One gallon square containers for auto fluids

[Schattenjager]

I am looking for containers to hold one gallon of antifreeze and one of motor oil. The original store bought units take up too much room with the handles and cool attention getting shapes. They are not overly robust either. Plastic would work but I would prefer metal. These are going to be stored in another tote box, so the square shape is important for organizing and securing the containers.

Something like these, safe for the fluids, but without a handle:

http://www.sks-bottle.com/images/5521-01.jpg

[Brian McVickers]

Nalgene's laboratory division also makes several options.

[BKCowGod]

Willing to recycle? Those look like olive oil containers to me.

1gallon, $10 and it comes with a free gallon of olive oil!
http://www.webstaurantstore.com/olive-pomace-oil-1-gallon/olive-pomace-oil-1-gallon.jpg

[DaveInDenver]

Don't think you'll find them as easily without handles (and having a handle is nice when you actually go to use the container to be honest). But I totally get your question. FWIW, I have previously repackaged a few fluids like anti-freeze, engine oil, gear lube into similar bottles that stack better.

I found blank plastic commercial-style jugs (http://www.freundcontainer.com/product.asp_Q_pn_E_4555B01_A_cn_E_58). If you want to spend a bit more, Nalgene makes polypropylene 1 gallon square bottles (http://www.nalgenelabware.com/products/productDetail.asp?product_id=337&subcategory_id=130&category_id=130&brand_name=Labware&category_name=Bottles&subcategory_name=) with no handles, even.

[Schattenjager]

I found blank plastic commercial-style jugs (http://www.freundcontainer.com/product.asp_Q_pn_E_4555B01_A_cn_E_58). If you want to spend a bit more, Nalgene makes polypropylene 1 gallon square bottles (http://www.nalgenelabware.com/products/productDetail.asp?product_id=337&subcategory_id=130&category_id=130&brand_name=Labware&category_name=Bottles&subcategory_name=) with no handles, even.

Dave - thanks for the info - The nalgene looks great, but the description says it is good for "dry chemical storage" so I am curious if it would work for auto fluids. Is 'dry chemical' code speak for something similar?

[SunTzuNephew]

paint stores often have new, empty cans like that, used for smaller quantities of thinner, stripper, etc.

[Rando]

Those Nalgene's are probably not the best for liquids. I use them on occasion and they are wide mouth and have a less robust seal than the familiar nalgenes. You would do better with these:
http://www.nalgenelabware.com/products/productDetail.asp?product_id=287&subcategory_id=130&category_id=130&brand_name=Labware&category_name=Bottles&subcategory_name=
But they only come in 2L varieties.


Dave - thanks for the info - The nalgene looks great, but the description says it is good for "dry chemical storage" so I am curious if it would work for auto fluids. Is 'dry chemical' code speak for something similar?

[SunTzuNephew]

Dave - thanks for the info - The nalgene looks great, but the description says it is good for "dry chemical storage" so I am curious if it would work for auto fluids. Is 'dry chemical' code speak for something similar?

Nalgene is pretty good to go for most liquids - I wouldn't have a concern putting any auto fluids (except perhaps battery acid) in them.

[6string]

Looks like pretty thin metal on those handles.

I have some tin snips, bolt cutters, and a BFH if you'd like to borrow anything.

[007]

The roto one gallon fuel packs are very nice but expensive.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200384200289

The water pack costs less:
http://polarisrzrheadquarters.com/cargo-racks-storage-69/roto-pax-1-gallon-water-storage-pack-374.html

[rusty_tlc]

paint stores often have new, empty cans like that, used for smaller quantities of thinner, stripper, etc.
That was my first thought, they are usually with the empty paint cans. I think I've even seen them at Home Depot in the paint department.

[Weasel Mender]

IIRC motor oil comes in 1 gal. or 5 qt. containers that are basicly rectangular/square in profile. Washed these may fit the bill and be had as a bonus to oil purchases (free).

Weasel

[njsjeep]

How about something like the surplus 1-gallon storage cans.

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/ZAA075-1.html

[rusty_tlc]

IIRC motor oil comes in 1 gal. or 5 qt. containers that are basicly rectangular/square in profile. Washed these may fit the bill and be had as a bonus to oil purchases (free).

Weasel
I just did a F&R differential oil change last summer, oil is anything but "free". :Wow1:

[Desert Dan]

You could use old 1-gallon Coleman white gas cans?

[bmonday]

How about something like the surplus 1-gallon storage cans.

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/ZAA075-1.html

x2 for this idea. I have a bunch of these little 1gal cans and they are durable, an easily-stored shape, and don't leak.

[Schattenjager]

Despite the space wasting handle, I Just tried to order three of those Czech cans. Shipping was $42.00!!! :Wow1:
The hunt continues.

[teotwaki]

Despite the space wasting handle, I Just tried to order three of those Czech cans. Shipping was $42.00!!! :Wow1:
The hunt continues.

Where are you getting them shipped to??? For here in SoCal it told me:

Estimate Shipping
ZIP Code 92805

Here are your shipping options:
Ground Home Delivery (3-5 business days) $15.80
Express Saver (3 business days) $44.51
Express 2 Day (2 business days) $63.77
Express Standard Overnight (1 business day) $96.99

[Schattenjager]

shipping was to Denver. I'm going to check some of the local surplus stores.

[teotwaki]

shipping was to Denver. I'm going to check some of the local surplus stores.


I guess I am saying that there must have been a mistake in the quote you got. I specified 3 cans and UPS ground was about what I expected, under $16

[njsjeep]

Jax in Fort Collins and Loveland had some as of about two weeks ago.

[njsjeep]

I saw these at Walmart for about $4.00. They aren't much sturdier than the original fluid jugs but do have a boxier shape.

http://www.blitzusa.com/products/oil/Oil%20Drains%20and%20Pans/safecycle.html

[LaOutbackTrail]

How about some GTAW welded stainless steel containers custom made and purpose built for your rig. That is the only way to go. Period.

Fit them in a dead space in your rig.

[XJINTX]

Thanks...after reading this post I thought I'd order two of those Dutch surplus cans. I have received them already here in TX for $14 shipping.

I am not sure what they had in them though? The cans had a white painted label on them that meant nothing to me :( I have tried cleaaning and still an oily residue. I only used soapy water to clean the inside. I have also sanded, wire wheeled and painted the outside :)

QUESTION: My plan for use was for a gallon of gear oil for replacing diff oil if work was needed on one. Second can is for a gal 100% anti-freeze... for cooler work replacement. Do you think I should worry about any contamination of either commodity from the residue in the cans?

[LaOutbackTrail]

Thanks...after reading this post I thought I'd order two of those Dutch surplus cans. I have received them already here in TX for $14 shipping.

I am not sure what they had in them though? The cans had a white painted label on them that meant nothing to me :( I have tried cleaaning and still an oily residue. I only used soapy water to clean the inside. I have also sanded, wire wheeled and painted the outside :)

QUESTION: My plan for use was for a gallon of gear oil for replacing diff oil if work was needed on one. Second can is for a gal 100% anti-freeze... for cooler work replacement. Do you think I should worry about any contamination of either commodity from the residue in the cans?


If its worrying you, try using a coating that is used for the inside of motorcycle (and other) gas tanks.

[Cabrito]

These might be a good option if you can still get them.

Wedco Five-Liter Petrol Jerrycan (80705) 1.3 Gal.

https://www.expeditionexchange.com/wedco/DSC08434.jpg

Unfortunately no longer available on the ExpeditionExchange site
https://www.expeditionexchange.com/wedco/