After a mis-hap many years ago, I got into the habit of always carrying my 6 gal fuel tanks in the truck to and from the lake, rather than in the boat while trailered. Lately (older and with a bad back), I have been wondering if it's really necessary. What are your thoughts about leaving the portable fuel tanks in the boat while trailering? Assuming that the tanks are disconnected and vent closed.
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portable fuel tanks
- Thread starter chieftele
- Start date
I don't know if you are concerned that they will leak/be damaged or afraid of theft.
On my RIB I used 6 gallon portable tanks. I left it (them) in the boat when I trailered it. I just put a chain and a padlock around them to the engine mount so they would not walk away when I was stopped somewhere. Never had any problems.
On my RIB I used 6 gallon portable tanks. I left it (them) in the boat when I trailered it. I just put a chain and a padlock around them to the engine mount so they would not walk away when I was stopped somewhere. Never had any problems.
I feel that I would rather have my portable fuel tanks in my boat and keep them there, even to refuel them with my house based portable plastic tank.chieftele":1oyevmsi said:After a mis-hap many years ago, I got into the habit of always carrying my 6 gal fuel tanks in the truck to and from the lake, rather than in the boat while trailered. Lately (older and with a bad back), I have been wondering if it's really necessary. What are your thoughts about leaving the portable fuel tanks in the boat while trailering? Assuming that the tanks are disconnected and vent closed.
Accordingly, I have 1- 6 gal steel and 2-- 3 gal steel Yamaha tanks and a spare 2 gal plastic I keep in reserve in the cuddy.
Hey - I'm 80 this year so I don't want to lift tanks in and out all the time either. But I can and will, if necessary. In order to keep fit enough keep up with the rigors of boating I lift light weights and ride my bicycle up hills in the area too. There is only one way to continue boating at my age--work out 6 days a week.
Back in the 70's I always trailered a 16 foot Starcraft with the tank on board without incident until the one time I left the fuel line connected to the outboard and the check valve malfunctioned and siphoned 3 gallons of gas into the boat/flotation. Always disconnect when not in use!
jack keifer
New member
We have two 6 and two 3 gallon tanks. While not all of them go on every trip, when they do go, they always go in the boat. I do make sure the vents are closed and have never had an issue with spillage or odor. I especially like the fact that that the 3's will fit under the cuddy and help with balance. We have a heavy duty bungee that ties down the one connected to the fuel line so it will not move around. We have a travel/storage cover and maybe the fact that they are out of sight eliminates or at least reduces the theft potential. Since it is a 16, I can't lock up the radio, gps, fish finder, rods, battery, etc., so maybe the cover is good insurance to reduce potential theft.
Jack
Jack
Lollygaggin
New member
My only concern with regards to leaving the plastic tanks on the boat is that during the warmer weather the expansion inside the tanks could possibly cause them to rupture at the seam if the vents were to be left closed. :?:
The tank I used on my RIB sat in the engine well at the back and was exposed to the sun. There were a few times were it swelled up a lot (a rectangular tank turned kind of round). Opening the vent would let the pressure off. Sometimes I left the tank vent open a little to prevent this. Since the tank was not in any enclosure, I was not worried about the accumulation of any fumes.
On the new ventless tanks you have to get these days, this expansion might be a problem. I guess you could crack the cap to vent the pressure.
On the new ventless tanks you have to get these days, this expansion might be a problem. I guess you could crack the cap to vent the pressure.
Robert H. Wilkinson
New member
Lollygaggin":18ujf1k9 said:My only concern with regards to leaving the plastic tanks on the boat is that during the warmer weather the expansion inside the tanks could possibly cause them to rupture at the seam if the vents were to be left closed. :?:
To combat expansion in hot weather - fill only to about 80%. Crack open the vent and put your knee on the tank. Exert some weight on it to compress the tank then tighten the vent. When it heats up and expands, the tank will resume its natural shape.
Agree with Fairbro, disconnect from engine. On my Merc. it would force gas out through the carb.
Around here gas stations will not let you fill portable cans on a trailer. They must be on the ground to prevent static sparks.
Regards, Rob
Thanks everyone for sharing your experience. My cause for concern was years ago with old style tanks I had one pressurize as I drove up a Sierra Pass, the check valve leaked, and it spilled a suprising amount of fuel in my boat. But it appears that with the precautions everyone has shared, it is really pretty safe to leave the tanks in the boat while trailering. And actually I have done so in outings the past two days and have had no problems. Thanks again.
As far as I know, all portable fuel cans/tanks have more physical capacity than what they are rated to carry. For instance, my "5-gallon" gas cans can actually hold about 6 gallons if I fill 'em all the way up to the rim. Of course, you're not supposed to fill 'em all the way to the rim. You're only supposed to fill 'em to their rated capacity (which happens to be about 80% of total volume - like Robert mentioned). That way, there's enough air space remaining to eliminate any over pressure concerns due to fluctuations in temperature.