Design so rugged, it hasnt changed in almost 100 years
To get it out of the way up front - Yes, these are pricey. Yes, these are made in Latvia. Yes, you can get less expensive Jerry cans that are actually A. Yes, the ones A are actually inferior to these.
The design for these, the original Jerry can, is from WW2 Germany. The design was so ideal that these cans became one of the highly prized spoils of war as the Allies advanced through Europe. The standard fuel can the Allies used were flimsy and prone to leaks. All attempts to improve on this design have failed, often miserably.
First, there is the weld seam. It is recessed and protected from impact. Standing seams on USA made cans are prone to impact and leaks.
Next is the spout (not the nozzle, we will get to that shortly). It seals completely and protects against spills and leaks. There is also an air passage to ensure a splash free pour.
Also, notice the embossing on the sides? It isnt there for decoration. That allows the tank to expand if hot without rupturing.
Finally, there is a hump behind the handles that you cant actually fill with gas. That is also intentional and helps prevent splashing or chugging.
There are other design considerations, but those are the major ones.
As for the nozzle that comes with it... Yes, it is crap. Dont blame , though. That is the fault of the EPA, state, and local governments. actually makes a great nozzle that works as well as the can does, but it is made to European specs instead of USA specs. To pick up one of these, search on for nozzle, European Spec. Valpro also sells one on that works well.
Design so rugged, it hasnt changed in almost 100 years
To get it out of the way up front - Yes, these are pricey. Yes, these are made in Latvia. Yes, you can get less expensive Jerry cans that are actually A. Yes, the ones A are actually inferior to these. The design for these, the original Jerry can, is from WW2 Germany. The design was so ideal that these cans became one of the highly prized spoils of war as the Allies advanced through Europe. The standard fuel can the Allies used were flimsy and prone to leaks. All attempts to improve on this design have failed, often miserably. First, there is the weld seam. It is recessed and protected from impact. Standing seams on USA made cans are prone to impact and leaks. Next is the spout (not the nozzle, we will get to that shortly). It seals completely and protects against spills and leaks. There is also an air passage to ensure a splash free pour. Also, notice the embossing on the sides? It isnt there for decoration. That allows the tank to expand if hot without rupturing. Finally, there is a hump behind the handles that you cant actually fill with gas. That is also intentional and helps prevent splashing or chugging. There are other design considerations, but those are the major ones. As for the nozzle that comes with it... Yes, it is crap. Dont blame , though. That is the fault of the EPA, state, and local governments. actually makes a great nozzle that works as well as the can does, but it is made to European specs instead of USA specs. To pick up one of these, search on for nozzle, European Spec. Valpro also sells one on that works well.