Storage around the tank

[antimony]

Good evening folks
I've only been driving on gas for a couple of weeks so I'm still allowed to ask daft questions.
I've a toroidal tank in the spare wheel well, so I've lost some useful storage space.
Can I store stuff around the tank? - high viz jacket, towing rope, can of WD40, selection of tools etc or is it a big no no?
Thanks.

[Gilbertd]

If there's space, of course you can. I've got a toroidal in the spare wheel well of a P38 Range Rover and that would normally have the jack, wheelbrace, etc next to the spare. As I didn't get a jack or wheelbrace with the car, the space is filled with assorted cans of WD40, carb cleaner, electrical contact cleaner, spray grease, a box containing assorted useful things like tape, spare Jubilee clips, a spare stepper motor for the gas system, binding wire, air suspension pump up valves as well as the wheelbrace. As long as you don't put anything abrasive next to the tank where vibration could cause it to wear away at the tank, it's fine.

[rossko]

But beware making a rust trap (damp rags etc.) due to condensation.

[Sir Henry]

Although it's fine to store your hi-vis vest there while driving in the UK, it's not when driving in France or several other EU countries. Their rules state that the vest should be within reach of the passenger/driver without first getting out of the car. In practice that means hung on the back of each occupied seat.

Note also that from June French law requires that all cars carry an alcometer/breathalyzer. Cheap electronic ones can now be obtained over here that should be adequate. I'll let you know if I get stopped and the Gendarme in question still gives me an on-the-spot fine with mine.

[Gilbertd]

That's true, my hi-viz lives under the drivers seat. You can buy a pack of 3 of the disposible breathalysers on the ferry, at the port or in the Autoroute service stations for under a tenner. I think they have to be French approved ones so the cheapo made in China ones on eBay aren't good enough. I suspect it will be like the old days where used to pull UK registered cars as they come out of the docks to check for headlamp deflectors, spare bulbs, etc.