Wavian NATO jerry can vs Scepter EPA plastic

So, here's where I'm at: I get that the EPA cans suck, and that folks like the Wavian metal jerry cans. But the Scepter EPA 5 gal plastic jerry cans are $13/ea at Costco, while the Wavians are about $70 at my local sportsman's supply.

Can anyone make a case that the Wavian is worth the $57 difference?

My particular use case: won't be permanently mounted on the truck. Will only fill and use for trips. So neither can will be exposed to the elements 24/7. Will be mounted inside the bed. Will be used offroad (forest service type roads).

Thoughts? I bought both, just wondering what to return.

 

Keep the Wavian if you are going to store gas for any length of time in a can. Otherwise you'll get water in the gas from condensation/air leakage.

You can never seal a plastic can. They expand/contract with temp. variations. If you try to seal them with O rings or whatever, they might crack/split at the seams, or loosen the cap. Ever see a plastic can wet around the cap? Some of the older ones also have a vent cap, which also leaks. Today's gas is crappy enough without adding water to it.

I have 8 Wavian cans, use 5 for avgas, 3 for generator gas storage. I absolutely can't have any water in aircraft or generator fuel.

 

I'll share my experience. Similar to the OP, I use a lot of forest/logging roads for hunting, fishing, etc. I like to carry a couple of 5 gallon gas cans. Occasionally, I have dog crates in my bed (I have a Leer Cap) during hunting season and I can't have any leaks/fumes. I've tried almost every brand of plastic container and have not found one that didn't leak. Plus, none really have a spout to use with a vehicle. I've found the Jerry can type (tall & narrow) leak proof, but too tippy and I didn't want to have to bother with installing any type of mounting system.

For my needs, I've got two of the following. Due to the shape, they do take up a little more room, but with my rubber bed mat, they've never slid or tipped over. And more importantly, they've never leaked (both fumes & gas).

$122 Justrite 7250120 AccuFlow 5 Gallon, 11.75" OD x 17.50" H Galvanized Steel Type II Red Safety Can With 5/8" Flexible Spout

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003PGRR5W/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=I3UYWKDJR4VXSY&colid=PORARC1UVEXP

Just my 2 cents.

 

The Costco "Jerry Cans" have the California - EPA nozzle. So stock, it is unusable to pour gas. I modified the nozzle, and added a vent. I only travel with the can to fill it up, otherwise it stays in the garage.

 

Don't put more than 5.0 gal. in a jerry can. It's made to hold 5.0 gal. AND additional air space for expansion. Since it is sealed when closed, that air space is critical. A jerry can won't breathe like a plastic can, which is how moist air (water) gets inside. Instead, they will swell up, distorting, ruining the can.

 

With the NATO cans you also do need to be careful when you open them in hot temps as it's very much like opening a can of coke you'll get the pop and a bit if gas could splash out. It has a warning about that right on the can so pls keep that in mind when you open them as you can't vent them before you open like the plastic cans.

Having said that I have replaced all but 2 of my plastic cans with the NATO ones as I've had the plastic ones fail in -30c and dump fuel everywhere.

No matter the NATO or Plastic cans you'll want to get a better fuel spout if you look at roverlader usa they had the metal NATO spouts for 15bucks a while back and they work really really well. If anyone was in the army they are like the old metal horse cock (donkey dick) style and pour really well without leaking or cracking.

 

I put a full jerry can on the bed rail and siphon it in. Emptys in less than 2 min.

 

Ohhh man that's a great idea ! I didn't even think about doing that I'm still just manhandled the thing and poured it in.......... they empty in about 45sec but unless you're in a race the siphon is gonna be so much easier!

I'm gonna give that a go man. Are you just using a shaker siphon ?

 

I'm an old school siphoner. I have 5' of 5/8" ID clear vinyl tubing. I sleeved one end with a 26" piece of 3/4" PVC pipe. The PVC holds the tubing straight inside the can, and it has a 6" 90 degree sweep bend (not sharp) at the top. I bent the 90 by heating the pipe with a heat gun, bending it by hand, holding it flat on the garage floor while it cools.
In the can, the 90 sits just above the spout, and the other end touches the bottom back corner inside the can. The bend at the top keeps the tubing from sliding up/down, and aimed the right direction without kinking. Use your shaker if you want. I don't have one. It will work either way.

I also have this portable pump, but it's slower than my siphon.

$37 TERA PUMP Automatic Shut-off Fuel Transfer Battery (2 D Batteries) Operated Pump with Auto-Stop Sensor, No Spills, 2ft Hose, Portable & Powerful Flow Rate at 2.4 GPM For Gas, Diesel, Kerosene

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00WZX9G8C/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

I'm gonna give that a go I was looking for a back up incase I loose or damage my spout.

I have a shaker but it's a PITA if I'm being honest so I'm gonna try with the PVC piping and see if that makes it better. Thanks again for the idea and the quick how to set it up !