Scepter Jerry Cans

[DUTCH]

There are strong feelings in both camps (metal vs plastic) regarding jerry cans; but after the following experience with Scepter, I am fully entrenched in their camp.

Last year I purchased a Scepter Manufacturing Ltd plastic 20 liter (5 gallon) Military Fuel Can (MFC) and three plastic 20 liter Military Water Cans (MWC). I've used the MFC for about a year and like it a lot. It does not leak no matter if it's stored upright or not or how I throw it around; and a few scratches are not going to be a starting point for rust. It works very well.

I haven't used the MWC's until I started getting ready for an upcoming back country trip to Colorado and Utah; and I found that all three of the MWC's seep/drip/leak from the fill cap when placed on their side no matter how tight that I turn the cap. I emailed the online merchant where I purchased them, and haven't received a response.

I also emailed the Scepter Mfg corporate contact shown on the Scepter website, but didn't really expect much to come of it. Imagine my happy suprise when I received an email back a few hours later asking me for details on the MWC's and wanting to know the date code moulded in the cans. I sent that info back to them; and within a few minutes I received a response telling me that they would replace all three through another retailer in the Atlanta area, since the cans should not leak. They also asked me to send one of the leakers back to them at their expense so that their QC department can inspect it to determine the cause.

Now that is an example of how Customer Service should be handled! Would I recommend Scepter Jerry Cans or any of their other products? You can bet your 'bippy' on that! Thank you Scepter for standing behind your products and for actually practicing what you preach in the statement of Customer Service on your website!!

 

[Colorado Ron]

Just so you know, I have been going back and forth on replacing all my old metal cans. This above story has sealed the deal. Ill be ordering 4 next week. Thanks!

 

[OverlandZJ]

Awesome. I have a Sceptor MWC and it doesnt leak a drop.

In previous threads about Sceptor cans here the results were mixed when it came to leakage. Your report of their CS also seals the deal with me for MFC's.

 

[18seeds]

I use the diesel can. Found a guy here in CO that stocks them so i didn/t have to order. I just need to figure out how to mount it to my camper

 

[Scott Brady]

Great feedback!

Just an FYI, but Adventure Trailers (one of the forum sponsors) sells the Scepter cans and some cool holders too

 

[Colorado Ron]

Do you own a piece of AT or somthing? I see info about them in every other thread I read on here lately. Not that Im complaining, just curious.:ylsmoke:

 

[Scott Brady]

Do you own a piece of AT or somthing? I see info about them in every other thread I read on here lately. Not that Im complaining, just curious.:ylsmoke:

Nope, just good friends of mine that sell lots of cool gear we all use.

They are a forum sponsor though, so mentioning them keeps all the good karma flowing :smiley_drive:

 

[calamaridog]

I have some Wedco metal cans (which have worked well for me so far) but I am going to try some of those Scepter plastic ones next.

 

[YJ Dave]

I have had a MWC for 5 years, and no leaks as of yet. It works so well that I got two more, and at the same time I also picked up two MFC's, again I have had no problems with any of them. Good stuff in my book.

 

[Jonathan Hanson]

I have no doubt that plastic cans can be strong and leakproof. It's UV degradation I worry about since on my vehicle the cans are exposed to the sun. I don't care what assurances are offered by the maker, I've yet to see a plastic that didn't turn brittle and fail with moderate sun exposure.

This is not to contradict anyone, just a caveat to take care with exposure.

 

[Scott Brady]

good point Jonathan. I think that would make a good test. Arizona is perfect for such things

 

[gjackson]

I had a water sceptre on the roof of my 110 for 9 months in Africa under some pretty intense sun. Not brittle yet . . .just like new. . .

Maybe 9 months isn't long enough? I'll petition sceptre to send me back for more testing . . .

cheers

 

[Jonathan Hanson]

Nine months is darn good service.

I used to carry five-gallon polyethylene Nalgenes for water until one broke open with no visual or tactile warning at all. Unfortunately I didn't record its lifespan, but it didn't seem long enough.

I had another blue Igloo can that had been protected, but then sat out on a porch for a few months and turned completely brittle on top.

Then again: Our house water source is a 1,000-gallon plastic tank which is fully exposed to the sun, and it's rated for a ten-year lifespan. It's black, and probably has a lot of carbon black in it, which if I recall correctly is the stuff they put in plastic to resist UV degradation.

Yes: Further study is warranted.

 

[gjackson]

I assume for military service Scepter had to do a bunch of UV testing, but there is nothing on their web site about it. Not that I can find. . .

cheers

 

[Desertdude]

kinda of related - I am concerned with how the fuel (gas) cans ( can you call plastic a can)?

...how in the heat of the desert - the cans will expand greatly when full - if you empty those cans and have a small amount of vapor left - the cans really grow large

I wound up emptying the cans and leaving the cap slightly open for vapors to dissipate

anyone have thoughts on this?