Dear Dave,
You recently posted an article about storing fuel for the winter in a motorized RV fuel tank. What are your recommendations for storing fuel in a portable container? —Rick, 2025 Keystone Toy Hauler
Dear Rick,
Thanks for the question and opportunity to address proper and safe storage of fuel in a portable container not only for winter storage, but also for prolonged storage between uses.
Portable storage containers
Things have changed since I was younger and filled milk jugs and plastic bottles with gas for my go cart and other toys. Today it is illegal to fill any container with fuel other than a DOT-approved container which is regulated by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and other organizations.
Gas cans that you and I are authorized to use can be made of metal or plastic, although plastic is the most common as it is the least expensive and doesn’t rust.
Fuel containers used for commercial applications have much more stringent codes such as 100% leak testing, locking lids or caps, and even self-closing.
Fuel containers storing gasoline should be red, diesel fuel containers are blue, and kerosene containers are green. All fuels should be stored in an approved container for not only code reasons but for safety.
Safely storing fuel containers
It is recommended to store fuel containers in a detached garage or shed at least 50 feet away from an open flame or ignition source such as a furnace or water heater.
Since many of us do not have a detached garage or shed, we are forced to store them in an attached garage. In this case, it is important to use the approved container. Make sure the cap is tight, and store them at least 50 feet away from an ignition source, as stated before, and also away from electrical outlets.
Also keep them away from any cordless tool charging device or other items that could create a spark. Since gasoline can expand with heat, find a cool place to store the container and ventilate, if possible. Typically, the garage door will be opened enough to provide adequate ventilation. Otherwise, the door or window should be opened occasionally.
Fuel additive
Before storing the container, add a fuel additive such as this for gasoline or this for diesel to keep the fuel from going bad. Leave a little air space at the top of the container for expansion. It is not recommended to store more than 10 gallons at one time.
Getting rid of fuel
Another option is to get rid of any fuel in a container at an approved reclamation center. Check with your local landfill, recycling center, or auto parts store. Our local Landfill of North Iowa has a program to get rid of almost any type of fuel.
You might also enjoy these posts from Dave
- How to condition your RV’s fuel for winter storage
- RV generator shuts down; only starts with starting fluid. Fuel pump?
- Fuel nozzle shuts off before RV’s gas tank is full, but never at Buc-ee’s. Why?
- Do I need to winterize my RV’s tankless water heater?
- Is there a drip valve that prevents water from freezing in an RV?
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RVDT2757
I have to disagree with your color choice on diesel containers. Blue is for kerosene not diesel. Yellow is for diesel. At least that is what I have always known.
I have never seen a green fuel container.
Searching shows green is used for oil storage.
My old diesel can is blue, my new one is yellow. Both say for fuel oil on them.
I also disagree with Dave’s colour note. In my experience, red is gasoline, yellow is diesel and blue is potable water (the storage containers that I have – plastic jerry cans – are all marked with embossed names for those contents). I confess I have never stored kerosene, nor have I seen a green plastic storage canister, so no comment on that.
Jim. I’m quite sure that the blue can is for diesel not yellow. Yellow is for kerosene and of course we all know red is for gasoline. Check it out.
Sort of a side issue- if you are storing gasoline for a recreational generator, consider a switch to propane. Many small generators now sell with dual fuel capabilities, and conversion kits are available for many mid-size generators.
Yes, propane has a bit less power than gasoline. However, it requires no special treatment for long-term storage. Further, as the fuel is always in a separate vessel, you can store the fuel in a vented exterior location and the generator can be stored (not used) indoors. My 1800watt rides under the camper bed and can share the camper propane. My 5000watt house generator is tri-fuel. It never sees gasoline. I have a house tap for natural gas.
Prior to hurricane season I store about 50 gallons of STA-BIL ized gasoline in 6, 5, and 2.5 gal. authorized gas cans for generator and vehicles. If not used for the hurricane season I run it in my lawnmowers. I store it in an old gutted dishwasher and freezer that have been vented to prevent overheating, out 75 feet from the house and barn. No indoor fuel storage. If a neighbor sets an appliance out for the trash, they know where to find it if they change their minds.