Diesel fuel tank idea?

[thyNemesis]

Hello,

I'm working on a new idea for my fuel tank for my ChangFa 1115 genset.
Originally I was working on a single 30 gallon air-tank conversion but decided it would be easier if I  just use 5 gallon NATO-style
fuel cans. I was going to purchase 4-5 of these over a period of time. I have room on my genset trailer for 5 cans.

So, whenever a Hurricane was heading towards the home base, Florida, I  could just fill each additional tank before hand.  I didn't want to hook up the genset to my truck, haul it down to the gas station and top-off/fill up the single 30 gallon tank. This way here, I could throw the 5 gallon tanks in the back of the truck and fill them up.

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/product/index/us-military-style-20l-5-1-4-gal-jerry-can-olive-drab?a=984598

Has anyone used these as their primary fuel tank?

I am going to fabricate a pick-up tube for one of these tanks, when one tank runs low, I can just pull the pick-up tube out and move it to the next tank.
I remember someone had some data of the fuel usage for these ChangFa 1115. If I remember correctly, his data was something like, 1/2 gallon/hr full load.
A 5 gallon fuel tank should give me +10hrs run time if running at full load. So it can be run over night without fill ups.

[Tom Reed]

I use a 6.5 gal marine tank for my generator. It has a handy fuel gauge in the cap which is nice. It is a poly tank so it will never rust through. To make a bottom drain a drilled out brass tire valve stem was used. I've heard that Bio-Diesel will eat the paint of the inside of those NATO cans.

[Horsepoor]

I noticed the Florida reference, where do you live? I am in West Palm Beach along with two others on the forum.

[thyNemesis]

I'm located just north of Tampa.

Was looking at those tanks some more, I see that they sell a pick-up tube caps for these tanks, no need to fab that part!

[BruceM]

Check for reviews on these tanks-  they are NOT NATO spec, they are a cheap knockoff.  

I have a fixed 15 gallon tank (which I made from a barrel), and I transfer to that from 5 gallon cans via a used pneumatic diaphram pump I got cheap on ebay.  My pump and it's feed into the tank are permanently mounted. I use 1/2 pex for the permanently mounted flex tube I dip into the 5 gallon transfer tanks, which has worked well and wipes down easily. (I put a plastic plug in the end when not in use.)  In retrospect, my main gravity feed tank could be smaller.

I also use 5 gallon cans for fuel transport and easy handling.  I'm still using some old 5 gallon cans I once bought biodiesel in, but will be upgrading to the Eagle brand 5 gallon cans for less fuel leak risk in my car's trunk.  The broad base and secure lid have proven themselves in the Eagle can's last few years use as my gasoline can.

[thyNemesis]

I've read the reviews, thanks for pointing that out. I found some Military grade cans from LexingtonContainer, cost twice as much but
prefer to spend the extra money and get quality the first time around.

[BruceM]

Those Lexington Container jerry cans look like good quality cans. Thanks for the tip!

The 5 gallon steel pails I'm still using have the plastic flexible spout that pushes flush with the head. They have cracked after a few years and now are not air/fuel tight. 

[veggie]

Consider a Hydraulic Oil Tank.
The Hydraulic store near my place usually puts these on sale 2 or 3 times a year.
I picked up a 5 gallon unit for $45.
Perhaps McMaster Carr or Grainger carry a similar item.
The nice thing about these is that they are built strong and have Fill/Drain Ports already in place.

Veggie