Yup, did it, and yup, the bottom one deformed. 2 high has not been a problem for me. I tried 3 high...no go.

Thank you for that observation / consideration, Nurit - I'll be relocating to The City soon and hadn't considered that. Like, at all.

That thanks is extended to all NYC posters, by the way. I'm learning a lot from you.

I found a picture of the containers I owned that failed.

Reliance 6g Desert Patrol containers at Amazon

Oh, those Desert Patrol jerry cans. Yeah, I've actually read that they aren't very reliable. I've never had any problems with some of Reliance's other products, though, like the Aquatainer or Aqua-Pak. Somehow, I guess they got the design wrong when trying to create a plastic version of the classic jerry can.

You're welcome, Yelp. Please keep us posted on your move, and don't hesitate to ask whatever comes to mind.

FYI,

Here's a pretty good review on different types of water containers

Water Container FAQ

After doing a little more research on different forums, this seems to be the general consensus of the commonly found containers.

Desert Patrol containers from Walmart are notorious for leaking. Almost every review I've read about them mentions leaks.

The translucent polyethlene 2.5 gallon water jugs with the spigot are even worse than the desert patrol. The plastics are biodegradable and meant to break down in about a year (some people say months, others have gone over a year), but it seems like it will happen sooner or later

The blue Reliance aquatainers are pretty reliable, some issues with leaks after being stacked on top of another one (specifically NOT recommended by Reliance if you read their webpage). Some people haven't had problems with stacking, some have. I have them and use them for camping, and they've held up well as long as you're not too rough with it. The spigot makes it very convienent.

The clear polycarbonate containers used for sodas and water are pretty reliable.

The military MFC's are really good, but expensive. I might buy a few to replace the Aquatainers that I currently use for camping. If only they had an on/off spigot like the aquatainers, I think that would be perfect.

> Another consideration (that may not apply to your situation) is that in my
> apartment space is tight and water has to be stored near clothing, shoes,
> books and files.

Yeah, that's a definite money-saver. The Safeway boxes of water would definitely wreck your stuff and do damage to the apartment.

I'll note that Fold-A-Carrier water jugs have leaked for us after years of use.

Any thing that folds or creases will develop pinhole leaks along the crease eventually. We bought more Fold-A-Carriers because we're satisfied with the service we got from them and because they seem to be worth the money in the face of fairly rough treatment.

I also use Fold-A-Carrier water jugs but for a completely different purpose.

When I am the lone person in aluminum boat with a tiller outboard the nose of the boat is often to to high to allow proper trimming. So I put a full 5 gallon Fold-A-Carrier in the nose of the boat to even out the weight. This is easier than (and not as hard on the boat) putting rocks in the nose and if I carry over to another lake, I just dump out the water and portage the empty jug to fill at the next lake where I have a cached boat.

Fold-A-Carriers are not very tough, but if the leak is in the top, with a sharp knife they can be converted into a folding wash basin.

Mike

Lots of good discussion here giving me much to think about. My move is complete, except for a few items, special fragile items that will get moved in someone's lap or hands. Still have a number of boxes to unpack. My new home state has seen fit to allow me to have certain rights (withholding political comment), by granting me a small laminated piece of paper. And I have a long list of things I need to do getting my new home ready.

Thanks.