Wavian Metal Gas Can Review

Article by Mark Trotta

Wavian has been manufacturing metal gas cans for various NATO militaries for over 80 years. They boast a number of features, such as 0.9mm steel walls, interior rust-proof lining, and an internal breather pipe for splash-proof pouring.

Features:

The inside is lined with fuel resistant Rezol enamel, which not only prevents rust, but if the can gets dented, the internal lining doesn’t crack.

Exterior is epoxy polyester powder coat.

Leak-proof bayonet closure.

Locking pin for cap.

Three handle configuration for easy carrying.

As of 2024, it's still the only military-grade EPA and CARB compliant Jerry Can on the market.

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When I purchased this one in 2019, it was primarily to store gasoline for our portable generator.

Power outages around these parts are rare (central NC), but when needed, the generator may need to run 24 hours or more. So I wanted to have enough gas on hand for for such emergencies.

Soon after, I found myself favoring it over the smaller and lighter plastic jugs that I had been using. It has since become my 'go-to' gas can when filling up the lawn tractor and pressure washer.

It never spills gas.

It's simply the best gas container I've ever owned.

Shop: Wavian Jerry Can

No Smell No Leaks

Have you ever had to keep a fuel container inside your vehicle? The Wavian can is air/gas/fume-tight, so you can transport it in your car and it won't leak or smell.

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What Is A Jerry Can?

The "Wehrmacht-Einheitskanister" was originally designed and produced in Germany in the 1930s for military use. It's name literally translates to "Defenceforces standardized container".

The Jerry Can (also written as Jerrycan) nickname refers to it's origins, 'Jerry' being slang for Germans. They are also called Jeep Cans and Blitz Cans.

Carry Handles

The top of the container has 3 parallel handles. The center handle allows for a balanced, single-handed carry.

With the two outer handles, they can be transported by two people walking side by side. This was more for military purposes than anything else. Think of two soldiers carrying a full, 40 pound container for long distances.

The indented pattern on the sides aren't just for looks. They were designed to add strength and allow the contents of the can to expand.

There are several sizes available, but the most common is the 20 litre (5.3 gallon) capacity. Also available in 2.6 Gallon (10L) 1.3 Gallon (5L).

20 Litre/5.3 Gallon Jerry Can Specs

9" x 5" x 14"

Weight (empty) 12 pounds

Weight (full) 40 pounds

All sizes are available in red (gasoline), blue (kerosene), yellow (diesel), and green (water).

In contrast to gas containers that are short and wide, Jerry cans are tall and narrow. This gives them a smaller footprint, so they'll take up less floor space in back of your truck or in the garage.

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Great For Off-Road Vehicles

One of the most popular accessories for off-road vehicles are metal gas cans. They're often attached to the back of Jeeps, or in pickup truck beds with tie-downs or bungee cords.

Companies such as Smittybilt offer lockable holders.

Shop: Jerry Gas Can Holder

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Flexible Jerry Can Spout

When purchased, the can included a black plastic 'safety' nozzle, which is hard to use when lifting a full 40 pound container.

A much-needed upgrade from the standard spout is a flexible spout.

The nozzle diameter of the flex spout is designed to fit into automotive unleaded gas spouts, and allows quick pouring without glugging and air buildup.

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Are They Legal In All 50 States?

Wavian Jerry Cans are made in Europe and come with an EPA/CARB approved spout, which makes them legal for sale in all 50 U.S. states. If you change the spout, it may not legal to refill in California.

Please check the law for your specific state.

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Wavian vs Vevor

You'll see cheaper metal cans online. But read the reviews--Vevor nozzles leak fuel, and there's no clip to hold the nozzle onto the can. The seam on the Vevor is not recessed, which makes it damage prone. In contrast, the Wavian is recessed, which is the way the original cans were designed.

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Plastic vs Metal Gas Cans

Plastic gas cans are light and inexpensive, and their affordability makes them popular. But plastic gas jugs can swell when subjected to extreme heat, and get brittle when it's very cold. Gas kept in metal containers withstand extreme weather better.

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Are Metal Gas Cans Worth It?

Jerry Cans are expensive, but it's easy to justify - If it lasts 25 years, that's about four dollars a year you've spent on safe, portable gasoline storage. And there are plenty of 50 year-old metal gas cans still in use.

If the paint on the outside is good, and there's no rust on the inside, a metal gas container may outlive you. The only suggested maintenance is to replace the rubber spout gasket every few years.

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Does Gas Last Longer In Metal Cans?

Not only will a Wavian Jerry Can safely store gasoline, it will prolong it's usable life. Gasoline keeps freshest in a sealed metal container.

Shop: 5 Gallon Jerry Can

NOTE: Unless you will be using it up within a week or two, avoid buying ethanol-blended gas. Non-Ethanol fuel is much better for small engines.

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2024 Update

After five years of use, it started to drip while pouring, so I replaced the spout gasket and the dripping stopped.

These Jerry Can Gaskets fit 20-Litre NATO Jerry Cans and are compatible with aftermarket nozzles.

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