FUEL CANS?
- Thread starter buckwilk
- Start date
Boy... don't I feel silly now with my fancy-schmancy, "big name" Scepter cans and what not. 
Of course CARB emissions regulation compliant mandates weren't even promulgated when I got mine and they were $35.00, back in the day. Which is nice since I'm sitting on a small fortune of fuel cans.
"Jerry" cans is a vague term for fuel cans now; it originated from the Brits nickname for the German fuel can design they and the US adopted since they were more durable and easily transported than the containers the Allies originally used.
The other "Jerry" can out there are the metal "NATO" cans, the European design made of 2 pieces of formed metal whose seam is electronically welded, or the similar "Wedco" design made of metal, too.
Just be careful to inspect them periodically since the internal can is coated to protect the metal from rusting, the potential for which is much worse now since mandated oxygenated fuels are now in use. Although generally limited to 10%, I understand in some heavily urbanized CA regions the percentage is much higher and can result in rusting, and of course fuel system clogging debris can be quite problematic if not down-right destructive.
The Canadian-made, plastic Scepters are standard US and NATO usage with a NSN, and are used by our allies and other partners world-wide. Extensively tested, they are not subject to the explosive capacity of metal cans. As many know an empty metal can that carried liquid gasoline, but now only vapor, has the explosive potential of 5-sticks of dynamite. Plastic Scepters can be shot or burned and the plastic merely melts whereas metal can provoke ignition and violent explosion, hence why the US military and other countries services selected them as replacement for the metal can. Other advantages some of us owners know is the vented, filtering fuel spout that allows discharging the 5 gallons in about 15-20 seconds with minimal if any spillage, for those who can walk and chew gum, simultaneously. Other available accessories allow it to be connected directly to a generator for longer run capacity or replacement parts should you damage your cap assembly. The truly leak-proof caps have stymied the strongest among us in the heat and sun or extreme cold, unless you have the cleverly designed cap wrench. I don't know about "big name," it's just a flippin' fuel can, but it provides a high level of serviceability. Thanks to US regulators and specious legislature, they have created additional consumer demand, which has resulted in ridiculously high prices for them.
Buy once, cry once. Or, visit scenic Scarborough, Ontario, Canada just outside of Toronto (where they're made). Better yet, give Josh a call at AJIK Overland who has the best deals available for refurbished to new standard Scepter Military Fuel Cans (MFC).
Of course CARB emissions regulation compliant mandates weren't even promulgated when I got mine and they were $35.00, back in the day. Which is nice since I'm sitting on a small fortune of fuel cans.
"Jerry" cans is a vague term for fuel cans now; it originated from the Brits nickname for the German fuel can design they and the US adopted since they were more durable and easily transported than the containers the Allies originally used.
The other "Jerry" can out there are the metal "NATO" cans, the European design made of 2 pieces of formed metal whose seam is electronically welded, or the similar "Wedco" design made of metal, too.
Just be careful to inspect them periodically since the internal can is coated to protect the metal from rusting, the potential for which is much worse now since mandated oxygenated fuels are now in use. Although generally limited to 10%, I understand in some heavily urbanized CA regions the percentage is much higher and can result in rusting, and of course fuel system clogging debris can be quite problematic if not down-right destructive.
The Canadian-made, plastic Scepters are standard US and NATO usage with a NSN, and are used by our allies and other partners world-wide. Extensively tested, they are not subject to the explosive capacity of metal cans. As many know an empty metal can that carried liquid gasoline, but now only vapor, has the explosive potential of 5-sticks of dynamite. Plastic Scepters can be shot or burned and the plastic merely melts whereas metal can provoke ignition and violent explosion, hence why the US military and other countries services selected them as replacement for the metal can. Other advantages some of us owners know is the vented, filtering fuel spout that allows discharging the 5 gallons in about 15-20 seconds with minimal if any spillage, for those who can walk and chew gum, simultaneously. Other available accessories allow it to be connected directly to a generator for longer run capacity or replacement parts should you damage your cap assembly. The truly leak-proof caps have stymied the strongest among us in the heat and sun or extreme cold, unless you have the cleverly designed cap wrench. I don't know about "big name," it's just a flippin' fuel can, but it provides a high level of serviceability. Thanks to US regulators and specious legislature, they have created additional consumer demand, which has resulted in ridiculously high prices for them.
Buy once, cry once. Or, visit scenic Scarborough, Ontario, Canada just outside of Toronto (where they're made). Better yet, give Josh a call at AJIK Overland who has the best deals available for refurbished to new standard Scepter Military Fuel Cans (MFC).
I have a couple of scepter water jugs, love em. I have a couple of rotopax fuel cells as well. Now that I have a vehicle with a 75 gallon fuel capacity I only carry one, mostly for other folks in need or to run the genny if I bring it along. I used rotopax back when I had my Jeep. They do NOT leak or emit fumes. I could store them inside the vehicle in the summer in Yuma AZ! You wouldn't even know they were there! The wide variety of mounting options was always very attractive to me as well. If you don't require a large amount of reserve fuel and are limited on mounting space; I highly recommend rotopax.
The Jeep days......
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TheCelt
Adventurist
Great
Thanks now if ever I need to be "shot and burned", or if I'm in a race and need to be able to "discharge 5 gallons of fuel in 15-20 seconds, I'll know what gas can to buy along with that "cleverly designed cap wrench" at a extra charge of course. Along with one of them fancy titanium sporks.
Now I don't doubt there are merits with the Scepter fuel can, maybe their lighter. I would be willing to try one and see if it's worth the cost, but at $100+ and the cost of the wrench not worth it in my opinion. Especially when my cheap "Jerry cans" have served me without any of the issues as stated above. Now the Rotopax do seem to be able to be mounted up better than my metal Jerry cans as in different ways. I should take a better look at them. As they seem like you would be able to save some space.
As to the checking of the conditions of the "Jerry cans" doesn't(or should anyways) everybody do a check over of all their equipment anyways...
Boy... don't I feel silly now with my fancy-schmancy, "big name" Scepter cans and what not.
Of course CARB emissions regulation compliant mandates weren't even promulgated when I got mine and they were $35.00, back in the day. Which is nice since I'm sitting on a small fortune of fuel cans.
"Jerry" cans is a vague term for fuel cans now; it originated from the Brits nickname for the German fuel can design they and the US adopted since they were more durable and easily transported than the containers the Allies originally used.
The other "Jerry" can out there are the metal "NATO" cans, the European design made of 2 pieces of formed metal whose seam is electronically welded, or the similar "Wedco" design made of metal, too.
Just be careful to inspect them periodically since the internal can is coated to protect the metal from rusting, the potential for which is much worse now since mandated oxygenated fuels are now in use. Although generally limited to 10%, I understand in some heavily urbanized CA regions the percentage is much higher and can result in rusting, and of course fuel system clogging debris can be quite problematic if not down-right destructive.
The Canadian-made, plastic Scepters are standard US and NATO usage with a NSN, and are used by our allies and other partners world-wide. Extensively tested, they are not subject to the explosive capacity of metal cans. As many know an empty metal can that carried liquid gasoline, but now only vapor, has the explosive potential of 5-sticks of dynamite. Plastic Scepters can be shot or burned and the plastic merely melts whereas metal can provoke ignition and violent explosion, hence why the US military and other countries services selected them as replacement for the metal can. Other advantages some of us owners know is the vented, filtering fuel spout that allows discharging the 5 gallons in about 15-20 seconds with minimal if any spillage, for those who can walk and chew gum, simultaneously. Other available accessories allow it to be connected directly to a generator for longer run capacity or replacement parts should you damage your cap assembly. The truly leak-proof caps have stymied the strongest among us in the heat and sun or extreme cold, unless you have the cleverly designed cap wrench. I don't know about "big name," it's just a flippin' fuel can, but it provides a high level of serviceability. Thanks to US regulators and specious legislature, they have created additional consumer demand, which has resulted in ridiculously high prices for them.
Buy once, cry once. Or, visit scenic Scarborough, Ontario, Canada just outside of Toronto (where they're made). Better yet, give Josh a call at AJIK Overland who has the best deals available for refurbished to new standard Scepter Military Fuel Cans (MFC).
Thanks now if ever I need to be "shot and burned", or if I'm in a race and need to be able to "discharge 5 gallons of fuel in 15-20 seconds, I'll know what gas can to buy along with that "cleverly designed cap wrench" at a extra charge of course. Along with one of them fancy titanium sporks.
Now I don't doubt there are merits with the Scepter fuel can, maybe their lighter. I would be willing to try one and see if it's worth the cost, but at $100+ and the cost of the wrench not worth it in my opinion. Especially when my cheap "Jerry cans" have served me without any of the issues as stated above. Now the Rotopax do seem to be able to be mounted up better than my metal Jerry cans as in different ways. I should take a better look at them. As they seem like you would be able to save some space.
As to the checking of the conditions of the "Jerry cans" doesn't(or should anyways) everybody do a check over of all their equipment anyways...
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Jerrycans (the NATO kind), because metal.
Mine are often carried in a trailer with firewood, and I've worn through the Scepter cans before. Plastic wears until leaking, metal just loses some paint.
Mine are often carried in a trailer with firewood, and I've worn through the Scepter cans before. Plastic wears until leaking, metal just loses some paint.
I appreciate your sarcasm; like I've always said, "if a point is worth making, it's worth making sarcastically." So that wasn't an attack against @TheCelt, just expanding on the level of knowledge for those who may be considering bulk liquid transportation for travel and additional information for why the Scepter cans fill a market demand, were affordable, and now are no longer an easy option due to government regulation. Somebody might actually look at this thread and get some useful information from it. They might even find the history or engineering behind a subject interesting.
Another irrelevant point; over the last 3 years I don't carry MFCs since fabricating and mounting an 18 gallon auxiliary fuel tank for the Tacoma. Taking advantage of unused space under the truck where the spare tire was once stored, gives owners a reasonable location to adapt the space for another highly desirable capacity for their overlanding vehicle. The rear bumper swingout dual Jerry can carrier is now reserved for Scepter Military Water Cans (MWC).
Regarding rust in cans and oxygenated fuels, and your observation, "doesn't everybody do a check over of all their equipment anyways..." My reply, "Uh, no... that's a learned behavior and not many people learn to do that until they screw up the first time. I call this 'job security.'"
Below are a couple images taken recently of the carb on a customers truck who complained of, "sluggish acceleration." The contribution of ethanol fuel additives has probably done more to decrease performance, fuel mileage, and contribute to airborne pollutants from consumers vehicles, as well as rob owners by necessitating more repairs due to ethanol's insidiously corrosive effects on engine systems. I've also seen excessively corroded and even perforated fuel tanks from the long-term use of oxygenated fuels in metal fuel tanks and a number of metal Jerry cans.
TheCelt
Adventurist
I appreciate your sarcasm; like I've always said, "if a point is worth making, it's worth making sarcastically." So that wasn't an attack against @TheCelt, just expanding on the level of knowledge for those who may be considering bulk liquid transportation for travel and additional information for why the Scepter cans fill a market demand, were affordable, and now are no longer an easy option due to government regulation. Somebody might actually look at this thread and get some useful information from it. They might even find the history or engineering behind a subject interesting.
Another irrelevant point; over the last 3 years I don't carry MFCs since fabricating and mounting an 18 gallon auxiliary fuel tank for the Tacoma. Taking advantage of unused space under the truck where the spare tire was once stored, gives owners a reasonable location to adapt the space for another highly desirable capacity for their overlanding vehicle. The rear bumper swingout dual Jerry can carrier is now reserved for Scepter Military Water Cans (MWC).
Regarding rust in cans and oxygenated fuels, and your observation, "doesn't everybody do a check over of all their equipment anyways..." My reply, "Uh, no... that's a learned behavior and not many people learn to do that until they screw up the first time. I call this 'job security.'"
Below are a couple images taken recently of the carb on a customers truck who complained of, "sluggish acceleration." The contribution of ethanol fuel additives has probably done more to decrease performance, fuel mileage, and contribute to airborne pollutants from consumers vehicles, as well as rob owners by necessitating more repairs due to ethanol's insidiously corrosive effects on engine systems. I've also seen excessively corroded and even perforated fuel tanks from the long-term use of oxygenated fuels in metal fuel tanks and a number of metal Jerry cans.
I didn't take it as a personal attack at all. I get what you was offering as been there broke that. I'm sorry if I came off as being a dick, didn't mean to at all. The auxiliary gas tank is a GREAT idea, if one can fab one up. I'm wanting to do that myself.
I don't keep fuel in my Jerry cans for very long. And I check all my equipment on a regular basis and I just assume everyone did the same. Again your right it's a lesson I learned the hard way as a kid.
Again I wasn't meaning to be a dick, and if I came across that way to you I apologize.
That's cool - I didn't want you to feel that I just emptied my bladder into your Wheaties either - I didn't take it that way at all... it's just that we live in a politically correct world, and it doesn't take a whole lot to get butt-hurt on the internet these days, in this faceless exchange of words and ideas.
You have to be careful with the internet ball-busting for a while until you feel you know someone a little better first... like I couldn't just come out and say, "I hope you enjoy your cheap-ass, crappy, gas cans," right off the bat. You must have that back and forth exchange until you've established that comfort level first...
For anyone who wants a history lesson on the Jerry can along with an exercise regimen for the scroll wheel on your mouse... the guys at EE always come through....
https://www.expeditionexchange.com/wavian/
https://www.expeditionexchange.com/wavian/
F250inTX
Adventurist
Hey guys... I'm headed to CA for a 3 week trip. The guy heading up the trip through Death Valley wants us to have 10 gal spare fuel. I only have a 5 gal Diesel can. I could buy another but would not use again. If a friend has an older Jerry can I can borrow it probably won't be CARB compliant. Is the CA law you can't sell non-carb compliant or that you can't use them... are they maybe "grandfathered"?
I wouldn't be horribly concerned about it. I've never had an issue filling up a non compliant dump can for a desert race at any gas stations. I have heard of people at Glamis getting hassled about non-compliant cans, I suspect they were doing something else and the cans were an excuse to come talk to them.
BoldAdventure
Adventurist
Out of state plates man. I never got hassled for the 6 weeks I spent camping in California with my NATO cans. I wouldn't worry much about it. Pretty sure it's mandated they can't be sold. Not used.
I never got hassled for the 6 weeks I spent camping in California with my NATO cans. I wouldn't worry much about it. Pretty sure it's mandated they can't be sold. Not used.
My cans are not CARB compliant, I have never had an issue. I think the only way anyone will say anything is if you get pulled over and piss off the officer to the point that he writes you up for everything he can find. I would not worry about it at all.