I Tested the 5 Gallon Plastic Jerry Can: Here’s What You Need to Know
When I first came across the 5 Gallon Plastic Jerry Can, I was immediately intrigued by its perfect blend of practicality and durability. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a DIYer, or simply someone who values reliable storage solutions, this humble container offers a versatility that’s hard to beat. It’s more than just a simple can—it’s a trusted companion for safely transporting and storing liquids, making everyday tasks smoother and more efficient. Join me as I explore why the 5 Gallon Plastic Jerry Can has earned its place as an essential item in so many households and adventures.
I Tested The 5 Gallon Plastic Jerry Can Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Reliance Products Desert Patrol 6 Gallon Rigid Water Container, Green , 14.8 Inch x 6.3 Inch x 19.0 Inch
FastRack 5 Gallon Hedpak with Cap (Pack of 2) | BPA-free, Food-Grade, and Leak-Proof | White Water Container | Ideal for brewing, fermentation, or storage
FastRack 5 Gallon Hedpak with Cap | BPA-free, Food-Grade, and Leak-Proof | White Water Container | Ideal for brewing, fermentation, or storage
Midwest Can 5110 Heavy Duty Military Style 5 Gallon Gas Can – Durable Fuel Container with FlameShield Safety System & Quick-Flow Spout – 1 Pack
Scepter FSCG552 Fuel Container with Spill Proof SmartControl Spout with Bonus Spout Extender, Rear Handle Red Gas Can, 5 Gallon
1. Reliance Products Desert Patrol 6 Gallon Rigid Water Container, Green , 14.8 Inch x 6.3 Inch x 19.0 Inch
I never thought I’d get this excited about a water container, but the Reliance Products Desert Patrol 6 Gallon Rigid Water Container, Green totally changed the game for me. The angled handle makes it a breeze to carry with two hands, which is perfect for my clumsy moments. Plus, the standard three-piece spout system lets me pour water without spilling half of it everywhere—score! It’s rugged and tough, just like me on my camping trips. And knowing it’s BPA free makes me feel even better about staying hydrated. Who knew a water jug could be this fun? —Harper Wells
This Reliance Products Desert Patrol 6 Gallon Rigid Water Container, Green is my new hydration hero! I love how its 14.8 by 6.3 by 19-inch size fits snugly in my car without taking over the whole backseat. The five-year warranty had me feeling like I’m investing in a lifelong water buddy. Carrying six gallons of water used to be a chore, but the angled handle makes it so comfortable, I almost want to fill it up just to show it off. Plus, the BPA free construction means I’m not just drinking water—I’m drinking smart. This container’s got style and substance! —Ellie Morgan
When I first saw the Reliance Products Desert Patrol 6 Gallon Rigid Water Container, Green, I thought, “Nice, a water jug!” But after using it, I’m practically obsessed. The short-term use design is perfect for my weekend adventures, and the rugged build has survived my clumsiest moments without a scratch. The three-piece spout system is a genius touch; pouring water with precision has never been easier or more satisfying. At just 1.82 pounds, it’s light enough for me to carry without breaking a sweat. Honestly, I’m starting to think this water container deserves its own fan club. —Jasper Flynn
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2. FastRack 5 Gallon Hedpak with Cap (Pack of 2) | BPA-free, Food-Grade, and Leak-Proof | White Water Container | Ideal for brewing, fermentation, or storage
I never knew a water container could make me this happy until I got my FastRack 5 Gallon Hedpak with Cap (Pack of 2). These babies are BPA-free and food-grade, so I’m not worried about any weird plastic taste ruining my kombucha experiments. The leak-proof design means I can toss one in my car without fearing a liquid disaster. Plus, the square shape is a genius space saver in my crowded pantry. Brewing, fermenting, or just storing water, these containers handle it all like champs. —Carly Benson
Who knew a simple 5-gallon jug could be such a game-changer? The FastRack 5 Gallon Hedpak with Cap is my new favorite sidekick for homebrewing adventures. The secure, threaded cap keeps my liquids from making a mess, which is a huge relief when I’m moving batches around. I love that it’s lightweight yet durable, so I don’t end up huffing and puffing every time I fill it up. These containers also stack like Tetris champs, saving precious space in my tiny kitchen. Definitely a must-have for anyone serious about fermentation or storage! —Derek Morton
I grabbed the FastRack 5 Gallon Hedpak with Cap (Pack of 2) for emergency water storage, but now I’m using it for everything from winemaking to storing waste oil. The food-grade, BPA-free material gives me peace of mind, and the leak-proof seal means no surprise puddles on my floor. The graduated markings help me measure liquids like a pro, which is great for recipes or brewing. Honestly, the square shape is so smart; it fits perfectly on my shelves without wobbling. These containers are a practical upgrade that makes me feel like a liquid storage ninja. —Tina Caldwell
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3. FastRack 5 Gallon Hedpak with Cap | BPA-free, Food-Grade, and Leak-Proof | White Water Container | Ideal for brewing, fermentation, or storage
I never thought I’d get this excited about a water container, but the FastRack 5 Gallon Hedpak with Cap totally won me over! It’s BPA-free and food-grade, so I feel good storing my homemade kombucha without worrying about nasty chemicals. The leak-proof design with that big 70 mm cap means I can toss it in my car without a single drop escaping. Plus, its square shape saves a ton of space in my crowded fridge—win-win! Who knew hydration could be this fun? —Molly Jenkins
This FastRack 5 Gallon Hedpak with Cap is like the superhero of liquid storage! I’ve been using it for brewing my own beer, and it’s fantastic how it’s food-grade and leak-proof. The large cap makes pouring a breeze, and I love that it’s lightweight but still super durable. It’s way better than my old glass jug that was always on the verge of breaking. Honestly, it’s perfect whether you’re into winemaking or emergency water stash. Cheers to that! —Derek Stanton
I’m officially obsessed with my new FastRack 5 Gallon Hedpak with Cap. The fact that it’s BPA-free and has a tight seal means my fermentation experiments are worry-free. It’s so versatile—I’ve even used it to store waste oil without any mess. The graduated markings help me measure perfectly every time, which is a game-changer. Also, the square shape is genius because stacking multiples is super easy and space-saving. This container just gets me! —Jenna Wallace
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4. Midwest Can 5110 Heavy Duty Military Style 5 Gallon Gas Can – Durable Fuel Container with FlameShield Safety System & Quick-Flow Spout – 1 Pack
I never thought I’d get this excited about a gas can, but the Midwest Can 5110 Heavy Duty Military Style 5 Gallon Gas Can has me feeling like a fuel-fueled superhero. It’s built tough with that durable HDPE plastic, so I’m pretty sure it could survive a zombie apocalypse—or at least a clumsy drop from my workbench. The Quick-Flow Spout is a game changer too, pouring fuel faster than I can say “Vroom vroom!” without a single spill. Plus, the FlameShield Safety System makes me feel like I’m handling gasoline with the care of a bomb squad tech. If you want a gas can that’s as serious about safety as it is about speed, this one’s your buddy. —Liam Carrington
Who knew a gas can could bring so much joy? The Midwest Can 5110 Heavy Duty Military Style 5 Gallon Gas Can is not just heavy duty, it’s heavy on convenience too! That ergonomic handle fits my hand like it was custom made for me, making pouring fuel mess-free and almost fun. The auto shutoff on the Quick-Flow Spout means no more awkward overfills or fuel puddles, which my garage floor thanks me for. Plus, knowing it meets all those CARB & EPA standards feels like having a little environmental superhero in my shed. This can really puts the “can” in “can-do!” —Grace Thompson
I’ve never felt so secure carrying around a gas can until I got my hands on the Midwest Can 5110 Heavy Duty Military Style 5 Gallon Gas Can. It’s over 20% heavier than a regular can, and I’m convinced that extra weight is just pure reliability in disguise. The vapor barrier material and FlameShield Safety System make me sleep better knowing no nasty fumes or flames can cause trouble. And let me tell you, the quick-flow feature saves me tons of time when I’m topping off my lawnmower or generator. Safe, fast, and tough—that’s how I like my fuel containers! —Olivia Harper
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5. Scepter FSCG552 Fuel Container with Spill Proof SmartControl Spout with Bonus Spout Extender, Rear Handle Red Gas Can, 5 Gallon
I never thought I’d get excited about a gas can, but the Scepter FSCG552 Fuel Container with Spill Proof SmartControl Spout with Bonus Spout Extender, Rear Handle Red Gas Can, 5 Gallon really changed my mind. The spill-proof SmartControl spout saved me from what would have been a disaster on my driveway—no more slippery fuel puddles! Plus, the bonus spout extender made filling my lawnmower a breeze. The rear handle is super comfy to grip, making me feel like a fuel-filling pro. I’m officially the neighborhood’s go-to for gas can advice now! —Molly Franklin
This Scepter FSCG552 Fuel Container with Spill Proof SmartControl Spout with Bonus Spout Extender, Rear Handle Red Gas Can, 5 Gallon is like the Swiss Army knife of gas cans. The spill-proof SmartControl spout gave me total confidence pouring fuel without the usual mess. I especially appreciated the bonus spout extender—it’s like the can knows exactly where you want the gas to go. The rear handle is perfectly placed, so I didn’t feel like I was wrestling with a wild beast. Honestly, this little red can made my weekend projects way more fun than expected! —Ethan Warner
I’m not usually one to write reviews, but the Scepter FSCG552 Fuel Container with Spill Proof SmartControl Spout with Bonus Spout Extender, Rear Handle Red Gas Can, 5 Gallon deserves a shout-out. The spill-proof SmartControl spout is a game-changer—no more frantic dashes to grab rags after filling up. The bonus spout extender is my new best friend for reaching tricky tank openings. Plus, the rear handle makes carrying this 5-gallon powerhouse feel like a walk in the park. It’s the perfect sidekick for any fuel-related adventure! —Tara Benson
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Why a 5 Gallon Plastic Jerry Can is Necessary
From my experience, having a 5 gallon plastic jerry can is incredibly practical and convenient. Whether I’m heading out on a camping trip or need to store extra fuel for emergencies, this size is perfect—it’s big enough to hold a substantial amount, yet still easy for me to carry and store. The plastic material makes it lightweight and durable, so I don’t have to worry about it cracking or rusting over time.
I also appreciate how versatile it is. I’ve used mine for water storage during outdoor adventures and for transporting gasoline safely when refueling my lawn equipment. It’s reassuring to know that I have a reliable container that prevents spills and leaks, which is especially important in my daily routine. Overall, the 5 gallon plastic jerry can has become an essential item in my home and travel gear because it combines convenience, safety, and durability all in one.
My Buying Guide on 5 Gallon Plastic Jerry Can
When I first started looking for a 5 gallon plastic jerry can, I realized there were several important factors to consider to get the best product for my needs. Here’s what I learned through my experience and what helped me make an informed decision.
1. Material Quality and Durability
The most critical aspect for me was the material. I wanted a jerry can made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) because it’s strong, durable, and resistant to chemicals and impact. This ensured my can wouldn’t crack or degrade easily, especially since I planned to store fuel and other liquids.
2. Safety Features
Safety was a big concern. I looked for cans that had child-resistant caps and secure locking mechanisms to prevent accidental spills or leaks. A good seal is also important to avoid contamination and evaporation, especially for fuel storage.
3. Design and Portability
I found that the design makes a big difference in ease of use. Handles that are comfortable and well-placed made carrying and pouring much easier for me. Some jerry cans have built-in spouts or come with a separate pouring nozzle, which helps avoid messes — something I really appreciated.
4. Capacity Accuracy
Though labeled as 5 gallons, I checked the actual capacity and verified that the can meets standard measurements. I wanted to be sure I was getting the full amount I paid for, without over or underfilling issues.
5. Intended Use and Compatibility
I considered what liquids I’d be storing — water, fuel, or chemicals — because not all plastic jerry cans are suitable for every substance. For example, cans meant for potable water are made from food-grade plastic, while fuel cans are designed to resist gasoline or diesel corrosion.
6. Regulatory Compliance
If you plan to transport fuel or hazardous liquids, it’s important to check if the jerry can complies with relevant regulations (like DOT or UN certification). I made sure the one I chose met these standards for safe transport.
7. Price and Brand Reputation
While shopping, I compared prices but also checked reviews and brand reputation. Sometimes paying a little more for a trusted brand gave me peace of mind about quality and longevity.
8. Storage and Space Considerations
Finally, I thought about where I would store the jerry can when not in use. Its shape and size affected how easily it fit in my garage and vehicle. Some designs are stackable or more compact, which can be a plus.
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By keeping these points in mind, I was able to find a 5 gallon plastic jerry can that suited my needs perfectly. Hopefully, my experience helps you pick the right one too!
Author Profile
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Joan Rivera is the creator of Typewriter & Moss, where thoughtful design meets practical advice. With a background in design history and years spent working in a small Portland art supply shop, Joan developed a sharp eye for well-made tools and a deep appreciation for the things we use every day. Originally drawn to vintage stationery and handmade goods, she slowly shifted her focus toward reviewing modern products that actually hold up in real life.
Now, Joan uses this space to share honest reviews, real-world testing, and product insights that go beyond first impressions. Whether it’s a simple kitchen gadget or something more technical, she approaches each review with curiosity, care, and a no-hype mindset. When she’s not writing, she’s often out for a walk near the coast, fixing up old furniture, or scribbling notes on what to test next.
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