How are Dinuba Jerry Cans different from others I see online? They look similar.
There are many differences, and they all have a purpose.
The Steel: 316 stainless steel is made to resist rust and corrosion and is typically used on saltwater gear and boats. It is considerably more expensive than lower grade stainless steel but lasts much longer. Thicker steel is also more durable and yields stronger welds. Dinuba uses thicker, 316 grade steel.
Hygiene and Cleaning: Folded or overlap welded seams cannot be properly cleaned. The joints are not sealed and have microscopic valleys where mold, fungus and bacteria can thrive. Smooth, polished joints can be cleaned and do not have these issues. Cleaning inside the can is very difficult with a small opening. The Dinuba wide mouth allows brushes access to all inner surfaces and can often be reached by hand.
Dissimilar Metals: The use of dissimilar metals in a liquid electrolyte (like water) creates a battery effect that causes corrosion. It doesn’t matter if the can is filled with fuel or oil, but it certainly does if you are drinking the contents. Mixing metals with jerry can fabrication is a bad idea.
Does Water “Go Bad?” Water doesn’t “go bad” with time. It can be contaminated, however. Therefore, you want to store your potable water in a container that minimizes the chances of biological contamination by molds, fungi, or bacteria. Likewise, you want to avoid materials that deteriorate or release chemical biproducts that can disrupt normal hormonal or other biological systems with disastrous results. This is the problem with many plastics.