Beware of imitations
Earlier we asserted that a jerrycan is superior to a plastic container, but this only applies to jerrycans manufactured according to NATO standards. Here are 10 features of a quality jerrycan worthy of your cash:
A jerrycan consists of two halves welded together lengthwise. The welded seam is recessed (lower than the body) so it doesn’t rub against anything while being transported.
A cheap jerrycan’s seam is exposed above the body and can easily be damaged.
The triple handle has a long, uniterrupted weld bead that attaches the entire width of the handle to the jerrycan. Cheap imitations use inferior spot welding.
The spout is slightly wider at the bottom than at the top and the breather is wide to allow enough air to enter the can so that fuel flows out freely without chugging. Cheap fakes often have an inadequate thin pipe that pokes out of the spout.
The flip cap is formed out of a single piece of metal that includes the hoops through which the cap’s prongs pass. Fakes have tacked-on hoops and they will bend and eventually break off after repeated use.
The coat of paint is highly scratch-resistant, even if you rub on it with your car keys. If not, it certainly won’t be durable enough for off-road conditions.
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6 When you flip open the cap to pour out fuel, the cap will remain open by itself. A fake one flops down like a dead fish.
The rubber seal inside the cap won’t fall out when manhandling the jerrycan. A cheap jerrycan’s seal easily drops out when you open the cap.
The triple handle is rounded and comfortable enough that you can carry it for several kilometres without it cutting into
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your flesh. Not so with cheapies.
When you peer inside, you will see a reddish-brown coat of paint. This is a protective layer that stops fuel from reacting with the metal and eroding it. Fakes have untreated metal that will rust before you can say oxidation.
A NATO jerrycan is heavy because the metal is thick and durable. Fakes are just tin sheeting and you can easily elbow a dent into one.