Bulk Diesel Tank

[Smokeydog]

I am bothered by hauling it in the back of your truck. I use an open dual axle trailer so I can tie it down sloshing fuel has a lot of power. Also diesel vapor especially in warmer months is highly explosive in enclosed areas. Just a thought. Diesel fuel not real dangerous but diesel vapor very dangerous. Need to treat it
Like gasoline for safety

Good points.

Didn’t disclose all details.

Purposely not completely in bed of truck so the tailgate and camper top can’t close. This also positions where the supports of the pallet are strongest and can be securely tied down with two ratchet straps to the anchor points of the truck. There is also a sheet of transmat under the pallet. Transmat is high friction material used to secure loads in transportation. Tank is mechanically locked to pallet, with transmat between tank and pallet, and dedicated ratchet strap over the tank to pallet.

Diesel and gasoline are quite different vapor pressure and ignition temperatures. All issues you raised are also true of 5 gallons cans which are not usually handled as securely but just as dangerous.

Only had transport 8miles and steep driveway. No leaks or fumes. Hopefully this will increase not only convenience but also safety in handling and dispensing of fuel.

 

[Alan W.]

View attachment 1744810
I don't have anything fancy. This is a 50-55 gallon square tank I bought many years ago coupled with my hand pump that is a Tolkeim old as the hills. The tank is both bolted to the home made heavy pallet, 4x6 and 2x10 and also strapped with a rachet strap.

This has been a great unit for me. Easy to lift with mySSQA forks. I keep it in my wood shed and when I need to refill I put it the back of my pickup and SECURE it well. I think I posted this photo a decade ago. If I need the added fuel off our place it rides safe and well in the truck and is right on target to refuel.

I should also say for years before I bought this tank I used a 50 drum on or off a pallet and found this to be much safer and better to handle.

I also have an old Tokheim. I used it for many years, first on a 55 gal drum then on the 50 gal tank I have now. It was my great uncles so I dont have a clue how old it is.
I have since upgraded to this setup.

Its outside under a tarp while I modify the tractor shed.

 

[Smokeydog]

View attachment 1750309

I also have an old Tokheim. I used it for many years, first on a 55 gal drum then on the 50 gal tank I have now. It was my great uncles so I dont have a clue how old it is.
I have since upgraded to this setup.

View attachment 1750312

Its outside under a tarp while I modify the tractor shed.

Surprised you pull through (vacuum) the filters instead of pushing with pump. I’m I looking at that right?

 

[Alan W.]

Yes I am pulling through the filters. Unfortunately the tank has some rust in it so I am protecting the pump. It may degrade the gpm some but that’s no biggie for me.

 

[Smokeydog]

Yes I am pulling through the filters. Unfortunately the tank has some rust in it so I am protecting the pump. It may degrade the gpm some but that’s no biggie for me.

Pumps generally have screen on pickup line to protect pump from large particles and fine particle filter and either water separating or water absorbing filters on discharge. Pumps can push more than they suck. If it works for you is all that matters.
The Vevor has screen on the suction inlet and a partical and water block filter on the pump discharge.

 

[Smokeydog]

So impressed with the first diesel tank from Vevor, ordered a 48gallon diesel or gasoline tank.

Few differences other than size.

Thicker manual detailing more instructions and warnings.

Pump has grounding wire and clip.

Looks like Viton O-rings on threaded hose and pump connections.

Unlike the first tank, all connections, filter and hardware were tightened properly.

On/off switch not on pump but near battery cable clamps. So no potential spark near vapors.

30micron filter without water block or water absorbing feature. Water absorbing filters say they can be used with ethanol mixed gasoline. ??? I would still probably stick to 100% gas, treat with Pri-G for reliability. Does anyone keep bulk gasoline have water or filtering issues?

Manual states “Not to be lifted unless supported by pallet or frame when partially or fully full”. Does have fork pockets but good advise on any plastic tank I think.

Bought it maybe to replace aging assortment of gas cans. 4-wheelers, various small engines and generators. Or to have on hand for either gas or diesel for an emergence. Rare to see small bulk gasoline pump containers. Does have some safety features usually not found on diesel only tanks. Many of our neighbors to the east are suffering from Hurricane Helene and will be for sometime.

 

[Alan W.]

Pumps generally have screen on pickup line to protect pump from large particles and fine particle filter and either water separating or water absorbing filters on discharge. Pumps can push more than they suck. If it works for you is all that matters.
The Vevor has screen on the suction inlet and a partical and water block filter on the pump discharge.

No screen on the pickup. The pump came with a hose and I fabricated a metal pickup tube. First filter is a waterblock and the cartridge is 2 micron. It actually pumps faster than Im ready for. Have overfilled a few times.

 

[RjCorazza]

View attachment 1760385
...
30micron filter without water block or water absorbing feature. Water absorbing filters say they can be used with ethanol mixed gasoline. ??? I would still probably stick to 100% gas, treat with Pri-G for reliability. Does anyone keep bulk gasoline have water or filtering issues?
...

I stored ethanol gas (with StaBil) for many years in a 55 gallon drum in an unheated shed without any water issues. I cycled the fuel every 2 years in my mower, trimmers, and generator. When I switched the drum over to diesel storage the bottom of the barrel was clean as a whistle.
The diesel in it now is for emergency generator use, and 4 years old... I may cycle it next year.

 

[grsthegreat]

I have a similar storage unit, but it only holds 55 gallons. I mounted it to pallet and its been that way for about 5 years. Works flawlessly.

 

[Smokeydog]

No screen on the pickup. The pump came with a hose and I fabricated a metal pickup tube. First filter is a waterblock and the cartridge is 2 micron. It actually pumps faster than Im ready for. Have overfilled a few times.

Be interesting on how our filters do during cold weather. Newer tank manual said 30 micron filter rated to 24F. Luckily don’t do as much tractoring and winters are mild.

 

[Williy]

I do believe that your filters will be fine as long as the
fuel don't gell

willy

 

[Alan W.]

Be interesting on how our filters do during cold weather. Newer tank manual said 30 micron filter rated to 24F. Luckily don’t do as much tractoring and winters are mild.

Years ago when I did excavation could easily pump through a 10 micron well below freezing but I did treat my fuel accordingly.

 

[RjCorazza]

Be interesting on how our filters do during cold weather. Newer tank manual said 30 micron filter rated to 24F. Luckily don’t do as much tractoring and winters are mild.

I have never seen a filter that had a temperature rating... Perhaps it is related specifically to water blocking filters?
I have routinely pumped fuel through a 2u final filter (non water blocking) and a 17u water blocking filter down to single digit temps.

 

[AnotherBueller]

Be interesting on how our filters do during cold weather. Newer tank manual said 30 micron filter rated to 24F. Luckily don’t do as much tractoring and winters are mild.

Add some HOWES Diesel Treat Anti-gel treatment (or what ever brand you can get at a truck stop) use the ratio suggested and it goes a long way. It's the biggest seller at truck stops around here.

Diesel Treat | Antigel Diesel Fuel Conditioner | Howes Products | Howes Products

Diesel Treat is North America’s number one selling anti-gel and fuel conditioner, safely removing water and preventing gelling in even the coldest climates.

howesproducts.com

 

[AnotherBueller]

I have never seen a filter that had a temperature rating... Perhaps it is related specifically to water blocking filters?
I have routinely pumped fuel through a 2u final filter (non water blocking) and a 17u water blocking filter down to single digit temps.

Problem is that diesel fuel gels as the temp goes down the wax it is part if the fuel will solidify and clog your filters 'called the pour point'. Per the large truck stop people there's regular #2 fuel, sometimes called summer diesel, and winter diesel which can be a mix of #2 and #1 or treated with something like the Howes Diesel Treat.
Basically it lowers the pour point temp.
If you want to get really cold temps Jet A won't gel at -60 F )))

 

[90cummins]

Age and injury made 5gallon cans harder to deal with. Decided on Vevor 116gallon tank and pump. $733. Quickly shipped.

Plastic tank has fork pockets. Tractors are poor fork lifts so needed to mount on pallet. $24 metal pallet from scrapyard much more durable, allows 4-way entry and takes bumps and rubs better. Made guides/post to lock into the tank’s recess hand grooves.
View attachment 1725635View attachment 1725636
Added tubing for an extra nozzle dock and fire extinguisher mount.

Added a converter to use Dewalt 20v battery option under the lid.

Need to check and tighten all fittings, filter, and mounting hardware.

Glued gasket to fill cap.

Added two-way swivel fitting between nozzle and hose.

Loaded and took to station to fill. Bought taxed diesel at $2.75/gal. 107 gallons filled to about 2” from top. Didn’t spill a drop transporting home.
View attachment 1725641
Unloaded and set on 2x4’ flat cart for easy moving in tractor shed.
View attachment 1725643
Using a Dewalt 5ah battery. The pump easily primed. Filled both tractors. Didn’t spill a drop. So easy! Automatic nozzle shut off. Did a five minute recirculating test back to tank. Pump and converter barely got warm. Pump is 10-11 gallon per minute and 30 minute duty cycle. Battery pack stiil had two of three bar charge left. Two wire connector still allows connection to battery clips cable if needed. Pump is rated at 140watts and converter rated at 180watts. Access to tractor batteries is more difficult. Converter and battery receptacle $20 from amazon.

Pump has screen inlet and 30micron with water blocking absorbing media discharge filter. Pump flow slows indicating need to change canister filter. Vevor doesn’t stock replacement parts. Haven’t yet sourced a replacement filter.

Same reason here.

I now have diesel generators, mower & tractor so I can refuel from my bulk tank. Can’t eliminate everything gasoline but I’ve reduced my usage by 90%. I prepped everything that I don’t use for long term storage, I have problems getting rid of good equipment, I’ve had sellers remorse before & it’s not happening again.

90cummins

 

[ReRide]

I have a 50 gallon tank for number 2 diesel and a narrow 36 gallon tank for number 1, hand pumps on both. I put a couple hundred hours on my S650 Bobcat a year and a couple hundred on my diesel Grasshopper 725 mower. I haul my Bobcat 120 miles to our farm land to cut trees and build fence. I can get either tank in the pickup ahead of my gooseneck trailer but the narrow one is the one I tend to use the most in the pickup, for refueling while on the farm land. I also got tired of the 5 gallon cans, spilling fuel all over and usually wrecking my jeans. Then I did find 5 gallon plastic jugs that are vented and have an inch and a half spout, and in a pinch I can use them without spilling fuel all over like I used to.