Setting up gasoline storage tank(s)

[zmoz]

That's it. I'm tired of ethanol, unless it's in a glass with some ice, and I don't want the government telling me what kind of fuel I can burn. I burn roughly 150 gallons/month of gasoline, that's a whole 15 gallons of ethanol that I don't want! In Oregon apparently only offroad fuel is allowed to be sold without ethanol. You cannot buy it at any gas pump - and for that matter, you aren't even allowed to pump your own gas!

So, in talking with a local fuel company I think I can get them to deliver me fresh, real, 100% gasoline for offroad use. They want a 100 gallon minimum delivery, the more the better. I figure I don't want to store more than about 200 gallons of gas.

The question is, what exactly do I want for a tank, and what specific safety steps do I need to take? I was looking at the "fuel transfer" tanks at Northern Tool and most of them say "not for gasoline". Why?! Is it acceptable to store gasoline in a steel 55 gallon drum? Would it be better to try and get a ~220 gallon heating oil tank? (they're always cheap on craigslist) I think I'd rather have multiple tanks, like four drums, instead of one big one...

Thoughts?

 

[zmoz]

For example this tank:
Better Built Steel Transfer Tank — 100 Gallon Capacity, Rectangular | Auxiliary-Transfer Tanks | Northern Tool + Equipment
Why is it not intented for use with gasoline?

 

[MikeInEburg]

I'd chat with that same fuel supplier - they would be in a good position to provide advice and sources. A one-tank solution would be much more convenient than multiple tanks.
Mike

 

[schmism]

this kind

or this kind

i can find either one on CL fairly easy. the up in the air version works well because it requires no pump. and when its delivered they pump it up to it.

 

[zmoz]

Yeah - they wanted me to lease a fancy double wall tank they setup for construction sites, but I wasn't interested in their price. If I setup more than one tank I would plumb them so they can all be filled from one port.

I was thinking individual drums might be good because I could use them up one at a time, so the others remain full without much air space.

 

[zmoz]

schmism - that brings up another point, location. I don't have a lot of space for it. Does it need to be out in the open like that for safety? Or can I park it right next to my barn like you would an oil tank?

 

[brokenot]

I was looking at the "fuel transfer" tanks at Northern Tool and most of them say "not for gasoline". Why?!

It's more than likely due to the fact that they know if the tanks were listed as being suitable for gasoline, then someone would mount them in vehicles and use them as a fuel tank instead of a "transfer" tank.

Since the early 70's, vehicle gas tanks have dealt with venting vapor via a line to a charcoal cannister. The newer the vehicles are, the more complex the venting process and components have become. If tanks like that were listed as being suitable for gasoline, people would be improperly teeing them into existing fuel systems.....and then expecting a "farm exemption" or something similar when they got caught.

I burn roughly 150 gallons/month of gasoline, that's a whole 15 gallons of ethanol that I don't want!

What issues is it causing?

 

[3Bladz]

If you use drums you need to store them on their side or they will collect water on the top and then when they heat and cool (expand/contract) they will suck water in.

 

[zmoz]

What issues is it causing?

Money, down the toilet...
Bad fuel mileage in everything. And water collection. And now we're hinting at 15%?? Grrrr.
I'd prefer to eat that corn, or drink that whiskey, than burn it. Also a lot of that gas is for my boat, which is just a pain in the butt to fuel when I can't pump my own gas. (and gets terrible enough mileage as it is) The idiot at the gas station simply cannot do it without thoroughly dousing the boat with gas...

Would an "oil" tank like this be suitable for gasoline?
250gal above ground oil tank

 

[montyhp]

I really don't know much about this, but I am guessing there are regulations about having double wall tanks for gasoline and that the supplier won't pump into a non-certified tank. Just a guess.

Montyhp