Jerry cans

[Riley Blue]

I've been using a couple of five litre plastic cans to carry reserve fuel in my Riley but whatever I do they don't seal properly and we sometimes get fumes in the car (they're kept in the boot).

I'd like to replace them with 'proper' jerry cans, either 2 x five litres or a single 10 litre can but from where? I've seen some that turn out to be from China but a reputable UK source would be preferable; any suggestions?

[Turbobanana]

Riley Blue said:

I've been using a couple of five litre plastic cans to carry reserve fuel in my Riley but whatever I do they don't seal properly and we sometimes get fumes in the car (they're kept in the boot).

I'd like to replace them with 'proper' jerry cans, either 2 x five litres or a single 10 litre can but from where? I've seen some that turn out to be from China but a reputable UK source would be preferable; any suggestions?

Genuine question: are you allowed to carry spare fuel in your car? I thought I'd read somewhere that you can't. Happy to be told I'm a numpty.

[indigochim]

Up to 30l apparently in 2 containers. up to 10l in a plastic container and 20l in a metal one.

I bought a 10l mini Jerry can from a DIY chain and I think the can itself is ok but the spout is hopeless it doesn't form a good seal with the mouth of the can. Fortunately I only needed it for a lawn mower and I could pour it without the spout. It may be worth looking at landrover/offroad places if you want a one of known quality.

[Old Merc]

You can carry Metal cans up to 20ltrs, plastic up to 10ltrs.

Halfords, Amazon and Militarymart sell all sorts of cans.

[seyre1972]

Off topic - watched this a while back on the history of the Jerry Can

[Turbobanana]

Good to know: thanks chaps

[5 In a Row]

I got a black 10l metal one from Homebase last year.
Haven't seen them in there again though.

Screwfix sell 20l ones.

[ZiggyNiva]

The Aldi ones have always done me well.

[DonkeyApple]

Plastic cans will often offgas because when you bang a tank around for a while in a car you knock the volatiles out of the fuel and get a pressure build up. Pop open a 10L mini metal Gerry can without thinking after its been in the boot for a while and you'll get a burst of fuel all over your crotch and down one leg leaving you looking like you've pissed yourself (allegedly).

A plastic can will opt to let the gas out via the seals than risk bursting a seam.

These days I sling an outboard tank in the boot. It's designed for the pressure so won't off-gas, has a release valve, a good shape for sitting on the floor and will last forever. I'm not a huge fan of metal tanks inside a car if it can't be very firmly tethered and kept away from any metalwork but then the usual plastic ones do have to ditch their pressure periodically.

A 12L tank with the filler set in a corner (to make tipping and pouring easier) should work well enough. Something like this: https://pacermarine.co.uk/product/12-litre-outboar...

[indigochim]

Found this 10l one at lunch. It looks to be a slimmer design of the traditional Jerry can. The video linked above describes how the design of this takes account for use in hot environments and the expansion. Ouch £40 once you factor the spout, VAT and shipping.

[Dogwatch]

"Proper" jerrycans have recessed seams. More expensive to produce but protected from bashing so less liable to leak.

[spikeyhead]

Fancy buying a job lot?

https://www.bidspotter.co.uk/en-gb/auction-catalog...

[aeropilot]

Riley Blue said:

I've been using a couple of five litre plastic cans to carry reserve fuel in my Riley but whatever I do they don't seal properly and we sometimes get fumes in the car (they're kept in the boot).

I'd like to replace them with 'proper' jerry cans, either 2 x five litres or a single 10 litre can but from where? I've seen some that turn out to be from China but a reputable UK source would be preferable; any suggestions?

Demon Tweeks.

(They still might be made in China though)

[mario328]

I got mine from Machine Mart, you need to order the spout separately.

https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/20-litre-jerry-can...

[Veesix75]

Got mine from a military surplus place, so assume good quality being ex mod. I’ve had them 22 years, they could have been 20 years old when I bought them for all I know.

However no issues, seal nice and tight, no smells and as someone said above I tether them tight in the boot. I usually stick 16 litres in each 20 litre can to make it a bit easier to pour.

[aeropilot]

Veesix75 said:

Got mine from a military surplus place, so assume good quality being ex mod. I’ve had them 22 years, they could have been 20 years old when I bought them for all I know.

However no issues, seal nice and tight, no smells and as someone said above I tether them tight in the boot. I usually stick 16 litres in each 20 litre can to make it a bit easier to pour.

Yep, still got my ex-MOD one's from my motorsport days 30 odd years ago....they were cheap from surplus places back then though, I think they were a fiver or something like that.

[williamp]

Witham have loads in their next auction

https://bid.mod-sales.com/auctions/8130/witham1012...

[Keep it stiff]

I suggest you forget buying a metal can and get a high spec plastic can such as one of these:

https://www.demon-tweeks.com/uk/vp-racing-12l-fuel...

[Turbobanana]

Veesix75 said:

Got mine from a military surplus place, so assume good quality being ex mod. I’ve had them 22 years, they could have been 20 years old when I bought them for all I know.

However no issues, seal nice and tight, no smells and as someone said above I tether them tight in the boot. I usually stick 16 litres in each 20 litre can to make it a bit easier to pour.

With the way fuel prices are going, this is what you'll need to store 16 litres of fuel:

[anonymous-user]

Keep it stiff said:

I suggest you forget buying a metal can and get a high spec plastic can such as one of these:

https://www.demon-tweeks.com/uk/vp-racing-12l-fuel...

Many race circuits have banned the use of plastic fuel containers at race meetings. You must use metal containers only.