Hurricane preparedness - Vehicle Fuel

[SigFanM4]

I have just moved to southwest Florida, and I am trying to think through what I need in case we have to evacuate for a Hurricane.

One of my concerns was vehicle fuel. It's not a SHTF scenario where there is no fuel or prices or stratospheric, but I imagine there could be very long lines at every station along the evacuation route.

In addition to trying to keep the tank full at all times, I am wondering if I should keep extra fuel at home - maybe a couple of 5 gallon cans. That gives me an extra 125-150 miles and doesn't take up too much space. Does that seem about right?

Also, is the basic red plastic container sufficient or do you guys use something else for long term storage?

[Wake27]

You can't store gas just anywhere, if it isn't in a well-ventilated area the fumes will build up and become a big problem. In Mac's book Sentinel, he recommends storing them outside the vehicle on a roof rack or similar. I know you're looking for an option at home, but same principle. If you have an outdoor shed where you can leave the doors open, that may be a decent option.

[montanadave]

I know people hate to hear this, but the search button can, indeed, be your friend.

Some decent info on gas containers here: http://m4carbine.net/showthread.php?...light=gas+cans

[Gatorshark]

OP, I've been there and done it. I can tell you 2 things. You need enough fuel to drive to an area unaffected by the storm. Fueling stations within 150 mile radius will be either without power to pump, or sold out. So, at least a vehicle tank full.

Second. Fuel contamination, including stagnation, is as much a concern as fumes when storing gas.

[tb-av]

You realize you have nearly two weeks to prepare right? Hurricanes don't just pop up like Tornadoes. Any Hurricane that hits will be gone in a week as well or you will have a much bigger problem than gasoline.

Just get some cans and if it looks like one may be headed your way, go fill them up. If it passes, just use the gas next week. Just build yourself a little vented storage in your back yard behind a shed

[mildot]

What's the "shelf" life of stored gasoline? Does it eventually go bad?

[tb-av]

What's the "shelf" life of stored gasoline? Does it eventually go bad?

I'm not sure, but it goes bad. Tried for an hour to start a compressor with year old gas in it. Dumped it and filled new. Started right up.

On the other hand I let gas sit out all Winter and the lawn mower starts on the first pull.

I would think that unless you get a car full of bad gas, it's going to run. It seems like what you are running it in makes a difference too.

Then you stabilizers as well....

[matemike]

What's the "shelf" life of stored gasoline? Does it eventually go bad?

Google that shit. I know you'll get a million answers, and here's another:

Yes it will go bad. Octane will separate from the petroleum (or smething like that) And don't think that a more expensive higher octane fuel will last longer, that has noting to do with it.

Using something like Stabil or Seafoam will prolong the life of the fuel somewhat. Just follow the directionson the bottle. Found at any walmart, auto store or even gas station across America. Think of all those guys that sore RV for years, or winterize motorcycles and boats for months on end. They all use (or they should) use a fuel stabilizer.

I've ran seafoam in my trackbike, especially when I didn't forsee another trackday in my schedule for six months. I've ran six month old fuel just fine. I would not recommend anything over a year old, but my guess is, even if it were that old or older it would still make your vehicle run. Might not be pretty, but should get you to where you're trying to go. If it were SHTF and your last option, for sure run some year old stabilzed fuel. If you could avoid it, that'd be better.

The best advice has been said. Keep some stored and stabilized gas when a hurricane is on the forecat. When it passes, whether you evacuated or not, use the fuel and plan to restock when the next one comes.

FWIW I have similar circumstances living south of Houston near the Texas coast. Evacuations are nightmares.

[SigFanM4]

Thanks for the info. I think with a full tank and two 5 gallon cans, that should be enough - that should be 400 miles or more for my SUV.

Are fumes a short-term issue (as in during the car ride)? Is it a bad idea to put the cans in the back of the SUV? Or is it only an issue for long-term storage?

[montanadave]

I keep 25-30 gallons of gas on hand at my place out-of-town. I buy ethanol-free fuel, dump in the recommended amount of Stabil, and store it in VP Racing Jugs in one of those plastic patio container boxes next to my pole barn. The I just rotate the fuel as I use it up in my ATV, generator, chainsaw, etc. If it starts getting towards a year old, I just dump it in my truck with a half-tank and burn it up.

No problems so far.