Water Tank Vs Jerry Cans | Off-road 4x4 Camping

Should you install a water tank on your overland 4wd or just stick with a water jerry can?
In this video we look at the pros and cons of mounted water tanks and jerry cans for when you are vehicle camping in remote areas. You can only survive for days without water, so making sure your water is safe is pretty important!

[@davidoconnor6051]

I love this channel for a few reason. 1 you get bogged on purpose and smile about it. 2 no matter what your always happy and 3 you know a he'll of alot about offroad and I want to learn how to go off road and I learn alot from this channel.

[@fastfed]

It's as if this dude has a permanent smile lol

[@Maniwasaki]

He is just a happy chap, i like him a lot

[@gabrielmr088]

Excellent Video! Forgive me for chiming in, I would appreciate your thoughts. Have you ever tried - Proutklarton Protecting Aqua Plan (google it)? It is a good exclusive product for getting prepared for a mega drought without the headache. Ive heard some super things about it and my work colleague after a lifetime of fighting got great success with it.

[@jaredtansley3236]

Love your videos matey

[@graysensantiago1247]

Instablaster...

[@chriscoetzee774]

​ 0:28 0:29 0:35 0:36 0:36

[@mjunk5609]

So Sad, Truly enjoyed watching your adventures

[@richardachyde]

Another great video, so refreshing to watch 4WD videos that aren't flogging product every 2 seconds, really useful and practical advise, good one.

[@brendoncoss9589]

This guy's just good got a great attitude whole nine yards always has a smile on his face, he is very informative I like it truck hell that ain't true I love this truck, you can truly tell that this guy loves what he's doing, so what are you doing real life man?

[@clinttuttle1126]

So glad to see Michael's pet fly in the video...We missed him on the last few

[@lillypatience]

LOL, I caught myself using the mouse to shoo them away :-).

[@PROQUIPaustralia]

Love the video and honest review, regarding a leaking lid, just check that the tether is not sitting within the thread area, preventing the cap from closing all the way. Keep the great videos coming!

[@silknfeathers]

I had my canopy built to be able to fit a 70lt tank inside, up front for weight distribution. Having had the canopy for nearly two years now, I have decided against it. We carry a mixture of 10lt (I have four) and (2x) 20 lt containers. The 10lt containers have recessed taps (like the more expensive jerry you showed). One is always carried in the "kitchen" area for convenience (and hygiene, no taps hanging under the tray). This means we have great flexibility on how much water we carry and where (you didn't mention weight distribution, not having an extra 50-80 kgs hanging off the back is a bonus). We can carry two 20lt and two 10lt in the cab (tied down) but rarely do, only on extended trips. Usually a couple of one or the other. We carry two 10lt in the canopy which can be quickly and easily filled from the 20lt containers. Another advantage to containers is that you can take them to where you need them (out of the vehicle to the beach front, for instance, or picnic areas remote from the vehicle). No perfect solution, this is simply mine. I will be making up a 12v pump system to extract from one of the 20lt units to wash down the boat and flush the engine (I agree on that benefit!). Good informational vid. Cheers, Mark

[@peterbeyer5755]

silknfeathers You can also take them of the truck and put them in place where there is less chance that they will end up being destroyed such as if there was a bush fire approaching!

[@susanshelton9231]

As usual great honest review, don’t think I could have come up with that many pros for a jerry can

[@SLADE330]

As usual you are 100% correct.

[@techandoutdoor7301]

Great video, very useful information as always, but I still prefer Jerry cans as it lends to versatility, permanently mounted water tanks are troublesome in the long run, maintenance and leaks. I had 2 on my previous vehicles, so I say this from experience.

[@howardgreen9718]

Love your videos mate great editing and framing of shots 👍 Tip for young players use a water bag for guaranteed cold water just hang em off the roo bar when driving or any elevated spot at camp 😎

[@Wade970]

Great video! For those of you in North America, I suggest looking at Scepter military grade 20L/5Gal water jerry cans. Very tough, no bad taste and they don’t leak.

[@chrisdonner2910]

Agreed

[@gqwarrior6694]

Good job Michael. I reckon if you're serious about spending time in the bush you need a tank for drinking & a jerry for dishes, etc. I just Milton tablets to kill the nasties. They seem to work well.

[@norsehall309]

Have a Merry Christmas and God bless you your family and friends and a wonderful new year, Cheers.

[@q8dasma]

Marvelous. You are oneof best 4x4 guidance .

[@Liam-ly8rv]

Too get around hot water when on exercises in central Australia. We dug a hole into the cooler soil and placed the jerries in that overnight. Usually worked a treat.

[@joshinawoods-mubmub2600]

Putting silver in your water stops it from spoiling, great vids mate

[@drphibesrises]

I have some stainless steel jerry cans. They are expensive but I like them is they are durable and the water tastes good as long as you put good water in. They are easy to clean. I also have a small tank for showers, cleaning etc. I like having both.

[@garyhost1830]

Where do you get stainless Jerry cans ?

[@drphibesrises]

@@garyhost1830 Amazon. Search for stainless steel jerry can. They are pricey, but should last forever.

[@drphibesrises]

@@garyhost1830 I just did a Google search and found this site and their price is cheaper, but don't know about shipping. Check this site as well. thetanksource.com/jerry-cans/

[@garyhost1830]

@@drphibesrises thanks mate, merry xmas

[@jnotlog7040]

That WA number plate 🤗 I miss my old can, bought it Perth, passed the pits, survived the Nullabor and more.

[@holgermuller2987]

Hi Michael, that was a good one. ! Let me add one thing for the happy readers how important it is to clean your tanks and keep you drinking water in good condition or better proper filtered. You ever heard about the legionnaire sickness ? You can catch it from taking a shower with contaminated water or from a dirty aircon. Check it out on google that is worse case scenario!! Safe travel and think about better prep then curing. Cheers and Merry Xmas.

[@paul-57]

Another option is a water bladder. I installed a 60lt bladder on one side of the 3rd row foot well in my R51. 200Ahr Lithium battery and Redarc BCDC1225 on the other side with fuse boxes. The advantage of a bladder is that it is very light and can be easily removed if necessary. To keep your tank from growing things inside you can use "no rinse sanitizer" from a home brew shop. It is ok to leave it in there as you only use a tiny amount and it is safe to consume but I rinse it anyway before use with my home brew and my water tank. Does a great job. For wash up and shower water we take collapsible buckets. easy to store and we love camping near rivers so it is perfect. If no water available nearby then 1 Jerry can for wash up and no showers. To keep track of water usage we use a Gardena flow meter on the outlet hose. Zero it at the start of a trip and it keeps track of the water used, very helpful. The bladder is plumbed to an outlet, a fill port and a breather on a panel at the rear of the car, all using standard hose fittings, also a switch for the water pump. Works great for us. Last 10 day trip we used 31 litres for a family of 3. This is just drinking and cooking water. I drink mostly beer anyway🙂

[@yjchowdary]

Good sharing about Tank attachment with pump. Thanks 🙏

[@mondohamster5702]

I use yellow 10 litre diesel tubs with the "tap in a cap" ($9 Tentworld). No flimsy leaky valve or plug down the bottom and the bottle is tougher than blue crackers. Obviously, never put diesel in them. Secondly, to clean put handful of clean sharp gravel sand in with a glass of water and give it a good shake. Scrubs any mould away. Same for home brew beer bottles with no detergent.

[@utahjohnnymontana3373]

I like the Scepter Canadian water jerries. BPA free, mil-spec heavy duty, and they have a dispensing spout that screws on for filling bottles, etc.

[@Dad_bus]

Love your vids dude

[@q8dasma]

Excellent . Thanks a lot ...i respect you man . Great to have at media a straight fwd experience simple person , bless you god

[@synony6]

I set up three taps in front of my rear wheel arch. Pump in, pump out and tank. All I have to do is change the connection hose between pump in /pump out and the tank so I can use my pump to fill up from anywhere Edit: The added benefit of this is that I can also get my water out via gravity if the pump ever fails

[@AlphGen]

minimise washing up water use by using paper towels to clean off the majority of food scraps. I prefer to take 2 x 10 instead of a 20 for the reasons you say, having split willow cans before for short trips or multiple 20s for longer trips We also buy the 10 litre water casks (cardboard box) for drinking water use and jerry cans for other water , The cardboard box is disposable once empty

[@J-P88]

Perfect timing and nice review. I have been tossing up which i was wanting to go for, a 67lt water tank or Multiple Jerry Cans. This just gave me a few more details i had not thought about

[@RiderObvious]

Another consideration for those not in OZ is freezing temperatures. I have encountered freezing temps in the beginning of summer in Colorado (not enough to freeze a tank, but the pipes could freeze) and wintertime is enough to freeze 100 gallons solid if left outside overnight. Freezing will ruin your tank investment.

[@TheDl1000]

hi Michael from my experience using green garden hose will most definitely leave awful after taste mate should always use potable water hose if filling tanks or jerry cans if using water for drinking good video but mate well done cheers for the season

[@RuffKutz]

I bought the green plastic jerries from bunnings. Have been working well for me with little aftertaste.

[@greyknight05]

Thanks mate, important stuff for me next year. Have a merry Christmas, greetings from Germany, Björn

[@esurcylimaf4335]

Merry Christmas from Queensland...loving your channel mate.Keep enjoying life and Seek Adventure!!!

[@stuartkcalvin]

I carry 2 x 5 litre jerrys in the truck - day trips. I tow, so there's twin 80 litre tanks and twin 25 litre jerrys on the sides. I can still carry another 80 litres of liquid if required, in 4 x jerrys. I agree with leaving the tanks full when stored. As stated below, there's a time to use Milton tabs. I have a pump and another one to suck from a creek. Check out the AFAC standard. The standard is now blue plastic for water.

[@mattkessler7660]

do you have any product links for the blue one with the tap on it? Thank you

[@tjmarx]

In case you're still wondering (or anyone else is) it's the Boab Poly 20L

[@brittonpankratz1525]

1:53 Look at the dude's face! The ONLY explanation for why he isn't swatting those flies is......he's Australian.

[@Voltechs]

Jesus christ, he didn't even flinch.

[@richo1177]

If they are sitting on your face, they aren’t flying into your mouth

[@jnotlog7040]

Bloody bush flies drove me crazy.

[@jnotlog7040]

@@richo1177 Or in your eyes 🤮

[@Trikk57]

Miss you bud

[@scottbroadhead]

The back leaf spring has a bit of a bend in it. No military wrap either. Keep your eye on that. Good vids. Keep em coming.

[@stuartkcalvin]

I wondered so, I thought that there was a slight military wrap? I counted seven leaves? Constant rating?

[@bradmelvin7187]

Thanks hope y’all have a great Christmas.

[@venumeagle4264]

Bicarb soda to clean the jerry cans works really well!

[@chrischapman1522]

Bicarb soda is your frind

[@dtec30]

mm rice might help dislodge crud as well

[@landzender]

I have found that replacing one of the 20L jerry cans with 2 x 10L ones is handy. They are only half the weight and easier to handle and pour for the wife and kids. When these empty I transfer water into them from another 20L one. The 10L ones also fit into smaller gaps when packing.

[@spencerm106]

You need to come back on KZbin buddy

[@eroffroad5438]

I have a Boab 42L slim tank in my 105, gravity fed. I have two brand new pumps sitting in the shed but prefer the "keep it simple" theory. No wiring, no fuses. I love having water on hand any day of the week.

[@matthutch5919]

Another fantastic information filled vid. Both r good options like u said, pros and cons of both. Have a fantastic Christmas stay safe & obviously you'll b well hydrated 👍👍

[@Jason-bd5iq]

Arrowhead water makes 3 liter bottles, I haven’t bought them in forever but I remember them being 3 for 3$ at Walgreens. I imagine they’re probably about 3$ a piece now but they if they’re on sale they’re worth getting a couple. I’ve been refilling them and they’ve held up pretty well. I’d recommend them for drinking water because even after many months there’s no after taste but because they’re circular they take up a lot of space for less than a gallon.

[@MrSkeeter18]

Merry Christmas to you. Keep the awesome vids coming. Thanks 🙏

[@Sivalente1]

I have one of your jerrycan hacks on top of my car in a kinda insulated compartment, it stays cool all day, and the water pressure is just fine for filling up a bottle or washing stuff.

[@joess77]

Great one! Could you share the detail around the Blue Jerry can, where can I get one from?

[@Eupmem]

Great content, thanks from Greece

[@terrywaddell9552]

Hello, love the video and the shirt. Where can I get one. Thanks for taking the time to make your videos.

[@marceld6061]

My stock rear bumper of my Jeep Wrangler is my water tank. It's not potable but it carries about 30 litres of water fit for washing up stuff. I also carry several jerry cans for drinking water. Still have to hook up my RoadShower to the roof rack. That should be plenty of water!

[@garrynorth6199]

Great video, thank you.

[@zacandmillie]

A good point about stuff growing inside plastic jerries. In the army we'd occasionally crack them so we'd cut them in half to make wash basins. You'd be surprised at the film of growth of mold lining them even though they'd been stored empty, dry and lids off. If not used for a while prep them with a suitable cleaning chemical before hand. Oh and just who takes a wheel barrow out bush???

[@s4060]

Great advice

[@johncitizen8253]

for the water filling thing, you could do it the same way the firetrucks do it. You use the same pump to pump the water into the tank as the one that pumps it out. you just need to have some valves to switch the plumbing circuits around. but it's not hard to do.

[@tonygreen8221]

I’m not an expert on the matter but your top leaf spring looks bent from the spring pack pressing on it and the 2nd leaf not running the full length of the main spring. Worth keeping an eye on. Love the vids. Keep it up.

[@dantheman5222]

im with you Tony, it's bent and shouldn't be, looks like a badly designed leaf pack

[@blakera2750]

This is my new fav channel on youtube. Quality content

[@ilemjohn]

Thanks for the all the good info. Love your channel

[@doitonall4s4x4]

Merry Christmas and a happy new year, Keep up the awesome videos and enjoy ur SEEKING ADVENTURE travel’s

[@RVBFE]

Good information.👍👍👍👍 Thanks for the info. 😃

[@Jerry10939]

In the Army, we had what we called a water buffalo. Which was a 500-gallon water tank trailer. Since you had your tank custom made I don't see why you couldn't have one made for your needs for the amount of water you use. Perhaps a trailer water tank with a kitchen attached, or some other need.

[@cjhalvorson]

Hey Michael, what about ‘Bladders’? I’ve just picked up a 100L one from BluBag here in Perth. Putting in the space where I took out the 3rd row of seats in a Prado 150. Thoughts? CJ

[@aphex0540]

Another great analysis mate, I like the tank/pump idea with a backup jerry myself. Do u carry a small section of pipe to mechanically bypass the pump? Some pumps gravity bypass. Cheers for all the vids this year mate, have a great Christmas!

[@scowievideos7931]

Excellent vid again mate always enjoy watching ya content. I have a GU wagon which id like to put a tank and pump in just not sure where it would go. Made a false floor for the back for my storage and fridge.

[@royblackburn1163]

Great videos, you failed to mention if you get bogged you can take jerry cans out and lose the weight its why I keep all my gear loose nothing fixed, makes a huge difference when the backs empty.

[@andrewcox710]

It'd be great to compare collapsible water bladders to! Otherwise.... Again, great video bro!

[@russdrummond7292]

I’ve found that rinsing plastic jerry cans with bi-carb soda and water and then storing dry with lids off generally removes plastic taint.

[@WesternAustraliaNowAndThen]

The' rule of threes' is often quoted for survival. In a remote extreme situation, you can survive three weeks without food, three days without water, three hours without shelter and three minutes without oxygen. It isn't exactly accurate as many things can affect the results but it is a good 'rule of thumb'. Having an on-demand water pump is really useful but it is sometimes even more useful to have a portable pump. We made our own 'pump inna box' : kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6nZhn-Zj8ygitU The Willow cans are dreadful things. They are not solar stabilised and will eventually crumble. We currently use the green ones ($25 from Bunnings) and haven't had an issue with them yet.

[@WesternAustraliaNowAndThen]

@Ghai I am guessing they mean in extreme weather conditions.

[@landcruisertroopytouringan2166]

I run a stainless steel tank with a pump. Another 20l jerry with a hand pump. And a 20 Litre jerry with for any water for showers and stuff.

[@dx80cruiser]

You can buy a wrench to help screw the lids on and off, works a treat and stops them leaking, also has screw driver yo undo bungs, all for $10

[@Michael_Mears]

Merry Christmas. Another nice video. I see the Front Runner jerry can comes as a plain version, no tap. Pricey, but looks solid.

[@sandmankiter]

If you are keeping it empty long term with the bungs out, cover the holes with shade cloth or something to keep the spiders or wasps out!

[@boboften9952]

Bi-Carb to clean the inside of a water tank large or small. Lemon juice kills any bugs , put a couple of drops into the water you drink use .

[@YourFrienjamin]

If your water tank has a hose, you can let gravity tell you how full it is. Saw a KZbinr do this. Keen to try, myself.

[@dratempest610]

Thanks for the great advice,cheers 👍

[@YourFrienjamin]

My method to fill up my ute's water tank is rainwater funneled by tarp. It's simple, but of course you have to wait for it to rain 😅

[@RustyCandyAdventures]

Merry Christmas Michael. Thanks for your video's. Your truck pump with fittings you can reverse pump to fill the tank. Your videos are great. But intro yourself. Hi my name is. Also have a look at Robbie fishing. He does a mail box video. People send him things to say thank for his video's. To you and your family thank you. Russell

[@collieyak971]

Always great info 👍

[@madcratebuilder]

Merry Christmas.

[@mattsmith2051]

Where are you located in WA? We are travelling in your home state at moment be cool to catch-up with you. Really enjoy your videos

[@ShotgunpleaseNOW]

Love ya stuff mate keep it up ❤️❤️

[@colhealey8535]

Can you cover the bypass filling setup on the tank pump in a bit more detail.

[@TheMangrovejack1]

Yes , got the right of it, also never have all your supply in 1 container ,. Looking at the video, when you are beside the water pump, I noticed that the spring looks bent down, where it enters the hanger on the chassis, is that std on your truck?

[@stevenjones6106]

Yep... go the water tank. Mine is SS 100L with a 12v pump.

[@tgvaillancourt]

A couple T's and valves and you can use one pump to fill and discharge the tank

[@oldbloke204]

A couple of people have asked for the brand of the blue one. I have used my Google foo and it looks like it is from Front Runner. The one on their site is black but maybe they come in other colours? Please correct me if I'm wrong as I would hate to be giving out dud info. Thanks for the videos mate and I hope you and your family/friends have a safe and merry Christmas. Cheers

[@daniel-ll5zr]

Hahaha did the same thing. Im tossing up between the "heavy duty" one and the blue one now. Just need to sus out where its from.

[@oldbloke204]

Front Runner unless I am missing something?@@daniel-ll5zr

[@oldbloke204]

@@daniel-ll5zr kzbin.info/www/bejne/aoSxc2Zpe9tlnsU

[@Evenstephenss]

Ironman make them too

[@BobbityBob19]

Off topic, but video related, what hat you wearing? I like it. Lost me Stetson in a fire early this month, looking for a replacement.

[@rossprivate5456]

cons for tanks . expensive cost , hard to clean , one leak equals all lost , weight carrying around, need pump and fittings also the opposite is the pros of jerry cans . i have 4 x 10 ltr jerry cans at front of ute tray sitting above the rear axle . i have 10 ltr jerries so i can pull them out easily . 20 kgs at full reach is a struggle when you get a bit older

[@jackturtle131]

G'day Ross How often you clean your water tank at home ???? I empty ours once and that was a waste of time bugger all stuff from the roof in there

[@jonwhite3265]

Have you ever had a mounted water tank? Pros for me are actually some of your cons; - I've never had to clean either of my tanks. - They are always there, I don't have to pack them and they are lower down than being on my tray. - They use space that is otherwise wasted. I have 2 kids that need to be bathed every night, I can carry 120L of water without using a centimeter of space on my tray. That's 6x20l Jerry cans or 12 of your 10 litres, which is ridiculously impractical. I don't know what seekadventure is talking about when he says you need a tap to fill it up, I can fill both my stainless and my poly tank up out of a kettle if I like.

[@Murls]

where did you the water jerry can with the recessed tap, can't find it anywhere

[@1chrisandangie]

i use jerry cans and 1.25lt soft drink just throw in back of the ute when finish throw in bin or burn

[@Achilliez]

Hi mate, have you been spending some time near Margaret river? As I keep seeing a Ute like yours with a canoe or kayak on the roof, anyway love the channel 🤙🏻🤙🏻

[@garretlewis4103]

Remember the rule of 3’s: 3 minutes without oxygen; 3 hours without shelter; 3 days without water; 3 weeks without food

[@eurobeatmachinist732]

3h without shelter? thats not true at all

[@garretlewis4103]

The rule of 3s is in a survival mode/situation. In extreme environments (hot or cold) you could die of exposure. Even if it isn’t extreme, you could ultimately die of exposure. Say you are outside in 50 degree F temperatures with rain you could become hypothermic. Yes, we go outside for more than 3 hours at a time without any detrimental effects. This is talking about a survival mode which was mentioned in this video. This is where the rule of 3s apply. These should be your priorities.

[@garretlewis4103]

@MrAbletospeak Just was clarifying in case there was some confusion about what I was referencing/talking about.

[@darrenrobinson6962]

You think you can survive more than 3 hours in direct sun with temps around 50 degree Celcius without any shelter. Your dreaming buddy

[@australiaaustralia1947]

hello , im planning for a long drive and bring 20liter of jerry can, my question is it ok to put the jerry can on the top of my roof rack, how about heat of the sun maybe it will explode , or inside of my SUV im affraid there is fume and accidentally explode this diesel, what is your recommend.

[@HammerRocks]

You should have also included water bladders, or at least mentioned then as another alternative option.

[@bdrweau]

hay mate, another awesome video, where did you get your tap on the back of the car from?

[@ashleytalbot76]

Did you BYO wheelbarrow???

[@cruiseroutdoors0786]

A bit of vinegar and water is good to wash out the jerrycans.

[@jnotlog7040]

Do you know Rob and Elaine?