Regular, thin-walled gas station cans are not built to withstand the constant vibration, impacts, and temperature swings of off-roading. They will crack and leak, creating a serious safety hazard.
How often should I inspect my jerry can and mount?
Do a quick visual check before every ride. Make sure the can is secure and the cap is tight. Perform a more thorough inspection of the mount hardware, gaskets, and the can itself for any signs of wear or damage every few months or after a particularly rough trip.
Is it safe to carry a full jerry can on rough trails?
Yes, it is perfectly safe, provided you are using a high-quality can and a properly installed, secure mount. That’s what they are designed for. The key is ensuring your setup has zero wiggle or play before you hit the trail.
Equipping your Outlander with a reliable jerry can setup is one of the best upgrades you can make. It’s a simple project that pays huge dividends in freedom, safety, and the ability to chase the horizon.
By choosing the right gear, installing it with care, and handling your fuel responsibly, you’re not just preparing for a longer ride—you’re investing in countless future adventures. Gear up, ride safe, and explore further!
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