I have some questions about building my own pickup bed fuel transfer tank. It will hold unleaded gas for the toys when we take them out (motorcycles and snowmobiles). It will not be plumed into my vehicle fuel system and will be a stand along tank with its own transfer pump.Does anyone know how legal this is? I have a custom made toy hauler from a company in Indiana and don't see any kind of markings on the fuel tank that is on the trailer (onboard fueling system). What do trailer manufacturers have to abide by for their tanks? Thanks for any advice.

You can check with a company who used to build gas tanks for some of the trailer manufactures. Transferflow.comThere are a lot of recent regulations (since 2004) that limit the fuel evaporation from fuel tanks. Before 2002, allowing 1 ounce of fuel evaporation per 24 hours was acceptable, however by 2005 Ford had to change their fuel system to meet a less than 10 grams per 24 hour fuel vapor loss. There are 28 grams in 1 ounce. So they can not even have a fuel vapor recovery tank, as it can allow some vapors out of the tank when it is warm out. Fred.

I'd call your State Department of Transportation or State Patrol, they should be able to answer your question, quote the regulation or tell you who to speak with.

Your best source for information would be the NFPA.Bbrue

I thought that all of these add ons were just equipped with a transfer pump to fill your vehicle gas tank. sounds like you plan on just transporting a portable gas tank, not unlike carrying one for a boat, etc. of course if you are in an accident and you have 100 gallons of gasoline spraying around, ???bumpy

Thanks for all the replies. The tank would only hold an extra 30-40 gallons. I'm not sure how it would be any less/more legal than having a bunch of gas cans on the back of the pickup, which is the current setup. However, I'm sure there is some kind of regulation to it.

What Are Legal Implications Of Home Built Transfer Fuel Tank

Golden_HVAC
Explorer
Jul 01, 2014
You can check with a company who used to build gas tanks for some of the trailer manufactures.

Transferflow.com

There are a lot of recent regulations (since 2004) that limit the fuel evaporation from fuel tanks. Before 2002, allowing 1 ounce of fuel evaporation per 24 hours was acceptable, however by 2005 Ford had to change their fuel system to meet a less than 10 grams per 24 hour fuel vapor loss. There are 28 grams in 1 ounce. So they can not even have a fuel vapor recovery tank, as it can allow some vapors out of the tank when it is warm out.

Fred.
Y-Guy
Moderator
Jul 01, 2014
I'd call your State Department of Transportation or State Patrol, they should be able to answer your question, quote the regulation or tell you who to speak with.
nomad297
Explorer
Jul 01, 2014
Your best source for information would be the NFPA.

Bbrue
Bumpyroad
Explorer
Jul 01, 2014
I thought that all of these add ons were just equipped with a transfer pump to fill your vehicle gas tank. sounds like you plan on just transporting a portable gas tank, not unlike carrying one for a boat, etc. of course if you are in an accident and you have 100 gallons of gasoline spraying around, ???
bumpy
tlukasavige172
Explorer
Jul 01, 2014
Thanks for all the replies. The tank would only hold an extra 30-40 gallons. I'm not sure how it would be any less/more legal than having a bunch of gas cans on the back of the pickup, which is the current setup. However, I'm sure there is some kind of regulation to it.
valhalla360
Navigator
Jul 01, 2014
Assuming you build it well, it's likely no more dangerous than having some 5 gallon jugs in the back but those jugs likely did go thru a design and approval process.

Seems like it would be simpler to just buy a pre-made one from tractor supply. As long as you aren't plumbing it into the trucks fuel system, it's little more than throwing it in the back and securing it.
DiskDoctr
Explorer
Jul 01, 2014
You can look at fuel cells, which are the tanks used for installing in the trunk of race cars.

I would be thinking thickness, quality of liquid proof welds, certified gasoline pump, GROUNDING of tank and pump, fuel resistant paint, lowpoint drain, purchased gasoline cap, venting.

Here are some options. Prices vary, mostly on looks and shape for a given capacity.

http://www2.northerntool.com/fuel-transfer-lubrication/fuel-transfer-storage/auxiliary-transfer-tanks-1.htm

Around $250 for the basic 30-ish models.
JIMNLIN
Explorer III
Jul 01, 2014
Try the FMVSS 571.301 fed regs for fuel systems http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=f3d3f17a0c7663af0acc75f5bc9aedf3&node=49:6.1.2.3.38.2.7.64&rgn=div8..
And if your commercial or you sell the truck with the home made aux fuel tank to a commercial operator read this from FMCSA http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/title49/section/393.67

and

http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/title49/section/393.65.

And as others say contact your state size and weights/commercial division for their input on how your aux fuel tanks needs to comply....if any.
tlukasavige172
Explorer
Jul 01, 2014
Most of the transfer tanks say ''not to be used with gasoline". I know gas is more volatile but other than that I'm not sure why they say no for gasoline. The shape I need is very specific for my flatbed so that's why I was looking at building my own.
nayther
Explorer
Jul 01, 2014
I had one in my 2005 that I got from Northern Tool but it was diesel only and I could not have it shipped to CA, sent it to a friend's in NV, who then forwarded it to me. Point being that they are out there, just may not be approved for gasoline. Check them out thought the tank was very nicely made out of polished diamond plate.