Scepter Jerry Cans

[DUTCH]

There are strong feelings in both camps (metal vs plastic) regarding jerry cans; but after the following experience with Scepter, I am fully entrenched in their camp.

Last year I purchased a Scepter Manufacturing Ltd plastic 20 liter (5 gallon) Military Fuel Can (MFC) and three plastic 20 liter Military Water Cans (MWC). I've used the MFC for about a year and like it a lot. It does not leak no matter if it's stored upright or not or how I throw it around; and a few scratches are not going to be a starting point for rust. It works very well.

I haven't used the MWC's until I started getting ready for an upcoming back country trip to Colorado and Utah; and I found that all three of the MWC's seep/drip/leak from the fill cap when placed on their side no matter how tight that I turn the cap. I emailed the online merchant where I purchased them, and haven't received a response.

I also emailed the Scepter Mfg corporate contact shown on the Scepter website, but didn't really expect much to come of it. Imagine my happy suprise when I received an email back a few hours later asking me for details on the MWC's and wanting to know the date code moulded in the cans. I sent that info back to them; and within a few minutes I received a response telling me that they would replace all three through another retailer in the Atlanta area, since the cans should not leak. They also asked me to send one of the leakers back to them at their expense so that their QC department can inspect it to determine the cause.

Now that is an example of how Customer Service should be handled! Would I recommend Scepter Jerry Cans or any of their other products? You can bet your 'bippy' on that! Thank you Scepter for standing behind your products and for actually practicing what you preach in the statement of Customer Service on your website!!

[Colorado Ron]

Just so you know, I have been going back and forth on replacing all my old metal cans. This above story has sealed the deal. Ill be ordering 4 next week. Thanks!

[OverlandZJ]

Awesome. I have a Sceptor MWC and it doesnt leak a drop.

In previous threads about Sceptor cans here the results were mixed when it came to leakage. Your report of their CS also seals the deal with me for MFC's.

[18seeds]

I use the diesel can. Found a guy here in CO that stocks them so i didn/t have to order. I just need to figure out how to mount it to my camper

[Scott Brady]

Great feedback!

Just an FYI, but Adventure Trailers (http://www.adventuretrailers.com/) (one of the forum sponsors) sells the Scepter cans and some cool holders too

[Colorado Ron]

Do you own a piece of AT or somthing? I see info about them in every other thread I read on here lately. Not that Im complaining, just curious.:ylsmoke:

[Scott Brady]

Do you own a piece of AT or somthing? I see info about them in every other thread I read on here lately. Not that Im complaining, just curious.:ylsmoke:

Nope, just good friends of mine that sell lots of cool gear we all use.

They are a forum sponsor though, so mentioning them keeps all the good karma flowing :smiley_drive:

[calamaridog]

I have some Wedco metal cans (which have worked well for me so far) but I am going to try some of those Scepter plastic ones next.

[YJ Dave]

I have had a MWC for 5 years, and no leaks as of yet. It works so well that I got two more, and at the same time I also picked up two MFC's, again I have had no problems with any of them. Good stuff in my book.

[Jonathan Hanson]

I have no doubt that plastic cans can be strong and leakproof. It's UV degradation I worry about since on my vehicle the cans are exposed to the sun. I don't care what assurances are offered by the maker, I've yet to see a plastic that didn't turn brittle and fail with moderate sun exposure.

This is not to contradict anyone, just a caveat to take care with exposure.

[Scott Brady]

good point Jonathan. I think that would make a good test. Arizona is perfect for such things :)

[gjackson]

I had a water sceptre on the roof of my 110 for 9 months in Africa under some pretty intense sun. Not brittle yet . . .just like new. . .

Maybe 9 months isn't long enough? I'll petition sceptre to send me back for more testing . . .

cheers

[Jonathan Hanson]

Nine months is darn good service.

I used to carry five-gallon polyethylene Nalgenes for water until one broke open with no visual or tactile warning at all. Unfortunately I didn't record its lifespan, but it didn't seem long enough.

I had another blue Igloo can that had been protected, but then sat out on a porch for a few months and turned completely brittle on top.

Then again: Our house water source is a 1,000-gallon plastic tank which is fully exposed to the sun, and it's rated for a ten-year lifespan. It's black, and probably has a lot of carbon black in it, which if I recall correctly is the stuff they put in plastic to resist UV degradation.

Yes: Further study is warranted.

[gjackson]

I assume for military service Scepter had to do a bunch of UV testing, but there is nothing on their web site about it. Not that I can find. . .

cheers

[Desertdude]

kinda of related - I am concerned with how the fuel (gas) cans ( can you call plastic a can)?

...how in the heat of the desert - the cans will expand greatly when full - if you empty those cans and have a small amount of vapor left - the cans really grow large

I wound up emptying the cans and leaving the cap slightly open for vapors to dissipate

anyone have thoughts on this?

[beemerchef]

[QUOTE=DUTCH]There are strong feelings in both camps (metal vs plastic) regarding jerry cans; but after the following experience with Scepter, I am fully entrenched in their camp.

Last year I purchased a Scepter Manufacturing Ltd plastic 20 liter (5 gallon) Military Fuel Can (MFC) and three plastic 20 liter Military Water Cans (MWC). I've used the MFC for about a year and like it a lot. It does not leak no matter if it's stored upright or not or how I throw it around; and a few scratches are not going to be a starting point for rust. It works very well.

I haven't used the MWC's until I started getting ready for an upcoming back country trip to Colorado and Utah; and I found that all three of the MWC's seep/drip/leak from the fill cap when placed on their side no matter how tight that I turn the cap. I emailed the online merchant where I purchased them, and haven't received a response.


Hi DUTCH... I am up in Dawsonville... 1/3rd mile off 400... ever come up this way? If you do... let me know... would love to meet another member in person... as I am leaving for a few years... in about 30 days... Feedback on my gear is always welcomed!... have good coffees!!!

I have settled on WEDCO cans... 2 blue for water... 1 yellow for bike fuel (high test...), they are the ones with the metal caps and pin... which I like, even though I never used them yet!... and 2 red ones for truck and gen set... the whole country seems to be out of the red ones with the metal cap!
So they are the ones with the "plastic" cap... they seem that they will not cross thread as the threads are pretty coarse, unlike the cheapo "Home Depot" likes... I have been concerned also about the UV rays destroying plastic capability and this has been my reasonning behind my purchase... years of usage will tell its quality...

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/95940886-S.jpg

I have also purchased 2 Super Siphon's... one for water and one for fuel... 3.5
Gal/mn... I like their principle, again have not tested it... anyone has?

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/98271433-S.jpg

The can I have however really enjoyed... if there is such a thing (!)... is the NO-Spill can, which I have one... not a drop... easy to fill the bike's tank... whatever... I have a 2.5G... from the big cans to the small cans to the tank!
Hey... I won't have much else to do!!!

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/98271776-S.jpg

I know it is plastic... but I like it...

Be well... Ara

[Gear]

I have also purchased 2 Super Siphon's... one for water and one for fuel... 3.5
Gal/mn... I like their principle, again have not tested it... anyone has?

The Siphon works great. If you are able to get your motorcycle close enough to the trailer that you will not need to move the gas cans it will be a huge help.

Here is my setup. I have actually bolted the can down with a nylock (not shown in picture). This was after in Mexico I lost the nice aluminum turn buckel. There is also a nylon strap just in case. Red Wedco on Jeep. Close distance to the gas cap.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6d730b3127cce8ceabc95c65500000026108EatWzFu0cO

Question of the Septer cans. This is what I saw on my new Septer cans that were on the trailer. Is it possible that I am not tightening the lid enough?

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6d730b3127cce8cea0e35479c00000025108EatWzFu0cO

[Desertdude]

Could be - I crank mine down real tight - after well over 20K miles not a leak - they expand quite a bit in the heat tho :)


I :iagree: on the super syphon

[Bergger]

I use the diesel can. Found a guy here in CO that stocks them so i didn/t have to order. I just need to figure out how to mount it to my camper

Who in CO stocks them? Are they in the Denver Metro area?

[Super Doody]

Great feedback!

Just an FYI, but Adventure Trailers (http://www.adventuretrailers.com/) (one of the forum sponsors) sells the Scepter cans and some cool holders too


Scott,

By chance do you know if they will fuel cans to people in california? Or if they carb approved?

[Ron B]

I could not get the company I bought my scepters from (they are in CA!) to send them to me in Los Angeles. I had them sent to a relative in AZ, then sent back to me. Does Pangaea sell to CA?

I bough 4, and one leaks a bit like the above photo. I hear you can send it back and exchange it...or maybe a new o-ring in the cap? I haven't addressed my leak yet, usually carrying 2 is more than enough.

Ron B

[cruiseroutfit]

...By chance do you know if they will fuel cans to people in california? Or if they carb approved?

I don't beleive they are CARB approved, because I know a freind just bought a CARB approved Scepter and its a totally different tank than the ones we enjoy... its got a small nozzle, vent tube all the way down, etc.

[beemerchef]

So now, as i find this thread again, I am in the real life with being on the road for about almost 3 months now... on the way to Anza Borrego, should be there by the 14th... Death Valley on the 26th (a get together of other riders) and I am happy... or am I?... with the Wedco cans...
As you see in the picture above (previous post) there are together... the paint has scratched... not that it matters... but they have already started to rust!!!... I have no way to rearrange the deal so they do not rub against each other... might have to use a separation maybe and get some paint... and sand paper!
The siphons are working great!... yes... would be nice if I did not have to lift the can to set it up on top of a box...
And I lost one rubber gasket, on one of the red cans... have not yet found one... maybe Home Depot in Tucson or I will order a few... maybe it fell in the can!!!
Yes... I would have done things a bit differently... I should have started the preps about 6 months ago... instead of 3/3 months before I left!
Anyhow... I am happy... how can I not be!!!

Be well...

Ara & Spirit

[LUISJG]

Just a quick note, if someone making a sceptor tank carrier, keep in mind
that the water cans are taller then the gas cans.
i learn that the hard way.

[elcoyote]

To answer the CARB question, the Scepter Fuel cans are available in California but with a different nozzle that is CARB compliant. Note that the can has two sets of threads for nozzles: one set on the outside that firs the MFC & CARB nozzles, one interior set of threads that fits the old Blitz nozzle.

Luis FYI, when we designed our carrier, we made it so that it fits the both Scepter fuel & water cans as well as NATO & Wedco.

[flyingwil]

I have a few reviews posted up in the equipment section:

Scepter MFC Review (http://www.expeditionportal.com/equipment/equipment_reviews/Scepter_Can/scepter_can.php)
http://www.expeditionportal.com/equipment/equipment_reviews/Scepter_Can/Scepter/smaller/scepter_can_FIG4.jpg

Heavy Duty Fuel/Water Can Holders (http://www.expeditionportal.com/equipment/equipment_reviews/AT_Can_Holder/index.php)
http://www.expeditionportal.com/equipment/equipment_reviews/AT_Can_Holder/Holder/FIG1-AT_Can_Holder-02.JPG
I would recomend both.:PROFSheriffHL:

[p1michaud]

Hi folks,
I have used both the MWC and MFC. You have to really tighten the MFC cap down to prevent leaking, but once it's tight you can store them in any orientation without issue. As for the MWC I've had the same experience as some folks here have had with minor leaks. To Scepter's credit, the replaced the MWC at their expense no questions asked. Read here (http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=35311)for futher info.

Their customer service is excellent and I will be purchasing more of these in the future.

Cheers :beer:,
P

[pwc]

I third or forth, or how many we are up to, the comments on customer service. They are replacing 5 of mine when only three show leaks (after REALLY cranking down on the air vent) and the other two have to be wrenched down. They stated you shouldn't have to grind them in to make them not leak and sent the lids out. I was impressed with the timelyness and professionalism.

They also explained why the smaller pour spout will have a small drip when pouring from a MFC and why it doesn't drip with the larger 28mm version.

[big sky trapper]

I like em. ESp the dual threaded openings. Allthough mine are used mil surplus for fuel. Most of my comments good have been all aready covered. But the UV degradation issues...I have two mounted on the back of my toyota truck now for allmost 2 years. I use this truck to put almost 170 miles a day 7 days a week on it through every thing montana has to offer it weather wise. -45 as it today to 120 in the summer months...So far no brittlement issues, seal problems ect. The one failure issue that had with it was entirly my fault not the cans... when i built my rear bumper with the usual design swing out, the tray that holds the cans was a rough spot from a weld i missed griding down and it rubbed a hole nearly completly through the can. enough to cuase a leak and lose a can of fuel. would that have happened with a metal can ?????? who's to speculate??? But Ill still stick with them...

Just my .02 cents worth.....

[Life_in_4Lo]

I think it's a combo of not tight enough and overfilled the can. I had this happen once out in Death Valley, but i guess it's better than it being under pressure when you unscrew it.
I have the Scepter water and gas, which I've used on my trips into the desert. I like them and will probably buy another gas can and keep the water inside towards the center of the truck. Water is so much heavier than gas!




Question of the Septer cans. This is what I saw on my new Septer cans that were on the trailer. Is it possible that I am not tightening the lid enough?

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6d730b3127cce8cea0e35479c00000025108EatWzFu0cO

[devinsixtyseven]

Do the screw-on caps with the tube fit the H2O cans as well as the fuel cans?

[pskhaat]

Where does one obtain those AT can carriers?

[devinsixtyseven]

Where does one obtain those AT can carriers?Talk to elcoyote, he'll fix you up :).

[pwc]

:wavey:
Do the screw-on caps with the tube fit the H2O cans as well as the fuel cans?
Yes, they are interchangable. I thought of getting a spout for the water can, but my opinion now is the hole in the cap of the water lids works great.

[xcmountain80]

Are they hold a seal enough to keep inside the vehicle? I was going to add an aux tank, but it didnt work out. It might be easier and less expensive to go this route.


Aaron

[devinsixtyseven]

They hold a seal great...hold it over your head upside down and shake it, no leaks.

Personally I wouldn't carry fuel inside, tho...but they don't leak.

[xcmountain80]

Yeah Id rather not either, was just an idea.


Aaron

[p1michaud]

Are they hold a seal enough to keep inside the vehicle? I was going to add an aux tank, but it didnt work out. It might be easier and less expensive to go this route.


Aaron

Aaron,
The Scepter Military Fuel Cans (MFC) will hold a seal enough to keep inside a vehicle but you have to crank the cover down real tight. Although gas inside you vehicle for extended trips is not very desirable. As others have mentionned they do expand in the heat quite a bit.

Another item you should consider if you are going the Scepter MFC route is the super syphon. I originally purchased the 19 mm Scepter pour spout, but there was always a little bit of spillage due to gas being trapped in the vent line. Once the can was empty with no air flow into the vent, the gas would spill out. I would controll this by using a rag to catch the fuel, but it's a PITA trying to hold a full can of gas, hold the nozzle in the proper location and try to catch dripping gas with a rag. The super syphon addressed these issues.

Scepter's customer service is excellent and I would definately purchase from them again. Since I'm in Canada I had to go directly through Scepter for my purchase.
Cheers :beer:,
P

[180pilot]

I purchased 3, 10L scepters two years ago before my wonderful State of California forced us into using all forms of cans and nozzles that don't work.
However, I've nothing but leaking problems with them even when using a strap wrench to tighten the caps down down. Even got one new cap from dealer in CO. before he shut down,.. still leaks. I've emailed Sceptor in Canada about it with no answer. Another thing I don't understand is why the caps get harder to screw on and off, with time, as if the plastic is swelling up. I carry these in my aircraft sometimes with Kerosene for expedition stoves. I figured a military can should not leak going to altitude as they ferry fuel all the time, wrong....

So I just purchased 4 Wedco 20L Jerrys with the "CARB" set up, (can't get 10L in CARB yet it seems ), another nightmare Rube Goldberg nozzle that you can't pour into anything. The cans them selves are first class, so I'll be using the super siphon until California discovers because of their stupid legislation, everyone is using a siphon, which is an almost perfect way to get a Murphy's Law spill. Just wait until some idiot burns himself up using one here. It will become a felony to have a piece of tubing in your possession!

P.S. I have 2 20L Sceptor Water cans without much of a problem so far, even got the miltary insulated covers for them to keep H20 from freezing. VERY well made, no complaint with them.

Cessna 180
Chevy K1500 with 4 Wheel Camper
Honda Rancher 420 4X
BMW R80GS

[nickt]

Old thread, I know, but I'm about to get my first Sceptres for a new rear carrier we're building and appreciate the info.

Thanks @flyingwil for the review (http://www.expeditionportal.com/equipment/equipment_reviews/AT_Can_Holder/index.php).

The yellow D90 looks like it has the same carrier as Kristy (in fact the whole truck looks like hers), that'll solve another problem.

Cheers,
Nick.

[outdoorsaddict]

I was going to purchase these 5 containers for water carriers but learned the seller had stored diesel in them. If someone needed some fuel cans these would be a good buy-$5 apiece.
Military Surplus Water Cans/Jerry Cans - $25 (Hwy 13)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reply to: sale-938709816@craigslist.org [?]
Date: 2008-11-29, 10:44PM EST



Five Military Surplus Water Cans. Hard Plastic. Excellent condition. Each holds five gallons.

Can be used to store water, gas, diesel, used oil...whatever you want.

[outdoorsaddict]

This was in the Clarksville,TN Craigslist-one of the cities that Craigslist services- around the Ft. Campbell area. I'm not sure if the seller would ship or not.

[cruisertoy]

$5 each would be great, but if they had fuel or anything other than water in them I wouldn't bother. You can buy these anyday of the week from buylci.com in thier tactical section. $16 each including shipping, $50 min. order. They are not made by scepter, but by LCI who is a second supplier to the military. Next to my scepter cans the only way to tell them apart is the "property of US government" on the LCI units.

[L8 APEKS]

I have no doubt that plastic cans can be strong and leakproof. It's UV degradation I worry about since on my vehicle the cans are exposed to the sun. I don't care what assurances are offered by the maker, I've yet to see a plastic that didn't turn brittle and fail with moderate sun exposure.

This is not to contradict anyone, just a caveat to take care with exposure.

Spray it with a rattle can of automotive clearcoat with UV protection in it.

[Anten23]

You guys might want to try out the no-spill fuel can I saw online (http://www.thehardwarecity.com/?sku=3314523).

[cruiseroutfit]

You guys might want to try out the no-spill fuel can I saw online (http://www.thehardwarecity.com/?sku=3314523).

Probably a good can for gassing up the mower but very different in every aspect from a Scepter or other commercial grade fuel container (Wedco, Nato, etc) :victory:

[nfpgasmask]

Does anyone know a source for the Scepter military cans? I would like to get 4 of them for gas, preferably in desert tan.

Thanks - Bart

[OverlandZJ]

Does anyone know a source for the Scepter military cans? I would like to get 4 of them for gas, preferably in desert tan.

Thanks - Bart


They are listed on ebay, package deals for 2 or 4 as well. Not sure on the Desert Tan though.

[nfpgasmask]

They are listed on ebay, package deals for 2 or 4 as well. Not sure on the Desert Tan though.

Yeah, I did see the ones for sale on feeBay but I was hoping to find an online shop that carries them... I'll keep searching!

Thanks - Bart

[CJCA]

Yeah, I did see the ones for sale on feeBay but I was hoping to find an online shop that carries them... I'll keep searching!

Thanks - Bart

If I remember correctly, as of 6-31-09 U.S. commercial retailers can no longer sell new, non-C.A.R.B., non-FED approved, pre-2009 fuel containers. That restriction includes Scepter MFCs. Ebay and private sellers are the only legal source for new Scepter MFCs. Not sure what the guidelines are on used MFCs.

[BPage]

Yeah, I did see the ones for sale on feeBay but I was hoping to find an online shop that carries them... I'll keep searching!

Thanks - Bart

Hey I don't know if you found the SCEPTOR cans yet, but I bought mine from www.actiongear.com (brigade quartermaster)...just type in jerry can.
They only sell the OD green now, but they work well.
I have 2 in Red (bought a few years ago), and 2 in OD green.
Hope this helps...

[Riflman]

Hi guys. First off, this is my first post, so Hi! :victory:

Second, hate to dig up this old post, but I was actually searching to see if Wedco cans will fit my hannibal Dual Jerry Can holders. Right now, I have 6 Sceptre Cans. Two MFC Olive 20L, Two MWC Brown 20L, and two MFC Olive 10L. I have the spout, and mine have always leaked when using the spout, unless I made sure to cover the vent hole with the spout lid. Sometimes this means loosening them a bit.

With the lid off, I haven't had any problems sealing them, but they do indeed have to be tight. Mine are vintage 2004.

The problem I have is that I bought two Hannibal racks back in 2005, and they would not work with sceptre cans. They are designed for some other type. I'm assuming Wedco. So......even though I like the fact that these cans are plastic, I either need to sell my holders at a big loss ($179 each new!!!) and find another holder, or buy Wedco cans at $50 each.

First question, does anyone know if the Wedco containers fit the Hannibal Dual Jerry Can Holders (the new ones since the old are no longer available)?

Second question, where and how much are holders to fit the Sceptres if I was to keep them?

Third, I hear mention of screw in spouts. I have the screw on pour version. I notice scptre makes the Flo N Go Maxflo and I might be mistaken, but did I read on here (can't find it) that these fit on (or in) the hole for the Scepter WFC's?? If so, that would be pretty cool. Thanks!