A jerry can mount lets you carry extra fuel, water, or other liquids safely on your vehicle during off-road trips, overlanding adventures, or remote work where refueling isn’t convenient. Choosing the right mount, installing it correctly, and understanding the legal and safety requirements can make the difference between a reliable setup and a dangerous one.
This guide explains what a jerry can mount does, how to select one for your truck, SUV, trailer, or motorcycle, where to install it, what capacity and materials work best, and the safety rules you need to follow when transporting fuel or water.
What Is a Jerry Can Mount and How Does It Work?
A jerry can mount is a bracket or carrier that secures a jerry can to your vehicle, preventing it from shifting, bouncing, or falling during travel. The mount typically bolts or clamps to a roof rack, rear bumper, tailgate, trailer tongue, hitch carrier, or side panel and uses straps, pins, or locking mechanisms to hold the can in place.
Why You Need a Dedicated Mount
Loose jerry cans in a cargo area become dangerous projectiles during hard braking, collisions, or rollovers. A properly installed mount keeps the can secure and accessible while reducing the risk of spills, fumes in the cabin, and impact injuries.
Many mounts also incorporate locking hardware to deter theft, which is important when carrying expensive fuel in remote areas or overnight parking. Some designs include quick-release mechanisms so you can remove the can for filling without tools.
Types of Jerry Can Mounts
Jerry can mounts come in several configurations, each suited to different vehicles and carrying needs. Understanding the options helps you match the mount to your setup.
Roof Rack Mounts
These mounts attach to crossbars or dedicated roof rack platforms and work well for trucks, SUVs, and vans with existing roof systems. They keep fuel and water out of the cargo area but add height and weight above the vehicle’s center of gravity, which can affect handling and increase the risk of rollovers on steep off-camber trails.
Check your roof rack’s weight rating and include the mount, can, and liquid weight in your calculation. A full 20-liter jerry can weighs about 45 pounds when filled with gasoline or 44 pounds with water, not counting the mount itself.
Rear Bumper and Tailgate Mounts
Bumper-mounted and tailgate-mounted carriers bolt to factory or aftermarket bumpers, swing-out tire carriers, or the tailgate frame. They keep weight low and provide easy access without climbing onto the roof.
Verify that your bumper or tailgate can support the additional weight, especially if you’re also carrying a spare tire, hi-lift jack, or other recovery gear. Some tailgates on newer trucks and SUVs have weight limits as low as 50 to 75 pounds when open, and exceeding that limit can damage hinges or latch mechanisms.
Hitch and Trailer Tongue Mounts
These mounts slide into a standard 2-inch receiver hitch or bolt to a trailer tongue. They’re convenient for vehicles without roof racks or rear bumper space, but they reduce your hitch tongue weight capacity and can interfere with rear visibility or access to the tailgate.
Subtract the weight of the mount, can, and fuel from your available tongue weight, especially if you’re towing a trailer. Exceeding tongue weight limits can cause trailer sway and reduce braking effectiveness.
Bed and Cargo Area Mounts
Pickup truck bed mounts bolt to the bed rail, bed floor, or a rack system. They keep the can secure without affecting aerodynamics or requiring external brackets.
If you carry the can inside an enclosed cargo area like an SUV or van, ensure adequate ventilation to prevent fuel vapor buildup, which is flammable and toxic. Many jurisdictions prohibit carrying gasoline inside the passenger compartment.
Motorcycle and ATV Mounts
Smaller mounts designed for motorcycles, ATVs, and UTVs typically hold one or two cans and attach to rear racks, side panels, or auxiliary frames. They’re built for vibration and require secure fastening to prevent the can from rattling loose on rough terrain.
Balance is critical on two-wheeled vehicles, so position the can as close to the centerline and as low as possible. A heavy, high-mounted can on one side will make the bike harder to control, especially at low speeds or when stopped.
Choosing the Right Mount for Your Vehicle
Start by identifying where you have available mounting points and weight capacity. Inspect your vehicle’s roof rack, bumper, hitch, bed rails, or cargo tie-down points to determine what type of mount will fit and how much weight each location can safely carry.
Consult your owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer for official weight ratings for roof racks, hitches, bumpers, and tailgates. Do not rely on generic estimates, because ratings vary widely between makes, models, and trim levels.
Material and Durability
Most quality jerry can mounts are made from steel, aluminum, or heavy-duty powder-coated steel. Steel mounts are strong and relatively inexpensive but can rust if the coating is damaged, especially in wet or coastal environments.
Aluminum mounts resist corrosion better and weigh less, but they cost more and can crack under impact or heavy vibration if not properly designed. Look for welded or reinforced construction rather than thin stamped brackets.
Can Compatibility
Jerry cans come in different sizes and styles, including NATO military-style metal cans, plastic Scepter or Wavian cans, and various aftermarket designs. Verify that the mount is designed for the size and style of can you own or plan to buy.
Common sizes include 5 liters (1.3 gallons), 10 liters (2.6 gallons), and 20 liters (5.3 gallons). Some mounts are adjustable or include universal brackets, while others fit only one specific can model.
Locking and Security Features
Locking mounts use a pin, cable, or integrated lock to secure the can and prevent theft. If you’ll be parking in remote areas, trailheads, or campsites overnight, a locking system is worth the extra cost.
Keep in mind that determined thieves can still cut straps or unbolt mounts, so don’t leave expensive equipment unattended for extended periods. Some overlanders also mark their cans with paint or permanent identifiers to discourage casual theft.
Installation Considerations
Proper installation is critical for safety and durability. A poorly installed mount can fail during travel, causing the can to fall onto the road or strike another vehicle.
Mounting Surface and Hardware
Always use the correct size and grade of bolts, washers, and nuts specified by the mount manufacturer. Do not substitute weaker hardware or skip backing plates on thin metal surfaces like tailgates or roof racks.
If you’re drilling into body panels, bumpers, or bed rails, use rust-resistant fasteners and apply sealant around holes to prevent corrosion. Check local regulations before drilling into vehicle structures, as some modifications can void warranties or affect vehicle inspections.
Weight Distribution
Position the mount so the loaded can doesn’t create an imbalance. If you’re carrying multiple cans, distribute them evenly on both sides of the vehicle or place them near the centerline.
Adding weight to the rear bumper or roof can shift your vehicle’s center of gravity backward or upward, which affects handling, braking distance, and rollover risk on steep or uneven terrain. Drive more cautiously when carrying heavy loads, especially off-road.
Clearance and Access
Make sure the mounted can doesn’t block taillights, license plates, backup cameras, or rear visibility. Many states and provinces require that taillights and plates remain visible, and obstructing them can result in fines or failed inspections.
Also verify that the can doesn’t interfere with opening the tailgate, accessing storage compartments, or swinging out a spare tire carrier. Test all movements with the can installed before heading out on a trip.
Fuel and Water Carrying Rules
Transporting fuel is regulated in most jurisdictions, and violating those rules can result in fines, vehicle impoundment, or liability if a spill or fire occurs. Check the laws in your state, province, or country before carrying gasoline, diesel, or other flammable liquids.
Container Standards
Use only approved jerry cans that meet recognized safety standards such as CARB (California Air Resources Board), EPA, DOT, or equivalent regulations in your area. Approved cans typically include flame arrestors, self-closing caps, and pressure relief vents.
Do not use old, damaged, or unapproved containers, because they may leak, vent improperly, or rupture during temperature changes or impacts. Replace cans that show cracks, dents, or corrosion.
Quantity Limits
Many jurisdictions limit how much fuel you can transport in portable containers without a hazardous materials permit. Common limits range from 30 to 60 liters (8 to 16 gallons) for personal use, but this varies widely.
If you’re carrying fuel across state lines, international borders, or into national parks or wilderness areas, additional restrictions may apply. Contact the relevant transportation authority, customs office, or land management agency for current rules.
Ventilation and Fire Safety
Never carry fuel inside a sealed passenger compartment. Gasoline vapors are heavier than air, flammable, and toxic, and they can accumulate in enclosed spaces even when the can is tightly sealed.
Mount fuel cans outside the passenger area or ensure the cargo area has continuous ventilation. Keep a fire extinguisher rated for flammable liquids (Class B) accessible, and know how to use it.
Water vs. Fuel Cans
If you’re using jerry cans to carry drinking water, use containers specifically labeled and sold for potable water. Fuel cans, even when empty and cleaned, can leave residues and odors that contaminate water and make it unsafe to drink.
Clearly label each can to prevent accidental mixing. Some overlanders use different colors for fuel and water, but labels and markers provide an extra safety layer, especially if you share equipment or lend cans to others.
Maintenance and Inspection
Inspect your jerry can mount and fasteners regularly, especially after off-road driving or long trips. Vibration and impacts can loosen bolts, crack welds, or wear through straps and locks.
Check for rust, corrosion, bent brackets, and missing hardware at least once per season or every 5,000 miles, whichever comes first. Tighten bolts to the manufacturer’s specified torque if available, and replace any damaged components immediately.
Can Condition
Inspect the jerry can itself for cracks, dents, leaks, and worn gaskets. Check the cap and spout for proper sealing, and replace any parts that show wear or damage.
Empty and rinse cans periodically if you store fuel or water for extended periods, because sediment, algae, or fuel degradation can occur. Follow proper disposal procedures for old fuel and contaminated water.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using the wrong mount for your can size or vehicle type is a frequent error. A mount designed for a 10-liter can won’t safely hold a 20-liter can, and a lightweight bracket intended for water won’t handle the stress of repeated off-road use with fuel.
Overloading your roof rack, bumper, or hitch by adding multiple cans without checking weight limits can cause structural damage, reduce braking performance, or create dangerous handling characteristics. Always add up the total weight of all cargo, mounts, and liquids before loading.
Failing to secure the can with a strap or lock, even when the mount includes one, is another common mistake. Mounts can flex or shift over time, and an unsecured can can fall out even if the bracket appears tight.
Cost and Where to Buy
Jerry can mounts range from around 50 dollars for basic hitch-mounted or roof rack brackets to over 300 dollars for heavy-duty bumper-mounted systems with locking mechanisms and quick-release features. Quality mounts from established off-road or overlanding brands typically cost between 100 and 200 dollars.
You can buy jerry can mounts from automotive accessory retailers, off-road specialty shops, overlanding outfitters, and online marketplaces. Read customer reviews and verify fitment for your specific vehicle and can model before purchasing.
Prices, availability, and shipping costs vary, so compare options and confirm return policies in case the mount doesn’t fit or meet your needs. Some manufacturers offer custom fabrication for unusual vehicles or specialized applications.
Final Recommendations
A quality jerry can mount is a practical investment if you regularly travel to remote areas, tow trailers, or pursue off-road recreation where refueling isn’t convenient. Choose a mount that matches your vehicle’s mounting points and weight capacity, use only approved containers, and follow all safety and legal requirements for transporting fuel or water.
Start by checking your vehicle’s owner’s manual for weight ratings, measure your available space, and select a mount designed for the size and style of jerry can you plan to carry. Install it with the correct hardware, inspect it regularly, and drive with awareness of the added weight and how it affects your vehicle’s handling.
Continue exploring helpful guides on vehicle accessories, towing, off-road preparation, and safe cargo management to make the most of your adventures.