Gas storage, how to avoid shortages! Peak oil, fuel, crisis

[wildbill23c]

Personally I hate those plastic gas cans that every place on earth now sells, they're junk, they leak after a year if you aren't careful, they expand in the heat really bad because of those stupid no spill spouts on them. Sorry the old army style "Jerry" Cans are the best for portable gas containers. However when I find them for sale anywhere they seem to be pretty expensive. Anyone have any ideas where to find some? Surplus stores aren't stocking them as well as I'd hoped.

[numbnuts234567]

You can get red plastic cans in the local Mart for less than $10.

[MrEnergyCzar]

Everyone should have a few empty 5 gallon cans with a stabilizer so you can run out and fill up at the gas station while everyone else is running to the big box store to buy the gas cans.....you only need to be slightly ahead of the slower less prepared people to be way ahead....

[SurvivalReport]

@MurderByFluoride Treated once I get at least 2 years out of gas put up with PRI G in metal cans like this. I don't use plastic for storage of fuel. PRI is available at JRHEnterprises DOTCOM

[Begbucks]

1:11 but 5 gallons will only last about 45 miles or run your Honda 2000 what generator for about a day - what then?

[SurvivalReport]

@Begbucks 90% or more of the average viewers aren't in a place where they can drop a 500 gallon tank in the ground. Most folks out there are city/suburban dwellers that can't do that for zoning and safety reasons. Also, the cities won't be a good area to be in anyways.

Every time fuel storage comes up on message boards, etc. "space" is always an issue- hence the 5 gallon jerry cans. No one is saying you should only store 5 gal.

The principles shown in the vid work for larger qty as well.

[Begbucks]

@SurvivalReport Thats true & storage can be a issue, still I prefer atleast 30 gallons like Todd Gas Caddy with will last you atleast a week, the Gerry cans are ok for in between use but in all practicality their range is limited,

I like the PRI-G stuff I have a vid up. What your experience with revitalizing old gas like that reddish off 2 years or so?

[giveme5mins]

RInse the cans out intially with alcohol. It is a bit cheaper and does harm the chemical content. Great videos, really glad people are thinking and communicating.

[slechka]

lol its a german container^^ Treibstoff Feuergefährlich xD

greatings from germany!

[ViolentKisses87]

I love you lol

It's so hard to find positive Jerrycan reviews or gas can reviews in general.

With so many poor reviews on the copycat the jerrycans and on many of the plastic gas containers and nothing positive I was rather discuraged after 30 mins of looking XD. I found these supposedly new NATO spec ones but wanted to be convinced. But you have assured me because the new ones look exactly like except for the vent less storage.

[SurvivalReport]

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[YoungScienceGuy]

Yeah, if you drive 10,000 miles a year and get 500 miles out of a tank (18 Gallon), you need about 360 Gallons of fuel a year. You drive for 50 years or so, you will need 18,000 Gallons.

Those cans are what, 5 gallons? So you would need 3600 cans.

Not really practical is it?

[SurvivalReport]

@YoungScienceGuy Most people aren't going to store enough gas to drive a NORMAL YEARS WORTH. In a disaster, other than getting to your destination- aka bugging out- fuel use will be drastically reduced from current consumption levels. Most people store with this in mind, not driving 10,000 miles a year in the P.A.W.

[YoungScienceGuy]

@SurvivalReport lol, you are quite right, living in a rural environment with space to spare 44 gallon drums and indeed, tanks are a more efficient alternative.

What I was suggesting is that in the event of oil supplies reaching dire levels, you would want as much gas as possible, and that there are better options. Though I will say, everyone should have one of these in the trunk of their car in case of emergency.

[SurvivalReport]

@YoungScienceGuy Without a doubt a larger tank is the way to go for big quantities. The reason we focused on smaller cans in the video was that most survivalists I've met- all BS aside thousands over the last 24 years- live in the suburbs. Fire regulations, BS zoning laws and just Suzy Mom next door seeing it being installed preclude most of those folks from dropping a 500 gallon tank in the side yard. Also, people in that situation- suburbs will need to bug out, hence the cans. Thanks!

[YoungScienceGuy]

@SurvivalReport Fair enough, I was specifically addressing long term survival rather than the simple evac.

[SurvivalReport]

@YoungScienceGuy Roger that. I know what you mean. Consider though what your real fuel needs will be in the P.A.W.

Fuel to drive around- probably very little 10-20 gallons a year? Will your car even work? EMP.

Chainsaws- 5 gallons a year would put up more than enough wood in the warmer climates of the country. We use less than 5 per year for cutting and a gas operated spliter.

Mowing- yes you'll have to mow a little bit- 5 gallons.

See what I mean?

[YoungScienceGuy]

@SurvivalReport Indeed, and you are quite correct, assuming some kind of nuclear detonation an EMP would knock out newer cars (anything post 1975 would have serious troubles). It would depend, smaller towns in rural areas may be able to farm for food and such (thinking Jericho- great show- here). But larger cities that survive will need food. Imagine trying to move the whole population of say Denver or Boston out into the countryside.

[SurvivalReport]

@YoungScienceGuy The crisis relocation plan was the ba$tard child of what happened when we abandoned civil defense. It would have been a nightmare to implement, thankfully we never had to experience it. Current doctrine is again to "absorb" the first strike!!! Klinton started that mess, Hussein Obama followed it.

[OneFabFisher]

If there is not a risk of fire or buldozer running over the can would plastic be ok or does plastic seep and leak?

[SurvivalReport]

@OneFabFisher  I wouldn't use plastic for long term storage unless you could really not find anything else.

[GTVAlfaMan]

I now have 60 gallons in 5 gallon plastic jugs stored in the back shed, and I treated them all with Stabil fuel stabilizer. Keep your gasoline stores in a shady place, well away from your house.

[jerktrucker]

if your going to store gas try and find some without alcohol.

[yogiudo]

Why wouldn't you just use regular plastic containers?

[SurvivalReport]

@yogiudo I've had small grass fires burn around these types of containers. I've run over one with a bulldozer and it still holds fuel. Carry a plastic container full of gas around the backseat of your car for a while and you decide.

[yogiudo]

okay, so they're much more durable. Gotcha. I just haven't been driving over many gas containers with my Kaboda lately. Generally we just leave them in the garage, on the shelf.

I'll consider getting some steel gas cans.

[steveo9001]

@SurvivalReport people dont think ... i cant believe you actually had to tell someone that metal is better than plastic ....

[Buckhead1959]

Octane Booster helps if water has gotten in your fuel. I had someone pour water in my ATV gas tank (ex-wife). I drained most of the gas,added octane boost and more gas and it started right up.

[maxinpains]

just put "heet" on ya gas tank. it will take ya water. its much cheaper for the amount of gas you'll treat.

[InRottenDenmark]

Jim Rawles says you can get 3 years from gas with the treatment. Hey man, That's one more year.

Great video.

[SurvivalReport]

Some idjit posted "Just buy a new f'in can." Course I removed the comment. What this rocket scientist failed to realize is WHY you protect the can. It's not so you don't have to buy a new can. It's because these military cans are much more durable than commercial cans- a point I made very clear in the video. I've run these over with a bulldozer (accident) and the one still holds fuel. The undercoating gives a rust protection and allows you to CACHE these cans easily along routes. SR

[DontTread0nMe1776]

Great ideas man, I like the use of rubberized undercoat on the cans! It will help keep the cans from clanging around during transport and help hide them (compared to fire engine red) with that flat black mad max style finish :)

I picked up 2 new Wedco (Briggs and Stratton) cans, the quality seems very good. Think I need about 10 more, my truck has a big block!

[DontTread0nMe1776]

Turns out you can't buy those good Wedco cans anymore, they still have a similar can but with crappy screw on "CARB certified" spouts :(

[ParanoidDefense]

How much is a handful of gas cans?

[jtboll00]

okay should have listened longer before askin nevermind

[jtboll00]

can you use a fuel preservative with E-85 ethanol?

[lelandshane]

acetone  is the best octaine booster 3 oz per 10 gallons

[1eye4revolution]

Thanx for the Vid - Question: when rinsing out the newly aquired cans is it possible to pour the rinse fuel through a filter into a container and re-use? At least for the rinsing out portion? I was thinking it would be possible w/a good filter IF the only purpose is to remove "loose particles" like rust, etc.

[csxbill]

diesel fuel will not go bad but if it gets any moisture in it it mold will grow inside it.I have been given VERY old diesel because of people thinking it was bad due to mold, i just filtered out the mold and it worked great, PRI-D probably just inhibits mold growth. bottom line is if your serious about storing fuel store diesel. a good rust free metal or plastic used 55gallon drum can be had for around 10 buks.

[ShannCole888]

Type "This happens when you don't properly vent a storage tank" on the youtube search, and watch the short video, I was wondering if I needed to be concerned with this sort of thing happening with the smaller tanks ? How should you ventilate the gas tanks,without suffering moisture to make it's way in ?In long term storage situations,so as to preserve the gasoline for years,because over time of the pressure build up,I don't wish to blow off a finger,or hand,or cause any small explosion, thanks

[SurvivalReport]

The tank in that video was empty was it not?

[ShannCole888]

If storingg gasoline, should I be concerned about the tank doing anything like, type in on youtube :

This happens when you don't properly vent a storage tank ???I know it is comical, but honestly ?

[SurvivalReport]

Have no idea what you mean, sorry your not clear.

[throbgod13]

the problem with surplus jerry cans are that more and more states are going to CARB specifications, and you cannot get non-CARB surplus jerry cans shipped into the CARB state.. and there are problems with most CARB cans and the plastic that some of the cans are made from..

[SurvivalReport]

The common consensus is that fuel prices will begin to creep back up after the first of 2009. Indeed they already have numerous places. It hit a low of $1.41 here a few weeks ago and is already up to $1.60 We may not see $4. a gallon again soon, but $2.50 is probably fairly likely by next summer. Buy now and store as we showed you in the video or in a larger tank. In a "slow slide" situation you may need to be able to work, yet getting fuel may be a problem, be prepared ahead of time. RH

[SafeArmsReview]

yea gas in our area three weeks ago was $1.30 but now its about $1.60-$1.62 & rising.

thanks for posting

[AnnieNM06]

I have a question, for whoever;

is there a minimum or optimal temperature that i should store my gas at? I plan to store it outside under my deck and dont want to bring it into the house for obvious reasons. Will it be safe outside this winter? I'd hate for it to freaze up and get ruined.

[lorax2014]

no problem at low temps - the gas in your car's tank is at the same temp outside.

[SurvivalReport]

Shouldn't be a problem.

[label1877]

Never store gasoline higher than 81 degrees Fahrenheit, is the short answer.

[J0Boa]

gas doesn't not freeze that easy!

p.s if you gonna use plastic cans make sure they are covered well from sunlight since the polypropilene deteriorates from UV rays.

[AGreyMan]

2) I made a gasket out of a piece of bicycle inner tube to go on the pour spout. I usually pry up the original gasket and slip the homemade gasket in, then replace the original. That gives it just enough thickness to seal well. As you say in the video, some cans need it and some don't. Remember that bicycle inner tube rubber isn't exactly non-reactive with fuel, so when you are done with the spacer/gasket get it out and let the gas evaporate off, then save it someplace for next time.

[SurvivalReport]

Thanks bro! Great ideas!

[AGreyMan]

Good video, especially the tip about the rubberized undercoating. Can you then paint over the rubberized stuff? I have never been hassled filling my OD Green NATO cans, but you never know. Also, a couple points. 1) Sta-Bil is more widely available than the PRI, but I feel that it isn't superior in any way. In fact, I called the Sta-Bil people and asked if I could re-treat the fuel after a year to protect the fuel from decomposition for another year, and the answer was "no."

[IRSFRAUDEXPOSED]

get it now after the election show it will go to 8.00 fast.. im using vehicles i dont drive and maybe a fuel drum

[SuperleggeraVW]

You can store diesel fro at least 10 years with one treatment from what I know, but what about gasoline? If u add PRI-G every year it should last quite a while. So the question is how long can you store PRI-G?

[SurvivalReport]

I've used some that was 8 years old on gas. The gas was rotated a few years later with no problems.

[vonhismean]

good video

[SurvivalReport]

Thanks for watching!

[SurvivalReport]

In the sticks- thank you for your replies. I was offline last night. I agree with everything you've stated in the replies. Forgot to mention about the winter blend, thank you. For storing a bunch of cans consider making a powder magazine type setup like the colonials used. A hole or bermed site with an open top or something LIGHT on top, like a piece of plywood. The sides need to be STRONG or it needs to be a hole in the ground. I would make it lockable as well. The idea - continued

[SurvivalReport]

The idea behind a powder magazine being that IF the powder did go up, it would simply blow straight up (contained to a degree by the sides) thereby not destroying a building in doing it. The same concept can work for storage of fuel cans also. I have no doubt that the PRI-G will keep gas a lot LONGER than 2 years. 2 years is just OUR rotation point for our cans. The same blend for diesel- PRI-D has kept off road diesel for 9 years now! Thanks for the nice comments everyone! SR

[InTheSticks1881]

I can use the powder keg idea for other fuels. In wet climates or where water could be problem, I'll use at least a foot of gravel or sand as one would do for underground tanks to create a sump and keep the water away from the metal cans. Treated ply board (green or brown color) on top of treated 2x4 sloped as much as practical to aid run off.

[fringlishman]

how long would gas last in a plastic tank?

[InTheSticks1881]

About a year unstabilized. Metal would be safer, yet store the plastic out of the sun's direct light and it should last several years.

[Deoptics8]

Where would I get the metal/ NATO cans?

[BohemianGarnet]

This is the very first video of yours I disagree with! I agree with the gas cans, and how to clean them up.

Don't bother to store any gas from a gas station. Go strait for the Avgas! Avgas is what they use in aircraft. It is MUCH higher QUALITY.

Aircraft that have 8-9 year old Avgas in them have been fired up and flown...zero treatment for the Avgas.

Information from husband who is ex Navy (aircraft) and holds A&P lisence & works on helicopters.

~Garnet

[InTheSticks1881]

Agree with the AVGAS but the cost is high and the PRI-G can preserve it for years, 5-10 with a maintenance dose. One must however 'stir in' the PRI-G or agitate the fuel. Transfering from tank to tank would do.

What is the current cost of AVGAS? Thank you.

[BohemianGarnet]

Sorry, I have no idea what the current price for Avgas is. My husband has been working on the commercial wind turbines for the past couple of years, so we haven't kept up on that kind of information. Call your local airport though, and get a price quote. Prices for fuel varry so much depending on where you are!

~Garnet

[InTheSticks1881]

Thanks for the reply. Prices can be found on the net. The last price posted for our local field was in Aug and at about 5.50/gal, about $2 than regular unleaded at the time. It could be down significantly today if they happened to have purchased more recently, yet I would expect it to be about $2 more/gal. The PRI-G claims it can stabilize gasoline for 5-10 years under ideal conditions and revitalize old fuel. I'll have to test that with some old stuff we have.

[cruddiestcrudever]

But aviation fuel is higher octane specially for high powered airplane engines, not cars isnt it?

[InTheSticks1881]

AVGAS is good ol'leaded high octane gasoline without the additives mandated for emissions reduction. The additives are what causes the fuel to go bad quickly. I'd choose the 110 octane and lightly leaded blend which would be slightly less likely to render catalytic converters on modern vehicles in operative. One could run it for awhile without doing damage. The high octane fuel would also burn less efficiently in today's lower compression motors. MPG could be reduced. Ideal for your race car.

[SurvivalReport]

No problem to disagree with me, heck we BOTH can be right ya know? LOL There might be one place within 50 miles of me where I can buy Avgas. But there's at least 50 places within 50 miles of me that sell unleaded. For the OPSEC conscience folks- taking 6 fuel cans to the gas station where thousands of people go everyday is different than going to the airport with them wherein maybe a handful of people go to get fuel everyday. Something to think about. :)

[romorris]

How long can the PRI-G preservative itself be stored? Does it say on the bottle? And whats the cost for that pint for 250gal treatment?

[InTheSticks1881]

Great tips. Yes, it is time to buy as it is very close or at the bottom price. Depending on climate, buy some now then wait for the winter blend with more butane needed for cold weather starts. Also, buy premium as it's octane rating may diminished over time. Also consider getting full strength ether, aka, 'Quick Start' for cold weather starts with 'summer blend' fuel and old fuel which has lost some of it's butane.

[InTheSticks1881]

Fuel is best stored in larger underground tanks where the temperature is stable and cool, and fire hazard is reduced. There less chance of condensation contaminating the fuel. Clean 55 gallon drums on pallets and covered with a silver color tarp to reflect sunlight might be the next best. Coating with a water based tar for basements can protect the metal much like undercoating.

A standard after market electric fuel pump that is operated away from the fuel source can transfer fuel in gas cans.

[InTheSticks1881]

Also, check the laws in your area and home insurance pertaining to fuel storage. I would avoid putting it in the garage. And make sure all containers meet the requirements for gasoline. A 55 gallon drum would need a vent. On second thought NATO cans may be the best for most. I prefer underground storage. Gasoline is dangerous stuff.

[cruddiestcrudever]

Yeah theres an old petrol station for sale near here, went outta business, wonder if I should buy it and use it to store fuel for later in life? :P

[nature223]

use motorcycle tank liner to keep the crud down