ChinaRiders Forums - View Single Post - Tool and Fuel Tubes

sqwert · 12-25-2017, 11:59 AM

Tractor tubes pretty much require more than just bolts through the mounts. They are intended to hold paperwork, not tools. I use stainless hose clamps. They last a long time if used with mounts that properly support them and the tools are wrapped in rags to prevent bouncing and bashing. PVC will fail from poor mounts and things bouncing around inside, just like the thinner wall tractor tubes, it just takes longer.

Anywho, the tractor tubes come in 3 sizes and I've found the larger ones (about 4 inches/110mm ) more useful for carrying anything bigger than a liter fuel bottle, like spare tubes, tire tools, axle wrenches, electric compressor, pressure gauge, rags, ... . Everything necessary for tire repair fits in 1 tube. Very accessible and convenient compared to digging through different boxes for different necessities on the trail.

The 1 liter fuel bottles will provide 15-20 miles (24-32 kilometers) of range each.

I've found 1 gallon Coleman fuel cans hold a more useful amount for my purposes, don't leak, and pack easily inside the luggage. It is a lot cheaper to buy a gallon of Coleman fuel ($12, really just finely filtered unleaded gasoline with no alcohol) and dump it in the car to get a can or two than to pay $60 for fuel bottles to hold about the same amount, but take up more space. A Coleman can of fuel provides 60-80 miles/95-130km range.

Coleman cans ride quite well atop the Tourfella luggage with multiple bungies using the hooks thoughtfully provided. Run a couple bungies through the handle to prevent movement. A full tank is pretty dense and needs fairly substantial hold downs, so use enough tight bungies to prevent bouncing around. Put some self-stick rubber that goes on the bottom of house lamps along the top and bottom of the cans to prevent scratching the luggage.

Coleman also sells a filtering funnel and a filtering spout that screws on the can for easy pouring and protection from mechanical contaminants in the fuel tank. The spout has a spring loaded valve that does not allow flow until it is in the tank and you push down on the can. Choose whichever you prefer for about $8 each. Either creates an inexpensive, safe, and simple to use system.

I do not leave the spout on a can because it doesn't fit inside the luggage that way. I have a few heavy ziploc bags to hold the air-dried spout (fuel first, take care of personal needs, spout will be dry) that goes in the toolbox between the left side box and swing arm. The ziploc keeps the spout and filter clean.

12-25-2017, 11:59 AM	#8
sqwert Join Date: Jun 2017 Posts: 382	Tractor tubes pretty much require more than just bolts through the mounts. They are intended to hold paperwork, not tools. I use stainless hose clamps. They last a long time if used with mounts that properly support them and the tools are wrapped in rags to prevent bouncing and bashing. PVC will fail from poor mounts and things bouncing around inside, just like the thinner wall tractor tubes, it just takes longer. Anywho, the tractor tubes come in 3 sizes and I've found the larger ones (about 4 inches/110mm ) more useful for carrying anything bigger than a liter fuel bottle, like spare tubes, tire tools, axle wrenches, electric compressor, pressure gauge, rags, ... . Everything necessary for tire repair fits in 1 tube. Very accessible and convenient compared to digging through different boxes for different necessities on the trail. The 1 liter fuel bottles will provide 15-20 miles (24-32 kilometers) of range each. I've found 1 gallon Coleman fuel cans hold a more useful amount for my purposes, don't leak, and pack easily inside the luggage. It is a lot cheaper to buy a gallon of Coleman fuel ($12, really just finely filtered unleaded gasoline with no alcohol) and dump it in the car to get a can or two than to pay $60 for fuel bottles to hold about the same amount, but take up more space. A Coleman can of fuel provides 60-80 miles/95-130km range. Coleman cans ride quite well atop the Tourfella luggage with multiple bungies using the hooks thoughtfully provided. Run a couple bungies through the handle to prevent movement. A full tank is pretty dense and needs fairly substantial hold downs, so use enough tight bungies to prevent bouncing around. Put some self-stick rubber that goes on the bottom of house lamps along the top and bottom of the cans to prevent scratching the luggage. Coleman also sells a filtering funnel and a filtering spout that screws on the can for easy pouring and protection from mechanical contaminants in the fuel tank. The spout has a spring loaded valve that does not allow flow until it is in the tank and you push down on the can. Choose whichever you prefer for about $8 each. Either creates an inexpensive, safe, and simple to use system. I do not leave the spout on a can because it doesn't fit inside the luggage that way. I have a few heavy ziploc bags to hold the air-dried spout (fuel first, take care of personal needs, spout will be dry) that goes in the toolbox between the left side box and swing arm. The ziploc keeps the spout and filter clean.
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