Jerry cans. What and why?

[Trollhole]

There are a million different types. I know nothing about any except for the Nato cans. Can someone fill me in why you prefer one over the other?

Nato
Israeli
Weldco
Blitz
French
USGI (Sceptor, etc)
German water cans


What I do know.

The Jerry can was Invented by Hitler's army.

Colors are important because you don't want to be drinking out of one thats not approved for water.

Red_________Gasoline
Yellow_______ Diesel
Blue________ Kerosene
Tan or Light__ Blue Water (usually labeled)


So what are the advantages and disavantages to using each? What are the costs new and used?



Nato: As far as what I know I went on a recomendation from David Harrison about 4 years ago and bought a couple Nato cans used for something like $14 each from Coleman's Military Surplus, army surplus. survival gear, hunting, camping gear. Since then they have doubled in price. They have never leaked. I have just about done everything to them. I throw them around all the time in the back of the 40 and have tossed them a few times in the bushes at Whee for feer a lightning bolt would hit them and blow me up with them.

German water can. Have to say this was probably one of my best purchases. It's like $13 dollars used from colemans. It has what seems to be a really cheap handle but I have yet to break it. Best of all it has a 3 1/2 spout which makes pouring easy and there are quite a few times I'll just stuff my hand inside it and use it to wash my hands with.

 

[informationjunky]

I use the NATO's because they don't leak and were cheap when I purchased them. They are also easy to attach spout to. (US one's I've had leaked and were a PITA for attaching spout).

Water can - I have a surpluse US...good so far and large enough opening you can put ice and beer in.

 

[CandyPants]

I have a Blitz can and don't care for it one bit. It leaks. And when it gets hot, it bubbles and hisses and leaks. Worthless.

 

[BMThiker]

I think the recent markup on these is the fact that many are limited in stock and I (think) most states are requiring new manufacturers to produce Carb compliant gas caps on them. So it's like any other legal ban, the current inventory gets marked up because suddenly the (il)legality of them makes them worth more.

My .02...I like the marine cans that lay flat. It was only $24 at Bass Pro. It's 6 instead of 5 gallons. On the roof rack, it has a lower profile and I don't have to remove it to transfer the gas to my tank. I use one of those self priming (jiggle the marble) siphons to move the gas from the roof to the tank.

I have one of those $40 metal Blitz cans. A squirrel ate the plastic cap off of it and I got water inside that rusted the crap out of it. Now its worthless, unless someone knows how to clean the inside of one of those?

 

[Southeast Overland]

I think the recent markup on these is the fact that many are limited in stock and I (think) most states are requiring new manufacturers to produce Carb compliant gas caps on them. So it's like any other legal ban, the current inventory gets marked up because suddenly the (il)legality of them makes them worth more.

My .02...I like the marine cans that lay flat. It was only $24 at Bass Pro. It's 6 instead of 5 gallons. On the roof rack, it has a lower profile and I don't have to remove it to transfer the gas to my tank. I use one of those self priming (jiggle the marble) siphons to move the gas from the roof to the tank.

I have one of those $40 metal Blitz cans. A squirrel ate the plastic cap off of it and I got water inside that rusted the crap out of it. Now its worthless, unless someone knows how to clean the inside of one of those?

Can you clean and coat it like you do a gas tank. I believe POR15 has a 'do it yourself' kit but it might cost more than a new Jerry can.

 

[Brock]

I have the old style Blitz cans and also the old style Wedco cans...both have been around forever. Never had one leak on me. Actually used three BLITZ cans on trip to COlorado and one Wedco. The Wedco was blue for water...never leaked no matter if 104*F in Pueblo CO, 62* at Continental Divide or over 13,000 feet at Imogene Pass...never leaked...they did swell slightly but held up great.

Same for BLITZ that were filled with 4.5 gallons of gasoline each...used brass bung caps that you need to use screwdriver to tighten. Never a leak, hiss, fart, piss or anything....all worked great.

I use them cuz I can still find them for sale for $49 or less....they both fit in eachothers racks...and are both designs that have been around forever.

Gasoline are red....water are blue. Going to buy a few more from either my local Briggs and Stratton dealer or through Garret Wade.

The Blitz brass bung caps that need screwdriver to tighten and open properly have never leaked...I dont use the plastic caps...just carry the spouts in bag if needed. The Wedco have the cantilever caps that are also tight....but on either if you leave them outside too much you will need to replace rubber gaskets...so I have some extras just in case but no leaks when using them with good gaskets in 20 years.

 

[89s rule]

I have a Wadeco I bought from one of the UCLC guys a few yeasrs back. Its good, but I worry about rust.

I posted in the FS thread that I have a lead for som eof the plastic USGI SCEPTER cans. I would like to get 1 or 2 and need a few more to make it worthwhile.

 

[proinv]

Same here on the Blitz cans. I traveled 6550miles last month with extreme heat and elevations and did not have any problems. The cans were new as were the gaskets. Just make sure they are tight.