9 Secure External Fuel Can Mounts for Boondocking

Staring at a fuel gauge dipping into the red while miles deep on a remote Bureau of Land Management (BLM) track is a stress no boondocker needs. When the nearest gas station is fifty miles of dirt road away, carrying extra fuel isn’t a luxury—it is your ultimate insurance policy. This guide highlights nine of the most rugged, secure external fuel mounts designed to keep your extra gasoline, diesel, or water safely locked to your rig through the roughest washboard roads.

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Why External Fuel Storage Is Essential for Boondocking

Keeping raw fuel inside a living space like a van conversion, SUV, or small RV is a recipe for disaster. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and toxic fumes seep out of even high-quality containers, compromising indoor air quality and creating a massive fire hazard. Moving these cans outside is the only safe option for long-term off-grid living.

Boondocking often requires staying stationary for days or weeks, forcing you to run generators or idle your rig to maintain battery banks when solar output drops. External mounts keep this supplemental fuel accessible without eating into valuable interior cabinet space. They also isolate spills to the exterior, where a quick hose-down solves the problem.

Fuel Pack Mount – RotopaX RX-DLX-PM Deluxe Pack Mount

Low-profile, stackable fuel packs require a specialized, ultra-secure mounting pin that locks flat surfaces tight. The Deluxe Pack Mount acts as the mechanical anchor that stops heavy, liquid-filled containers from vibrating loose on harsh trails. Without a dedicated mount, these plastic containers will slide, rub, and eventually puncture.

The RotopaX RX-DLX-PM Deluxe Pack Mount stands out because of its solid, anodized aluminum construction and unique T-handle design. It allows for micro-adjustments, letting you compress the fuel pack firmly against its backing plate to eliminate any trail-induced rattling.

• Material: Anodized aluminum
• Compatibility: RotopaX fuel, water, or storage packs
• Feature: Dual-thread tightening system for maximum compression

Before buying, users must ensure they have a compatible backing plate or roll-bar mount to bolt this hardware to. It requires a completely solid foundation, as a full 3-gallon fuel pack weighs over 20 pounds and exerts significant leverage on rough terrain.

This mount is ideal for overland rigs and smaller campervans with limited exterior flat surfaces. It is not suitable for traditional, metal NATO-style Jerry cans.

Jerry Can Holder – Smittybilt 2798 Steel Jerry Can Holder

Traditional 5-gallon (20-liter) NATO-style Jerry cans are the gold standard for high-capacity fuel storage, but their heavy, boxy shape requires a rigid cradle. A solid steel holder prevents these heavy cans from shifting and denting your vehicle panels during off-grid travel.

The Smittybilt 2798 Steel Jerry Can Holder is built from heavy-gauge steel with a durable black powder-coat finish to resist rust. It features an adjustable top strap with a zinc-plated clasp that can be padlocked for simple, effective theft prevention.

• Capacity: Standard 5-gallon / 20-liter Jerry cans
• Lockable: Yes (padlock sold separately)
• Mounting: Multi-point base plate for versatile bolting

The metal-on-metal contact between the holder and the can can cause annoying squeaks on bumpy roads. Adding thin rubber adhesive strips to the interior of the cradle easily solves this. It is a heavy mount, so your mounting surface must be rated for the combined weight of the holder and a 45-pound full can.

This bracket is perfect for budget-conscious off-grid travelers using classic steel Jerry cans. It is not meant for plastic EPA-style cans with non-standard, bloated dimensions.

Roof Rack Mount – Front Runner Single Jerry Can Holder

Roof racks offer prime real estate for heavy gear, but keeping a tall, top-heavy fuel can upright on a roof requires a low-profile, highly stable bracket. This mount secures the load flat or upright to distribute weight safely across the rack’s structural crossbars.

The Front Runner Single Jerry Can Holder is designed to bolt directly into the slats of Front Runner and other popular aluminum tray racks. It uses a heavy-duty, stainless steel latching strap that wraps over the top of the can, sealing it down with incredible tension.

• Material: Black powder-coated stainless steel
• Orientation: Upright vertical mounting
• Locking Mechanism: Integrated latch clasp compatible with small padlocks

Hoisting a 45-pound wet can onto a high roof rack requires physical strength and increases your vehicle’s center of gravity. Always check your roof rack’s dynamic weight capacity before installing multiple units up high.

This mount is best for overland vehicles with flat platform roof racks. It is not ideal for high-top vans where roof access is difficult or dangerous.

Lockable Can Mount – Wavian Heavy Duty Jerry Can Bracket

Fuel theft is a harsh reality when boondocking on public lands or parking at remote trailheads. A lockable bracket does not just hold the weight; it physically encases the can to prevent quick-fingered bypasses.

The Wavian Heavy Duty Jerry Can Bracket features a wrap-around steel strap that completely blocks the Jerry can’t cap from being opened while mounted. This dual-purpose design prevents both the theft of the can itself and the siphoning of your expensive fuel.

• Construction: Heavy-duty steel with protective rubber pads
• Security: Padlock-ready clasp that covers the fuel spout
• Compatibility: Authentic 20L Wavian and NATO-style Jerry cans

The tolerances on this bracket are incredibly tight. Off-brand, bloated plastic cans likely won’t fit inside this rigid steel frame. Regular lubrication of the hinge pin is necessary to keep it swinging smoothly in dusty desert environments.

This is essential for travelers who leave their rigs unattended for days while hiking. It is overkill for those who only park in secure, private off-grid sites.

Side Panel Mount – MORryde JP54-012 Tall Jerry Can Mount

When roof space and rear bumpers are occupied by solar panels and spare tires, the vehicle’s side panels offer unused real estate. A side panel mount puts fuel within easy reach without requiring ladders or complex bumper swing-outs.

Designed specifically for Jeep Wranglers and adaptable to custom van builds, the MORryde JP54-012 Tall Jerry Can Mount bolts securely to existing body hinge points. It keeps the heavy fuel load low and close to the chassis, reducing body roll compared to roof-mounted options.

• Fitment: Side-mount configuration (passenger or driver side)
• Finish: Premium textured black powder coat
• Hardware: Grade 8 mounting hardware included

Installing this mount may require drilling through exterior body panels on non-Jeep platforms, which demands precise measuring and rust-preventative sealing. It also increases the overall width of your vehicle, requiring extra caution on tight, tree-lined trails.

This is perfect for serious off-roaders wanting quick, waist-height access to fuel. It is not recommended for wide RVs or those unwilling to drill into their vehicle’s bodywork.

Horizontal Rack Mount – Rhino-Rack Jerry Can Holder

High winds and low clearances can make upright roof-mounted fuel cans a liability. A horizontal mount allows you to lay the fuel can flat, significantly reducing wind resistance and lowering the vehicle’s clearance profile.

The Rhino-Rack Horizontal Jerry Can Holder secures a standard 20L Jerry can in a flat, horizontal position using heavy-duty straps and a molded base. This low-profile orientation is excellent for garage clearance and reducing highway wind noise.

• Orientation: Flat / Horizontal
• Strap Material: High-tensile strength webbing with ratcheting buckles
• Compatibility: Rhino-Rack Pioneer Platforms and standard T-slot crossbars

Laying a fuel can on its side puts immense pressure on the spout seal. You must use high-quality, non-leaking cans with pristine rubber gaskets, or you risk dripping fuel onto your roof and windshield.

This is ideal for sleek van builds and low-profile overland SUVs. It is not suitable for cheap plastic fuel cans that swell or leak under lateral pressure.

Bumper Trail Mount – Garvin Wilderness Jerry Can Bracket

Swing-away bumper systems are designed to carry heavy payloads, making them the safest place to mount dense fuel weight. A bumper-mounted bracket ensures the fuel is isolated from the main vehicle body and easy to access during refuels.

The Garvin Wilderness Jerry Can Bracket is engineered to bolt directly onto Garvin bumper systems and trail racks, offering a rock-solid, vibration-free connection. It elevates the can slightly to maintain departure angles when crawling over steep obstacles.

• Mount Type: Bumper / Trail rack integrated
• Material: Heavy-gauge steel tube and plate
• Included: Mounting brackets, straps, and hardware

Because this mount sits at the very rear of the vehicle, it is highly exposed to rear-end collisions. Users must ensure their license plate and rear taillights remain visible once the can is installed.

This is best for rugged overlanders with aftermarket swing-out steel bumpers. It is not compatible with stock plastic factory bumpers without custom fabrication.

Rear Door Mount – Aluminess Bolt-On Fuel Can Box

For campervans and transit buses, rear doors offer a large vertical workspace, but mounting exposed fuel cans looks cluttered and invites theft. An enclosed fuel box provides a clean, weather-protected, and highly secure storage vault.

The Aluminess Bolt-On Fuel Can Box is crafted from lightweight, marine-grade aluminum, meaning it won’t rust or overload rear door hinges. Its lockable door completely hides your fuel containers from view, protecting them from both UV degradation and opportunistic thieves.

• Material: Lightweight marine-grade aluminum
• Security: Key-lockable door latch
• Ventilation: Integrated drain holes to prevent vapor buildup

This is a premium, high-cost option that requires a compatible Aluminess rear door rack or bumper system to mount. The enclosed space can get hot in direct sunlight, so it must only be used with high-quality, expansion-tolerant cans.

This is for van lifers and long-term boondockers seeking a clean, professional look with maximum security. It is not for those on a tight budget.

Spare Tire Mount – TeraFlex Alpha RotopaX Mount

The spare tire is a universal mounting point that requires no drilling or modifications to the vehicle’s sheet metal. Utilizing this space keeps heavy accessories centralized and balanced.

The TeraFlex Alpha RotopaX Mount bolts directly into the center of your spare tire carrier, utilizing the unused space inside the wheel well. It provides a rock-solid mounting surface for up to two RotopaX fuel packs without obstructing your view or adding side-profile width.

• Mounting Location: Spare tire wheel hub
• Compatibility: Standard 5×5, 5×5.5, and 8-lug wheel bolt patterns
• Hardware: Corrosion-resistant zinc-plated steel

This mount places extra weight on your rear tailgate hinges. If you are carrying a large spare tire plus fuel, you may need to upgrade to heavy-duty hinges to prevent sag. It also blocks access to the spare wheel’s center cap, adding a step if you need to change a flat tire.

This is perfect for Jeep and SUV owners who want a clean, drill-free fuel solution. It is not suitable for rigs without an externally mounted spare tire.

Key Safety Considerations for Mounting Fuel Externally

Liquid fuel expands and contracts violently with temperature and altitude changes. When mounting cans externally, always leave adequate head space (expansion room) in the can and check the vent seals regularly. Dark-colored cans absorb solar heat rapidly, causing them to bloat, so mounting them in shaded or shielded areas is always preferred.

Avoid mounting fuel cans in designated vehicle crumple zones or directly in line with potential impact points. A rear-end collision with a fuel can mounted directly to a flimsy bumper can turn a minor fender bender into a catastrophic fire. Always position mounts slightly above the bumper line and ensure the bracket is anchored to structural frame members.

Off-grid trails will subject your mounts to relentless, high-frequency vibrations that can back out even nylon-locking nuts. Use a thread-locking compound (like blue Loctite) on all mounting hardware and inspect the bracket welds for stress cracks before every trip.

How to Choose the Right Mounting Location for Your Rig

Water and fuel are incredibly dense, weighing roughly 6 to 8 pounds per gallon. Placing 10 gallons of fuel (80 pounds) on a high roof rack raises your vehicle’s center of gravity, drastically affecting highway handling and off-road stability. Keep heavy liquid storage as low and as close to the axles as possible to preserve handling.

Consider how often you will need to access the fuel. If you are refilling a generator daily, a high roof mount will quickly become a frustrating chore, whereas a side or rear bumper mount keeps the fuel at waist height. However, lower mounts are easier targets for theft and trail obstacles, requiring a balance between ease of use and security.

A 24-foot travel trailer has vastly different mounting constraints than a mid-size overland truck. Trailers are prone to tail-wagging if too much weight is added to the rear bumper, making tongue-mounted brackets preferable. Analyze your specific rig’s weight limits and clearance profiles before drilling any mounting holes.

Securing your backup fuel externally is a game-changer for off-grid safety and peace of mind. By matching the right bracket to your rig’s layout, you protect your living space from toxic fumes while extending your boondocking range. Pick your mount, lock down your cans, and head deeper into the wild with confidence.