Portable tank recommendation/reivew

[Mark Bowden]

Have used these portable tanks for a 18 months now and wanted to share some observations. I recommend them and would buy them again. I got these at ACE Hardware.

These fuel tanks, 5 and 2.5 gallon are of good construction, the small tank having a translucent sight window to see tank level. The volume markings are pretty close to accurate. You can fill them to about ½ gallon over the size rating. They actually have a warranty.

The best part about tanks and why I bought them:
• The valve is an auto-shutoff type that stops flow when the liquid level comes up to the spout exit. It stops flow even if you continue to hold the valve open.
• The spout tube has a standoff flange to support the tank on the aircraft fill cap neck. No funnel needed.
• The tank vent is part of the valve assembly on the spout, no leaks or drips

This valve is very, very handy for filing both the main and wing tank. It works great and shuts off without overflowing the tank. Fluid drains only when the valve button is pushed and automatically stops flowing when fluid reaches the spout from inside the tank as the tank fills. No flow will occur if the spout is in contact with fluid and the valve button is pushed.

The drain speed isn’t bad but not quick either. The full 5 gallon tank can get a bit heavy filling the main even when resting on the aircraft filler neck. I put a towel down on the windshield to protect it against accidentally bumping the tank into it (lesson learned). Both work fine resting on a towel on the wing to fill the wing tank, but 5 gallon is a bit heavy for wing tank filling.

The only con is you have to really tighten the spout valve so it doesn’t drip when dispensing gas and it is a bit tough to then unscrew to refill. If you store gas in them there is no vent to open! This can be a hazard.

Mark

[M Towsley]

Re: Portable tank recommendation/reivew

Nice, but I never use plastic to fuel airplanes. Static electricity makes me nervous.

Used to us metal cans with ground wire and Mr. Funnel. Currently a 30 gallon tank, (with Mr. Funnel for grounding and water), with hand pump from here: http://www.hmcindustries.com/

[dkenney1]

Re: Portable tank recommendation/reivew

Mark, I have used the same cans for almost two years and like them a lot. They are much better than the other new style that doesn't have a vent and leak all over. The airport manager told me about them however he is paranoid about static electricity. When I had back surgery this fall my little son rigged up a pulley and rope system next to the plane that supports the 5 gallon can for filling the main or wing tanks, all I have to do is tip the can. Or was it kick the can? Being Winter I'm using Avgas since I never know how long the plane will sit unused. The plugs seem to foul easy with Avgas though, and the darn pump seems to be full on or full off so it's hard to not blurp fuel all over the cowel which I HATE.

[Fred Johnson]

Re: Portable tank recommendation/reivew

I have had one of their 30 gallon tank for 15 years, it works great..plastic can also grow bacteria, and a mr funnel is a must..

[Mark Bowden]

Re: Portable tank recommendation/reivew

Those are nice gas caddies (plus made in USA and my home state), wish I could use them.

Definitely agree, static is should always be a concern, however risk is low for small, non-conductive containers. If it were high everyone’s garage would be toast already. OSHA & NFPA generally only require specific grounding practices for plastic (non-conductive) containers larger than 5 gallons. (At work we use methanol and compressed hydrogen so follow NFPA regs very closely).

But best practices for plastic containers can include:
• NEVER EVER fill your container on your truck bed or inside a vehicle
• Place the container on the ground when filling (store it on the ground)
• Physically touch the container and the ground at same time
• Fill slowly, keep splashing to a minimum, avoid using a funnel
o splashing in the funnel and longer fill path is a static build up process
• Keep the pump fill nozzle in contact with the side of the container until fluid has stopped flowing
• If you wish, place a metal rod clipped to the static ground down into the poly tank to be in contact with the fluid (this is for big tanks).

Same things when fueling with the poly tank adding ground the aircraft.

On these tanks that support notch on the spout that keeps it in contact with the tank fill neck. The best feature is you don’t need a funnel and with the spout inside the tank neck the auto shut off stops fuel before the tank overflows. Overflow of course goes inside/outside the cowling and inside the cabin.

My biggest worry is at actually at the pump and if the static reel & clip actually have a good earth connection. Ask, when was the last time anyone actually put an ohm meter between the clip/wire reel/tank/earth rod and checked that circuit?

[M Towsley]

Re: Portable tank recommendation/reivew

Touching the container and the ground at the same time for most people is usually when the tank's spout touches the bare metal fuel tank flange with the gas cap off, (as the fumes escape from the tank). A nicely explosive combination.

Trying to lift a can and touch it to a bare metal part of the aircraft before removing the cap and filling the tank is something I have never seen any person perform while refueling with plastic tanks. Do a lot of people refuel with plastic tanks, sure they do. Do I want to be the statistic when it goes up in flames......nope.

[Robert Lees]

Re: Portable tank recommendation/reivew

Have used these portable tanks for a 18 months now and wanted to share some observations. I recommend them and would buy them again. I got these at ACE Hardware.

These fuel tanks, 5 and 2.5 gallon are of good construction, the small tank having a translucent sight window to see tank level. The volume markings are pretty close to accurate. You can fill them to about ½ gallon over the size rating. They actually have a warranty......

Mark

(My snip to Mark's Original Post)


I also purchased one of those plastic gas tanks when I abandoned my Taylorcraft in Oregon and stole an Aeronca, because the Aeronca had a smaller fuel endurance than the other two Taylorcraft in company. (Story here for those that haven't read it). I was similarly impressed with the gas can, and would have taken it home (at least to Dacy) if I could have.

Rob

[astjp2]

Re: Portable tank recommendation/reivew

I use the cheap, collapsible and disposable clear 5 gallon water jugs that you can buy for $5 at the local hardware store. Just plop it down on the wing or cowling, open the petcock and let her drain in. They are only used when I am in a bind and in an area with no gas available....Tim