Reda Gas Can Review
I bought a Reda gas can a while back as piece of mind for the old lady.
Recently I had the opportunity to use it as I was deliberately running the tank low to check on my gauge reading (analog and "range") after adjusting the tank float.
Some of Reda's claims are as follows:
"Built to last a lifetime and made of the highest quality materials."
"at the end of the day there is one thing better be very apparent (sic) No compromises...Period. If our products do not meet the highest of standards then they never make it to you! If is (sic) has my name on it, you have my word on it."
Since I've owned one for a while now and used it I thought I'd post a review. Summary:
Cost $30. Much more than a standard gas can.
The good:
- Construction - much thicker walls than a typical gas can. This is a good thing no doubt and worth extra $$. The shape of the can is also unique in that it fits into the profile of the touring bags.
- The spout is tricky to use and worse it is prone to breakage - more on this later
- The company, I'm sorry to say - again more later.
- Ron contacted me to tell me he fired his customer service employee for spending too much time on facebook and not doing her job. My spout is on its way.
The second time when I thought I may have run out was a surprise and left me stranded in the middle of the road (turned out the dealer had botched the fuel line hook ups inside the gas tank - but that's another story).
This time the spout failed and I was unable to fill my tank. I contacted Reda and received a quick response from Ron Reda stating that if I'd send him my address he'd send a replacement out right away at no cost to me. - I thought great. They really stand behind their product.
However, Reda doesn't really seem to stand behind their product as they claim to on their website.
After much research I determined that Reda uses the Plastics Group 85040 Gas Can Spout. Reviews of this spout by consumers have been bad, very bad. - for example:
"I would give this zero stars if I could. These things are difficult to use and break easily. Never buy one and don't buy a gas can that comes with one."
It's now been 4 weeks, several e-mails and a phone call later. They promised to send me a replacement spout. I sent them my address. I have heard nothing further from them despite my follow-up e-mails and a phone call (they didn't pick up, I left a message). I'm wondering if they are still operating. I will happily update the status of this review if I actually do get a response from Reda. Regardless - Reda needs to use a better spout.
So - here's the bottom line. Great concept. Expensive gas can - but then again it does form fit with the Harley bags. The spout is a very poor choice and very prone to breakage.
The company does not actually stand behind their products at least not in my experience.
If you already own this gas can and need to buy a new spout, Walmart sells the spout for $6.30. Of course it will likely fail again.
(search under Briggs & Stratton Replacement Smart-Fill Spout).
Last edited by davessworks; May 17, 2012 at 09:48 PM.
I don't mind spending money on a good product, and your evaluation sounded promising until the part about the fill tube/spout. I'll wait and see if you get satisfaction from the company, but it doesn't look promising, does it?
Wonder if anyone from the company follows HDF? If they do...
We'll see!
Subscribed
The main brands were MSR, Optimus, Primus, or Trangia fuel bottles. Mostly the same, but each one has a little difference.
I ended up with an MSR bottle and they just outclass plastic gascans.
Trending Topics
I like the cans - frankly I think they're pretty much worth the $$ but it would be nice if they had better spouts and if someone answered the phone.
Last edited by davessworks; May 9, 2012 at 10:03 PM.
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
I’ve read to practice using water before actually using it on the bike. I filled it up and attempted to pour the water out of the Reda gas can. It leaked terribly. I had water all over my hands and the floor. After a few attempts I’m about to give up on the Reda gas can and take my chances on the road. Anyone have any ideas that can solve my dilemma?
Of course I didn't pour the water into the gas tank.
When I had a trailer I had 2 MSR Fuel Bottles mounted to the fenders. They are 30 OZ or about 23% of a gallon so 2 of them equals about a half a gallon. They are made of extruded aluminum, very strong, and are not vented so they could be stored in the saddlebags too.







