Why do you need a snowmobile gas can? Well, this is quite obvious. A snowmobile gas can is useful when going for a long trip in the woods or in other places where you don’t have a gas station nearby. As we saw in the other article: how big is a gas tank, the average snowmobile has a gas tank of around 10 US gallons (37.85 liters), depending on the model (read more there if you are interested). With a tank of this size, you will have a range of about 200 miles (or 300 km).
If you go for a snowmobile trip, let’s say you stay at a cabin, you will probably do over 200 miles or 300 km on the whole trip. Even a 1-2 day trip can finish 10 gallons fast. So, what to do? Get a snowmobile gas can that you can even attach to your snowmobile, carry to your cabin easily or place it in the trunk of your car.
There are other ways to fuel your snowmobile, but this is the easiest way. A snowmobile gas can is pretty cheap and can save you a lot of time.
There are different types of gas cans, but here is what you need to look for:
Fit your sled
You will probably want to carry the gas can with you. This is not possible if the can can’t be easily attached to the sled. If it’s not fastened well, the gas can will produce odd noises or even fall off.
Check if you can buy an OEM gas can holder from your dealer. OEM means it’s produced by the sled’s manufacturer and it’s gonna fit your sled for sure. They are also high quality and durable, but more expensive.
Material
You will probably want it to be lightweight. This way, it will not influence your sled’s performance. The best ones have aluminum construction. Plastic ones are good, but usually, not as durable.
Strap
Need to be easily fastened. Be careful when ordering a gas tank holder online as the straps may not be included. You will probably need to order them separately. In my experience, most gas can racks don’t include straps in the package.
Example of gas tank strap from Amazon: Polaris 7081248 Fuel Can Mount Strap
Support
They need to support the type of can (dimensions) that you have. If you don’t have a gas can yet, you can easily buy them together. Make sure the gas can rack or holder can fit your fuel can. For example, this original Polaris Gas Can Rack can support 8.5″ x 12″ fuel can.
Can size
Depending on the holder and can there are multiple sizes available. If you want an urgency fuel source, you may get a small one, for example, 1 gallon. If you want to take long rides, get a can of 3 gallons or so.
Pump?
Some gas cans have a small pump for easy transfer. They run on small batteries and can facilitate the transfer of fuel. They have the auto-stop feature so they will stop when they are full automatically. If you have money to spare and don’t want the mess, they are a good choice.
Gas can Racks/Holders
Take a look at this one: Polaris Snowmobile New OEM Tunnel Fuel/Gas/Jerry Can Rack/Holder/Braket Kit
Gas Cans
Did you run out of fuel?
Well, that’s a pity. If you have a gas station nearby, that’s easy. But there is a chance there isn’t. Usually, the easy way to get back running is to use a clear tube and a gas can. Using this method you can get gas out of your car and transfer it to your snowmobile.
Conclusion
Get a gas tank holder and gas can for your needs. If you want to cross the woods, get a big 3 gallons one. Most important thing is to fit your sled well. You don’t want to worry about it when you ride.
It’s not such a big choice, and probably any gas can holder and gas can will do the job. If you are curious how big are the gas tanks on an average snowmobile read this article.
