Justrite is a respected name in fuel safety. Its red cans sit in workshops, fire stations and job sites across the country. So should you carry one on your truck or RV instead of a jerry can? They're built for different jobs, and it shows.
The short answer
For carrying fuel on a vehicle (overland rigs, trailers, RVs, generators at camp), choose the Wavian. It's a flat-sided NATO jerry can that fits standard holders, and it's sold as EPA and CARB compliant. Choose a Justrite safety can for workplace storage and dispensing, where OSHA and NFPA 30 compliance, a flame arrester and FM/UL approval are what matter. Justrite itself says it doesn't make jerry-style cans.
Side by side
| Wavian 20L | Justrite Type II AccuFlow 5 gal (7250120) | |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Flat-sided NATO jerry can, about 18.5 in tall | Upright round can, about 12 in diameter |
| Capacity | 20L (5.3 gal). 10L also available. | 5 gal. 2 and 2.5 gal also available. |
| Body | 0.9 mm cold-rolled steel, fully welded seams, anti-corrosive coating | Coated or galvanized steel, powder-coated |
| Pouring | Bayonet-attached spring-loaded safety spout | 9 in flexible metal hose with trigger, separate fill opening |
| Safety hardware | Sealed welded body, locking closure | Stainless flame arrester, self-closing lid, automatic pressure relief at 3–5 psig |
| Approvals | Sold as EPA and CARB compliant as supplied | FM, UL, ULC, TÜV. OSHA and NFPA 30 compliant. CARB-exempt as an OSHA safety can. |
| Vehicle mounting | Fits standard NATO jerry can holders | No jerry can holders. Strap it upright. |
| Made in | Latvia | USA (Type II page) |
| US price | About $120 at RV Parts Giant | About $122–$177 (list $132). Type I list $67. |
Prices change often. They're shown here as of November 2026.
Built for different jobs
Justrite's Type I (one opening) and Type II (separate fill and pour openings) cans are workplace safety cans. A stainless flame arrester stops a flame from travelling into the can, and the lid vents automatically to relieve pressure and closes on its own. Those features are why OSHA and fire codes call for them in shops and job sites.
A Wavian is built to travel. Its flat sides and NATO footprint fit standard jerry can holders on bumpers, swing-outs, roof racks and trailer tongues. Its welded steel body and locking closure keep fuel in over hours of vibration. A round safety can doesn't fit those holders, and Justrite's own transport guidance is to keep the can upright, strap it down without pressure on the spout or trigger, and not leave it stored on the vehicle when you're not travelling.
What about Justrite's DOT transport cans?
Justrite makes Type II "DOT" transport cans for commercial vehicles, with roll bars, a travel hold-down and a fusible link. They're excellent, but they cost around $340 or more for 5 gallons and are aimed at fleets and contractors. They still aren't a jerry can shape.
Compliance in plain terms
The Wavian cans we sell are listed as EPA and CARB compliant as supplied, the consumer gas can rules. Justrite's standard safety cans are approved under workplace standards (OSHA, NFPA 30, FM and UL). On CARB, Justrite says its Type II cans are exempt from the consumer gas can rule as OSHA safety cans, rather than certified under it. Both are legitimate. They're simply aimed at different users.
Which should you buy?
- Wavian for overlanding, RVs, trailers and generator fuel at camp: anywhere the can rides on or with a vehicle in a holder. See Best Jerry Can for Overlanding.
- Justrite for a shop, a job site or a commercial setting where OSHA, NFPA 30 or your insurer calls for a listed safety can.
FAQ
Does Justrite make a jerry can?
No. Justrite says it doesn't manufacture jerry-style safety cans and has no current plans to.
Is a Justrite can better than a jerry can?
For workplace storage and dispensing, a Justrite's flame arrester and approvals are hard to beat. For carrying fuel on a vehicle in a holder, a jerry can like the Wavian is the better fit.
Will a Justrite fit a jerry can holder?
No. Justrite cans are round and upright, while jerry can holders are sized for flat-sided NATO cans.
Compare more: Wavian vs Midwest Can · Wavian vs RotopaX vs Scepter · Best Gas Can for an RV Generator
Shop the parts in this guide
- Wavian 20L NATO Steel Jerry Can, Red (5.3 Gal)
- Wavian 20L NATO Steel Jerry Can, Yellow (5.3 Gal)
- Wavian 10L NATO Steel Jerry Can, Red (2.6 Gal)
- ARK Jerry Can Holder, Top or Front Loading
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