Can I Put Gasoline in This Transfer Tank? Here's What You Need to Know
Transfer tanks are one of the most practical tools a truck owner can have — whether you're fueling equipment in the field, keeping a job site running, or extending your range on a long haul. But one of the most common questions we get is a simple one: can you actually put gasoline in a transfer tank?
The short answer is yes — but not in just any tank. Here's what you need to know before you buy.
What a transfer tank actually does
A transfer tank is a portable fuel tank designed to sit in your truck bed or on a trailer. Using a top-mounted 12V pump, it dispenses fuel to other vehicles, equipment, or anything else that needs it. Most people use them to refuel tractors, skid steers, generators, or other equipment without making a trip back to the pump.
It's worth noting that some tanks are dual-purpose — they can function as a transfer tank that dispenses fuel out, and as an auxiliary tank that connects to and feeds your truck's own factory fuel tank. But in most cases, a transfer tank is doing exactly what the name says: moving fuel from point A to point B.
Diesel vs. gasoline: why the rules are different
If you're hauling diesel, the regulations are relatively simple. Diesel is classified as a combustible liquid rather than a flammable one, which means that in containers under 119 gallons there are no federal hazmat requirements. That's why diesel transfer tanks are so common and straightforward to use on the road.
Gasoline is a different story. It's classified as a flammable liquid, which puts it in a higher-risk category and means the tank you use to haul it on the highway system must be DOT approved. This isn't something to overlook — using a non-approved tank to haul gasoline on public roads is a compliance issue regardless of how careful you are with it.
The good news is that DOT-approved gasoline transfer tanks aren't hard to find or identify. Every compliant tank comes with a manufacturer data tag that contains the relevant compliance information. You don't have to add markings or do anything yourself — if the tank is rated for gasoline, the documentation comes with it.
Does the material matter?
Yes, and this is where a lot of buyers get tripped up.
Steel transfer tanks are generally limited to diesel, kerosene, and other non-flammable liquids. If you need to haul gasoline, a steel tank is not your answer regardless of its size or quality.
Aluminum transfer tanks are the right choice for gasoline. Aluminum is compatible with gasoline and is the material used in DOT-approved tanks rated for gas transport. That said, not every aluminum tank is automatically approved for gasoline — some aluminum tanks are rated for diesel and non-flammables only. The fuel type rating comes down to the specific tank's design and certification, not just the material it's made from.
The short version: if you need to haul gasoline, you need an aluminum tank that is specifically rated for gasoline. One does not automatically mean the other.
What Midway Tanks carries
At Midway Tanks we carry aluminum transfer tanks approved for gasoline in sizes from 30 to 110 gallons, and diesel tanks up to 200 gallons. Both fuel types have options across a range of sizes to fit different truck beds and applications.
To make sure you're looking at the right tanks, use the gasoline/diesel filter on our Transfer & Refueling Tanks page. That will show you exactly which tanks are rated for the fuel type you need so there's no guesswork.
If you're not sure which size or configuration makes sense for your setup, give us a call — we're happy to help you work through it.
The bottom line
Yes, you can put gasoline in a transfer tank — as long as that tank is an aluminum tank with a DOT approval for gasoline use on the highway system. A steel tank won't work for gas, and not every aluminum tank is rated for it either. The easiest way to shop is to filter by fuel type and look for the data tag on the tank confirming its certification.
If you're hauling diesel, you have more flexibility in both material and tank selection. But for gasoline, get the right tank from the start — it's the kind of thing that matters when you're on the road.