Basics

This page aims to go over Portable Small Pouring Storage Containers for Liquid Fuels
Think “Gas Cans” but MOST of the information also applies to Diesel , Fuel Alcohol , and Kerosene etc

Types

These were one of the first “MODERN” fuel cans
Just about every feature is intentional
RE Jerrycan for further details, but all in all these are a GREAT choice short of some potential downsides such as:
- Metal is better, but thus Coatings/Paint become VERY important to “get right”, and unlike LDPE / HDPE which short of VERY poor mold quality/funky dyes etc will be inert and monolithic, a GREAT metal can could have a crappy liner or outer coating etc
  - Another aspect of this is Dry Weight , although the aforementioned ergonomic benefit allow it to easily be turned into a Team Lift thus reducing the weight per person by 1/2
- Poor Stackability
  - While certainly “good enough”, having a form factor more akin to Aquabrick ‘s Interlocking Blocks would aid transport/mass storage
    - Although having more fuel cans than one can fit in a Flammables Storage Locker is moreso a sign you need a dedicated Stationary Fuel Storage Tank / an Auxiliary Fuel Tank / Flexible Fuel Bladder etc
- Lack of a Flashback Arrestor
- Lack of an Integrated Pour Spout
  - Not HORRIBLE given this also means it is an easily exchanged part, but this does potentially cause issues (Them becoming lost, not having one when you need one etc, minor more evaporative emissions/leaks due to having to thread the thing on there etc
All in all though, modern mechanized warfare was enabled by the invention of these, so they can DEFINITELY work for some basic Small Engine equipment / your car or truck etc

These are MOST of your modern cans
(At least in a USA Context) Various Laws were passed (Insert the Specific Laws / CFRs here etc) that tried to reduce Evaporative Emissions (Bad in their own right ( Evaporative Losses ) , but also a potential Fire or Explosion Hazard for Semi-Confined Spaces such as Garages or Trunks etc
- Other aspects of the law were Childproofing etc
Due to most people’s fuel cans of choice being cheap, and companies COMPLYING (but not following the Spirit of the Law / focusing on making something profitable, not something “good” etc) most cans on the market spill a ton / aren’t that great
As with Diesel Particulate Matter / NOx emissions and the resulting system of DPF + DEF requiring SCR systems, this has lead to widespread mistrust/hatred for said regulations, despite most people being fine with their core aims
- This also is a sentiment very useful to various powers that be that would prefer there to be no EPA so their power plant can pollute to their heart’s content etc, but that’s a whole other matter
All in all these are about the WORST choice, but CAN work
- Especially as an Empty “Emergency” 1-2 Gallon Can for VEDC
  - Even if you follow the Half Full is Empty / Quarter Full is Empty rule, it still could come in handy for helping others etc, and a small cheap empty plastic can doesn’t take much room in a vehicle

These tend to be more expensive, but are “compliant” while actually not being horrible to use
They also tend to have better build quality such as higher Wall Thickness etc
Modern Jerry Cans with some sort of “Safety Spout” also fit in here as well