Posted 2012-08-17 7:29 AM (#146408) Subject: generator fuel tank
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 350 Location: Penrose, Colorado
does anyone know if there is a law as to where to mount the fuel tank for a new generator install? my rear tack is not all that big and I was thinking about putting it on the hay rack along side the generator, is this good or bad idea?
Posted 2012-08-17 8:41 AM (#146410 - in reply to #146408) Subject: RE: generator fuel tank
Elite Veteran
Posts: 657 Location: Rayne, LA
I don't know the laws, but I put mine in the saddle compartment along with the generator. If you put it on the hay rack will filling it be an issue ( climbing on top )? I might sugesst putting the tank in the saddle compartment with an electric pump to pump the fuel up to the generator. You can have a tank custom made and many different configurations are available to purchase both locally and on line. Good Luck
Posted 2012-08-17 8:48 AM (#146411 - in reply to #146408) Subject: RE: generator fuel tank
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
The hay rack is a very dangerous location to mount a gas tank. Properly filling it will be difficult, and the largest danger, is what happens below the tank if a leak were to develop in it or the fuel line.
Mount it within the trailer for the best security.
Posted 2012-08-18 5:34 PM (#146429 - in reply to #146408) Subject: RE: generator fuel tank
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 350 Location: Penrose, Colorado
Gard you mention a fuel line leak on top? would it be worse if it leaks inside the trailer than out?? I am having a new aluminum tank built with roll over vents and an aircraft gas cap and it still looks to me that it would be just as safe on top as inside, all I am trying to do is be as safe as possible.
Posted 2012-08-18 7:47 PM (#146432 - in reply to #146429) Subject: RE: generator fuel tank
Expert
Posts: 3853 Location: Vermont
Originally written by kooner on 2012-08-18 5:34 PM
Gard you mention a fuel line leak on top? would it be worse if it leaks inside the trailer than out?? I am having a new aluminum tank built with roll over vents and an aircraft gas cap and it still looks to me that it would be just as safe on top as inside, all I am trying to do is be as safe as possible.
Posted 2012-08-18 8:38 PM (#146433 - in reply to #146408) Subject: RE: generator fuel tank
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 350 Location: Penrose, Colorado
it is a 15 gallon tank with baffles, it is also a full quarter inch thick aluminum, this is twice as heavy as most and it will be pressure tested to 10 lbs. instead of the normal 3.
Posted 2012-08-18 11:08 PM (#146438 - in reply to #146408) Subject: RE: generator fuel tank
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
Gard you mention a fuel line leak on top? would it be worse if it leaks inside the trailer than out?? I am having a new aluminum tank built with roll over vents and an aircraft gas cap and it still looks to me that it would be just as safe on top as inside, all I am trying to do is be as safe as possible.
A fuel leak at any point is dangerous. You've already made your decision, and apparently done your homework on what a proper tank fabrication entails.
Use the best fittings and fuel line you can obtain. With a top mounted remote tank, you've added at least eight more feet of fuel line exposure. You also will now have a head pressure of a few pounds, that would not be present within a compartment mounting. Any leak will now be pressurised.
The tank will be difficult to fill. An attempt to use a remote filling tube and a guage from the ground, can easily result in an over filling and a fuel spill. The safest way is to fill it topside. This entails a length of fueling hose and perhaps a second person to assist, or dragging several aux tanks up a ladder.
Posted 2012-08-19 1:59 AM (#146440 - in reply to #146438) Subject: RE: generator fuel tank
Expert
Posts: 3853 Location: Vermont
Originally written by gard on 2012-08-18 11:08 PM
Gard you mention a fuel line leak on top? would it be worse if it leaks inside the trailer than out?? I am having a new aluminum tank built with roll over vents and an aircraft gas cap and it still looks to me that it would be just as safe on top as inside, all I am trying to do is be as safe as possible.
A fuel leak at any point is dangerous. You've already made your decision, and apparently done your homework on what a proper tank fabrication entails.
Use the best fittings and fuel line you can obtain. With a top mounted remote tank, you've added at least eight more feet of fuel line exposure. You also will now have a head pressure of a few pounds, that would not be present within a compartment mounting. Any leak will now be pressurised.
The tank will be difficult to fill. An attempt to use a remote filling tube and a guage from the ground, can easily result in an over filling and a fuel spill. The safest way is to fill it topside. This entails a length of fueling hose and perhaps a second person to assist, or dragging several aux tanks up a ladder.
BOL
Gard...I got the impression kooner was talking of installing the generator up in the hayrake area with the fuel tank...so the fuel line will not be an issue nor the added head pressure...ONLY the filling will be an inconvenient operation
Posted 2012-08-19 6:24 AM (#146441 - in reply to #146408) Subject: RE: generator fuel tank
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 350 Location: Penrose, Colorado
generator is on the hay rack and ( IF ) I do put the fuel tank up there also there will only be about 18 inchs of braided steel fuel line exposed at the most, I am also using aircraft fittings for all of the installation. I also know filling will not be as easy on the road but safety is number one on my list and 15 gallons of fuel is a lot of generator run time,
Posted 2012-08-19 6:46 AM (#146442 - in reply to #146408) Subject: RE: generator fuel tank
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
Gard...I got the impression kooner was talking of installing the generator up in the hayrake area with the fuel tank...so the fuel line will not be an issue nor the added head pressure...ONLY the filling will be an inconvenient operation
In a senior moment I missed the hayrack generator mounting, so the fuel issue will be greatly reduced. Aircraft fittings are some of the best available, and should ensure a reliable and safe system. It sounds as if the mechanical assembly of the fuel system was well considered.
I hope the hayrack is strong enough to carry the extra weight of a gen and a full tank of fuel over poor roads.
Posted 2012-08-19 7:34 AM (#146443 - in reply to #146408) Subject: RE: generator fuel tank
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 350 Location: Penrose, Colorado
mfg of trailer says that they always double the tubing where the generator is setting and this has been done already, the total weight of gen. and full tank of fuel will be 300 pounds I would curious how much weight I have seen on top of some trailers. Thanks for all of the replys.
generator fuel tank
