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Fuel Storage & Transport Systems

Q: How long can I store gasoline before it goes bad?

Without stabilizer, standard E10 pump gas degrades in 3-6 months. With a quality stabilizer and an airtight container (like a Wavian can), it can last 12-24 months. Ethanol-free fuel lasts significantly longer.

Q: Are plastic gas cans safe for transport?

Yes, if they are DOT-approved. However, plastic generates static electricity. Always place plastic jugs on the ground before filling to discharge static buildup and prevent fires.

From track-day refueling to long-term emergency supplies. We tested the seals, the spouts, and the safety features.

Safety First: Fuel vapors are heavier than air and can travel along the floor to pilot lights. Never store fuel in a basement or near a water heater.

Quick Picks: The Best Hardware

We've tested the cheap stuff so you don't have to. Here is the gear that actually holds up.

Product	Category	Why It Wins
Wavian NATO Can (20L)	Best Overall	The only can that is 100% vapor-tight. No smell, no leaks. Lifetime buy.
VP Racing Motorsport Jug	Track Day	Fastest pour rate. Ergonomic handles make lifting 40lbs easy.
Flo-Fast / Fuel Caddy	High Volume	15+ gallons on wheels. Saves your back. Essential for thirsty V8s.

1. The Jerry Can: Plastic vs. Metal

This is the most common debate. If you are just transporting fuel to the track for the weekend, Plastic (HDPE) is superior because it is light and translucent (you can see how much fuel is left).

However, for long-term storage (home backup, generator fuel), Metal (NATO spec) is required. Plastic allows fuel vapors to "permeate" through the walls over time, making your garage smell like a refinery. Metal is impermeable.

Read the full Plastic vs. Metal Guide →

2. Fuel Caddies: Saving Your Back

If you run a thirsty car (GT-R, Hellcat, Viper) at the track, carrying four 5-gallon jugs is exhausting. A Fuel Caddy is a wheeled tank (usually 14 to 30 gallons) with a pump.

Gravity Fed: Cheaper, but you must lift the heavy caddy onto a truck bed or table.
Rotary Pump: The pro move. Leave the caddy on the ground and crank the handle to pump fuel up into the car.

Top Pick: Look for caddies with brass pump internals. Plastic pumps often swell and seize when exposed to ethanol or race gas. Check Prices on Amazon.

3. Safety: Grounding & Static

The #1 cause of gas station fires during filling is static electricity.

The Danger: Plastic acts as an insulator. As fuel rushes into a plastic jug, it builds up a static charge on the surface. If you touch the nozzle to your car, it can arc.
The Rule: ALWAYS place plastic jugs on the ground before filling. This grounds the container. NEVER fill a plastic jug while it is sitting in a truck bed (especially one with a plastic bedliner).

Maintenance & Accessories

Don't forget the small stuff that makes life easier:

Gaskets: Ethanol eats standard rubber gaskets. Upgrade to Viton seals for your jug caps.
Bender Hoses: The "safety spouts" on modern EPA cans are terrible. For track use (off-road only), specialized "bender" hoses allow for rapid dumping without the spill-prone safety mechanisms.