Build a Fuel Transfer Trailer

[Cherrybark]

Here are the parts to build a 110 gallon fuel "transfer" trailer.

The tank, fuel filter, and static grounding reel were ordered from JME Sales

https://www.jmesales.com/110-gallon-dot-aluminum-rectangular-refueling-transfer-tank/

https://www.jmesales.com/goldenrod-495-series-fuel-tank-filter-kit-10-micron/

https://www.jmesales.com/ametek-hunter-spring-rota-reel-static-grounding-bonding-reels-with-yellow-hytrel-coated-galvanized-steel-cable/

Trailer, Tongue Jack, Fuel Transfer Pump, Battery Box, and a Trailer Dolly all come from Northern Tool

https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200612543_200612543

https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200631763_200631763

https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200695292_200695292

https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200434943_200434943

https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200321559_200321559

You will also need one 3/4" 5" or 6" galvanized nipple to mount the filter to the pump and have it clear the tank.

Also decking material is required. I used 3/4" treated plywood. Others have used treated 2 x 6 lumber.

Note, the tank is 4' long but has mounting flanges that extend a couple of inches on the bottom. You need a 5' length of plywood or boards to build the deck.

Please check your airports regulations before construction. On my build thread it was quickly pointed out that public airports and FAA regulated fields almost certainly have restrictions about storing quantities of fuel in hangers.

[Cherrybark]

Equipment since links are always fluid:

From JME Ellsworth:



110 Gallon DOT Aluminum Rectangular Refueling Transfer Tank
Goldenrod 495 Series Fuel Tank Filter Kit - 10 Micron
AMETEX Hunter Spring Rota-Reel Static Grounding/Bonding Reels with Yellow Hytrel Coated Galvanized Steel Cable


From Northern Tools



Irontron 40in x 48in Steel Utility Trailer Kit - 1060-Lb Load Capacity
Irontron Bolt-On Side-Wind Marine Swivel Jack - 1000-Lb Capacity
Irontron Trailer Dolly - 600-Lb Capacity
GPI EZ-8 12V Fuel Transfer Pump - 8GPM, Manual Nozzle, Hose, Model# EZ-8 Pump
Noco Heavy-Duty Large Battery Box - Model# HM318BK

[Eric Page]

Thanks, Carl! Great write-up.

[efwd]

If only I could get non ethanol fuel. I originally considered a tank for behind my truck cab as someone previously mentioned. Then I found out about what happens to fiberglass tanks when I saw the outcome while visiting the factory during my BFR with Stick and Rudder. Brandon was in the process of pulling tanks on an Arizona bird.

[Kitfox Guy]

Nice build, what battery do you use to power the fuel pump?

[Cherrybark]

I'll just use an inexpensive auto battery. There are battery chargers at the hanger, barn, etc.

[Cherrybark]

Eddie,

Your, "Then I found out about what happens to fiberglass tanks when I saw the outcome while visiting the factory during my BFR..." is sure to raise eyebrows - certainly mine. More details on issues with the fiberglass please. Was that from 100LL, Ethanol, or..."

[Shadowrider]

Must of been an older tank that uses different resign for the tanks. Brandon has done a bunch of research and the new tanks can handle ethanol. Just make sure if you are doing a storage tank you are going through the fuel quickly as you don't want fuel sitting for awhile.

[jrevens]

That looks great, Carl! I had one built to my drawings by Aluminum Tank Industries, Inc. for the bed of my Tacoma. It's only 40 gallons, but works well for me. I have a fancy 12v pump with hoses, fuel flow meter/counter, filter, nozzle, etc., but found that set-up to be a little bit of a pain to drain & put away each time. It's a little slower, but I really like the "GasTapper Max" that I got. I just plug it into the 12v. cigarette lighter socket. It's a lot more compact & easy to use. It's nice to have that extra gas on long road trips also, and easy to transfer some into the truck if needed. The GasTapper is great for emptying vehicle gas tanks of all sorts also... that's what it was designed for I think.

http://www.atitank.com/
(https://www.gastapper.com/store/p27/12v-Max.html)https://www.gastapper.com/store/p27/12v-Max.html

25882

[efwd]

Im not sure how old those tanks were but I was told that ethanol fuel left in the aircraft in a hot hangar for a month was the culprit. Required replacing the tanks.