'Scepter' or NATO cans?

Hi guys.
I want 2 jerry cans for the rear swing out bumper (from '4X Innovations', 'double wide'/2 cans). Scepter (plastic) or NATO (metal)?
I think I'm gonna go w/Scepter, and am on the fence between 2 fuel ones or 1 fuel and 1 water.
Apparently they are slightly diff. sizes (the scepter fuel/water), so need to make up my mind now.
Leaning toward toward the 2 fuel cans since it's a now or never sort of thing, and store water in the bed. I wish they were the same size as to be interchangeable.

 

Scepter fuel and water cans - at least if you're using the military ones - are the same size and interchangable. I generally run two fuel on my bumper, but on shorter trips I sometimes run a fuel and water next to each other.

The Scepter are much better than the metal - there's a reason the military has transitioned to them. The only problem is that they are reasonably hard to get in the states, since they aren't CARB compliant. Getting them used/surplus is generally your best bet, unless you can get new ones from our neighbors to the north.

Lots more photos in my build thread. And photos of both cans in my gear roundup.

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Note how these cans are different than the "military" style Scepters sold in the USA to consumers, which have a small top opening. The plastic on these is about 3x as thick as well. Much more robust. These are what you get from Military surplus.

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I think I'm gonna go with the 2 fuel/carrier. Like you, will be used on longer trips. The spec's I have for the Scepters shows that the water cans are slightly smaller, so going to use a spacer of some sort to hold the water can snug. Most of the time like you're doin, I'll have the 1 fuel and 1 water can. I appreciate it.
That is some beautiful country and rig right there.

 

If you get a chance, also check out https://wavianusa.com/. There 5.3 gallon is currently out of stock but they offer a reliable, durable product.

Only thing I can't stand about them is their proprietary "safety spout". If you decide on wavian, replace the spout with -

Birsppy DROEAY Wavian Black Long-Nose Flexible NATO Jerry Can Spout/Nozzle Built to European Military Spec ?

https://smile.amazon.com/Wavian-Long-Nose-Flexible-European-Military/dp/B07R743DLY/

 

I know I'm sort of a curmudgeon for crapping on this, apologies in advance.

Having been on trips with folks running Wavian's, I can say without any hesitation that the Scepters are better. That said, the Wavian's are obviously easier to get in the US, and they are a definitely a better option than say, generic gas cans.

 

I’ve had great luck with the Scepter plastic cans over the last 3 years for water and fuel. I then use a

$19 wadoy Siphon Hose Gas/Oil/Water/Fuel Transfer Siphon Hand Pump Self Priming Shaker Hose 6' (2 Pack)

siphon shaker hose so I never have to move them around to get gas or water out of them. I’m personally not a fan of metal cans because of the fact that paint can chip off of them and get everywhere.

https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/scepter-53-gallon-military-style-carb-gas-can?rrec=true

https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/scepter-5-gal-military-style-water-container?ds_e=GOOGLE&ds_c=Shop|Generic|AllProducts|High|SSCCatchAll&gclid=Cj0KCQiA-aGCBhCwARIsAHDl5x97mZM2Jk5MSd4VEh73n7wN5wPEYlctrUHK90kcjGInoeIyjFXcfn4aAmyYEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

All good brother, you know I've always respected your opinion.

 

+1 on the shaker siphon. Have this one in the kit and no issues with it either.

$19 The Original Safety Siphon 6 Foot Hose For Gasoline And More - 1/2" Valve Siphon Pump - Use for Cars, Boats, Mowers - Self Priming Pump Transfers 3.5 Gallons per Minute - FDA Food Grade for Home Brews

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BG1X54/

 

Just make sure you don’t get your gas and water siphons mixed up like I almost have

 

4Xinnovations has a link to them and I checked them out. I think I'm gonna go with the Scepter cans. But I appreciate the info. IDK what's goin' on w/the Scepter spouts, but I'll figure it out. Waiting on the carriers now, then to the powder-coater, then I can finally put the bumper on.

 

I appreciate the info., makes me more confident spending the money.

 

Much appreciated, the idea of not having to hoist those around sounds sensible to me, I'm figuring this out w/your guys help.

 

I can't take all of the credit. I learned about these siphons from somebody else one here too haha

It's perfect for keeping the gas can in the front driver side of the bed right beside the truck's gas cap so all you have to do is run the siphon between the jerry can and filler neck. I usually keep my water near the back against the tailgate, but now I don't have to lug it around to get water out.

 

thx for the links!

10-4, info. is key. The forum here is good for that. Anything to make life easier on the rd. and in the back-country is a plus in my book. I like to get out and go prospect for minerals, so it'll leave me more time for that. I appreciate you guys.

 

I have an older version of this ordered from the same website. It's been great. I use the Scepter cans for off road and long term fuel storage for the generator. My only complaint is the amount that they swell during the summer but that's also one of their advantages.

https://jagmte.com/collections/scepter-mfc-accessories/products/pour-spout-scepter-fuel-mfc-19mm-3-4

 

Also, just be aware that the "military style" Scepters sold at Cabellas, Costco, etc. are not actually the same as "Military" Scepters. Their construction is consumer grade all around (like any plastic gas station can). To get the heavy duty ones, you really need to purchase from a surplus store, or some place that sells Military goods.

They are significantly more expensive - on the order of $100+ in the US - but IMO worth it. eBay or surplus auctions are really the only place I think you can purchase them, since they aren't CARB. Here's a good search to watch: https://ebay.us/HVpq66

All that said, for most people, the Military Scepters might be more than they need (Brent @PcBuilder14 for instance is not the daintiest of offroaders, so if he uses the Cabellas ones, that's a good vote for them), and I don't know your use, so take everything I say with your own use in mind.

 

Dan makes a good point here. These are definitely not built as “thick” as the traditional military style ones you think of like what he has. The are about the same thickness as your typical gas can you’d get for your lawn mower.

What I like about them is that they are the same style so you can run them in a jerry can holder that most tire carriers have an option for and they are significantly cheaper than other jerry can options.

But, time will tell on whether or not they will last long enough to be a worthy investment over the heavier duty styles out there. If they end up only lasting 5 years and you see this as a hobby that you will continue being involved in then it may not be feasible to spend $40 every 5 years for a couple of cans when you can get the “real deal” 2x cans for ~$230 (just saw that price on Dan’s eBay link) and will arguably last much longer if not your lifetime.

I’d say if you are willing to front the higher cost then go with the true military style scepter cans like Dan has. But I don’t think you can go wrong with the cheaper ones if they will be used only a few times a year. If I was to do it again I’d be tempted to make the jump to the higher priced ones just for longevity’s sake.

 

I think I know what you mean, and points taken. I know they are more expensive the true military ones, but I think I'll try to go that route. I thank you for the links.
I try to keep in mind how I'll be using stuff, and the terrains I'll be in for sure. I think spending the money for the tougher ones is the way to go. But first I need to get the bumper all sorted out, coated and put on I mean.
Thx!

 

Yeah I think the military ones are the way to go. I appreciate you guys. First I need to get the bumper on, and spend some more money. A fair amount of money seems to be going into these projects, but like you say, good to spend good money to get the good stuff.
Good to have the option of the lesser expensive ones I suppose also. I'll be happy to get this swing out bumper finally put on here soon, just in time for the warm season here.
Thx!

 

OP sounds like you are making a good choice going with military plastic Scepters.

This thread has good information so I am going to add another option to it.
Metal Jerry Cans can be found for under $50 on ebay, craigslist, etc. However, they likely require restoration. I bought a Jerry Can from a fellow tacomaworld member for $35. It had some expected rust on the interior. I ordered new gaskets and a new screw on spigot with a smaller diameter tube that fits inside the Tacoma gas tube. As I waited for the parts, I poured cleaning vinegar (6% acidity vs 5% for regular vinegar or apple cider vinegar - ~$3/gal) and some old chains (spare hardware works good too) into the gas can and shook it periodically over a few days. The rust cleaned up pretty well but there was still some minor scarring at the bottom. I added Red Kote fuel tank liner to help preserve the Jerry can interior from rust, which keeps the gas clean. The X stamped on the side of the can provides strength and allows for expansion as pressure rises from increasing temperatures. The G stands for Gas and the QMC stands for Quartermaster Corps.


Picture of the interior after Red Kote applied, shows the markings stamped on the bottom and the rust scars on the lower portion of the picture.

The first line, ICC-5L, is the standard the can conforms to, the second line, M.C.C., is the name or initials of the manufacturer, in my case, Melvina Can Company and the third line, 20-5-51, is the capacity and date, 20 liters-5 gallons, made in 1951. The screw on cap was made by Rieke in Auburn, Indiana.