Generator Fuel Storage

[ttavasc]

I'm really not happy with the small fuel containers that seem to be available nowadays. I'm wondering what kind of containers you use for your portable generator fuel and if they do any better than my current one. I'd like to pick up something better over the off season but locally this style is all I've been able to find.

The attached picture is what the container looked like this morning when I finally unloaded the bed of the truck from our recent trip to northern Arizona. I have a BakFlip hard cover over the truck bed and temps from this trip ranged from 35 degrees at a early morning fuel stop in Snowville, Utah to about 85 degrees in Arizona. The container usually expands and contracts some but this is the worst I've seen it. I don't think I'll get 2.5 gallons back into this thing at this point...and don't get me started on the stupid spring-load filler neck

[Midnightmoon]

https://www.jerrycan.com/

Best $80 you can spend. I have a red one for gas and a yellow one for diesel.

They also have smaller sizes if you would like but cost almost the same. Well worth it though.

[oldmanAZ]

Altitude pressure differences are the biggest issue, not temp. I keep the fuel container full of fuel before changing elevations and have less of a problem. If empty, you could also open the filler opening slightly.

[skids]

I think liquid gasoline volume is affected by both temperature and pressure (I know that liquified propane is) and the volume of "air" above the liquid is too. I can tell you that I have had plastic containers, stored in the shed, collapse like that without changing locations. So the elevation was constant.

[Bassdogs]

Thanks to California for the current safety containers. The previous makers of red gas cans closed up shop rather than converting their production to the California type. They couldn't produce both.

I carry a small 2 gal container since a gallon will power the Honda 2000 for a couple days or more when running it for a few hours to keep batteries charged. If more continuous use is anticipated I use a 6 gal boat tank with an adapted cap for the honda.

[ttavasc]

Thanks for all the input. After looking at the Jerry can link that Midnightmoon posted I'm leaning towards a red 5 gallon can. I had to measure the height under my BakFlip when it's closed and I think the 18.5" height of the 5 gallon can will just squeeze under the cover when it's closed. I usually carry 2 of the 2.5 gallon containers so will retain the same quantity.

skids - I've had these containers do the same thing sitting in the shop between trips. On a hot day they puff up and look like they are about ready to pop - then overnight they shrink down again, though not nearly as bad as this time.

And they are a real pain to pour from when puffed up full of pressure due to the the spring-loaded filler neck. You can't just loosen the cap on the end to relieve the pressure - even with the cap off the end of the filler is still "sealed". You have to compress the outer band of the filler neck and hold it in place while you pour - makes a mess pretty darn quick and makes for more

[ttavasc]

After having to wait about 3 weeks for the 5 gallon can to be in stock again it finally arrived. Very pleased with the quality and sturdiness of the can - it's definitely going to be a significant improvement over the little plastic cans. Thanks again to Midnightmoon for the link.

[GMA385]

Although I don't need it for my onbboard generator, I use this for my boat, lawn mower and other equipment. Works great and no spills.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/SureCan-5-G...hoCwCQQAvD_BwE

[Midnightmoon]

Originally Posted by ttavasc

After having to wait about 3 weeks for the 5 gallon can to be in stock again it finally arrived. Very pleased with the quality and sturdiness of the can - it's definitely going to be a significant improvement over the little plastic cans. Thanks again to Midnightmoon for the link.

Awesome. I'm glad you are happy with it!