Steel v. Plastic Jerries.

[404pug Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close 404pug]

I am doing the CSR in june and need 6 jerries. I have been testing mine [full and stand in the sun for a few hours] and one developed a rust hole and leaked under pressure. The other 3 were fine [ They have been stored in a garage and sealed for about 18 years!]. The question is when I buy 3 more do I get steeel or plastic [I have 2 steel and 1 plastic now]. Which is better and why? Neil

[adrian Member Find all posts View Profile Close adrian]

Re: Steel v. Plastic Jerries.

I would buy plastic. I have never had a problem with them for over 12 years.

Plastic won't rust or leave flakes of paint in the fuel. I reckon they also seal better.

If you are going to use your old steel ones you should probably get new seals for the lids.

Good luck with your trip.

Cheers
Adrian

[ozwapet2 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close ozwapet2]

Re: Steel v. Plastic Jerries.

Plastic, but stay away from the cheaper chinese made clear ones.
I have some dark green ones specially made for water - thick plastic, I think the brand is Rheem, seem quite tough.
Avoid putting plastic taps on the bottom. Either pour from the top or use a caravan hand pump with length of food grade tube inserted into the spout.

[fishfinder Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close fishfinder]

Re: Steel v. Plastic Jerries.

Plastic are also lighter . but using food grade tube for refilling vehicle maybe a bit of over kill and slow as well I suggest a funnel

[switched Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close switched]

Re: Steel v. Plastic Jerries.

Go for plastic. But like what ozwapet2 said, go for the darker plastics which stop the sunlight coming in. This will stop nasty algae from breeding inside. I also have the khaki green containers especially formulated for water. Alot of the camping stores like BCF, Rays etc all have clear!!

[Bushbasher Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close Bushbasher]

Re: Steel v. Plastic Jerries.

When empty, the plastic ones are easier to store and secure just about anywhere. They won't annoy you with the continuous rattling like empty steel ones will do - having fluid in them deadens the sound.

You rarely find a decent pourer for the steel jerries. I've got an old steel clip on spout but it leaks more often than not and is a real bastard to get into the fuel filler. This is even more so for those with the 90 series that has the smaller fill holes inside the filler tube.

The plastic jerries have decent flexible pourers that mean you don't need a funnel. I have some with an internal air vent that makes filling reasonably quick and easy. I have a couple of the red 20 litre approved fuel jerries that would have to be at least 15 years old, have been all over this great country and have never let me down.

I've also got a couple of the repro army style green water jerries that are as tough as nails and they have likewise never let me down. Can't say the same for the water tank under Jayco caravans and campers though.