What's the best 12V DC power source for my fueling station?

[Lefty7]

I need to improve the power source for my farm’s diesel fueling station. I need something more reliable.

The 12V DC transfer pump is mounted on an 500 gal. tank outdoors. I currently have just a tractor and ATV requiring diesel, (though this could change), so it doesn’t get used more than once every few months unless it’s growing/tilling season. When I set it up about 10 years ago, I thought the easiest way was to get power from the fueled unit through its cig lighter/DC power port, but this has its problems. Sometimes – especially when I want to fuel them both at the same time - the draw heats up the plug and on occasion pops the inline fuse or even the fuse on the vehicle’s DC port. Then everything comes to a halt while I go fuse hunting. Recently, I suspect it may have even torched the wiring to the ATV's DC port, since I had the dealer tech up the fuse's spec to handle the pump draw. And it seems to vary depending on ambient temperature. I’ve cut down the wire leading to the pump to the minimum needed to reach the vehicle, but it remains an ongoing problem.

The fuel station is within about 20 feet from an inside-accessed AC power outlet, and I’m wondering if some beefy DC power supply would work better; I could run it out to the station only when needed. But after a quick look at these, it seems many are more suited to audio and electronics test bench situations than my ag application.

I am currently renewing all components of the fuel station – pump and motor, hose and nozzle, etc. – and need to get rid of these nagging DC power issues. Trolling for suggestions, wondering what others might be using in a similar setup. Your thoughts on the subject would be welcome. Thank you.

~Lefty7

 

[scootr]

I use a smallish 80a 12v sealed battery. This battery is often used for surveillance equipment which requires replacement every 2 years. And the take offs are good for many more years. A friend used to give these to me. I use them to power 12v lighting in sheds on the ranch. Recharge it every 3-6 mos. It does double duty as it is easy to move from use to use. But most of the time it sits on the fuel tank in the barn.
Initially I too thought I would power from the tractor so I purchased and installed exterior battery contacts. My pump has long leads with alligator clamps. But I find it easier to use the portable battery as not all my diesel users have easy battery access.

 

[Topzide]

Battery with solar charger on it. Put an outdoor box and switch on it for the just in case times to turn on and off. That way I'd the switch fails on pump, you have a backup switch. Could also power a small LED light for early or late fill ups.

 

[lilranch2001]

I use SAE pigtails with extension cords off of all of my vehicles for 12 V usage.

You can get some fairly heavy gauge from Amazon and other sources.

SAE pigtails tend to be very convenient for me

 

[lilranch2001]

Also, they serve a dual purpose because you can plug your battery tenders in at night with them

 

[MattB4]

Not sure of the amperage for your pump is but there is many 12vDC 30a supplies that would handle it (cost about $20-30). Or you might consider changing your pump to a AC version. Don't be turned off by descriptions of what the power supply might be used for. Surge Amperage is the big concern. VA=W

 

[Fuddyduddy1952]

What's the pump current draw, or for an idea what amp is the fuse that blows?
If it's within 20 feet of ac power I'd go with a power supply. Probably 12v 30 amp would do it.
Better yet to me would be change out to a 120vac pump. Harbor Freight has one on sale $60 that's a little over 5 gpm which should work fine.

 

[Fuddyduddy1952]

Not sure of the amperage for your pump is but there is many 12vDC 30a supplies that would handle it (cost about $20-30). Or you might consider changing your pump to a AC version. Don't be turned off by descriptions of what the power supply might be used for. Surge Amperage is the big concern. VA=W

Exactly what I wrote...posted seconds before me

 

[George2615]

I used Anderson power connector plugs (A bit overkill but it was all I had at the time). Mounted one on tractor direct to battery and other on pump wiring and simply plug in when I need to fill up. You could do the same on your tractor and ATV.

 

[plowhog]

I used Anderson power connector plugs (A bit overkill but it was all I had at the time). Mounted one on tractor direct to battery and other on pump wiring and simply plug in when I need to fill up. You could do the same on your tractor and ATV.

This is a very good solution. Bypass the cigarette lighter plug, use the onboard battery of the ATV.

Plus the power pole connector "pigtail" you bring off the ATV battery can be used for other things. I do this to power a tank/sprayer when driving the ATV around spraying weeds. You can also get a weatherproof cap to go over the power connector on the ATV.

fyi Anderson PP connectors are available in different amperage ratings ...

 

[grsthegreat]

most people have an old, but useable car battery from something or other laying around. Just put it on a battery charger 2x a year, youll be fine. Leave it by the pump. Use a battery switch or cable clamps to unpower it between uses.

 

[LouNY]

Several good suggestions here so far.
The Anderson connections are very nice and multi-purpose.
An older 12 Volt battery and a solar panel would be nice.
A jump starter box works very well.
Myself I have alligator clips and just use one to a ground, and the other to a starter lead or booster connection or to the battery.
Or my jump starter if I'm pumping some for cleaning or some other use with no handy battery connection.

 

[Lefty7]

Great suggestions, all. Thank you large, TBN firiends.

I may incorporate several of them. I needed somebody to get me off the cig lighter thing.

Highest regards,

~Lefty7

 

[mikennh]

I've used a cheap 60 amp Sears battery charger for 20 years. Switch it to "start" (60 amps) and have at it. It's dedicated to the pump so it's hard wired. The charger will kick out when transfering large amounts of full (over 10 gallons) but kicks back in, in a minute or so.

 

[workinonit]

This is what I installed on my tractor. This way you don't have to have a battery on the tank and pump.

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[RjCorazza]

My transfer pump has an Anderson connector and a battery clamp pigtail connected to it. I either clamp to an old battery, or use the Anderson connector to my truck or tractor. Lots of options.

 

[OzarkChris]

I need to improve the power source for my farm’s diesel fueling station. I need something more reliable.

The 12V DC transfer pump is mounted on an 500 gal. tank outdoors. I currently have just a tractor and ATV requiring diesel, (though this could change), so it doesn’t get used more than once every few months unless it’s growing/tilling season. When I set it up about 10 years ago, I thought the easiest way was to get power from the fueled unit through its cig lighter/DC power port, but this has its problems. Sometimes – especially when I want to fuel them both at the same time - the draw heats up the plug and on occasion pops the inline fuse or even the fuse on the vehicle’s DC port. Then everything comes to a halt while I go fuse hunting. Recently, I suspect it may have even torched the wiring to the ATV's DC port, since I had the dealer tech up the fuse's spec to handle the pump draw. And it seems to vary depending on ambient temperature. I’ve cut down the wire leading to the pump to the minimum needed to reach the vehicle, but it remains an ongoing problem.

The fuel station is within about 20 feet from an inside-accessed AC power outlet, and I’m wondering if some beefy DC power supply would work better; I could run it out to the station only when needed. But after a quick look at these, it seems many are more suited to audio and electronics test bench situations than my ag application.

I am currently renewing all components of the fuel station – pump and motor, hose and nozzle, etc. – and need to get rid of these nagging DC power issues. Trolling for suggestions, wondering what others might be using in a similar setup. Your thoughts on the subject would be welcome. Thank you.

~Lefty7

Others may have already stated something like this, but for me, I just use one of them 12AH sealed batteries like they use in emergency exit lights and a small (12x12ish) 12vdc 20W solar panel that is attached to the side of my barn (no power out there). I believe when I bought everything new on A* it was about $20-30. This little battery goes to two different 13gpm fill-rite pumps that are in IBC tanks filled with fuel. One for red fuel & one for regular. Haven't had any issues filling my truck & tractor at the same time.

I do have to state though, my ibc's are inside so the battery, pumps etc aren't exposed to the elements/sun.

Hope this helps!

I've had this system in place for about 3 or so years and haven't had any issues whatsoever.

 

[dieselscout80]

I am planning to add a typical 7 wire trailer plug to my tractor and us it and a male 7 wire trailer plug to power my fuel pump.

 

[aircommuter]

If you want to connect it to your machines you want something like a

12-801EP Pollak 2-Pole Socket Connector - Vehicle Side​

Cigarette lighter plugs are not designed for continuous use and the wires aren’t either. Otherwise go with a sealed battery and small solar unit like others mentioned.

 

[bdhsfz6]

Many good options mentioned so far if you've got parts laying around and the time to fool with them. If money isn't a problem, IMO, switching to an AC pump is the best option. Over the years, I tried batteries, power supplies and DC connectors but eventually bit the bullet and spent the $$ on a new pump.