Jerry Can pump system for water

Submitted: Sunday, Apr 27, 2014 at 21:54
ThreadID: 107499 Views:16046 Replies:8 FollowUps:6
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Hi all,

Searching the forum and other sites has only increased the amount of questions I have in terms of building a low cost simple pump system.

The scenario;
I will have 4 20L Willow jerry cans in the rear section of my ute. So I don't have to keep climbing in and trying to get the jerry cans out, I would like to have a pump system installed in one of the jerry cans and when it's depleted swap the pump into the next jerry can.

What I think I need
If I drill into one of the screw caps of the jerry can and install a hose so it reaches the bottom of the jerry can and at the other end of the hose (closer to the rear of the ute) the hose could be connected to a self priming pump. Then I could have a water outlet attached to the pump. Any time I need water, just turn on the pump.

I found a pump on ebay quite cheap.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/12V-Water-Pump-4-3Lpm-Self-Priming-Caravan-Camping-Boat-FAST-POST-WARRANTY-/221338934233?pt=Caravan_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3388d41bd9&_uhb=1

The only thing missing is an air valve on the jerry can so it will allow air into the jerry can whilst being used.

The questions are;
Will this arrangement work?

Any suggestions on an air valve that will only allow air in and keep the water from escaping the jerry can when I'm driving around?

Thanks
Phil P

I will only be using this on one trip, hence why I only need something low cost and relatively simple.




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Reply By: Member - Tony N (WA) - Sunday, Apr 27, 2014 at 23:02

Sunday, Apr 27, 2014 at 23:02
Hi Phil,
check out or goggle Tanami pump, I think they have one for plastic jerry cans,
Made my own some years ago for transferring fuel from cans to vehicle, you will need a compressor, sure beats dragging cans in & out of the tub.
just spotted them on ebay about $80.
Cheers Tony N
Dum_Spiro_Spero."While I breathe, I hope"

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AnswerID: 531383

Follow Up By: Member - Boobook - Monday, Apr 28, 2014 at 07:06

Monday, Apr 28, 2014 at 07:06
Yep agreed, I use one for diesel.

The Birdsville model is designed for Willow Jerry cans.

Tanamai pump for willow
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FollowupID: 814378

Reply By: Derek Jones - Sunday, Apr 27, 2014 at 23:14

Sunday, Apr 27, 2014 at 23:14
Have you had a look at 'jiggler siphons' ?

Pretty cheap and simple to use. We have been using one for 17 years without a problem.
AnswerID: 531386

Reply By: AlbyNSW - Monday, Apr 28, 2014 at 06:17

Monday, Apr 28, 2014 at 06:17
How about one of those cheap 12v showers? They have a submersible pump on them that you could use and drill one jerry lid to run the hose, to let it breath when using it just crack the seal on the lid or drill a second breather tube into the lid.
They have a waterproof inline switch included so you could leave it wired up.
Cheap and simple!
AnswerID: 531388

Reply By: Sand Man (SA) - Monday, Apr 28, 2014 at 07:30

Monday, Apr 28, 2014 at 07:30
I have been using a Tanami Pump for some 8 years or so. My model fits the standard Jerry style neck. Just swing the lid back and clamp the Tanami in its place.
They are simply beaut. All you need is a moderate air supply.
I used to use the spare tyre on my previous Jackaroo, but the Colorado doesn't have a rear mounted spare, so I use a hand pump, or the compressor if I can be bothered getting it out.
It sure leaves lifting a jerry and pouring into a funnel for dead.

Just a warning on home made jobbies. The Tanami Pump has a safety valve incorporated to stop over pressurising the container.
Worth the $80 just for the reduction of back strain.
Bill


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AnswerID: 531389

Reply By: Member - Phil G (SA) - Monday, Apr 28, 2014 at 08:22

Monday, Apr 28, 2014 at 08:22
There is a much simpler and better way. Set up a permanent syphon with a trigger nozzle.
Drill the hole through the cap.
Use the braided blue drinking water hose and cut a length long enough to reach the botton of the jerry.
Pop on a 1/2" angle connector that (with hose pushed on), slips tightly through the hole in the cap.
Add a length of hose to the angle (about 1 metre) and to the end of the hose attach a garden trigger hose (with it's nose cut off).
For a breather drill a very small (1mm) hole in the cap.
After putting in the hose and screwing the cap on the jerry, suck it through to remove the air and start the syphon. It will remain permanently syphoned.
To get your water just use the trigger.

Other tricks - cut the tip of the jerry can hose so it is uneven and doesn't suck into the bottom of the jerrycan.
Mount a 1/2" toolclip on the hose so it can be hung up and clips to itself.

AnswerID: 531392

Follow Up By: Member - Phil G (SA) - Monday, Apr 28, 2014 at 08:41

Monday, Apr 28, 2014 at 08:41
Those photos are from 14 years ago - I've used this system for a while. For the back of a ute you will want to have the hose longer so it can reach from the jerry cans to just below the tailgate so gravity can work.
Here's some more photos from the current one I have:



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FollowupID: 814383

Follow Up By: luxtourer - Monday, Apr 28, 2014 at 20:39

Monday, Apr 28, 2014 at 20:39
Hi Phil

Just curious, is it possible to unscrew the cap from one jerry, and put onto another, without getting air into the hose (so it will keep syphoning)?

Cheers, John
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FollowupID: 814435

Follow Up By: Member - Phil G (SA) - Monday, Apr 28, 2014 at 20:44

Monday, Apr 28, 2014 at 20:44
Gday John,
No, you'll lose the syphon when you pull the hose out.
But to resyphon, you just suck on the trigger once and away it goes.
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FollowupID: 814439

Follow Up By: luxtourer - Tuesday, Apr 29, 2014 at 20:30

Tuesday, Apr 29, 2014 at 20:30
Thanks Phil. A pity, if only the air could be kept out during transfer. Maybe a filter or something on the end?? Will think about it some more - one of these days.

Cheers, John
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FollowupID: 814509

Follow Up By: Member - Phil G (SA) - Tuesday, Apr 29, 2014 at 20:45

Tuesday, Apr 29, 2014 at 20:45
Hi John,
I've used this method for 14 years and can't see the problem. You move it from the empty jerry to a full jerry and one suck on the trigger and it's flowing again. Very easy to start a syphon from a full jerry.
A mouth full of water is not as bad as a mouth full of diesel!!!
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FollowupID: 814513

Reply By: Member - wicket - Monday, Apr 28, 2014 at 10:00

Monday, Apr 28, 2014 at 10:00
how about a hand siphon

siphon pump here
AnswerID: 531405

Reply By: Rod - Tuesday, Apr 29, 2014 at 11:45

Tuesday, Apr 29, 2014 at 11:45
Another idea perhaps

http://www.dolium.com.au/Retail_Catalogue/WTP20JT_item.html

AnswerID: 531467

Reply By: Phil P - Wednesday, Apr 30, 2014 at 06:29

Wednesday, Apr 30, 2014 at 06:29
Thanks for all your suggestions, I now have a few options to play around with.
AnswerID: 531510

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