Questions on Bulk Gas

[Chris611]

I am looking at having a bulk gas tank brought to the house. The local FS will bring a 300 gallong gravity feed tank for no charge. I will just have to pay for the gas. I figure that during most of the summer, I go out once during the week and once on the weekend to wakeboard. I burn about 15 gallons each time. Thats 120 gallons/month. The minimum fill from FS is 200 gallons. So essentially every 2 months I will have it filled. I am wondering if there will be a problem letting the gas sit for 2 months? Can I add stabil to help this? My want for the bulk is that I am 3 miles from the boat ramp, but 10 miles from town (in the opposite direction). I hate to have to drive to town, then back past the house and to the ramp. Anyone have experience with this? <br /><br />Thanks<br />Chris

 

[rottenray6402]

Re: Questions on Bulk Gas

I'm glad you posed this question because I am wondering the same thing. When I was young I grew up on a farm and we had a 1000 gal tank for our tractors and different implements. I can't remember how often we got it filled but I'm sure it was several months before we used it all, especially in the winter when we weren't working the fields. I have read all of the threads about gas breaking down within 30 days so I wondered how we got by with it back 40 years ago.

 

[craze1cars]

Re: Questions on Bulk Gas

Newer fuel breaks down faster than it used to back in the good ol' days. BUT...2 months isn't enough to cause a significant breakdown in my opinion, especailly in a sealed tank that I'm sure is not exposed to the atmosphere. If it sits for 6 months to a year, then I think you might have something to be more concerned with.<br /><br />I'd use it year round, however. An empty tank sitting in winter may become a condensation factory...you can use it year round to feed your cars or something, and keep everything fresh and dry.<br /><br />These are just my thoughts...I have no personal experience with such a tank to share with you. I considered it myself thinking bulk/wholesale might be cheaper, but the bulk personal tank in my low volume turned out to actually be more expensive than just buying it when needed from the corner gas station.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Questions on Bulk Gas

The tax on fuel used for non-highway use can be a tax deduction so your plan might be a good way to keep track of that expense. Although the amount you use may not make it worth the trouble.

 

[drockcbr]

Re: Questions on Bulk Gas

Craze is right. Our new fuel is terrible. If it sits too long especially in summer the fuel will evaporate leaving all the crappy additives. I hate the I can't give you a time frame, but I do know this takes place faster when it hot.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Questions on Bulk Gas

I have a farm and when I first arrived I bought a 300 gallon tank.<br /><br />In short, forget it. BTDT<br /><br />And as far as road tax on non-road functions (like boats) you will loose more in evaporation from the tank and higher price for delivered gas, than you will realize in road tax savings on your boat gas. If you put tax-free gas in your car you are breakinig the law.<br /><br />Mark

 

[poolshark38759]

Re: Questions on Bulk Gas

didnt know you could still buy tax=exempt gasoline. i know you can buy on-road/off-road desiel fuel..<br /><br />as far as bulk storage goes, we buy transport loads at work for around 20 cents off of pump price. we are buying premium (92)less than pump regular (87) but we are buying 2,000 gallons at a time.. i havent seen in issues with it breaking down or condensation problems.

 

[JRJ]

Re: Questions on Bulk Gas

I'd have a good in-line filter between the tank and the nozzle. Other than that, give it a try. The gas will stay fresh enough and if you don't like the convenience, you can always cancel.

 

[PAkev]

Re: Questions on Bulk Gas

Our local building codes require a permit for large gasoline and fuel oil storage tanks. Unfortunately this also means those who have applied for permits will also need to have them checked for leaks once every 3 years. EPA is really tough here and the cost of digging up and disposing contaminated soil is very costly. Therefore, the liability is much more than the benefits. Also your insurance company may consider it a liability as that kind of volume has potential of a big kaboom if something unfortunately goes wrong. Finally, there is always the don't ask...don't tell philosophy.

 

[raveng60]

Re: Questions on Bulk Gas

or you could just buy extra gas when you do go to town.

 

[thunderroad]

Re: Questions on Bulk Gas

you might want to invest in a trained, pet rattlesnake to stand guard on it too.

 

[Chris611]

Re: Questions on Bulk Gas

I called the insurance agent (State Farm) they said that there was no problem. They treat it just like a propane tank. I agree too, you would have to have a good lock. Thats a real problem around here for farmers. They can't leave fuel buggies in the fields and have to lock up the storage tanks from thieves. <br /><br />Chris