Fuel Tailer

EddieWalker · Dec 1, 2004

I've never welded aluminum and don't really understand how it's done. I'm told you can do it with a gas setup, but for the rare occasions I need to weld aluminum, I find it easier to just have an expert do it.

I bought a 12 volt pump from TSC with a 2 inch threaded male pip fitting to go into a tank. So I bought a 2 inch aluminum pipe coupling and had it welded onto the tank.

btolle · Dec 1, 2004

Eddie,

I am not sure you have found the right numbers. There should be a serial number on the tire. It could be on the opposite side of the tire from where you found those numbers and would be longer than the numbers you stated, probably about 10 to 12 digits and is usually all numbers. It is also burnt in (branded with a hot iron) to the tire as opposed to being raised letters like the letters used to indicate sizes, inflation pressures, etc.

The serial number is often near the rim. Look at the other side of the tires. The serial numer is only on one side.

Bill Tolle

TOMLESCOEQUIP · Dec 1, 2004

(

I bought a PT 4X6 and cut a bracket to mount the tanks to the trailer.

) FYI ........Some of the new pressure treated wood will react with aluminum and act as a catalyst to corrode the tanks............Someone who knows more about this happening needs to chime in here...........I've been advised by my timber guys to watch metal contact with some types of treated lumber as the new versions of treatment they're using now can cause potential problems.............Tom

EddieWalker · Dec 1, 2004

Bill,

Thanks, I'll look on the other side of those tires.

Tom,

Thanks, It seems I remember hearing about that, now that you mention it. I think a rubber lining might be a good idea. An old inner tube should do the trick.

rambler · Dec 1, 2004

( The small tank is 100 gallons and I have no idea what the big tank is.

My plan is to link them together with fuel hose and fill one and pump from the other. The hoses should transfer the fuel from one to the other. Or at least thats what I'm hoping.

)

Sounds like a nice project. The new pressure treatments have only been around for a year to 18 months, so you should be ok with the old trailer wood.

However, you could have an issue with DOT. They do _not_ like fuel containers larger than 99 gallons as a trailer. It will depend on how your local state enforces these restrictions. You could be considered a fuel transporter any time you are over 99 gallons and be subject to CDL, insurance, inspection, placarding, etc.

Not saying what is right or wrong, or what your state will do specificly, but it is _possible_ you could have problems in some regions.

I'm not sure I'd like to transport 200+ gallons on a single axle anyhow - that is 1600 lbs of sloshing load - on a single axle which is real bouncy.......

--->Paul

ns_in_tex · Dec 1, 2004

Eddie, I think Rambler is right about the DOT law. I thought I remembered it being told to me as 110 gal.

EddieWalker · Dec 1, 2004

Thanks for the advice on the limit on fuel you can haul on a trailer. I looked into this and asked the supplier, the police and several contractors who haul fuel to job sites.

Nobody was able to tell me the limit, though I'm sure there is a limit on how much I can haul. I've seen quite a few 300 gallon trailers on the road and feel confortable with less than that.

I'm not saying I'm legal, just willing to take that chance and deal with it when I get in trouble.

One of the reasons I like the aluminum tanks that I'm using is they are DOT aproved and have baffles in them.

The axle is rated at 3,500lbs. I use 6lbs a gallon for my math and figure I'm in the 1,200lbs range. Add some for the trailer itself and maybe some more fuel, and I'm still around 2,000 pounds.

This should be well within safe limits for hauling fuel 8 miles each direction. Am I missing something?

Thanks again for your advice and suggestions.

Eddie

RonR · Dec 1, 2004

I just put together a PT deck. The supply house insisted I use galvanized bolts to bolt it together as the pressure treating will eat plain steel over time.

Suggest you use galvanized hardware and use some rubber gaskets or such between the aluminum tanks and the PT wood.

My two cents.

Ron

Lazy · Dec 1, 2004

Hi

I believe diesel is more like 7 pounds per gal.

Charlie

damndozerman · Dec 1, 2004

How much diesel are you burning?Sounds like your going the hardway to me.If its less than 100 gallons a day just put a tank in back of the pickup haul it yourself.8 miles????