Read This Before Buying The Coleman 5-Gallon Water Carrier

The Coleman 5-Gallon Water Carrier provides a large water supply for a low price. Its most common flaw is a leaky spigot. Campers often need two gallons of water per person daily, making this jug's volume practical.

This camp water dispenser has a tough body. However, it is heavy and awkward to carry when full and can make water taste like plastic.

Key Takeaways

• The Coleman 5-Gallon Water Carrier holds a lot of water for a low price.
• Its spigot often leaks, but the jug's body is strong.
• This jug is good for stationary camping, but not for travel where leaks are a problem.

Performance Breakdown: Features vs. Reality

The Coleman 5-Gallon Water Carrier's design promises simple, high-capacity water storage. However, its real-world performance reveals a mix of strengths and weaknesses. An honest look at its features shows where it excels and where it falls short.

How Practical Is a 5-Gallon Jug?

A five-gallon capacity provides a significant amount of water for camping. It can supply a small family for a day or a solo camper for a weekend. This large volume reduces the need for frequent trips to a water source. The jug's square shape also makes it stable when placed on a flat surface like a picnic table.

The main drawback is its weight. Water itself is heavy. Five gallons of water weighs approximately 41.7 pounds (18.9 kilograms). The total weight, including the plastic container, often exceeds 42 pounds. This makes the jug extremely heavy and awkward to transport when full. Most users find it difficult to carry for any significant distance.

Note: Campers should plan to fill the jug as close to their final campsite as possible. Carrying it from a car to a nearby table is manageable. Hauling it across a large campground is a difficult task.

The Spigot: Convenience or a Leaky Mess?

The spigot is the carrier's most controversial feature. In theory, it offers great convenience. It turns the jug into a simple dispenser, allowing users to fill bottles or wash hands without lifting and tipping over 40 pounds of water. The on/off toggle is easy to operate.

In reality, the spigot is the most common point of failure. Leaks are a widely reported problem. These drips and leaks typically occur in two places:

• The Seal: The connection where the spigot assembly screws into the jug body can leak if not tightened perfectly. Overtightening can damage the threads, while under-tightening fails to create a proper seal.
• The Valve: The spigot's internal valve mechanism itself can drip continuously, even when in the "off" position.

Many owners develop workarounds, such as applying plumber's tape to the threads or storing the jug with the spigot facing upward during transport. This flaw turns a convenient feature into a potential source of frustration and wasted water.

How Durable Is the Polyethylene Body?

The body of the jug is its strongest feature. Coleman constructs it from a tough, durable polyethylene plastic. This material holds up well against the typical demands of a campsite. It can handle bumps, scrapes, and even short drops without cracking or puncturing. The sturdy, molded handle provides a solid grip, though the jug's weight makes it uncomfortable for long carries.

This reliable construction makes it a dependable container for holding water. Its physical dimensions make it a compact, if boxy, item to pack. This camp water dispenser is designed to fit efficiently in a car trunk or with other gear.

The robust body ensures the container will likely last for many seasons. The primary issue remains the unreliable spigot, not the integrity of the jug itself.

Is It a Reliable Camp Water Dispenser?

A water carrier's reliability depends on more than just holding water. Users must also consider its ease of use for daily tasks like filling, cleaning, and dispensing. This camp water dispenser presents a mixed bag in these practical areas. Its performance often requires user adjustments to achieve consistent reliability.

How Easy Is It to Fill and Clean?

Filling the Coleman jug is a straightforward process. The main opening is wide enough to fit under most spigots or hoses. This design simplifies the task of refilling at a campground water station. The wide mouth also helps the jug dry faster after cleaning.

Cleaning, however, presents some challenges. The jug's deep, boxy shape and narrow corners make it difficult to scrub every interior surface. A long-handled bottle brush is almost essential for a thorough cleaning. Without proper tools, reaching the bottom corners to remove any buildup is nearly impossible.

Tip: The jug has a second, smaller opening on the top. Unscrewing this cap while filling or dispensing improves airflow. This prevents the "glugging" effect and allows water to flow smoothly.

Does It Make Water Taste Like Plastic?

A common complaint about this camp water dispenser involves a distinct plastic taste, especially when the jug is new. The polyethylene material can impart an unpleasant flavor to the water. This issue can ruin the taste of drinking water, coffee, or any food prepared with it. Many users find this initial taste very strong.

Fortunately, owners have developed several effective methods to eliminate the plastic flavor. These techniques involve cleaning and preparing the jug before its first use.

• Bleach Solution: A popular method involves a diluted bleach solution. Users suggest adding about a half cup of bleach to a full jug of water. Letting it sit overnight and then rinsing it thoroughly three times often removes the plastic smell and taste.
• Inspect for Debris: Sometimes, the taste comes from foreign objects left over from manufacturing. One user found a plastic zip-tie inside their new jug. A careful inspection of the interior can reveal and remove such sources of contamination.
• Vodka Flush: An alternative to bleach is using vodka. Some campers pour a bottle of cheap vodka into the tank, swish it around, and run it through the spigot. This can neutralize both plastic and chemical tastes.

Users should be cautious with other cleaning agents. For example, vinegar can sometimes react poorly with the plastic and worsen the taste. This camp water dispenser requires some initial prep work to ensure the water it holds is fresh and clean-tasting.

Who Should (and Shouldn't) Buy This Carrier?

Deciding on this water carrier depends entirely on a user's priorities. Its low price and high capacity make it a great deal for some people. However, its well-known flaws make it a poor choice for others. Understanding these trade-offs is key to making the right decision.

Ideal For: Campers and Preppers on a Budget

This water jug is an excellent choice for individuals who prioritize volume and value over perfect performance. It serves specific groups very well.

• Stationary Campers: Families or groups who set up a base camp and do not need to move their water supply often will find it useful. Its large size is perfect for a weekend at a drive-in campsite.
• Budget-Conscious Preppers: People building an emergency preparedness kit will appreciate its low cost. It provides a way to store a large amount of water for a minimal investment.
• DIY Enthusiasts: Users who enjoy tinkering and finding solutions to small problems can easily manage this jug. Applying plumber's tape or replacing the spigot are common, simple fixes.

These users accept the carrier's quirks in exchange for its affordability and capacity.

Consider Alternatives If: You Can't Tolerate Leaks

Some users will find the Coleman jug's potential for leaks completely unacceptable. A reliable, drip-free experience is essential in certain situations.

Anyone needing to transport water inside a vehicle should be very cautious. A leaking spigot can create a significant mess and damage gear or upholstery.

This camp water dispenser is not for you if you need guaranteed reliability. Overlanders, van-lifers, or anyone with limited space should invest in a higher-quality, leak-proof alternative. The risk of water damage or loss often outweighs the initial savings for these users.

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The Coleman 5-Gallon Water Carrier offers incredible value despite its well-known flaws. Its greatest strength is the massive volume of water it holds for a very low price. The carrier's most critical weakness is the unreliable spigot that frequently leaks. It is a solid purchase for stationary campsites, and a 1-year limited warranty provides some user protection.

FAQ

How do you fix the leaky spigot?

Users often apply plumber's tape to the spigot's threads. Some people replace the original spigot with a higher-quality, third-party version to ensure a better seal and prevent drips.

Is the plastic BPA-free?

Yes, Coleman constructs this water carrier from BPA-free, food-grade polyethylene. The material is safe for storing drinking water after a user completes the initial cleaning process to remove any plastic taste.

Can it hold hot water?

No, this carrier is not designed for hot liquids. Hot water can warp the plastic, damage the seals, and potentially cause leaks or structural failure. It is for cold water only.