I honestly don't know what the 1-2 stars are about.
This is a super product. My buddy has the same thing but 7 gallon so I was already familiar with the design and found it to be reliable.
I have to admit that I hesitated ordering it because of the 1 -2 star reviews, but I ordered it anyway and after testing mine I can address the most common alleged weaknesses.
"It leaks from the spout" Mine leaked at first... til I realized I had overtightened the spout onto the tank. So I unscrewed it and tightened it down gently... tipped it back over into position... saw a few drips... tightened it down until the drips stopped. PROBLEM SOLVED
"It leaks from the plug" There's a small opening for letting air in to displace the water running out. It has a stopper to keep bugs and crud out when not in use. This opening is NEVER liable to leak unless you lay the tank on its side when not in use... which is not advisable. The plug is just that--- a small plug for air that a 5 year old can pull out and push in as needed; IT'S NOT A VALVE AND IT ISN'T INTENDED TO WITHSTAND THE WATER PRESSURE OF THE TANK BEING LAID ON ITS SIDE. So stop trying to make it do something it wasn't designed for! When transporting the tank, keep the valve and the plug upright! PROBLEM SOLVED
"It smells inside." Yeah, it smells like plastic inside... when you first get it, because I guess it's factory fresh. I let mine sit on the shelf for a couple of weeks fully open so it could "off-gas" --- no smell, and no taste. PROBLEM SOLVED
"The plastic is thin." or "The plastic is thinner than it is on the bigger sizes". This was the criticism that had me the most concerned when I ordered it --- I pictured super thin, like milk jug thin and bulging. Not the case at all. First, it's more than sufficiently thick for 2.5 gallons, and maybe only just a LITTLE thinner than its bigger brother. Second --- and more to the point --- OF COURSE it's not going to be as thick as the larger models --- that would be overkill. A 7 gallon tank has to carry 58 pounds, while the 2.5 just 21 pounds! PLASTIC IS PLENTY THICK
In summary, this is a good value and I highly recommend it.
| Brand | Reliance |
|---|---|
| Color | Blue |
| Material | Plastic |
| Product Dimensions | 9.3"L x 7.5"W x 12"H |
| Capacity | 2.5 Gallons |
| Item Weight | 1.2 Pounds |
| Shape | Square |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00060823890509 |
| UPC | 060823890509 |
| Manufacturer | Reliance Products |
| Part Number | 4004438-SSI |
| Item Weight | 1.2 pounds |
| Country of Origin | USA |
| Item model number | 8905-13 |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Size | 9.3 Inch x 7.5 Inch x 12.0 Inch |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Usage | mountain, outdoor climbing hiking backpacking Multi-Sport |
| Included Components | Aqua-Pak 2.5 Gallon Rigid Water Container |
| Batteries Included? | No |
| Batteries Required? | No |
