2022 jeep grand cherokee capless gas tank

We are presently in Broome, having come across from the east via the Plenty Hwy, and the Kimberley. Several thousand k of very dusty dirt roads, and as the fuel access actually collects dust, a number of times on our 2012 I've had to dig out the cap from dust and carefully clean the neck before refueling.
This situation of dust collecting would be the same on the 2014, but with the major difference that there isn't a cap to help shield the filler neck from the crud that surely is going to get down into the seal area.
Are there any solutions around?
A change of model is on the cards for us, but I don't want to go from frying pan to fire.
John

Not sure how the seal on yours is, but for MY14 it is just around the door.
The filler nozzle sits back from the door. If more sealing is required, it would be easy to either fit a secondary row of sealing, or I am sure you could get some form of cap/plug to seal the opening shut.

This situation of dust collecting would be the same on the 2014, but with the major difference that there isn't a cap to help shield the filler neck from the crud that surely is going to get down into the seal area.
Are there any solutions around?
John

Among a few other design oversights, the capless fuel filler is the most ill thought out, dumb and downright bloody stupid feature of the MY14.

For those spending any more than a km on unsealed outback Australian roads, the outer door

seal the dust out. Even placiing a small rag in there over the top of the cap would be better than nothing. I'd be very wary of putting anything (i.e. plug) inside the filler neck, as it may break the seal, worsening the situation. A stubby cork shape might work but I doubt the throat will hold an internal plug secure enough on rough roads. If considering those plastic multi-fit type fuel tank caps; the outer shape of the filler neck doesn't bode well for a proper fit - they are likely to be too loose to be of any real use. A good way may be to use a small heavy duty plastic bag of some sort and zip clip or rubber band it around under the neck collar - but that would be fiddly and a PITA each time you had to refill. Before any of the above, try a (large size) condom (or two) - tight seal, quick, easy, disposable

Lastly, have a look at installing a Racor, just in case!

Photos were much appreciated.
The 2012's don't have a seal around the door so that may be of some benefit.
Diesel film does attract dust, and it seems to me that it could be an issue......places we take our vehicle anyway.
I'm hoping for an answer like - nope it isn't an issue, and here's why.......
Someone must have had their new truck filthy by now.

B nice if a cap off a spray can would fit over the neck maybe

I'd be very wary of putting anything (i.e. plug) inside the filler neck, as it may break the seal, worsening the situation. A stubby cork shape might work but I doubt the throat will hold an internal plug secure enough on rough roads.

I was thinking of a rubber style plug with a rather slim cap type section so it wouldn't protrude so far as to put pressure on the door. If it is rubber or silicone then it should be able to deal with vibrations.

Something like this could work.

Balloon skin with rubber band?

I was thinking of a rubber style plug with a rather slim cap type section so it wouldn't protrude so far as to put pressure on the door. If it is rubber or silicone then it should be able to deal with vibrations.

Something like this could work.

I think I have seen that object in a few videos before . . . .

I did get a suggestion from another owner who folds a small hand towel over the cap before the door is closed. He says that works a treat for him.
Thank you again Snuke for your suggestion however these days my risk tolerance is reduced so best I not go any further with that.
John

Very interesting plug design P/N A55-CRAK, but I think if I get dust and dirt inside the door I'll do a Form In Place seal(FIP).

I was thinking of a rubber style plug with a rather slim cap type section so it wouldn't protrude so far as to put pressure on the door. If it is rubber or silicone then it should be able to deal with vibrations.

Something like this could work.

You are one bent unit Snuke,
Very enterprising of you, sure it won't leave you short else where?

On a more serious note. The capless cap section actually comes away from the filler. Push and twist anti clockwise and it will pop right off. I had a dust issue and was able to remove it so I could clean it. Seems to work ok. I actually stick some foam in there and shut the filler door on it. It was an old car washing sponge cut to fit. Not sure if the seal on the door that let the dust in in the first place or it was my wife not closing the flap.... either way haven't had a problem since.

Snuke, is that one of your plugs?

The truth of the matter is you cant beat a cap, it has a positive seal, the capless filler neck has many shortfalls, sealing, the spring loaded plastic flap falling off back into the tank, and for me worst of all among a long list of going backward items is the plastic door, security is non existent, and seriously you shouldn't have to re-seal with foam or any other material, it is a 4x4, I preferred the metal one.

This is not a good sign.
I washed the car last night, and thought to check how good it seals. Not very well. No high pressure wash, just a normal hose with a gun nozzle on Shower mode and no nozzle but slightly retarded flow rate.

When i saw the cap less area i was a little taken back
Its obvious to me that both water and bull dust will and can enter the tank when you put he fuel filler hose in
For Australia, i thin Jeep needs to provide a simple plastic cup to go over and seal off the capless system

Sent from my iPad using JeepGarage

So Snuke, are you reconsidering the suggestion you made on 10/5 to cope with the sealing?

Hell no, even more reason to get that. If it's wet it needs even more.

B nice if a cap off a spray can would fit over the neck maybe

I was wondering if you could use the plastic cap off one of those big water cooler jugs to fit over the thing.

I suppose you could just stuff a sheet of foam plastic in there to fill it up, but I'd expect the aftermarket to be offering tight fit caps for the capless fillers already.

Your dust must be more persistent. I ran thru the incredibly sticky fine dust west and north of vegas last summer and was surprised at how clean that filler neck stayed.

Got a vendor for that thingie?
It looks like it sure beats sticking a cork in it.

.. or Snuke's errr, ummmmm, "extended cork"