Fuel Tailer

[Bird]

Eddie, several years ago my brother and I were on our way to Ellensburg, WA, with my little 5' x 10' trailer to pick up some things for his mother-in-law. The tires on the trailer looked great and were the 14" ones like you had, and I had no spare. About 60 miles this side of Pendleton, OR, on a Sunday morning before Memorial Day, all the tread peeled off one of those trailer tires; sure did bend the fender, but it was still holding air so we made it on to Pendleton, only to find that the only place open was a Costco, neither of us were members, and their "shop" was not open. However, we found that they had two new tires already mounted on 15" rims that would fit the trailer for just about the same price you paid; even looked like the same wheels you have. And when we explained our dilemma, they agreed to sell to me without me being a member. Needless to say, I bought both and kept the one good 14" one I had for a spare (a spare that was never used).

 

[Scozz]

I work for an energy supplier. WE GROUND EVERY TRUCK B4 LOADING OR UNLOADING ANY TYPE OF FUEL. Does not matter if it is LP, Oil or Gasoline, if its not grounded your fired!
I would get a recoil type wire with a clamp on it and ground it at the service station when you fill. I'd also drive a ground rod into the earth where your going to park the trailer and ground it when you return. Perhaps it's more important at your site sinsce the pumps are grounded at the station. ... good, cheap insurance ... Scozz

 

[EddieWalker]

I like the ground rod idea. The trailer will be in the same place and a ground rod doesn't cost very much. I have an old set of jumper cables that aren't any good anymore, but I could use them to clamp onto the trailer while it's sitting there. I think I'll put the rod by the hitch so I trip over it hooking it up. It's the only way I'm sure to remember to disconnect it.

 

[EddieWalker]

One of my delays with the trailer was finding a fuel cap for it. I spent the better part of a day running around Tyler and Longview trying to find one. Finally I gave up and ordered a racing cap from Summit.

 

[EddieWalker]

The two tanks are connected with two 3/4 inch fuel lines at the bottom of each tank. The tank I fill in doesn't need a vent, but the tank with the pump will need one so the air can adjust to the amount of fuel in the tank.

It came with this fitting on top that must have gone to a filter of some kind.

 

[EddieWalker]

I took it out, drilled a 9/16 hole in the plate and fit a fuel line in it to keep moisture out, but allow the air to vent.

 

[EddieWalker]

Both tanks are mounted and straped in. The pump is installed. The main thing left to do is put in a filter.

I've been to Tractor Supply to pick one up twice now, and they're sold out. I think they just don't keep some stuff in stock. I saw some in my Northern Tool catalog, but would prefer to get one local so I know I can get new filters for it without any delays or problems.

Anybody have a suggestion on were to buy a fuel filter assembly that fits 3/4 pipe fittings?

Thanks,
Eddie

 

[JD3130]

Try NAPA

 

[EddieWalker]

Napa had a filter that I think will do the job. I had to put a 5 inch galvanized pipe on the pump to clear the tank.

 

[EddieWalker]

For power I'm useing trailer connectors. I like this style since it has a little flap over the plugs and it bolts to the tractor.

This is the back door to the batteries on my dozer. It's 24 volt, so I connected the wires directly to the terminals on one of the batteries.

 

[EddieWalker]

I finally finished the fuel trailer and decided to give it a try.

It towed fine, but pulls to the drivers side a little. It had been in an accident before, and it's the reason I got it for $100. I'll watch the tread pattern for wear and worry about it if it's a problem.

I put 142 gallons in it for the inital run. I would guess it will hold 200 gallons without too much trouble. I wasn't sure if the springs would bottom out or I developed a leak or who knows what might happen.

It towed home just fine also.

I plugged it into the outlet on the dozer, turned on the pump and filled her up. Just as easy as I could have hoped for!

Project done!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks to everyone who helped with my questions and for those who offered advice. There's plenty of things that I did on it because of those suggestions.

Thank you,
Eddie