FAQ: Metal Jerry Cans

• Metal Jerry Cans should be stored in well ventilated, dry areas out of direct sunlight.
• The seal on a Jerry Can lid and Jerry Can Pourer are consumable parts and should be inspected regularly and replaced when signs of wear or cracking appear.
• The Powder Coated outer lining can be scratched or scuffed from contact with hard surfaces and should be cleaned off and touched up when found to prevent the steel underneath from exposure and eventually corrosion from forming.
• Severe dents caused by excessive impact can damage the inner enamel lining with splits allowing the exposure of the steel inside the can. While the steel wall of the can will remain intact, the inner lining separation may lead to corrosion build up over time and replacement of the Jerry Can is recommended.
• The tines should be lubricated with small amounts of grease to minimise contact with the winglets causing the removal of powder coat. This will also reduce the resistance from pressure when opening and closing the lid.

Don’t fear, it is just the fuel resistant enamel lining. The lining is a reddish-brown colour when set and covers the entirety of the inside of the Can. This is one of the many high quality characteristics of the Pro Quip Metal Jerry Can Range that sets it apart from the cheap options on the market. You many notice upon first opening of the can that it has a certain smell which is a result of this lining being used. Corrosion of steel is an orange-brown colour.

No, the cheaper designs of Jerry Can use a breather tube welded inside the Can neck which is not compatible with Pro Quip Pourers. Pro Quip Pourers use a specially shaped Breathing Tongue which fits perfectly into the Breathing Channel which is unique to Pro Quip Metal Jerry Cans.

We recommend always filtering fuel when pouring from a Fuel Can to limit the potential for any contaminants from reaching your fuel tank.

If you use a jerry can holder, make sure it has rubber buffers so your paint does not get scratched. Deep scratches in your paint increase the risk of rust developing.

Pourers that have not been made by Pro Quip will use general dimensions to try fit most Can Necks on the market however they don’t account for the Pro Quip Breathing Channel Plate. Even if you make it fit, the Pro Quip Breathing Channel won’t be utilised as it is unique to our design. The result will be a sluggish, glugging pour.

Pro Quip Pourers are specially designed and made to fit Pro Quip Metal Jerry Cans. Their size, shape and breathing ability have all been manufactured in Europe to spec to allow Pro Quip Metal Jerry Cans to pour in a controlled and consistent manor without any glugging. The Flexible Pro Quip Pourers also include a filter mesh to prevent contaminants from entering your fuel tank.

If your Pro Quip Metal Jerry Can is showing signs of vapour or liquid loss, there are two possible explanations:

• The Nitrile Rubber Seal has worn or perished after extended use and needs replacing. Nitrile Rubber is designed to withstand contact with Fuel and will last a significant amount of time. Environmental factors and the amount of use the can gets each day will have an effect on how long they last. The seal is a consumable part, much like a wiper blade on a car and it is recommended to inspect your seals regularly and replace them each year or when you see any sign of cracking.
• The lid has been misaligned when closing. The lid of the Pro Quip Metal Jerry Can will sit in one of two positions when open. It can be “open and seated” meaning it will not close when you tip the can to pour. Or it can be “open and unseated” where it is free to swing right the way over the top of the opening, completely covering the neck and allowing the tines to engage with the neck wings adequately as well as the locking pin. If you have forced the lid closed when it is in the “open and seated” position, it will have taken greater effort than normal and will have bent the reinforced neck plate that aligns the lid for closing. To reverse this bending of the neck, put the cap back in the “open and seated” position and use your thumbs to push the top of the lid backwards towards the handle of the can. You may need to attempt this a few times to get it right.

There are benefits to both types, and some important points to consider based on what you plan to do with them.

Plastic cans offer great scratch resistance and can be used in general fuel storage and marine applications due to the HDPE plastic construction. Plastic cans are lighter than steel though don’t let that fool you; when filled to nominal capacity the 20L versions still weigh over 16kg with Unleaded and over 18kg with Diesel. Check out the Pro Quip Fuel Can Select System further weight and pouring information of other options in the range. Plastic cans are also cheaper to purchase while also including a pourer, however the Australian Dangerous Goods Code recommends that HDPE fuel containers be replaced after 5 years of use. Plastic cans should always be stored upright and secured during travel. HDPE plastic will always swell and contract from changes in ambient temperature if their pressure hasn’t been manually equalised with the vent cap which can make them more difficult to remove from holders.

Pro Quip Metal Jerry Cans offer a longer term option with well looked after cans lasting over 20 years (from personal experience). The internal fuel resistant enamel prevents internal rust from condensation. Both Super Cans and Traditional Style Jerry Cans are able to be stored in any orientation which is easier for travel. The weight when full of a Pro Quip Metal Jerry Can will be 19kg for Unleaded and 21kg for Diesel. If lifting weight is an issue but metal is still the preference, consider smaller sizes such as the 10L and 5L variations. There is very little noticeable expansion and contraction due to changes in ambient temperature with Pro Quip Metal Jerry Cans due to the 0.9mm Steel used.

The colour of Pro Quip Plastic and Metal Jerry Cans is for identification purposes only. There is no difference in the plastic used in the plastic versions, or the enamel used in the metal versions between colours.

No, the inner enamel based lining is suitable for fuel but not water as it is not food grade.