madcratebuilder
Rank V
Pathfinder I
I have been using a pair of usgi mil-surp cans for 30+ years. I recently upgraded to Wavian. The Wavian CARB spout can be modded to a free flow design.
Gas can question for long term users
- Thread starter Jim SoG
- Start date
Member III
- 2,827
- First Name
- Tom
- Last Name
- Houston
- Member #
8300
- Ham/GMRS Callsign
- WØNUT Extra
A hint for you guys running the military surplus old design cans and mounting them upright. Take a piece of gas line hose and split it lengthwise, open it up and slide it on the bottom of the can around the outside edge seam. It keeps them from rattling and also from wearing through the seam due to chafing during long bumpy trips.
FueldumpYeah - I really should have read the offer more closely. My wife called it "cute" when i opened the box just now. Oh well; it's small enough to carry in the Disco as an emergency supply, and will fit in the tool box on my pickup.
Old thread, but I'm adding my vote for the "GERMAN" style (made in Croatia I think) large mouth metal Jerry cans. The only drawbacks are they are heavier, the spouts can be difficult to find (so it's best to order a couple of them), and the spouts are *not* compatible with the NATO spouts that everyone else seems to run. Another drawback is that they are metal in general, and this might be an issue for folks who want to run antennas close by.
I've run various cans -- Scepter, MFC, Wavian, and the like, and found that the German wide mouth cans are much more durable. They never leak. The large mouth pours much faster with or without the nozzle, and the steel seems to be thicker than the other options. I have run these on the back of my JK for almost 11 years and have had zero issues. They do very slightly expand during the heat, but nothing like my Wavian cans did, and it's probably due to me filling them up to the necks. The best place to find them is Colemans Military Surplus, and the SKU # is 456001. I just checked and they are $59.95, but I have seen them go on sale and/or coupons in the past.
Pics below of the German style versus the NATO style. Note the difference in neck/mouth.
I've run various cans -- Scepter, MFC, Wavian, and the like, and found that the German wide mouth cans are much more durable. They never leak. The large mouth pours much faster with or without the nozzle, and the steel seems to be thicker than the other options. I have run these on the back of my JK for almost 11 years and have had zero issues. They do very slightly expand during the heat, but nothing like my Wavian cans did, and it's probably due to me filling them up to the necks. The best place to find them is Colemans Military Surplus, and the SKU # is 456001. I just checked and they are $59.95, but I have seen them go on sale and/or coupons in the past.
Pics below of the German style versus the NATO style. Note the difference in neck/mouth.
Attachments
I use regular jerry cans without the nozzle. I use a super siphon hose to transfer the gas. No need to take my can 
out of the holder. Quick n easy with no spilling of gas.
out of the holder. Quick n easy with no spilling of gas.We did the super siphon thing for several years, despite having a spout available. The super siphon hose cracked after about 5 years, leading to air infiltration/loss of suction and failure to fill. Also, you have the issue of storing the siphon after use ... with all of the residual gasoline. I found that the spouts have less fuel left in them vs the super siphon after use, have less surface area to which fuel will adhere after use, and are more much more compact. I can temporarily toss the spout into my spare tire area and let it evap off while en route, and then store inside the Jeep once it's safe to do so.
Either way, the siphon has to be coiled and takes more space than a spout. If you coil it too tightly, it will kink and eventually fail at the kink. Ours failed because it was kinked by a zip tie at the store before we even bought it.
Either way, the siphon has to be coiled and takes more space than a spout. If you coil it too tightly, it will kink and eventually fail at the kink. Ours failed because it was kinked by a zip tie at the store before we even bought it.
Enthusiast III
- 2,421
- First Name
- Joseph
- Last Name
- Arietta
- Ham/GMRS Callsign
- KMA6AIU
- Service Branch
- US Submarine Force
Expedition Master III
I have one spectre tan fuel can, very nice, very durable. I need a source for a fuel spout for it that is not made with gold leaf.
Besides that I have 6 standard old school Jerry cans. These have to be stored upright as they vent, and will have leakage when on rough tracks.
I never invested in the german/NATO cans when they were cheap and easy to find. Thx to the EPA, they are scarce now.
But the gold leaf nozzle gives you 2" extra ground clearance and 10% more horsepower, dontcha know? ;)
All jokes aside we shopped around for a nozzle for a long time but eventually just spent the money on the one from Princess Auto. It's VERY durable, but whatever nozzle you go with have a plan to store it outside the rig. Once you use it on the road, it will stink of gas for a while so keeping it inside is no good.
The nozzles do not go on sale often.
I also suggest an oil filter wrench (if I've already suggested that I apologize) or a strap wrench for opening/closing the Scepter cans. Some folks make custom special-made wrenches but I don't think that's really necessary when the large filter wrenches work good -- the claw type, not the slip-on type.
Enthusiast III
Would like to get the Scepters but currently just use the NATO cans - Never had a leak issue - so far. But even their price is going up.
Member III
- 2,771
- First Name
- Rolando
- Last Name
- Nispiros
- Member #
17011
- Ham/GMRS Callsign
- KN6JJS
Going to see how these basic gas cans work on the roof rack for a couple of days. Only bought them for bug out situations. They are empty right now. 
Pathfinder I
Fill one with fuel seal it up and set it in the sun away from your rig, and your house. If it handles the fuel’s expansion as the temp rises without leaking vapor or fuel then I might consider trying one on the vehicle for a bit before I tried more. The MFC fuel cans I bought are STOUT plastic and they still balloon a bit after sitting in the sun. It’s not a problem if you know it, expect it, and plan for it.
Member III
- 2,771
- First Name
- Rolando
- Last Name
- Nispiros
- Member #
17011
- Ham/GMRS Callsign
- KN6JJS
The key to refueling without any mess is to do it in the cool mornings.
Member III
Harbor Freight has a good deal on fuel cans. $34.99 with coupon 5 Gallon Jerry Gas Can
Pathfinder I
They lost me at “Meets CARB standards”
Nope, refuse to touch any jerry can that’s modified for CARB. Wavian got it right with the CARB spout that works on their NATO cans. If you don’t like it you can drop it in the nearest trash can(at least until CARB decides trash cans need fixing too!) and order a proper one online.
Member III
Interesting. I wasn't planning on using the HF spout. CARB certified isn't the same as Wavian?
California Air Resources Board not sure they are my biggest concern. Camp fires aren't certified but I probably will make a few.
California Air Resources Board not sure they are my biggest concern. Camp fires aren't certified but I probably will make a few.
Last edited:
Enthusiast III
Do any of you have any recommendations on mounts for Waivian brand steel cans? I am wanting to carry 1 or 2 additional on my trailer's fender and looking for something that will hold them secure.
I have the Waivian branded lockable mount in my truck bed and it may work but its kind of flimsy.
I have the Waivian branded lockable mount in my truck bed and it may work but its kind of flimsy.
