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Portable Fuel container

Is it ok to store some diesel fuel in a portable Fuel container in the basement
Thanks
Rick & MJ Berry
1998 U320 40'
Ohio

Re: Portable Fuel container

Reply #1 –
Not something I would do, and I don't know the "correct" answer, but it might depend on:

1.  What basement?  The one in your house, or the one in your coach?
2.  How much is "some".
3.  What kind of container?
4.  What else is in the basement?

I'm guessing if you ask any "Official Recognized Authority" they will discourage this idea.




1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Portable Fuel container

Reply #2 –
If it spills, very likely it will get down into the basement floor structure.  That will melt the insulation (have seen that on 2 coaches over the years from spills in the diesel tank area) and you will never get rid of the diesel smell without rebuilding the structure (kind of like a bulkhead rebuild, but under the affected compartment).
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Portable Fuel container

Reply #3 –
Why? If you need fuel for something else you already have a 194 gallon storage tank?
Scott

Re: Portable Fuel container

Reply #4 –
If for emergency filling of fuel filters when changing them, I would carry 5' of cheap clear plastic hose stored in a clean, sealed ziplock.

Use it to siphon fuel from the tank into any handy, clean container. 
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Portable Fuel container

Reply #5 –
For many years I've had one of these Jiggler pumps in my garage tool box and in my vehicles.  They have come in handy on numerous occasions.  Sure beats the taste of diesel and/or gasoline in your mouth.

https://www.harborfreight.com/self-priming-copper-jiggler-pump-47334.html

1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Portable Fuel container

Reply #6 –
Quote from: Chuck & Jeannie –
For many years I've always had one of these Jiggler pumps in my garage tool box and in my vehicles.  Has come in handy on numerous occasions.  Sure beats the taste of diesel and/or gasoline in your mouth.

https://www.harborfreight.com/self-priming-copper-jiggler-pump-47334.html

I understand. But starting a siphon with you being ABOVE the tank (standing up) and with brand new hose I have never had an issue.

Yes, if below tank level when starting a siphon--- well Darwin gets to win once in awhile.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Portable Fuel container

Reply #7 –
I take a one gallon fuel can along--empty if we have the towed along, but 3/4 full if without the towed. If I need more I will try to find someone to take the can and get it filled. This is just for filling the fuel filters if I have to do a change.
Nitehawk,  Demolition Lady, & our NEW master, Zippy the speeding BB cat.
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED
Oshkosh chassis, 8.2 DD V8
2006 Saturn Vue AWD

Re: Portable Fuel container

Reply #8 –
I appreciate the question because I start full timing at the end of this week. I've been wondering the same question. I'm going to get a siphon hose.
1998 36 foot U270 Build No. 5328 WTFE, 900 watts solar, Victron controller, B2B, bat monitor, 600 AMPH lithium with 2018 Chevy Colorado toad, SKP #110239, Motorcade #17781, 2021 Escape 17B for when Coach is broken down and campsites are too small, retired and full-timer since Dec. 2020. Part of RV family since 1963.

Re: Portable Fuel container

Reply #9 –

If you need to carry fuel get a good safety steel container.
Eagle UI-10-SY Type I Metal Safety Can, Diesel, 9" Width x 8" Depth, 1...

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Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Portable Fuel container

Reply #10 –
Quote from: Roger & Susan in Home2 –
If you need to carry fuel get a good safety steel container.
Eagle UI-10-SY Type I Metal Safety Can, Diesel, 9" Width x 8" Depth, 1...

Or 5 gal
Eagle UI-50-SY Type I Metal Safety Can, Diesel, 12-1/2" Width x 13-1/2"...
As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
97 U295 40, Build #5040, 6C8.3 325 HP
Oregon Continuous Traveler
Samsung Residential #RF20HFENBSR,
Xantrex SW2012, (3)AGM8D Hse, (2)AGM Grp24 Eng, Victron BMV-712, 1800w Solar 4 LG & 2 Sunpower
Extreme Full Body Pt w/hdlmps, new furn/floor, 4 down Lexus 2004 GX470 AWD curb weight 4,740 lbs
Prev: 1990 Barth, 10L 300 2 yrs; 91&92 Monaco Signature, 10 yrs, 10L C 300 &  6C8.3 300; 1997 ForeT 6C8.3 325 since May 2017.  Employed by Guaranty RV 14+ yrs.  Former VW New Car Dlr/Service Dlr, Sales Mgr, Rv Sales, and Service Adviser from 1968-2017
"Don't criticize what you can't understand" Bob Dylan

Re: Portable Fuel container

Reply #11 –
Quote from: Realmccoy –
I appreciate the question because I start full timing at the end of this week. I've been wondering the same question. I'm going to get a siphon hose.
Siphon hose with a needle air injector and air nozzle. Just blow some air thru needle stuck in side of hose and starts siphon. Easy to clean and store. Been getting fuel for my work truck for years that way out of spare fuel cans they keep filled. Pain to pour.
Scott