buying 300-500 gallons of fuel

[paulspaddle]

This weekend my neighbour and I at the cabin were talking about getting a bulk fuel storage tank together. 300 - 500 gallon tank - whatever I find a deal on.

Why, is because the nearest fuel station is 45 minutes away. We are hauling cans of gas all the time and if staying up there a week you'll have to do a 'fuel run' which is a waste of a morning.

My question is:

If this gas will sit for months before all used, how do we keep it fresh? Is there a gas that already has a preservative/stabilizer in it? Is it true all stabilizers are not created equally? (comments on that?)

Anything I should consider when looking into this?

Thanks

ps...got a lot of boat time in this weekend. My face is wind burnt and my wife has a bruise on her leg from tubing.....all good!

 

[jimdd810]

Re: buying 300-500 gallons of fuel

If you have access to non ethynol gas I would start with that. Then I would treat the fuel with a product by stabil called Marine Grade Stabil. It is black instead of the usual pink. You should be ok for the time you need to store it. I would store the least amount of fuel you can get away with.

 

[saildan]

Re: buying 300-500 gallons of fuel

A couple of things to check.

Your local Farm supply should have the tank and stand. Go to a few Farm auctions to find a used one.

Your state may need to certify tank integrity annually so be sure a used tank isn't one that failed inspection.

275 gal tank

Check with the bulk fuel dealer about fuel stability. Undoubtedly you need to add stabelizer for long-term.

Look into local laws governing tank location. No doubt there are things about water pollution prevention and fire safety.

Or you might be able to lease one of these with a pay for what you use agreement, like construction companies do.

 

[rbh]

Re: buying 300-500 gallons of fuel

If you have a pick up, try and find a tidy tank.

 

[seabob4]

Re: buying 300-500 gallons of fuel

Keep in mind if you install an on-site tank, regulations may require you to install it on a concrete pad and build a containment wall around it...

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: buying 300-500 gallons of fuel

I would recommend a 50-100 gallon tank in the back of a pickup... otherwise watch craigslist..... I see a free farm tank with a stand every month or two on there

 

[Chris1956]

Re: buying 300-500 gallons of fuel

I don't know how much fuel you need for a season's use, but would not buy and store more than that.

 

[paulspaddle]

Re: buying 300-500 gallons of fuel

Thanks Guys...those 'cautionary notes' are what I'm musing about. Called the local Co-op, still no reply.

There are a few 'gas' tanks locally for sale from $100-300.

300 gallons, because I'd be sharing with someone else. Averaged 15 gallons each a weekend for 3 months = 360...maybe need more, maybe less?

If the guy ever gets back to me I'll know what type of site prep I need.

 

[Fishing56]

Re: buying 300-500 gallons of fuel

My grandparents farm always had a gas storage tank for tractors etc. Gas was delivered when needed, but I think it was only every 2-3 months. Main key was that storage was always under shade of some sort. On a side not, I store a motor home with about 100 gallons of gas for up to twelve months with no stabilizer and have never had any problems. My thought has always been to store the tanks full to avoid any possible moisture condensation.

Fishing56

 

[scoutabout]

Re: buying 300-500 gallons of fuel

I've been musing about this very idea too as reasonably priced fuel is an hour round trip by car for me up north. Something onsite that could supply the tractors and boats without carting those damned plastic jugs everywhere would be great.

I was also thinking of a beater pickup with a good tank with pump in the bed that could just live up in the woods and make just a couple of trips a summer into town would also solve delivery issues to a fixed tank.

I'll be really interested to see what you come up with - especially any Canadian regs, etc. you find, assuming they won't vary too much province to province.

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: buying 300-500 gallons of fuel

Check out the provincial regulations AND your insurance co. as to storing that much fuel. If your storing more than 3 months, add stabilizer. Also, you may want to check out Shell V-Power fuel. In Ontario, it is ethanol free. Probably the same in Manitoba.

 

[paulspaddle]

Re: buying 300-500 gallons of fuel

I've got 'some' answers. The guy I spoke to wasn't the right guy in regards to tanks near lakes.

Under 5000 litres in Manitoba there are no regulations regarding set up of the tank.

The only thing he said was in 3-5 years they expect that all tanks need to be double walled....$2500-4000 a tank....opposed to the $200-500 used in kijiji.ca.

'Insurance'....good one, didn't think of that.

Scoutabout- I hear ya on the beater, but factor in the extra maintenance and it's hard to justify another machine dedicated to just fuel.

 

[Newbie@boats]

Re: buying 300-500 gallons of fuel

I would recommend a 50-100 gallon tank in the back of a pickup... otherwise watch craigslist..... I see a free farm tank with a stand every month or two on there

I was going to say the same thing!