Jerry Cans

[Jonathan Hanson]

Mario, I've heard some issues about fumes and leakage with the Scepter cans. Does this not jibe with your experience? But I sure like that holder design. Can you make one for NATO cans too?

As to standard NATO cans, I've always had great luck with their durability, and recently used this one on a refuel stop in Wasso, Tanzania:

[flywgn]

Mario, are those the cans/holders going on the Horizon?

As far as extra cans of fuel I don't need them with the F250 (88 gal capacity aboard). The '93 Toyota at the beach is an open-bed and I have a floor mount for one can in the very back of the bed. In the Xterra I let Diana carry an extra can on her lap. Okay, just kidding. I just wanted to see if you were reading this.

I've been told that either Calmini or ARB make replacement tanks for the Xterra which approach 130 liters. I haven't researched it yet, but, if so, this is the way I'll go. I prefer larger mounted tanks over add-ons.

[Jonathan Hanson]

Carrying a jerry can on your lap is fine as long as the seat and shoulder belt are long enough to fit around the can too . . .

[elcoyote]

I have not noticed any problems with leakage or fumes with the Scepter cans any more than I have experienced with Wedco or Blitz cans. One of the problems we face in California (and is being adopted in other states) is the requirement for a special nozzle to reduce emissions lost to the atmosphere while transferring fuel. The fine for selling non-compliant cans is currently $25,000 (ouch!). Scepter so far has come up with the best solution we have seen in that they have a compliant nozzle and the can as an internal threaded opening that will accept a Blitz nozzle as well. They also have another nozzle used by the military that is available (fancy that they don't have to comply whereas the citizens do...).

I designed the holder so that it will fit the fuel can with one strap and the water can with another strap. The straps are designed to prevent opening of the cans and a pad lock can be run through the eye to secure it. The strap is made of the same 11 gauge material.

Allen, we will be using this holder on all new trailers. Since we are swapping out the chassis on yours to put the air ride suspension, you'll be getting them too. It has required that we reform our forward cross member tray to be 1/4 larger to fit the new holder and can arrangement yet it will still allow the older can and holder to be installed if someone is dead set on them.

Jonathon, I had not thought about designing it to fit the NATO can but I think it will work. I'll be picking up the pre-production samples tomorrow morning, I'll check and post pictures back here.

[Mike S]

...One of the problems we face in California (and is being adopted in other states) is the requirement for a special nozzle to reduce emissions lost to the atmosphere while transferring fuel...

I carry 4 CARB compliant Blitz cans on the trailer, and they spill MORE gas than the old style cans did with the flexy fill nozzle. PITA.

You carrier looks fine Mario. One day I will show you mine - lightweight, simple, strong, etc.

Mike

[asteffes]

I have not noticed any problems with leakage or fumes with the Scepter cans any more than I have experienced with Wedco or Blitz cans. One of the problems we face in California (and is being adopted in other states) is the requirement for a special nozzle to reduce emissions lost to the atmosphere while transferring fuel. The fine for selling non-compliant cans is currently $25,000 (ouch!). Scepter so far has come up with the best solution we have seen in that they have a compliant nozzle and the can as an internal threaded opening that will accept a Blitz nozzle as well. They also have another nozzle used by the military that is available (fancy that they don't have to comply whereas the citizens do...).

I have a two gallon Scepter-made can at home that has the icky CARB-compliant nozzle fitting on it. It sucks. I don't see anything specific on Pangaea's website, but are the nice five gallon "MIL-spec" cans they offer legal for California? Specifically, I'm talking about these:

http://www.pangaea-expeditions.com/scepter/

They certainly don't look like anything I've seen for sale in CA.

[elcoyote]

The Mil Spec Scepter can is exactly what we will be using. The CARB compliant nozzle is an add on accessory, I must sell one nozzle with every sale of cans in California. The MFC nozzle also screws on to the same can but I cannot sell them in California or other states that have adopted the rule. The problem is not so much the design of the nozzles as is the requirements of the rule about flow rates that dictated the design. Obviously the writer of the rule never tried to dispense 5 gal of fuel into a tank in their life! CARB in their infinite wisdom determined that "Portable gas cans now account for about 87 tons per day (TPD) of reactive organic gases (ROG) escaping into California's air. " That's almost 25,000 gallons of gasoline!...from gas cans??? C'mon... From my experience, the new fangled nozzles spill just as much. I think they are smoking crack up there in Sacramento.

Hey Mike, you'll get a chance to see it on Friday!

[flyingwil]

I have used metal cans for years but have been frustrated by the upkeep i.e. rusting & denting. I really liked the Scepter cans when I saw them at SEMA last year. They are tough: don't dent and don't rust. Just for giggles we ran over one filled with water and nothing happened. Cool I thought but no one seemed to be making an affordable and versatile holder for them...so heck, I designed one instead (the curse of the insomniac!) We are making a run of 250 out of 11 gauge (1/8" thick) powder coated steel to see just how much interest there will be. It can be mounted on 4 of it's 6 sides and is lockable. Here's a drawing for those who might be interested. Let me know what you think.

What can't you make? Mario you allways amaze me! The Spec's look great.

[elcoyote]

Actually what I make best is Margueritas from scratch ...it's all downhill from there man

[elcoyote]

Well here's the prototype holder. I have to say, it's pretty darn stout with 11 gauge. Probably serve as a skid plate in a pinch It fits the Scepter cans that is was designed for nicely. It also fit the older Blitz and it checks out nicely with the NATO can.

I made a few changes to the design today to make it fit a little snugger but other than that, she's good to go. Tomorrow after a coat of paint, I snap a few more glamour shots for y'all.