A jerry can water pump is a great accessory for Scepter, LCI, Wavian, Front Runner, and other popular jerry can brands.
When full, these 2.5 to 5-gallon+ jerry cans are not always easy to dispense water from, making a water pump a useful solution for those relying on jerry cans for water storage in the backcountry and camping.
Several types of jerry can water pumps are on the market, including electric pumps, gravity dispensers, spigots, and siphons. You can also go down the DIY route to meet your specific needs. In addition, some jerry cans come with a tap built in. Here are the best options.
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Water Jerry Can with Tap
Buying a jerry can with a tap is a simple solution to the problem. These are great for casual camping and general use. However, if you’re bouncing around on dirt roads in your truck or jeep, you’ll probably want to avoid most of them.
From my experience, jerry water cans with taps fail due to the built-in tap/faucet. It will start leaking, get loose, or break. And typically, it costs just as much as the container to replace. However, you should be fine if you’re doing weekend family camping or putting it outside for a party occasionally.
If you feel like going down this route, you’ll spend $70+ with so-so reviews.
However, for ~$50 and a $25 mod, you can make a more durable solution with a Scepter or LCI.
Scepter & LCI Water Container Pumps
Scepter water cans and LCI water containers are durable plastic jerry cans. They have WIDE mouths, which are necessary to clean jerry cans if they get contaminated or dirty properly.
In addition, an entire husband and wife team is dedicating themselves to making products for them (JAGMTE, Just a Guy Making Things Easier). I am not affiliated with them, they make awesome water pump and dispensing solutions.
I use two of these on most trips along with a few Nalgenes. It typically will last me up to 8 to 10 days for one person.
You can buy various assemblies for your specific situation. From simple spouts, dispensers, and DIY kits.
You can even get a pressurized kit and get awesome backcountry showers.
My favorite option is the Siphon pump; while I haven’t used it, it will be my solution for my 2023 backcountry trips. I’ll update this post when I have more real word use.
Scepter water cans are the only jerry cans with easily available replacement caps, pour holes, and vent caps. It’s likely because they actually last more than a season or two.
DIY Jerry Can Water Dispenser
There are several awesome DIY jerry can water dispensing solutions online. However, I have looked at most of them dating back to 2013 even, and they are all fairly complex for what it is – especially when you have affordable options on the market already.
However, people like my brother will refuse to buy something he can do himself. So, if you’re like him, here are some of the popular methods:
Here is a post on Offroad Passport detailing a DIY spout for military water cans. And then there’s another DIY option on Expedition Portal.
Jerry Can Electric Water Pumps
This electric dispenser fits on several jerry cans, including wide-mouth ones. For the price and convenience, it’s worth consideration. It’s rechargeable as well.
Read the reviews with “jerry can” in them.
The downside is it’s a cheap, mass-produced product. Based on the reviews, you probably have a 10% chance of getting a dud or having it perform poorly. This goes for all of the similar options on Amazon.
If you’re looking for something more interesting, here’s a video of a successful DIY 12v electric water pump for a jerry can.
Another option is this 12-volt DIY water system that started as a DIY project and was sold as a kit but has since been discontinued.
Final Thoughts
The best water pump is the one that will get used the most. I like the flexibility of the Scepter or LCI water pump options. Nearly every type of water dispenser is available for them or can be adapted to them easily.
