Have you ever been out on the road for a fun-filled activity, only to realize that your fuel gauge is edging closer to E? Such experiences can be scary, especially if you are in a remote area and there’s no gas station in sight. Having an extra supply of gas can come in handy in such situations.
Knowing how to carry spare fuel for your trip is an instrumental skill for any adventurer. And we are here to show you how. In our conversation today, we will cover everything you need to know about jerry cans, how to choose them, and how to care for them during your trips.
Understanding Jerry Cans And Why You Would Need Them
A jerry can is a unique type of container that serves as excellent storage space for additional fuel for people going on road trips. Most jerry cans also have spouts to allow you to fuel your car when on the road. All you would need to do is pour the gas into your tank as you would when fueling at a station, and you will be good to go.
There are two main types of jerry cans you are likely to find in the market. These are metal and plastic jerry cans. Metal cans are right to hold fuel for your vehicle during a road trip adventure.
However, plastic cans need extra modification and fortification to make them suitable. This is because plastic is ordinarily highly flammable and would be a safety hazard if not properly structured to hold fuel.
Choosing The Right Jerry Can For Your Adventure
Considering how important jerry cans are for people going on adventures, you should never take the decision on which jerry can you are using lightly. Here are some important factors you should look at when choosing a jerry can the next time you are at the store.
Capacity Considerations
The volume of gas your jerry can can hold at any given time determines how effective it will be. The general rule when it comes to choosing jerry cans is the fuel consumption rate of your vehicle. You need a jerry can that can carry enough fuel to take you out of a fix when you are on the road.
So, a can with a capacity of anything between 1.3 to 5.3 gallons of fuel can help you drive your vehicle to a gas station if your gas cuts when you are on the road.
Materials
As we have pointed out earlier, jerry can come in two primary materials: metals and plastic. All these materials have their different pros and cons. For example, plastic jerry cans are lighter and easier to carry when you are in transit. However, they are highly flammable and also prone to damage.
On the other hand, metal cans are quite heavy. But what they lack in convenience, they make up for in durability and safety. As such, you should choose a material that matches your needs.
Accessories
Once you are confident that the jerry can you are considering to get meets the basic specifications of a decent fuel container, you can then explore the accessories that make it stand out from the rest. Jerry cans with accessories such as extra handles, spouts, and sealants tend to cost more than regular ones. But they come with extra convenience you can’t put a price on.
Safety Standards
Always look at the safety features of the jerry can before you buy it. Remember, jerry cans carry fuel, which is a highly flammable substance. You need to be sure that the jerry can meet the safety standards of the regulatory authorities in your region to avoid gruesome accidents.
How To Handle Jerry Cans Safely
Speaking of safety standards, it is not enough for you to have a decent jerry can. You also need to know how to handle it safely and to care for it so that you can get the most out of the can. The first thing you should remember when using jerry cans is storing them safely. Never stack fuel jerry cans on top of each other. Similarly, be sure to store your jerry can in an upright position to avoid leaking.
It is always a good idea to subject your jerry cans to regular routine inspection checks. These checks are important to assess the safety of the can and evaluate its suitability. You can time these checks for when you are planning a road trip or when you need to refill the can.
When using your jerry can to refill your gas tank, you should always use a spout. If your jerry can doesn’t come with one, then using a funnel is the second best choice. Don’t forget to clean the area around your can when you are done fueling and cleaning it before refilling.
Bottom Line
Jerry cans are must have containers for people that go on long road trips. These cans are life savers when you are stranded in the outdoors and have no way to fuel your car. Hopefully, our discussion has helped you understand everything about cans and how to choose and use them safely. What are you waiting for? Get your jerry can today and enjoy a seamless driving experience.
