Pressurize your Scepter Water Can

[FlightMedicJP]

Bought this modified Scepter Water Can cap to be able to have an easy wash setup. Got the item from ebay and actually works better than I thought it would. I was thinking of making it myself, but time is money, so I found it easier to just snag one.

 

[mep1811]

Sometimes it is much better to buy than to build. This is one of those projects . Nice video.

 

[FlightMedicJP]

Sometimes it is much better to buy than to build. This is one of those projects . Nice video.

Thanks. Exactly my thought.

 

[MattJ]

Cool video. I definitely agree with the build vs. buy decision for $75 and a few mouse clicks.

I'm actually planning to build something similar for my stainless steel water cans, but I was thinking I would use a street T junction that also has a pressure relief valve to prevent over-filling by accident. One of the techs at Powertank has been helpful in thinking through this with me, since I would plan to use their CO2 tank for the pressurization. Technically, the pressure-relief valve is redundant with the Powertank regulator, which can be set to specific pressures as low as 10psi.

If the project goes well, I'm hopeful that Dinuba will pick up the idea and offer it with their new water containers: https://dinubawater.com/

 

[FlightMedicJP]

Cool video. I definitely agree with the build vs. buy decision for $75 and a few mouse clicks.

I'm actually planning to build something similar for my stainless steel water cans, but I was thinking I would use a street T junction that also has a pressure relief valve to prevent over-filling by accident. One of the techs at Powertank has been helpful in thinking through this with me, since I would plan to use their CO2 tank for the pressurization. Technically, the pressure-relief valve is redundant with the Powertank regulator, which can be set to specific pressures as low as 10psi.

If the project goes well, I'm hopeful that Dinuba will pick up the idea and offer it with their new water containers: https://dinubawater.com/

That is really cool. keep us updated.

 

[Heavyopp]

Unfortunately there is no price listed on that dinuba website for their stainless steel jerry cans

I can only imagine what they try to get for them...

 

[MattJ]

Not cheap. I joke that they are the perfect product for wealthy doomsday preppers who don't want the taste of plastic in their stored water when the Zombie Apocalypse arrives .

I bought mine becasue I like wanted the stainless steel look to match some other upgrades I was planning as part of my vehicle build.

The newer Dinuba jerry cans will have welded seams that are even stronger than the ones I have, but I think the manufacturing process is taking longer than they initially expected.

For my pressurization project, the design is simple. Finding the parts should be straightforward. Drilling through 1/8" stainless steel caps won't be easy, but I learned a lot the first time I did that to install my spigots (after melting a few drill bits). Of course, now Dinuba sells the spigot caps as an optional upgrade.

I plan to use a ratchet strap to prevent the can from bulging when I pressurize it, keeping the seams aligned. So hopefully it's just a matter of collecting the parts and finding a free afternoon to work on this project.

 

[MattJ]

I decided to build all of the components into a single cap. 20psi safety release valve and 3/8" hose barbs, which is the right size for a nice shower spray, I've learned. I'm just waiting for the schrader valves to arrive on the slow boat from China. I didn't notice the shipping time was four weeks when I ordered them on Amazon.

 

[MattJ]

Well, after purchasing, assembling an testing this concept, I'm going to consider it a failure. What did I learn? That pressurizing a container that was not made to withstand pressure is an uncomfortable pursuit. And that it takes a LOT of pressure to generate a moderately impressive stream of water, even from a 3/8-inch hose. At just 10psi, the jerry can started to bulge and creak, but the pressure wasn't sufficient to produce more than a weak stream from the sprayer. I was wearing a face shield and ear protection, but I chickened out and decided not to push it to 20psi. Plus, these stainless steel jerry cans aren't cheap. So I didn't want to pop a seam. This project is going in the dust bin.

I do have a CO2 Powertank, and I am wondering if there is a way to its regulator with a pressure-tested water container to generate a constant psi of 20 or greater for showering and washing my Jeep. Maybe I need to shop around on some RV websites? Happy to take any advice or guidance this community can offer!

 

[MattJ]

Next thought: How about 8-inch PVC? I currently use it for fishing poles. Would need to switch to threaded ends and lock them on with PVC glue.

 

[MattJ]

Now I need to do some research on the pressure ratings of glued-on end caps. Just realized I won’t have threaded ends since I’m cutting a custom length. And I doubt 8-inch PVC is made with threaded ends anyway . . .

 

[MattJ]

Here's a thread that shows the solution I finally landed on with this project:

Pressurized Water Solution

 

[Jonp9576]

another option for carrying water if you want to pressurize it safely would be these. they are normally on craigslist in the $30-$50 range. they are made for soda so they are safe ar higher pressures

https://www.homebrewing.org/AIH-New...x2DBf2836iznNSURG177viuUJrnXMQPYaAoEbEALw_wcB

 

[MattJ]

another option for carrying water if you want to pressurize it safely would be these. they are normally on craigslist in the $30-$50 range. they are made for soda so they are safe ar higher pressures

Now you're talkin'! I could take a shower in cold beer after a hot day on the trail . . .