I’ve been hauling stuff with my pickup for years, and one thing that’s always been a pain is refueling, especially when I’m out in the boonies with no gas station in sight. So, I finally decided to get myself a fuel transfer tank. Let me tell you, it’s been a game-changer, but it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Here’s how it went down.
Choosing the Right Tank
First off, I had to figure out what kind of tank I needed. I did some digging around, asked a few buddies who are into this stuff, and learned that there are a bunch of options out there. I’m mostly dealing with diesel for my equipment, so I knew I needed something that could handle that. I saw some folks talking about these 14-gauge steel tanks, and that sounded pretty sturdy to me. Size-wise, I figured something around 24 by 31 by 48 inches would fit nicely in my truck bed without taking up too much space.
Getting It Installed
Once I settled on a tank, the next step was getting it installed. Now, I’m no mechanic, but I’m pretty handy, so I thought I could handle it myself. The tank arrived, and it was a beast. I got a buddy to help me lift it into the truck bed – no way I was doing that alone. The instructions were kinda vague, but we figured it out. Bolted it down securely, hooked up the hoses and the pump, and hoped for the best. It took us the better part of a day, and a few choice words were exchanged, but we got it done.
First Test Run
With the tank in place, it was time for a test run. I filled it up with diesel, which was a bit of an adventure in itself. Had to make sure I didn’t spill any – that stuff’s expensive and messy. Once it was full, I took it out to one of my usual work sites. Using the pump to transfer the fuel to my equipment was a breeze. No more running back and forth with jerry cans, and no more worrying about running out of fuel in the middle of nowhere. It felt good, real good.
Regular Checks and Safety
After using it for a while, I learned that you gotta keep an eye on these things. I started doing regular checks for any signs of wear and tear. I inspect the outside of the tank for corrosion, any leaks, or any fuel accumulation around it. Also I make it a point to look over the foundation and the support structures to make sure everything is solid. It’s not just about the tank itself, but also where you store it and how you use it. Some of the safety guidelines I picked up from, say, OSHA’s fuel storage tips, are pretty straightforward. You shouldn’t stack these tanks, especially the big ones, and always keep them away from where people are working. It’s common sense, really, but you’d be surprised how often people overlook this stuff. Oh, and I always store large containers in fire-resistant cabinets. Better safe than sorry, right?
Long-Term Use
Now, these tanks are great for transferring fuel, but I wouldn’t use them for long-term storage. It’s not what they’re meant for. I’ve heard of folks using auxiliary fuel tanks, which are permanently mounted and give you extra range, but that’s a whole different ball game. I’m just using mine to move fuel from point A to point B, and for that, it’s perfect.
- Pros:
- No more fuel anxiety.
- Saves time and effort.
- Super convenient for remote locations.
- Cons:
- Installation can be a hassle.
- Takes up space in the truck bed.
- Gotta be careful with handling and maintenance.
All in all, getting a fuel transfer tank was a solid move. It’s made my work a heck of a lot easier, and I don’t know how I managed without it before. If you’re on the fence about getting one, I’d say go for it. Just make sure you pick the right one for your needs and are prepared to put in a little elbow grease to get it set up. Trust me, it’s worth it.
