Harbor Freight Jerry Cans?

[zuren]

I've found a couple jerry can threads where people have commented that the Harbor Frieight Midwest Can Co. jerry cans are decent for $40 containers:

http://www.harborfreight.com/5-gallon-jerry-can-99551.html



Just curious if anyone has any long term experience and could comment? Are they truly Made in USA (like the Midwest Can site claims)?

The independent auto store up the street carries the metal Blitz cans for ~$60. I can get metal Briggs & Statton cans on Amazon for $45.

I know the old-style, non-CARB Scepter cans are preferred but I can't justify the cost.....if I can find any. My dad and I are talking about doing a drive-in fishing trip into Canada so having some extended range in my van might be a good thing.

Thanks!

 

[NC_IslandRunner]

I own one of these and can say while not the greatest, they are good for the price. Needs a better gasket but they are strong, Mine fell out the back of my SUV when prepping for a trip in wal mart parking lot, it was full of gas, fell 3ft landing on the blacktop and only a small ding and scratches, a tiny amount of fuel leaked out past seal when it hit the parking lot but I turned it upside down and nothing would leak out. The shock caused enough pressure to leak past. Easy pour spout like on most Blitz gas cans. I got mine on sale for $35 but $40 is a good price for what you get.
Photo of damage from 3ft fall. I will most likely be getting more of these.

 

[762X39]

http://www.harborfreight.com/5-gallon-jerry-can-99551.html[/url]

View attachment 79674
I know the old-style, non-CARB Scepter cans are preferred but I can't justify the cost.....if I can find any. My dad and I are talking about doing a drive-in fishing trip into Canada so having some extended range in my van might be a good thing.

Thanks!

Since you are coming to Canada, why don't you pick up a couple of Scepter cans while you are up here?

 

[Mc Taco]

What he just said. Get them a little dirty so when you cross back to the U.S. you can claim that you've had them for a long time; Pre ban.

 

[FlyNdrive]

FYI: Harbor freight also sells Blitz Jerry cans for 29.99 with the CARB cap.

 

[Fresno]

Does anyone where they sell black desiel cans (plastic)? Canada or Mexico? If so, what store?

 

[NC_IslandRunner]

I did a abuse test on some cans from CheaperThanDirt.com, they aren't the strongest ever but for the price they are a good deal and should not fail under normal conditions.

the test vid.
[video=youtube;zC5RmQlSEMk]http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=zC5RmQlSEMk[/video]

 

[zuren]

It seems that the military uses the plastic Scepter anymore. I just went to Cheaper Than Dirt and the reviews are pretty poor despite the abuse video. There is also this option I found:

http://www.deutscheoptik.com/product_info.php?products_id=1718

If I had these cans on a vehicle on the road/highway, are there any regulations that they have to be red or mounted in a particular location?

Getting a couple Scepters in Canada isn't a bad idea but I wonder what the border agents would say coming back. Did Scepter make the plastic ones before the ban?

Also, as far as metal vs. plastic cans, I seen arguments both ways. What is the general opinion here?

Thanks!

 

[matthewp]

I love these, have had 2 for a couple years now and they work fine regardless of the price! They're made by Scepter and plenty stout enough for anything I have done. If you're heading up into Canuckistan, pick up a couple at your local Canadian Tire. I have them externally mounted on my trailer in AT mounts (right next to my propane tank) and have never even been questioned crossing the border.

http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/brow...RDOVR~0283056P/4WD+Gas+Can,+20L.jsp?locale=en

P.S. They even have some California Fire Marshal's stamp on the side, if that helps to convince the Border Monkeys... But I doubt renegade gas cans are what they're looking for!

 

[762X39]

Did Scepter make the plastic ones before the ban.Also, as far as metal vs. plastic cans, I seen arguments both ways.
The Sceptre cans have been in production for about 20 or so years.I have a Sceptre can from my time in service (yeah it is about 20 years old) and it simply required a new cap-gasket assembly to keep it running.
The Sceptre cans are certified for use on aircraft whereas the metal ones are not (I believe). Stop at an Army Surlpus store while you are up here and pick up a couple of used Sceptre cans and enjoy them for the rest of your life. Or buy some of the original Jerry cans in my collection so I can replace them with new Sceptre cans.

 

[The_Dude]

Does anyone know of any replacement caps for these Harbor Freight cans? I bought some and the caps suck bad.