Evap Canister -- Relocate or Fortify?

Choosing the Right Off-Road Modifications for My Jeep

In my early off-roading years, I struggled to decide which modifications to make on my Jeep. Fellow Jeepers always offered suggestions and advice. As I tackled more challenging trails in my stock Wrangler, I recognized the need to strengthen my undercarriage. Wheeling on rocky trails necessitates protecting your Jeep's belly.

Skid Plates: The First Line of Defense

Skid plates safeguard the critical components that propel your Jeep forward. I started with an engine/transmission skid plate, replaced my factory differential covers, and installed rear lower control arm skids.

Check out my Engine Skid Plate Install

To Protect or Not to Protect the Evap Canister

I faced recommendations to shield my evap canister. The choices were upgrading the factory skid plate with a tougher aftermarket version or relocating the canister. Adams Jeep, my preferred shop in Maryland, advised relocating it over the axle. While some Jeepers suggested I could handle this task myself, others recommended opting for a sturdier evap canister skid.

Evap Canister Skid 

However, many of my wheeling friends advised against any evap canister modifications, as they rarely encountered issues with scraping or hitting rocks. I ultimately decided to keep the evap canister as it was, straight from the factory.

relocation place for evap canister

A Decade of Wheeling Without Issues

After nearly a decade of wheeling across the country, I've encountered no problems. Although I usually don't wheel extreme rock trails, I've navigated the Rubicon Trail and tougher trails in Arizona and Rausch Creek without any difficulties.

What is the Evap Canister

The EVAP canister, or Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP) canister, is an essential component of a vehicle's emission control system. It plays a vital role in reducing harmful emissions and ensuring the vehicle's compliance with stringent emission standards.

The EVAP canister's primary function is to capture and store fuel vapors generated within the fuel system, preventing their release into the atmosphere. These vapors are created due to the natural process of fuel evaporation and are collected by the canister, which is strategically located near the fuel tank for easy access.

During the engine's combustion process, the stored fuel vapors are gradually purged from the EVAP canister and burned by the engine. This process significantly contributes to a cleaner and more eco-friendly driving experience, as it effectively reduces the release of harmful emissions.