Jerry cans

[Netpackrat]

I've selfishly held off posting this to prevent my cans from getting sniped while my order was delayed by waiting for an unrelated item, but since I got a shipping notice today, I figured I should clue you all in while there is still time.

Some of you may be aware of this already, but the EPA is forcing all portable fuel containers sold in the USA to comply with CARB (california air resources board) standards as of January 1, 2009. This means that as of that date, all you will be able to buy is the shitty gas jugs with the shitty threaded spout with the automatic shut off valve that doesn't pour worth a damn. I discovered this last week when I went to order a couple of the good NATO style jugs for use on my Jeep, and I asked about the NATO style water jugs, which their website showed as being out of stock. He said that the manufacturer of the cans (Wedco) had stopped manufacture of the old style, which would not be available after Dec. 31. After I placed my order, I checked Google, and sure enough, he was right. I called back and increased my order, to what seems like a lot of cans now, but in 20 years I will probably be wishing I had bought more of them.

This is the site I ordered my cans from. It is worth a read even if you don't intend to buy anything, because it tells about the history of the original style Jerry can dating back to before World War II. I imagine you'll still be able to buy these as surplus or used, but if you want NEW NATO style gas cans, this month is basically your last chance if you live in the USA. If you live in one of the states that has adopted CARB regulations, then you may already be screwed, unless you can have them shipped to a friend in a non CARB state.

These are expensive, but personally after a plastic can failed on me 2-3 weeks ago, causing a trip to the ER to have my left eye flushed out, I am through with plastic fuel containers. And the "Blitz" US style metal cans like the hardware stores carry just plain suck (they're prone to leaking, and pour slowly due to bad venting). In a way, the accident was a blessing in disguise, because while I had meant to order some of these cans, I would have procrastinated and they would have been unavailable by the time I got around to ordering any.

[Combat Controller]

Shoot, not for sale in Texas... Funny, but I already had some USED NATO cans form Cheaper than Dirt... At least I have some I suppose...

[FelixEstrella]

Good thing I already bought a whole butt-load of those NATO 20l cans.

[Rich Jordan]

Wish I'd know this a year ago... too damn busy to keep on top of all the things the damn bureaucrats keep going after.

[Guncrazy]

Just the fact that these are being banned makes me want to spend $200 on gas cans.

Can someone please tell me how that isn't irrational? Because I really do want some. Especially the diesel cans, because they're already sold out. (I wonder if they'll continue production on the water cans in 2009...)

[Netpackrat]

Yeah, all this time we've been buying up guns and ammo because there might be a ban, it turns out that we should have been buying gas cans because there is a ban.

[Netpackrat]

I wonder if they'll continue production on the water cans in 2009...

Dunno. But I bet if they do, nobody who buys them will go straight to the hardware store for red spray paint.

[postmanone]

I am currently building a fuel pod using the 5 gallon jeep cans for either of my vehicles. It was an old bike rack, but built like a tank. It sucked as a bike rack but as the foundation for the fuel pod is excellent. It can pivot down, can be locked to the class III hitch and can hold 10 gallons of fuel, or more. Now that might seem like a lot, but easy to fillup, and remove when needed. Also, in this state as with most, try getting an auxilliary tank for a truck.

[Netpackrat]

I found another possible source of the Wedco NATO style cans.

[Combat Controller]

Cool. My C than D order arrived this morning with my cans in it. I bought a few after reading this post.