NATO fuel can in a Deuce fuel holder

[rustystud]

I finally got my NATO fuel can to set firmly in the fuel can holder. I love the NATO fuel cans. In my opinion they are far superior then the old U.S. military style . So I wanted to carry one on my deuce. The problem was, since the NATO cans have a rounded bottom they will rock when put into the stock holder. I even used the "packboard cam action strap" . Still rocked. So I cut 2 sections of an old serpentine belt and put these on the bottom of the holder (lengthwise) . This allowed the fuel can to set firmly on the bottom of the holder. Then I bought a "Webbing Guide" from McMaster-Carr (part # 8030T16 ) and mounted this on the top edge of the tool box. I used 1/4" rivnuts as there is almost no way to get a nut started on the inside, and allen-head bolts. Now the fuel can sets firmly and doesn't move even a fraction of an inch !

 

[Jeepsinker]

Nice job. Have you tried any scepter cans? They work and fit great for me.

 

[m16ty]

Nice job. Have you tried any scepter cans? They work and fit great for me.

In my experience, the Scepter cans don't fit all that well in the stock holder either. All the ones I have are a little too large on the bottom to fit into the holder well. They will work but you kind of have to wedge them in there.

 

[Jeepsinker]

That's crazy man. Mine is the old style holder, not the scepter holder, and all 13 of my cans fit quite well. They fit snug, but not tight where I have to wedge them in. Try putting one in with fuel in it, the extra weight might help you get it in easier.

 

[Recovry4x4]

What makes the NATO cans rock? I only have 5L cans and they sit perfectly flat. Are the bottoms not flat on the 20L cans? I have a buddy that prefers them too but never and issue with them not fitting.. His are surplus cans, not repops.

 

[rustystud]

What makes the NATO cans rock? I only have 5L cans and they sit perfectly flat. Are the bottoms not flat on the 20L cans? I have a buddy that prefers them too but never and issue with them not fitting.. His are surplus cans, not repops.

There is two main issues with the NATO cans. First: They must sit flat. Since our mounting brackets must use bottom bolts, the NATO cans are sitting on the bolt heads. So you must shim up the bottom surface with something at least 1/4" thick (the bolt head thickness). When you do this the fuel can is no longer sitting firmly on the bottom of the bracket anymore. Second: the rounded edges of the NATO can cause the can to rock when full of fuel and since it is sitting on shims it becomes even more unstable. As far as the "repops" goes, most all my fuel cans are NATO surplus. I do own 3 cans that are made in the same factory as the NATO cans, made to the same specifications as the NATO cans, they just do not have the military markings on them. This was done to allow them into the U.S. due to legislation passed a few years ago. I believe this law has been rescinded now.

 

[rustystud]

The reason I put the "Webbing Guide" on the top like I did was to prevent tipping out of the can. Now since the holding point is at the top of the tool box it is firmly holding the fuel can from any tipping.

 

[gimpyrobb]

Most folks call those "footmans loops" if memory serves me correctly.

 

[rustystud]

Most folks call those "footmans loops" if memory serves me correctly.

I just used the name "McMaster-Carr" uses so if anyone wants to buy them they can look them up easier.

 

[rustystud]

Nice job. Have you tried any scepter cans? They work and fit great for me.

I like my fuel in steel cans. Though the "scepter" cans look nice. Also the cost is more then I want to pay.