Rotopax is one of the best creations in the overland world. It allows the storage of fuel and water in a clever way that saves space and looks cool.
They also last a long time and are readily available to purchase for your next expedition.
Since Rotopax provides a wide variety of benefits, let’s go over everything you need to know about them.
Table of Contents
- What is Rotopax?
- What Sizes of Rotopax Can I Get?
- What Can Rotopax Be Used For?
- How to Mount Rotopax
- How to Lock a Rotopax
- How to Use Rotopax Gas Can
- Rotopax is a Must-Have Accessory
- Other Recommended Outdoor Gear
What is Rotopax?
Rotopax is a jerry can that’s easily mounted on vehicles without taking up much space. It is also very durable and comes in many different forms. There are Rotopax for diesel, water, first aid kits, and even dry storage. All of them look similar and can be interlocked together.
These jerry cans have become so popular because of their two clever mounting solutions. The first one is that two Rotopax can be interlocked together by using the X tabs on the bottom of the jerry. They can also be stacked and locked together by using a special locking mechanism developed by the brand.
When the Rotopax are mounted, they are extremely secure. Therefore, you run zero risks of losing one on the trail or the motorway.
What Sizes of Rotopax Can I Get?
Gasoline Rotopax come in many different sizes. You can choose between 1 gallon, 1.75 gallons, 2 gallons, 3 gallons, and 4 gallons. For diesel, your only choice is a 2 gallon (shown above).
For water storage, you can choose between 1, 1.75, and 2 gallons.
What Can Rotopax Be Used For?
As mentioned above, Rotopax can be used for all kinds of storage, from dry goods to water (shown above) or fuel. This makes them the ideal accessory for overland trucks, ATVs, or motorcycles.
For ATVs or motorcycles, you can opt for smaller options that are easy to mount and won’t offset the weight of your bike or ATV.
On the other hand, you can pick up some 4-gallon ones and mount them on your truck for long overland expeditions. They take up less space and will be much easier to store than a conventional jerry can. Furthermore, they provide you with the fuel you need to tackle the expedition.
The fact that you can also pick up dry storage versions means that accessories such as tools can be stored outside the vehicle, which provides more space inside and prevents annoying rattles coming from tools bashing together.
How to Mount Rotopax
Rotopax come with a mount that locks them together. However, that mount needs to be bolted onto your roof rack or any other area on your vehicle. In most cases, you will have to drill some holes that correspond to the ones drilled on the Rotopax mount.
For certain roof racks, you will also be able to use T-bolts that will do a great job of securing the Rotopax in the roof rack grooves.
There are many different areas on a vehicle where you can mount Rotopax. Mine are on the roof, but many people choose to mount them on the spare tire or even on the side of their vehicle.
Check out a Rotopax install in the video above by Overlanding Now.
How to Lock a Rotopax
Once you have the Rotopax base plate mounted, you put the Rotopax jerry through the mount and twist the mount. All you do is give it 4-5 turns over the knobs, and you are done.
The second mount option, called the “deluxe mount,” works similarly but provides additional mounting strength. What you will do with this one is feed the mount through the container and tighten both bars together. As soon as the bottom bar grabs onto the knobs, tighten the top retainer bar down. This gives the Rotopax mount additional clamping strength.
The third option is the same as the deluxe mount, but this one offers a lock on the mount. Therefore, all your Rotopax with fuel or gear can be safely stored outside your vehicle.
How to Use Rotopax Gas Can
To use Rotopax, you need to unscrew the cap by pushing down on the tab underneath it. Once you unscrew the cap, can remove the spout from inside the Rotopax.
You then slide the collar piece over the spout and place the spout in the correct orientation into the Rotopax hole. Once that’s done, tighten the collar piece up, and you are ready to fill up your vehicle.
Keep in mind that due to safety regulations, there is a lock on the spout. To unlock that, you simply turn it and push the spout downwards.
Rotopax is a Must-Have Accessory
Like any premium overland accessory, Rotopax has a slightly steep price tag. However, there is certainly no other jerrycan on the market that offers this much convenience when it comes to packaging.
When compared to other cheaper options, the difference in quality and ease of use are worth the steeper price.
If you have any further questions regarding Rotopax or for any other off-road or overland-related topics visit the forum section of our page.
Other Recommended Outdoor Gear
- Recovery Kit
- Shackle Hitch Receiver
- Recovery Board
- Winch
- KC Lites
- Hi-Lift Jack
- Tire Inflator/Deflator
- Portable Power Station
- Portable DC/AC Refrigerator
- First Aid Kit