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Jerry Cans - Metal or Plastic? Jerry Cans - Metal or Plastic?
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Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? Anything to do with the bikes equipment, saddlebags, etc. Questions on repairs and maintenance of the bike itself belong in the Brand Specific Tech Forums.
Photo by Ellen Delis, Lagunas Ojos del Campo, Antofalla, Catamarca

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Photo by Ellen Delis,
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Antofalla, Catamarca



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  #1  
Old 21 Jul 2009
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Jerry Cans - Metal or Plastic?
Hi

Apologies if this has been asked before....in fact I'm pretty sure it has, but I can't find it....

Which would you recommend, plastic or metal Jerry cans?

I actually ordered a 10litre plastic one and when it arrived last night it was metal! So, should I send it back and get a plastic one, or is metal just as good?

My main concern is heat - I'll be using it in the Australian summer so will be in direct sunlight all day when its bloody hot.....

If it makes a difference, it'll be strapped to the front of my topbox, on the pillion's seat.

Thanks in advance

J
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Old 22 Jul 2009
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I use a metal jerry can - they last longer but the downside is they weigh slightly more than a plastic one. I live in a sunny climate and anything plastic which is exposed to the sun doesn't last long. The life of plastic jerry cans can be shortened from continuous exposure to sunlight and can fail from sun damage. Cover them up with something to protect them from solar UV.
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Old 22 Jul 2009
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Hello!

I have found a mob in Qld who make a fuel bladder. It takes 12 liters and is easy to roll up and store when not in use.
I have ordered this myself, but haven't had time to try it yet. It is a good quality item.

Liquid Containment

Cheers Tom
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Old 22 Jul 2009
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I think either will do the job just fine !!

I personally prefer the plastic ones. As long as you get a decent one, they are made from the same stuff as Acerbis tanks etc so they last forever.

I carried a 10 litre plastic container for extra fuel while crossing the pampas and in a 40mph crash, it exploded.... That WASNT a fuel container though.

The point being, if its plastic, make sure its thick stuff. Still.. A metal one may have dented but probably split easier on sharp rocks etc.
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Old 22 Jul 2009
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Quote:
Originally Posted by J1mbo View Post
Hi

<SNIP>
Which would you recommend, plastic or metal Jerry cans?
<SNIP>

J
I would use several 5 litre oil bottles. They're free, durable, recyclable and approved to carry petroleum based products

I would mount them low...on the passenger footpegs...and strap them to your cases...they will hold. See pic below...

new_crashbars.jpg





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Old 27 Jul 2009
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I'm using a (plastic) 2gal Rotopax on a rack made by a guy over on ADVRider.


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Old 28 Jul 2009
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Thanks for the feedback everyone!!

I've seen those fuel bladdders before, apparently it was the Surf Lifesavers use for their RIBs, so pretty tough and can cope with being in the sun all day. But....I don't really want to spend the money, although I am very tempted!

I tried fitting the metal jerry can at the weekend and it will rattle a LOT against the rear rack and will no doubt drive me mad. So I think based on that, plastic it is.

Cheers again

J
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Old 28 Jul 2009
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Originally Posted by J1mbo View Post
I tried fitting the metal jerry can at the weekend and it will rattle a LOT against the rear rack and will no doubt drive me mad. So I think based on that, plastic it is.
You can put a piece of old tire between the rack and the jerrycan. That will stop the rattling. If a plastic jerrycan does move that much, it may wear very quickly so even if you go for plastic, use some rubber to dampen the rattle.
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