Are there any pros / cons to using one over the other.

Only thing I can think of is corrosion/rust with steel and maybe easier to puncture plastic on the trail?

Thanks in advance.

PS: I must say the jerry can holders on the LOD Gen2 leave a lot to be desired! I'm thinking about cutting some slats in the side metal flanges of the holder to slide the tie/down through.. its so wobbly in there.. and I even took the trouble to also wrap the tie down around the top storage rack to be safe.

 

Probably is a longshot, but I am picturing metal falling and making a spark, igniting fumes or spilled fuel. I am guessing they are built to not leak fumes, etc. but who knows.

Also, probably a longshot, but let's say you get in an accident and the car ignites and burns - the metal jerry can would explode and send schrapnel everywhere, I imagine. The fuel in the plastic jerry would still ignite, but a plastic can would just melt (no flying metal), no?

 

Over time, things leech into plastic. I've never thought plastic was a good idea for water. If mold and mildew sets up in the slightest way, you'll play hell gettin it out.

 

thx for the replies!

 

I'd be hesitant about carrying anything flammable in metal cans. There's a reason your gas tank is plastic.

 

If you like a clean rig, after getting it dirty.. you can wax and shine up the metal cans and have them looking sharp.

 

I thought it was because it's cheap. We had metal gas tanks on vehicles for decades. Probably still do.

 

I think it's for crash safety. The metal can cause sparks when it deforms in a crash.

http://www.tms.org/pubs/journals/jom...rado-9607.html

One critical part of the performance criteria of the tank is its ability to meet crash requirements. Generally, plastic tanks are considered safer in crashes because they are seamless and, thus, not prone to failures in the vulnerable seam areas. They are not a source of sparks. Also, plastic tanks deform and have some ability to rebound back to shape. When steel tanks absorb energy and deform, the pressure within the tank increases as the volume decreases. This makes them vulnerable at welded or clamped areas where failure can potentially occur.

 

What about the new style of can that is out, they are plastic or some sort of poly material. They are like 3" thick and 36" long. I forget who makes them or what they are called.

But I did see them out in Moab "Easter Jeep safari" last year. They make them for fuel and water. I belive they come in Red, Blue, and White......

 

There are still plenty of steel gas tanks in the industry.