If you’re somebody who likes to explore places that are a little off the beaten track, then you know how important being prepared is when overlanding.
Well, one thing you’re always going to need is a jerry can. Whether it’s for water or gas, jerry cans get you out of some pretty tight spots when you’re off-the-grid.
But what are the best jerry cans for overlanding? To find that out, stick around until the end of the post for 3 jerry cans that top the rest on the market right now!
Types Of Jerry Cans
Before there’s any discussion about the best jerry cans, you first need to understand that the type of jerry can you have makes a difference.
There are obvious advantages and disadvantages to both, and you can find some of the most important points below so you can decide which type of jerry can is right for you.
Plastic Jerry Cans
Let’s start with plastic jerry cans. The first, and most obvious advantage, is that they’re far cheaper to pick up than metal ones, and this alone is a huge draw for many people.
Add in the fact that they’re lighter than metal ones, and less likely to suffer from corrosion, and you’ve got yourself a cheaper, durable jerry can that can last you a long while.
But there are drawbacks. Plastic cans expand and contract with changes in temperature, and they’re a poor choice for long-term storage, as fuel can actually leak out of plastic cans after being stored for a long time.
Of course, when overlanding, you don’t need to store fuel for more than a month or so, but it’s still worth noting.
Metal Jerry Cans
Metal jerry cans are another great option. They’re far harder than their plastic counterparts, don’t change with temperature changes, and although are heavier, are much easier to secure safely in place when you’re looking to store them away.
But again, there are problems with metal jerry cans.
The biggest one by far is that in the event of an accident plastic jerry cans will simply melt, but metal jerry cans have been known to explode.
Of course, this is something nobody should worry about, but it’s still an important point to make from a safety perspective.
How To Mount A Jerry Can
Speaking of safety, you’ll also need to mount your jerry can while overlanding to prevent them from spilling over, leaking, or otherwise presenting a hazard while you’re on the road.
Below are two of the best ways to mount your jerry cans to ensure a safe trip.
Roof Rack
Jerry can holders can sometimes be attached to any sort of rack – roof rack or truck bed – but it’s important you check the jerry can holder you’ve picked out first, so you know how to secure them correctly and what you should be securing them to.
As a general guide though, here’s how you’d usually attach your jerry can holder to a roof rack to mount your jerry can:
- Slide the nuts into the T slots of your roof rack tray
- Set down the holder
- Add bolts and tighten
- Place the jerry can into the holder
- Use the adjustable clasp to close down over the jerry can and tighten
Top tip: Look for a jerry can mount for your roof rack that covers the jerry can cap to prevent fuel theft on the road. Also, look for one with a locking system, or at the very least one that you can use a padlock with to prevent theft.
Truck Bed Rack
To attach your jerry can holder to your truck bed rack, here’s another general guide:
- Follow the instructions for attaching the mount to the side of your vehicle’s truck bed (general guidance here won’t help, as every vehicle is different and a bunch of manufacturers use different methods of attaching their mounts to a truck bed)
- Slide the jerry can into the mount standing up
- Pull over the adjustable clasp and tighten
- Test to make sure the jerry can is secure
However you decide to mount your jerry cans is up to you, it’s just really important that you do. If left unmounted, your jerry cans pose a serious risk to you while overlanding.
How Are Jerry Cans Used?
If you’re overlanding already, then you know how jerry cans are used and why they’re so useful, but if you’re new, then here’s why they’re so good.
First, then can be used for fuel or water, two things you’ll need a lot of while overlanding.
Second, they’re a great peace of mind when you’re 75 miles out from the nearest town and your overlanding vehicle is running on fumes.
So, just fill them up with whatever you need (ALWAYS use different jerry cans for fuel and water though, get different colored ones to help remember which is used for which) and then mount them to your vehicle for your trip.
You’ll feel much better for it.
Also, make sure you have a spout with you so you can use it to fill up your vehicle in a pinch.
The Best Jerry Cans For Overlanding
Below are the top 3 jerry cans on the market right now, and you’ll find the main reasons they’re the best below.
Make sure you check them out for yourself for further information though, only the most interesting points will be highlighted here.
Rotopax
Rotopax offers a bunch of jerry cans, white for water, and red for fuel.
They can be stacked together easily, and are some of the most impressive jerry cans around because of their leakproof construction and strong seal gasket to prevent leakages.
It’s made using a three-layered Roto-Molding process that gives thicker walls to make these jerry cans strong, durable, and reusable for many years to come.
Lifesaver Expedition
The Lifesaver jerry can on offer here is just for water, but it’s the most aptly named product you’ll ever come across.
Why? Because this jerry can is the perfect example of what water cans should be.
This can take 20,000 or 10,000 liters of water (depending on the size you choose) and filter it fully.
And all you have to do is fill it. That’s it, the rest is taken care of for you so you have access to filtered, safe to drink water no matter where your overlanding trip takes you!
Wavian
And finally, let’s leave you with one of the best gas cans on the market, the Wavian.
This hardened steel jerry can is perfect for overlanding because it’s one of the most durable cans on the market.
The rubber seal prevents leaks, the handle is easy to carry, and has been specifically designed to last in tough environments.
So, basically, it’s made for overlanding, right?
Wrapping Up
And there you have it, everything you need to know about jerry cans for overlanding.
Hopefully, today’s post has given you something to think about and has given you some ideas about the best jerry cans for overlanding and what you should be looking out for.