Preparedness is always about improving your foxhole, going from where you are to the next level bit by bit based on prioritization and available resources. I currently have multiple 5 gallon containers on site which I cycle fuel storage through, but with three vehicles with a total tank capacity over 70 gallons plus two generators I need more improve my position. We all store food, water, medical supplies and more but tend to neglect fuel which is a life source for many in times of need. Granted unless one has a thousands of gallons on site it’s not a long term solution but for immediate needs when faced with natural disasters having a fuel source beyond that of the standard 5 gallon can be an enabler. Here are a few factors that I considered when building my fuel storage plan.
- Affordable (Less than $1k total).
- Mobile, not buried in the ground.
- Relatively easy to build, instead of buying a more expensive all inclusive option.
- Minimum of 50 gallon storage capacity which does not require cycling through every few months.
My plan involves taking my existing 5×8 trailer which I bought from Lowes a number of years ago and adding a tank and pump to it. This 91 gallon tank will weigh around 675 lbs full and that’s easily accomodated with the 1600lb trailer capacity, it will be a unit I can keep on the property or take with me if I need to go mobile.
The Trailer
The Fuel Tank
Concept
I plan on mounting this fuel storage container to my trailer, but only after laying wood down on the trailer to create a more sturdy surface. This container will be able to provide a reasonable amount of fuel storage on site and will also be portable in case we have to bug out with multiple or even one vehicle. In instances were gas stations are out of fuel or lines are long this would be a a huge advantage, along with having more storage on the trailer for other items.
Bottom Line
Self reliance is a massive advantage when it comes to preparedness, whether it be generating one’s own food or having a fuel source on hand. While not the best solution possible this project will provide my family with some piece of mind knowing that we do not have to rely on local sources (in the short term) in times of need, and should the power go out for a few weeks at a time we will be able to run our generators with no problem. Anyone else have a fuel storage plan or project? Let me know!
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Like you, I have a 5X8 utility trailer that my brother and I built a number of years ago. It has a carrying capacity of 3,000 pounds, so I could put this tank in it and still carry another ton of stuff. Where did you (or do you plan to) purchase your the fuel tank? Thanks!
Author
Harry
I was looking at Northern Tool for the purchase.
I would consider that the mobility of this is both a benefit and a boon. If it can be moved by you, it can be moved without you also. making something of strategic importance like this means it will be a target/desired. I would consider disguising the trailer like a U-Haul or something less useful.
Author
Indeed I think it could be a target, especially if on the move and under duress (could slow me down). I suppose it’s a trade off as well. As for it being a target in a static location, there is nobody to see it where I live unless someone in the National Forest spies it with some binos.
why does it not require a “fuel stabilizer”?
How long would you expect to store this fuel?
Author
Sealed tank approved for fuel storage vs a plastic can…I would cycle through every 6-8 months so a non factor anyways.
I think disguising your trailer as a trash hailer would be a good ideal, some cardboard, a few bags of not-too-stinky trash should do the trick! Do you have a secondary way of retrieving your fuel if the pump assembly gets damaged beyond use? Maybe a drain plug? Perhaps keeping your fuel tank in an enclosed trailer would be more secure. Personally, I prefer 5-gallon jugs/tanks mainly because they are easily to move (what if your trailer axle breaks), to rotate fuel with, easier to hide, and shouldn’t attract attention like a large tank is going to! Anyone (including LEO’s) that see you refilling your vehicle(s) in a SHTF situation will probably assume that you can spare some! Trigger any alarms in your prepper head? GLAHP!
Author
Agree, every plan has pro’s and con’s. If the manual pump got damaged there are other ways to get to the fuel, I will let you know how it goes.
For the non-SHTF times – Only problem I see is the legality of the rig when loaded with the fuel – those tanks are legal mounted in pickup truck beds – could be a problem in some jurisdictions and most definitely on the interstates …
Author
I’ve read that under 100 gals does not need HAZMAT, I suppose it depends. Good looking out.
I think that pertains to carrying fuel directly on board a vehicle – thus that sized tank is sold specifically under that law – certainly something to keep in mind ….
Author
Definitely, but for primarily on site storage with a trip down to the gas station 2x a year…nobody cares out here.
Some training and required documentation for transportation.
https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/nrcs144p2_043004.pdf
Author
Thanks! Looks too easy, ERG and MSDS are no problem. Signage is easy too. HAZMAT training can be done online and prices vary.
Like the idea, and agree with the Benefit and boon,
My question, trailer, tank and full gas is over1000 lbs ((to consider when towing,) and most of that weight will be on the tongue ((unless mounted over the wheels) reason I say this, the hose, will it reach to the gas tank or are you planning to gravity pour into 5 gallon cans and then transfer to vehicle when needed. do like the idea, (would upgrade the tires to truck tires 15″ if possible)
Author
I would mount the tank directly over the axles and upgrade tires as you mentioned. The hose wont reach the vehicle while hooked up, I’d have to disconnect and then pull alongside.
Tractor supply Company has the tanks cheaper
Author
Unfortunately there are none by me, maybe online
You can’t put gasoline in that tank, in fact it’s illegal, only diesel. Metal container not grounded that thing is a rolling bomb going downe the road. It won’t contain vapors and a cigarette thumped out a window could ignite the vapors.
I know because I have one in the back of my diesel pick up.
Author
specs on the tank:
Tank can be used to transport diesel, gasoline, or aviation fuel
DOT Approved Tank
0.125in. heavy-duty aluminum construction