Avid overlanders know that when a journey takes you deep into the Great Unknown, having a vehicle equipped with serious provisions can make all the difference. One essential piece of gear for many adventurers is a liquid transfer tank.
Whether it's for keeping extra fuel on hand or ensuring safe water storage, a liquid transfer tank can significantly enhance convenience and comfort during an overlanding trip. But how do you know if one is right for you? And, if it is, how do you go about choosing the best one? This guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
What Is a Liquid Transfer Tank?
A liquid transfer tank is a portable, durable container designed to store and transport liquids, such as fuel, water, or chemicals.
Some tanks are purposefully intended for certain types of fuel, while others are produced specifically to carry potable drinking water. Either way, once a user devotes a liquid transfer tank for a certain use, they will never contaminate it with any other liquids.
Constructed from materials like steel, aluminum, or polyethylene, these tanks come in various capacities, typically ranging from 20 to 100 gallons. They also offer different dispensing options, from manual and electric pumps to gravity-fed systems. A variety of safety features, like venting systems, locking mechanisms, and internal baffles, ensure secure and stable transport.
Liquid transfer tanks are commonly used in industrial settings and emergency preparedness, when the need arises to refuel multiple vehicles or work equipment. However, they are also growing in popularity among the overlanding set, who often find themselves in remote locations and in need of a reliable supply of essential liquids.
Why Might You Need a Liquid Transfer Tank?
Before choosing a liquid transfer tank, you first need to determine if purchasing one is the right decision for your overlanding rig. These tanks not only require significant financial investment, but also dedication of precious vehicle space. Not every overlander can justify the cost or spare the cargo capacity. Additionally, when the tank is full, it adds a tremendous burden of weight to the vehicle.
That said, liquid transfer tanks can be a sound investment for some folks. Here are some scenarios where one would be beneficial:
Extra Water Storage
For overlanders, carrying a large supply of water makes it possible to enjoy some of the more modern luxuries we’re all accustomed to these days. (You know, like regular bathing.) Besides, you never know when you’ll find yourself stranded in a location with no potable water—a terrifying scenario for even the most experienced travelers.
A large tank of water can sustain a single individual, or even a couple and a pet, for several days, making hot showers, clean dishes, and safe food prep all part of the normal routine without heavy rationing.
Additionally, stored water can serve multiple purposes beyond personal hygiene, such as radiator coolant for overheated engines or cleaning equipment, showcasing the versatility and practicality of having a liquid transfer tank on board.
Additional Fuel Storage
Exploring vast deserts or remote mountainous regions is what makes overlanding such a transformative experience. Getting stranded and needing to call for help because there were no available fueling stations is what could make it a one-and-done experience.
With a reliable supply of fuel on hand, you can enjoy peace of mind while exploring some of the more remote corners of the world where refueling options may be limited or prohibitively expense. Additionally, a liquid transfer tank essentially transforms your vehicle into a refilling station. So, if you like to travel with a group or regularly tow along UTVs or motorbikes, you’ll be able to keep those vehicles topped off as well.
Generally, overlanders are more likely to purchase a liquid transfer tank for water rather than fuel storage. However, that doesn’t mean they don’t bring extra juice for the drive. The classic jerry can is still a go-to accessory for many long-distance travelers and, better yet, has greatly evolved over the last few decades.
RotopaX has a tight grip on this part of the market—and for good reason. They’re the only brand making rotationally molded, EPA- and CARB-compliant containers available for sale in the U.S. You’ve likely seen their sleek, bright red liquid storage containers proudly mounted to a MOLLE panel on the side of a rig. Available, in 1, 1.75, 2, 3, and 4-gallon capacities, you can build out your own portable fuel storage system without the hassle of carving out space in the truck bed for a full-fledged liquid transfer tank.
The company also offers jerry cans for water storage as well.
Auxiliary Tank Alternative
Unlike auxiliary tanks, which require permanent modifications to a vehicle and complex plumbing into the fueling system, liquid transfer tanks can be removed as needed. This makes them ideal for overlanders who use their vehicles for multiple purposes.
Additionally, liquid transfer tanks provide an opportunity to gas up more than just the main transport vehicle and can, in fact, reliably store and transport more than just fuel.
To learn more about the differences between auxiliary and transfer tanks, check out our blog post breaking down the two accessories.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Liquid Transfer Tank
If you decide that a liquid transfer tank is right for you, the next step is choosing the best one for your needs. Several factors should influence your decision, including intended use, capacity, construction material, installation, and pump type.
Let’s face it, if you’re an overlander reading this, chances are your vehicle setup will not be a hodgepodge of swap-meet finds, jerry-rigged together with baling wire. In today’s diverse world of deluxe overland accessories, you can find purpose-built and vehicle-specific equipment that handles one primary purpose very well. But first, here are a few important considerations.
Intended Use: Determine whether you primarily need the tank for fuel storage or water storage. Consider any specific needs related to your overlanding trips, such as long-term storage capacity, how easily you can access the liquid, and/or compatibility with other equipment like fuel pumps or shower systems.
Capacity: A crucial factor, the size of a liquid transfer tank should match your needs without overwhelming your vehicle’s payload capacity. Fuel transfer tanks typically range from 30 to 100 gallons, while water tanks come in various sizes, often measured in liters. Choose a size that balances sufficient capacity with manageable weight and available space, considering the terrain and duration of your trips as well.
Something to keep in mind is that, discounting the weight of the tank itself, you can expect one gallon of fresh water to weigh 8.35 lbs., one gallon of diesel fuel to weigh 7.09 lbs., and one gallon of regular gasoline to weigh 6.25 lbs. This means, a small 30-gallon tank of water will add, at minimum, an additional 250 lbs. to your ride. That’s a significant consideration and may require more vehicle modifications to safely accommodate.
Construction Material: Liquid transfer tanks are made from various materials, each with its pros and cons. Common materials include:
- Steel: Durable and strong, ideal for fuel storage, but heavier and prone to rust.
- Aluminum: Lightweight and resistant to rust, suitable for both fuel and water.
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Polyethylene: Lightweight and resistant to corrosion, best for water storage.
Choose the material that best fits your requirements, considering factors like durability, weight, and corrosion resistance. Always ensure the tank meets relevant safety standards for storing liquids, particularly if it will be used for fuel, to prevent leaks or hazards.
Installation and Mounting: Ensure the tank fits well in your vehicle and is securely mounted to avoid any movement during travel. Many liquid transfer tanks come with installation kits, but you may need additional hardware or professional installation, especially for larger setups.
Pump Type: The type of pump used for transferring liquids can affect the convenience and efficiency of your setup, so do your homework and careful consider your preferences for things like speed of refueling and available power sources. There are manual pumps, electric pumps, and gravity-fed systems. Electric pumps are faster and more convenient but require a power source, whereas manual pumps and gravity-fed systems are simpler and more reliable in remote areas.
Price: While it’s essential to stay within your budget, remember that a liquid transfer tank is an investment in your overlanding adventures. Higher-priced options often come with better materials, additional features, and enhanced durability. Balance your needs and budget to find the best tank for your setup.