Best Fuel Transfer Tank for the Money (2022 REVIEW)
What is the best fuel transfer tank on the market today? That’s exactly what this top 5 review round up attempts to answer.
We have selected 5 quality transfer tanks covering a range of gallon capacities and install configuration.
For the results of our analysis, just head to the table below. For an in-depth review of each of our choices, plus a detailed fuel transfer tank buyer’s guide, keep on reading.
Best Fuel Transfer Tank – Top 5
What is the best fuel transfer tank in 2022?
With its large 70 gallon capacity, the RDS Vertical Fuel Transfer Tank is the #1 option for truck installation. However, for those looking for a lower capacity unit on a budget the Better Built HD Transfer Tank is highly recommended. For the mobile convenience of a caddy, the ARKSON Portable Tank is a great choice.
Fuel Transfer Tank Reviews
There are of course different designs, models, and brands of fuel transfer tanks on the market.
For the purposes of our analysis, these tanks can still be rated based on their safety features (including legal status), reliability, design quality, guarantee/warranty, durability, and cost-performance benefits.
Using these criteria, we have carefully reviewed each of the following fuel transfer tanks to give you the low down on which is the best to buy in 2022.
1. TOP PICK: RDS 72117 Fuel Transfer Tank Review
Our top pick transfer tank is this safe, durable, and high-quality in-bed, pump-operated fuel transfer tank from RDS. Using a vertical design the tank takes up minimal space in 5-foot, 6-foot, and 8-foot long truck-beds.
This DOT-approved model is designed and built by the premier U.S-based automotive tanks manufacturer, RDS Manufacturing, Inc.
Capacity
This tank-only model has a capacity of 70 gallons and can hold diesel, DEF, gasoline, and aviation fuel along with other non-flammable liquids such as liquid fertilizer, oil, and water.
It can also be used as a diesel-only auxiliary fuel tank, with gasoline use being strictly prohibited in this instance.
Construction Quality
The corrosion-resistant aluminum construction of this rectangular tank makes it durable and relatively lightweight.
This well-constructed transfer tank has a load-free weight of about 98pounds and its overall length is 52inches while its width and height are 13.5inches and 28.5inches respectively.
The height is therefore about twice the size of the width which gives this model a vertical (or slim) design, that is, it is taller than it is wide.
This enables it to take the minimal space possible on the truck bed, hence its characterization as a space-saving vertical transfer tank.
This model is constructed using heavy-duty corrosion-resistant aluminum sheets with a gauge rating of 0.125 (that is, the sheets are 0.125inches thick).
The seams that join these sheets together are fully-welded so as to prevent leakages as well as enhance the overall built-in strength of the body.
Fittings & Fixtures
It features a drain-fitting where a delivery hose can be fitted to convert it into a gravity-feed diesel-only auxiliary tank.
At its top, it has a 2-inch diameter female pipe thread coupling which allows one to mount a manually-operated or a 12-volt DC-powered fuel transfer pump (that needs to be acquired separately).
This model features either a mill or smooth finish; though either finish lacks ultraviolet (UV) inhibitors. These inhibitors prevent sunlight from heating up the aluminum body of the tank. Its color scheme is silver.
Specifications
The internal dimensions of the body are 48inches (length) by 13.5inches (width) by 26inches (height) which gives it an overall volume capacity of 16848cubic inches, which can hold up-to 276liters or 72gallons of liquid matter, hence its designation as a 70-gallon tank as it can comfortably hold 70gallons of liquid fuel.
This gives the owner the convenience of having a mini-gas station (if a fuel transfer pump is fitted) wherever the cargoes.
Mounting Brackets
This tank has thick aluminum mounting brackets that are used to secure the tank on top of the bed, either by bolting it or welding it to the bed.
These 0.187inches thick heavy-duty mounting brackets can withstand the stress and strain that a fully-loaded tank is subjected to while the vehicle is moving at top speed.
The interior of the tank features 2 vertical baffles that have been securely welded to the bottom and backplates. These baffles do keep fuel sloshing to a minimum in a moving vehicle.
Locking Cap & Valve
At the top of the tank, body is a locking gas cap that not only provides additional security by ensuring that no unauthorized person can open the cap and siphon off fuel without permission, but it also prevents dust and other fine particulate matter from entering into the tank and contaminating the stored fuel.
This locking cap closes the 2-inch wide inlet port. The tank body also has a rollover vent valve that minimizes fuel spills.
This vent valve also de-pressurizes the tank by allowing gas fumes to escape hence ensuring that there is no potentially-dangerous gas build-up inside the tank.
Drain Plug
The tank also comes with a 3/8inch FPT(Female-National Pipe Thread) drain plug that allows for easy coupling to a threaded delivery hose.
To convert this model into a gravity-feed diesel transfer tank, one needs to acquire a diesel install kit which is sold (separately) by RDS Manufacturing, Inc.
The tank also features 3/8inch and 1/4inch couplings for pickup and return respectively, and their coupling sets can be acquired separately from the manufacturer.
Safety & Regulations
Regarding safety, this model has been subjected to pressure tests and has been approved by the DOT.
Likewise, it has been submerged into various pools to test for leakage, and it has passed these submersion tests.
Even so, it is the responsibility of the user to ascertain that the tank acquired does comply with the federal, state, and local requirements/regulations that govern safe transportation, discharge, and loading of fuel tank contents.
The RDS 72117 benefits from a 12months warranty that is guaranteed by its manufacturer. This warranty covers the cost of parts as well as labor.
- Durable in-bed fuel transfer tank.
- Space-saving slim vertical design.
- Heavy-duty aluminum construction.
- 70-gallon capacity.
- Features baffling.
- Comes with a lock cap.
- Can be customized into a diesel-only auxiliary tank.
- Safe and reliable.
- DOT-approved.
- 12months parts-and-labor warranty.
- Lacks UV inhibitors.
Bottom-line
The RDS 72117 is a safe, durable, and high-quality DOT-approved in-bed fuel transfer tank whose space-spacing vertical rectangular design gives it a least-size impact on 5-foot, 6-foot, and 8-foot long truck-beds.
This tank-only model is made from heavy-duty aluminum that is resistant to rust oxidation, and it has a capacity of 70 gallons.
It can store diesel, DEF, gasoline, and aviation fuel along with other non-flammable liquids such as liquid fertilizer, oil, and water. It can also be converted into a diesel-only auxiliary fuel tank.
The superb safety features, compliance with legal requirements, reliability, excellent design quality, 12-months guarantee, durability, and outstanding cost-performance benefits of RDS 72117 makes it, in our opinion, the best fuel transfer tank you can buy today.
2. Arksen 002-AU-20026 Fuel Transfer Tank Review
The Arksen oo2-AU-20026 is a portable fuel transfer tank that comes with a complete fuel delivery system that features a rotary pump, a suction pipe, and a flexible 8-foot long clear delivery hose.
This fuel delivery system needs to be assembled to the heavy-duty steel tank.
Capacity
This wheeled unit has two 10-inch (diameter) heavy-duty back wheels and 2 front Castor stands; and can hold up-to 30gallons of diesel, DEF, gasoline, and kerosene that can be transferred to the primary tanks of motorcycles, automobiles, and engine-powered farming equipment as well as lawnmowers among other fuel-powered machinery.
The caster stands can be attached to wheels hence making this model a 4-wheeled portable tank.
The heavy-duty steel construction of this tank makes it durable and safe for storing fuel. There is also an easy-to-read visual level gauge that allows one to ascertain the fuel level in the tank, as well as know how much is needed to fill the tank.
The model comes with a 2-way rotary fuel transfer pump that can be manually-operated or electrically-powered as it features a hand crank as well as alligator clips for connection to a power source.
It is designed and built by Arksen.
Dimensions
This compactly-designed and well-constructed gas candy have a load-free weight of about 84pounds and its overall square base is 22inches by inches while height is 44inches.
The internal dimensions of the tank body are 15inches (length) by 15inches (width) by 31.5inches (height) which gives it an overall volume capacity of 7087.5cubic inches, which can hold up-to 116liters or 30.6gallons of liquid matter, hence its designation as a 30-gallon tank as it can comfortably hold 30gallons of liquid fuel.
The tank is constructed using heavy-duty corrosion-resistant thick steel sheets that have been seamed together properly.
The seams that join these sheets together are fully-welded so as to prevent leakages as well as enhance the overall built-in strength of the body.
Fuel Delivery System
The fuel delivery system is fitted on the top of the tank, while its back is topped by a heavy-duty tubular push-or-pull handle that has been conveniently-angled for handling convenience and control that allows for comfortable wheeling of the transfer tank around the workplace.
It also features an anti-static ground clamp that protects the tank from accidental static discharges. This model features a smooth finish, and its color scheme is red.
This model can be secured on the truck-bed using chains or strong straps.
Construction Quality
Because the tank is made from steel, one needs to ensure that the fuel level does not go down to very low levels that prevent the sloshing fuel from wetting the entire internal walls of the tank.
The reason for this is that even though the tank exterior is coated by a corrosion-resistant material, the interior is not and to prevent rusting, the liquid contents must constantly wet the walls so as to prevent either rust build-up or flaking.
Flakes fall into the fuel and not only contaminate it, but are also siphoned out along with the fuel and these flakes end up blocking the filter on the transfer pump, and sometimes even the filter in the fuel system of a vehicle.
Fuel gauges
To ensure that fuel level is kept constantly high, there is a well-calibrated, easy-to-read and clear(transparent) visual level gauge fitted at the top of the tank which allows one to know how much fuel remains in the tank, and when the tank requires prompt re-filling.
Its 2-way rotary pump allows for fuel to be pumped into, or out, of the tank.
This tank is capped by a pressure-cap that is well-vented to allow fumes to escape hence ensuring that there is no potentially-dangerous gas build-up inside the tank.
Regarding safety, this model has been subjected to pressure tests and submersion tests and certified as safe for use.
Even so, it is the responsibility of the user to ascertain that the tank acquired does comply with the federal, state, and local requirements/regulations that govern safe transportation, discharge, and loading of fuel tank contents.
- Portable fuel transfer tank.
- Compact and wheeled design.
- Heavy-duty steel construction.
- 30-gallon capacity.
- It comes with a fuel delivery system.
- It can be converted into a 4-wheel model.
- Safe and reliable.
- Steel construction requires it to constantly be partially-filled with fuel.
Bottom-line
The Arksen 002-AU-20026 is a safe and durable portable fuel transfer tank that comes with a complete fuel delivery system. This features a 2-way rotary pump, suction pipe, and a flexible 8-foot long clear and kink-free delivery hose.
It is also a heavy-duty steel model that can be wheeled on two 10-inch (diameter) heavy-duty back wheels and can be rest stationery on these wheels and 2 front Castor stands. In other words, it is extremely portable.
It can hold up-to 30gallons of diesel, DEF, gasoline, and kerosene that can be transferred to the primary tanks of motorcycles, automobiles, and engine-powered farming equipment as well as lawnmowers among other fuel-powered machinery.
3. DeeZee DZ91752 Fuel Transfer Tank Review
The DeeZee DZ91752 is an in-bed fuel transfer tank whose space-spacing vertical long-rectangle design allows it to take minimal space in truck-beds.
This tank-only private-use (non-commercial use) model has a capacity of 38 gallons and can hold diesel. It can not be used as an auxiliary tank, neither can it hold gasoline.
Its corrosion-resistant Brite-Tread aluminum construction makes it durable and relatively lightweight.
It is designed and built by DeeZee.
Capacity
This well-constructed transfer tank has a load-free weight of about 57pounds and its overall length is 63inches while its width and height are 9inches and 22inches respectively.
Its height is considerably larger than its width which gives it a vertical slim design that appears long, hence its description as a long rectangular tank.
This enables it to take the minimal space possible on the truck bed, hence its characterization as a space-saving vertical transfer tank.
Construction
Its front has rounded (curved) edges which serve to eliminate weld(ing) pressure points. At its top is a female pipe thread coupling which allows one to mount a manually-operated or an electrically-powered fuel transfer pump (that needs to be acquired separately).
The unit features either a mill finish; though it lacks ultraviolet (UV) inhibitors.
The model is constructed using heavy-duty corrosion-resistant Brite-Tread aluminum sheets. The seams that join these sheets together are fully-welded so as to prevent leakages as well as enhance the overall built-in strength of the body.
Dimensions
The internal dimensions of the body are 59.5inches (length) by 9inches (width) by 19inches (height) which gives it an overall volume capacity of 10174.5cubic inches, which can hold up-to 166.7liters or 44gallons of liquid matter, hence its designation as a 38-gallon tank as it can comfortably hold 38gallons of liquid fuel.
This tank has thick aluminum mounting brackets that are used to secure the tank on top of the bed, either by bolting it or welding it to the bed.
These heavy-duty mounting brackets can withstand the stress and strain that a fully-loaded tank is subjected to while the vehicle is moving at top speed.
Baffles
The interior of the tank features 3 vertical stability baffles that have been securely welded to the bottom and backplates.
These baffles do keep fuel sloshing to a minimum in a moving vehicle. At the top of the tank is a locking gas cap that provides additional security, as well as prevents dust and other fine particulate matter from contaminating the stored fuel.
It also has a vent valve that minimizes fuel spills and also de-pressurizes the tank by allowing gas fumes to escape. This tank also features coupling hardware.
Safety
Regarding safety, this model has been subjected to pressure tests and leakage tests. Even so, it is the responsibility of the user to ascertain that the tank acquired does comply with the federal, state, and local requirements/regulations that govern safe transportation, discharge, and loading of fuel tank contents.
The DeeZee DZ91752 comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
- Durable in-bed fuel transfer tank.
- Space-saving slim vertical design.
- Heavy-duty aluminum construction.
- 38-gallon capacity.
- Has 3 vertical baffles.
- Safe and reliable.
- Limited lifetime warranty.
- Lacks UV inhibitors.
- It cannot store gasoline.
Bottom-line
The DeeZee DZ91752 is a high-quality in-bed fuel transfer tank whose space-spacing vertical long-rectangle design allows it to take minimal space in truck-beds.
This diesel tank-only private-use model features corrosion-resistant Brite-Tread aluminum construction and has a capacity of 38 gallons.
Limited in that it is only a diesel compatible tank, it still comes recommended to those looking for a specific, all in one diesel storing solution.
4. RDS 71212 Fuel Transfer Tank Review
Here we have another RDS offering on our top 5. Like our number one choice, this is a safe, durable, and high-quality in-bed, pump-operated, fuel transfer tank whose space-spacing vertical design allows it to take minimal space in truck-beds.
It resembles the RDS 72117 in all aspects, except load-free weight, dimensions, and fuel-holding capacity.
Capacity
The RDS 71212 is a tank-only model that has a capacity of 60 gallons and can hold diesel, DEF, gasoline, and aviation fuel along with other non-flammable liquids such as liquid fertilizer, oil, and water.
It can also be used as a diesel-only auxiliary fuel tank, with gasoline use being strictly prohibited in this instance.
The corrosion-resistant aluminum construction of this rectangular tank makes it durable and relatively lightweight. This DOT-approved model is designed and built by RDS Manufacturing, Inc. Its part number is 71212.
Dimensions
This compactly-built, well-constructed transfer tank has a load-free weight of about 61pounds and its overall length is 58inches while its width and height are 14inches and 21.75inches respectively.
The internal dimensions of the body are 56inches (length) by 13inches (width) by 19.25inches (height) which gives it an overall volume capacity of 14014cubic inches, which can hold up-to 230liters or 60.75gallons of liquid matter, hence its designation as a 60-gallon tank as it can comfortably hold 60gallons of liquid fuel.
Its width-to-height dimensions give it a vertical design. This enables it to take the minimal space possible on the truck bed, hence its characterization as a space-saving vertical transfer tank.
It features a drain-fitting where a delivery hose can be fitted to convert it into a gravity-feed diesel-only auxiliary tank.
At its top, it has a 2-inch diameter female pipe thread coupling which allows one to mount a manually-operated or a 12-volt DC-powered fuel transfer pump (that needs to be acquired separately).
Construction
The unit features a mill or smooth finish; though either finish lacks ultraviolet (UV) inhibitors. Its color scheme is silver. The tank is constructed using heavy-duty corrosion-resistant aluminum sheets with a gauge rating of 0.125.
The seams that join these sheets together are fully-welded so as to prevent leakages as well as enhance the overall built-in strength of the body.
This gives the owner the convenience of having a mini-gas station (if a fuel transfer pump is fitted) wherever the car goes.
This tank has thick aluminum mounting brackets that are used to secure the tank on top of the bed, either by bolting it or welding it to the bed.
These 0.187inches thick heavy-duty mounting brackets can withstand the stress and strain that a fully-loaded tank is subjected to while the vehicle is moving at top speed.
Baffles
The interior of the tank features 2 vertical baffles that have been securely welded to the bottom and backplates.
The baffles do keep fuel sloshing to a minimum in a moving vehicle. At the top of the tank is a locking gas cap that provides additional security, as well as prevents dust and other fine particulate matter from contaminating the stored fuel.
The locking cap closes the 2-inch wide inlet port. The tank body also has a rollover vent valve that minimizes fuel spills and also de-pressurizes the tank by allowing gas fumes to escape.
Drain Plug
This tank comes with a 3/8inch FPT drain plug that allows for easy coupling to a threaded delivery hose.
To convert this model into a gravity-feed diesel transfer tank, one needs to acquire a diesel install kit which is sold (separately) by RDS Manufacturing, Inc.
The unit also features 3/8inch and 1/4inch couplings for pickup and return respectively, and their coupling sets can be acquired separately from the manufacturer.
Safety
Regarding safety, this model has been subjected to pressure tests and has been approved by the DOT. Likewise, it has been passed various leakage tests.
The RDS 71212 benefits from a 12months warranty that is guaranteed by its manufacturer. This warranty covers the cost of parts as well as labor.
- Durable in-bed fuel transfer tank.
- Space-saving vertical design.
- Heavy-duty aluminum construction.
- 60-gallon capacity.
- Features baffling.
- It comes with a locking cap.
- It can be customized into a diesel-only auxiliary tank.
- Safe and reliable.
- DOT-approved.
- 12months parts-and-labor warranty.
- Lacks UV inhibitors.
Bottom-line
The RDS 71212 is a high-quality DOT-approved in-bed fuel transfer tank whose space-spacing vertical rectangular design gives it a least-size impact on truck-beds.
This tank-only model is made from heavy-duty aluminum that is resistant to rust oxidation and has a capacity of 60 gallons. This is slightly smaller than our top pick RDS unit, and could well be a better choice for those looking for a 60-gallon unit.
Like it’s sister tank reviewed above, the RDS 71212 comes highly recommended.
5. Better Built HD B00KS6BMRG Fuel Transfer Tank Review
The Better Build HD is an in-bed, pump-operated, fuel transfer combo tank that comes with an overflow restriction mechanism and flush-mounted bungs in the inlet and outlet ports. Its space-spacing vertical design allows it to take minimal space in truck-beds.
Capacity
This heavy-duty (HD) combo tank has a capacity of 36 gallons and comes with an empty toolbox pouch that is next to the storage tank. The storage tank can hold diesel, DEF, gasoline, and other non-flammable liquids.
The toolbox pouch can hold the hardware needed to install the fuel delivery system. The corrosion-resistant steel construction of this rectangular tank makes it durable.
This model is designed and built by Better Built, a subsidiary of Daws Manufacturing Company, Inc.
Dimensions
This well-constructed transfer tank has a load-free weight of about 88pounds and its overall length is 45inches while its width and height are 11inches and 17inches respectively. Its width-to-height dimensions give it a vertical design.
This enables it to take the minimal space possible on the truck bed, hence its characterization as a space-saving vertical transfer tank.
At its top, it has a female pipe thread coupling that allows one to mount a fuel transfer pump (that needs to be acquired separately). This model feature has a black powder-coated finish.
Construction
The model is constructed using heavy-duty corrosion-resistant thick steel sheets that have been seamed together properly.
The seams that join these sheets together are fully-welded so as to prevent leakages as well as enhance the overall built-in strength of the body.
The tank can be secured on the truck-bed using mounting brackets. These thick heavy-duty mounting brackets can withstand the stress and strain that a fully-loaded tank is subjected to while the vehicle is moving at top speed.
Baffles
The interior of the storage tank features vertical baffles that have been securely welded to the bottom and backplates.
These baffles do keep fuel sloshing to a minimum in a moving vehicle. Because the tank is made from steel, one needs to ensure that the fuel level does not go down to very low levels that prevent the sloshing fuel from wetting the entire internal walls of the tank.
This serves to prevent rust build-up and flaking. Flakes do contaminate the fuel and can also be siphoned out along with the fuel and these flakes end up blocking the filter on the transfer pump, and sometimes even the filter in the fuel system of a vehicle.
This tank is capped by a pressure-cap that is well-vented to allow fumes to escape hence ensuring that there is no potentially-dangerous gas build-up inside the tank.
Regarding safety, this model has been subjected to pressure tests and submersion tests, and certified as safe for use.
- Durable in-bed fuel transfer tank.
- Space-saving vertical design.
- Heavy-duty steel construction.
- 36-gallon capacity.
- Features baffling.
- Safe and reliable.
- Overfill fuel restriction.
- Steel construction requires it to constantly be partially-filled with fuel.
Bottom-line
As the smallest tank in our top 5, the Better Built HD B00KS6BMRG is a safe in-bed, pump-operated, fuel transfer combo tank that will appeal to those that wish to carry smaller amounts of fuel as back up.
Its space-spacing vertical design allows it to take minimal space in truck-beds. Which means it also have room to provide a toolbox pouch next to the storage tank.
The storage tank can hold diesel, DEF, gasoline, and other non-flammable liquids.
Fuel Transfer Tank Buyer’s Guide
What is a fuel transfer tank?
The fuel transfer tank is a safe storage container for inflammable liquid fuel. Legally, it can hold a larger amount of fuel as compared to the built-in (primary) fuel tank of the vehicle engine and fuel transmission system.
The transfer tank is, therefore, an additional fuel storage tank that has been secured to the vehicle, usually on the truck-bed; and the fuel contained therein can be transferred, when needed to either the vehicle fuel tank, or to a fuel tank of another engine-based system, including motorized farming equipment, and generators.
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The legality of fuel transfer tanks
The aforementioned legal stipulation ensures that the transfer tank cannot be used as an automobile reserve tank, or as an auxiliary tank.
Legally, the reserve tank can store up-to 15percent of the total fuel capacity of the primary fuel tank; while an auxiliary tank, which can store more fuel than the reserve tank, can feed fuel directly to the fuel transmission system of the car.
Using a transfer tank safely
For safe operation of a transfer tank, fuel cannot be feed directly to the fuel transmission system, including the primary fuel tank.
If one wants to top up the fuel quantity in the primary fuel tank, the vehicle must be stopped and a delivery hose (sometimes connected to a fuel transfer pump) is connected to the transfer tank and its fuel is fed into the primary tank.
This means that one cannot connect the delivery hose to automatically top-up the fuel amount in the primary tank while the car is still moving.
This legal, as well as safety stipulation, is critical to avoid accidents as transfer tanks carry combustible liquids that can generate fumes when transferred incautiously, and if the fume build-up in the tank is significantly large, it increases the interior (in-tank) pressure and this can cause the flammable liquid to ignite and consequently cause an explosion.
Safety Regulations involved
Taking the above into account, the design and safe operations of transfer tanks are regulated by various regulatory bodies including the Department of Transportation (whose acronym is DOT), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Vehicle Equipment Safety Commission (VESC).
Benefits of the Fuel Transfer Tank
A fuel transfer tank is a must-have for those engaged in long-distance transport and trucking businesses, especially as it stores more fuel than the primary tank hence allowing the fitted vehicle to travel long-distances between refueling stations.
This is beneficial for those traveling through remote areas where fuel stations are either far apart, or they sell their fuel at exorbitant prices. Likewise, this tank allows the owner to stock fuel in anticipation of future price hikes.
Multiple storage options
Transfer tanks are designed to hold liquid automobile fuel include gasoline(petrol), diesel (the majority of tanks), biofuel, and diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) among other alternative motor fuels.
However, beware of the fact that some tanks are built to hold only one fuel (single-fuel tanks), either of 2 fuel types (dual-fuel tanks), or any of the aforementioned fuel types (multi-fuel tanks).
Because these liquids are highly flammable, the design and construction of the tank must ensure that pressure and temperature within the tank is maintained at a relatively constant level.
Durable construction
The tanks are built from strong materials including laminated aluminum sheets, steel, hardened plastic, or a composite of 2 or 3 of the aforementioned materials.
The design and construction quality is of utmost importance as it ensures that the tank body does not conduct heat or electrical charges to the fuel, as well as can withstand extremes of atmospheric pressure besides being waterproof.
Also, one needs to make sure that the tank conforms to the safety regulations laid down by regulatory agencies.
For U.S residents, it is advisable to check if the tank adheres to the regulations laid down by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
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Easy installation and use
Transfer tanks are easy to install, and most are designed to allow the owner to install it while following an easy-to-understand manual. Still, it is advisable for one to have a certified mechanic install the tank.
Likewise, the most prudent option is to have the tank installed on the vehicle by the vendor as it ensures that the tank is installed properly by competent technicians, as well as ensures that the tank warranty is not voided by improper installation.
This necessitates one to schedule an appointment with the vendor so that the purchase and installation are done in a single session.
The two main types of the fuel transfer tank
Based on installation configurations, there are 2 main categories of transfer tanks; in-bed and portable transfer tanks.
In-bed tanks need to be welded or securely bolted on top of the beds of pickup trucks, commercial trucks, and flatbeds among other vehicle types.
Portable tanks are not bolted to the vehicle bed but are secured firmly to the vehicle by chaining or strapping.
In-bed tanks are usually rectangular in shape, with some having their lower back portion shaped to fit to the wheel impression of the pickup truck.
Others are L-shaped or square-shaped. Still, one can also request a tank manufacturer to build one with a customized body shape.
The basic fuel tank consists of the tank body with an inlet port at the top, a vented pressure cap, a visual sight gauge, a drain plug at its bottom.
Methods of operation
There are 2 ways that fuel can flow out of the tank to the primary tank, by gravity or by being pumped out.
Gravity feed tanks
Gravity-drained, more accurately called, gravity-feed, transfer tanks are located above the primary tank and their outlet port is located at, or near, the bottom of the tank where the connected delivery hose allows fuel to flow out of the tank by gravity into the primary or reserve/auxiliary tanks.
Pump operated feed
On the other hand, a pump-operated transfer tank has a transfer pump coupling port where the fuel transfer pump is mounted.
This port is usually the inlet port, and the transfer pump is first fitted with a suction pipe that goes into the tank with the pump body being threaded to the pump coupling port.
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Single tanks vs Combo tanks
Regarding operational designs, fuel transfer tanks can be grouped into 2 broad groups, tank-only models and combo tanks.
Normally, these tanks have a rugged design and their interior features baffles which limit fuel sloshing while the vehicle is on the move while improving the overall strength of the tank body.
Tank-only models are shipped as only the fully-assembled tank body; while combo tanks are tanks that come with a lockable toolbox whose contents allow for easy fixation of a fuel delivery system (usually the transfer pump assembly, delivery hose assembly, and suction pipe).
As expected, most combo tanks are pump-operated pumps. Still, most pump-operated pump models, and almost all gravity-feed tanks come as tank-only models.
Fuel capacity
Finally, before acquiring a tank one needs to ascertain its fuel capacity, that is, how much fuel can it hold. Also, the tanks need to be leak-proof as well as waterproof as water can cause engine knocking as well as risks causing corrosion in steel transfer tanks.
Fuel Transfer Tank FAQs
Q. Can gasoline transfer tanks be used legally?
Yes of course. Transfer tank manufactures have to meet certain requirements in order to sell gasoline, kerosene, methanol, and diesel transfer tanks. Therefore, those available on the market are perfectly legal. (Your own, homemade tank wouldn’t be, however).
Q. Can I pump fuel from my transfer tank without removing it from the bed of my truck?
Yes, your transfer tank can remain in the bed of a truck while fuel is being pumped from it. This applies to whether the tank is being used for private, state, or commercial use.
Q. Does a fuel transfer tank need to be grounded to the vehicle?
Yes, for legal safety precautions, the tank has to be grounded at all times. The simplest way to do this is to remove the paint from the underside of the truck bed at the points where the tank is bolted in. This will provide sufficient grounding.
Q. How do I mount my fuel transfer tank?
Most fuel transfer tanks come with mounting tabs welded to the base of the tank. First, place the tank where you want it on the truck bed. Check for clearance underneath (so you do not pierce any brake of fuel lines) and drill your mounting holes. The provided nuts, bolts, and washers will then fasten your tank into place.
Q. Are fuel transfer tank caps lockable?
Most manufacturers design the caps of the fuel transfer tank to be lockable, (check specifications before you buy). For peace of mind, this is an important feature to have.
Q. Do fuel transfer tanks come with fuel gauges?
Some tanks will have built-in fuel gauges, others will require you to buy them separately. Again, check the specs as this is another handy feature to have with your tank.
Q. What are the baffles inside fuel transfer tanks?
Some tanks come with baffles that help provide additional strength to the shape of the tank. They also serve to reduce fuel sloshing while you are in transit.
Q. What are the aluminum fittings I see on the top of some transfer tanks?
These are normally fuel tank vents to avoid combustion issues. Some tanks will have sturdy fittings on top in order to provide rollover protection.
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