Water Tank vs Jerry Cans: Overlanding Water Storage Compared
By ROAM Adventure Co. | Published: 2026-10-13
Category: Comparisons
Compare electric pump water tanks and jerry cans for overlanding water storage, with real capacity, mounting, and cost trade-offs to help you choose.
Quick answer
For most overlanders who want pressurized water on demand and a permanent, space-efficient setup, an electric pump water tank wins. Choose jerry cans if you need to carry water to a separate camp, swap containers between vehicles, or keep your initial cost low. If you already run a roof rack, a tank like the 8.5 Gallon Electric Pump Tank & Traction Board Mount or the 9.5 Gallon Electric Pump Tank removes the manual pumping and loose-container hassle that defines jerry can life.
How the two systems actually work on the trail
Jerry cans are simple: you fill them, strap them down, and either pour or use a small manual pump or gravity feed. They are portable, but every use means handling a heavy container, and you need a flat spot to set it down. Electric pump tanks are fixed systems. They mount to your roof rack or vehicle and use a built-in pump to deliver water through a hose. ROAM's pump tanks use a 50 PSI electric pump, so you get consistent pressure for rinsing gear or a quick shower without manual effort. The trade-off is that a fixed tank is only useful on the vehicle it is mounted to, while jerry cans can move with you.
Capacity and how it changes your trip
Jerry cans typically come in 5-gallon sizes, and carrying two gives you 10 gallons, but that is two separate containers to fill, store, and lift. A single tank gives you a known total capacity in one place. For example, the 7-gallon & 5-gallon Water Tank gives you a choice of size in one aluminum body, and it includes a hose, shower nozzle, and mounting hardware. The 9.5 Gallon Electric Pump Tank holds more in one unit, which means fewer fill stops and less container juggling. The trade-off: a larger tank adds weight high on the vehicle, and you cannot leave it at camp to go fetch more water.
Mounting, space, and vehicle fit
Jerry cans need external mounting points or interior floor space, and they rattle or shift if not secured. Tanks are designed to mount directly to a roof rack, which keeps interior space free but raises your center of gravity. The 8.5 Gallon Electric Pump Tank & Traction Board Mount is a dual-purpose rooftop system that also mounts traction boards, so you consolidate two pieces of gear into one footprint. If you do not have a roof rack, a tank may not be an option without adding one, while jerry cans can go in the trunk or truck bed with straps. Measure your rack and confirm the mounting pattern before buying.
Cost, maintenance, and long-term ownership
Jerry cans have a lower entry price, but you may need to buy a pump, hose, or mounting brackets separately, and replacing a cracked can is cheap. Tanks cost more up front and include the pump and mounting hardware, so the total system cost is closer than it looks. Maintenance differs too: tanks need winterizing and periodic cleaning to keep the pump and lines safe, while jerry cans are easier to inspect and dry. Neither is maintenance-free, but a tank asks for more deliberate care because the pump and fittings are part of the system.
Trade-offs at a glance
- Convenience vs. portability: Electric pump tanks deliver pressurized water on demand, but they stay mounted to the vehicle. Jerry cans are portable and can be carried to a separate camp or swapped between vehicles. Pick a tank if you want push-button water; pick jerry cans if you need to move water away from the rig.
- Capacity vs. weight placement: A single 9.5-gallon tank holds more than two 5-gallon jerry cans in one unit, but that weight sits high on a roof rack. Jerry cans let you distribute weight lower or remove them when empty. Check your roof rack dynamic weight limit before choosing a larger tank.
- Upfront cost vs. total system cost: Jerry cans cost less initially, but you may need to add a pump, hose, and mounts. Tanks include the pump and mounting hardware, so the installed cost is often closer than the sticker price suggests. Add up the full kit before deciding which is cheaper for your build.
Product facts
- 8.5 Gallon Electric Pump Tank & Traction Board Mount: 8.5-gallon capacity with a built-in 50 PSI electric pump; mounts directly to a roof rack and includes an integrated traction board mount. Gives you pressurized water and recovery board storage in one rooftop footprint, which saves rack space if you already carry traction boards.
- 9.5 Gallon Electric Pump Tank: 9.5-gallon capacity with a built-in 50 PSI electric pump; designed to mount directly to a roof rack. The larger capacity means fewer refills on longer trips, and the 50 PSI pump delivers consistent pressure without manual pumping.
- Water Tank: Available in 7-gallon and 5-gallon sizes with an aluminum body, included hose, shower nozzle, and mounting hardware; stainless steel hardware throughout. The aluminum body can help warm water in summer heat, and the included kit means you do not need to source separate hose or mounting parts.
Which should you choose?
Best for
- Overlanders with a roof rack who want pressurized water for showers, rinsing gear, and cleanup without manual pumping
- Campers who want a permanent, space-efficient water system that frees up interior storage
- Trips where you want a known total capacity and fewer fill stops
Not for
- Campers who need to carry water away from the vehicle to a separate campsite
- Vehicles without a roof rack or suitable mounting points
- Budget-focused builds where the lowest upfront cost is the priority
