I have read many posts about carrying gasoline in gas cans for generators and all the issues involved. Bad gas can / spout design. Safety factor of carrying gas in back of a pickup. Space the cans require. All of these issues bother me as well. It seems to me that the safest and most efficient way to carry gasoline on a vehicle is the built in gas tank that the manufacturer installed for the engine. On many motorhomes, this onboard fuel supply is used to directly feed the generator. However, on my F150, I have 36 gallons (when full) of gas just a few feet away from my generator, but I am dealing with all of the gas can issues. Is there any safe and efficient way to utilize the vehicle's gas tank as a supply of gasoline for my generator?

I think they have a coil in the fill spout that keeps you from siphoning gas from the tank

There is something in there that prevents it. Keeps thieves (and me) from accessing the gas in the tank.

However, on my F150, I have 36 gallons (when full) of gas just a few feet away from my generator, but I am dealing with all of the gas can issues. Is there any safe and efficient way to utilize the vehicle's gas tank as a supply of gasoline for my generator? IMHO I surely would NOT mess around or tap into a truck fuel tank to feed a generator. :EEven if you did manage to do it I'm quite sure all the computers on board that truck would not play nice with that DIY!!

Not planning on doing anything DIY. Just wondering why no manufacturers or after market suppliers haven't done anything. If a brand new motorhome on a ford chassis can do it, why can't an F150? And this is not brand specific. Why can't any of the manufacturers do it?

Motorhomes have generator permanently installed. Even if you find additional fuel pickup on top of your tank (it might be there) or T-ee into main fuel line, you still have to find safe way to run hose to your generator and have fuel disconnect with valves. Such thing and safety don't work together. Get reliable gas can, like military metal one and get over the issue.

Generator Gas | Good Sam Community

31 Replies

SaltiDawg
Explorer
Jul 30, 2016
I'll write his post off as one of those "Friday night rants." lol
Naio
Explorer II
Jul 30, 2016
Boy, people's on this forum sure is cranky sometimes!

OP, I'm with you. I, too, would like an easy way to run off my fuel tank.
Kayteg1
Explorer II
Jul 30, 2016
SaltiDawg wrote:

My insurance company would tolerate my having my vehicles parked in my garage - not so sure about a dozen 2 1/2 gallon containers of gasoline.

It's all about comparative risk, is it not? In my post I suggested gas in the trunk tank is safer... it seems obvious gasoline has the potential to be dangerous in any container.

How about simple test.
Buy a dozen of gas cans, put them in your garage and ask how much your premium will increase.
They buy one of those prone to house-burning Fords, put it in garage and ask about premium on this one.
Then tell them you did fuel tank monkey-job and ask them for re-inspection.
shum02
Explorer
Jul 29, 2016
This guy is great. Watch a lot of his vids

https://youtu.be/WfEFA_sVIt8 -- copy and paste to browser
SaltiDawg
Explorer
Jul 29, 2016
There are numerous threads here about converting small generators to run on propane.

I did this a few years ago with a kit from uscarb.com They have a good forum there u=you may want to peruse.

My generator is for my residence use as a backup only. Broke it in on gasoline when new new and burn propane exclusively. I have never had gasoline in the generator's tank!

US Carb will sell you either a kit for DIY or sell you a modified and tested generator.
iagary
Explorer
Jul 29, 2016
To add to that, if we are on a trip where gen will only be needed periodically for battery charging (have 200w solar), could run it off the low pressure aux hose that is already installed on my camper.
iagary
Explorer
Jul 29, 2016
Just had another thought. Maybe I should consider a tri fuel conversion of my EU3000i. Then locate a small but permanent tank at the farm where we camp several times a year. A local LP company could fill it for us. No gas to haul. No fuel to get old/stale to worry about. Could still run gen on gasoline at other locations where we are closer to gas stations. Hmmm.

Does anyone have any experience with these tri fuel kits (or just a dual fuel LP/Gasoline kit)?
SaltiDawg
Explorer
Jul 29, 2016
Kayteg1 wrote:
SaltiDawg wrote:
I'd certainly believe that 30 gallons of gasoline in the gas tank of my vehicle in my garage is safer than twelve 2 1/2 gallon containers of gasoline set in the corner of my garage.

Is it different in the bed of a truck?

Just asking.

I would not put my bet on this.
Ford Superduty of late 1990's and early 2000's have record of burning several houses, when park in the garage.
Google the brake switch recall.

My insurance company would tolerate my having my vehicles parked in my garage - not so sure about a dozen 2 1/2 gallon containers of gasoline.

It's all about comparative risk, is it not? In my post I suggested gas in the trunk tank is safer... it seems obvious gasoline has the potential to be dangerous in any container.
Tvov
Explorer II
Jul 29, 2016
Have you seen the Eagle gas cans? About as safe as you are going to get for a gas can. Spring loaded pour spout. Funnel is removable.

https://www.amazon.com/Eagle-UI-50-FS-Galvanized-Gasoline-Capacity/dp/B00GVJAXZQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1469790355&sr=8-1&keywords=eagle+fuel+can

https://www.amazon.com/Eagle-UI-50-FS-Galvanized-Gasoline-Capacity/dp/B00GVJAXZQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1469790355&sr=8-1&keywords=eagle+fuel+can

One thing to keep in mind if and when you setup a system to get fuel from your trucks tank... don't empty the tank! If you don't pay attention, that generator putting away on the other side of the camper (for noise reduction) will suck the fuel tank dry. And then you are really stuck.
Kayteg1
Explorer II
Jul 29, 2016
SaltiDawg wrote:
I'd certainly believe that 30 gallons of gasoline in the gas tank of my vehicle in my garage is safer than twelve 2 1/2 gallon containers of gasoline set in the corner of my garage.

Is it different in the bed of a truck?

Just asking.

I would not put my bet on this.
Ford Superduty of late 1990's and early 2000's have record of burning several houses, when park in the garage.
Google the brake switch recall.

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Generator Gas

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