Super money saving tip!
Extended run time fuel tank for Honda 2000 generators
(and others)
Here’s en excerpt from my RV Tech Tip book of one of my many tech tips…..While dry camping I got tired of fueling the Honda 2000 once or more times a day depending on use. I decided enough of that and after a little surfing on the web decided to make my own extended run time fuel tank. I found these on line for $100 or more + shipping. The exact same thing and cost me a whopping $36!
All that is needed is….
A 6 gallon marine fuel tank. Mine is an Atwood marine tank from
Wal-Mart ($15!)
A Honda mower gas cap. Make sure the one you get fits the generator you’re using! They make different sizes with different type threads! You may also use the stock generator cap. (see below).
6′ or so of fuel line
A 1/4″ bulkhead fitting of some kind (or suitable item), usually found at marine shops.
All for under $40 or less!
The fuel line simply is ran from the marine fuel tank which has a 1/4″ pickup tube in it and then connect the other end of the fuel line to the 1/4″ nipple on the gas cap. Everyone asks what about venting since the original 2000 gas cap comes with a ventable cap. Well the 6 gallon Atwood marine fuel tank (which can be bought at Wal-Mart for $15) is vented so it accomplishes the same thing as the original cap with the ventilation knob. The fuel line and stock Honda mower gas cap was bought at a local Honda and mower shop. Talk about extended run time! You first fill the Honda 2000 tank then attach the fuel line from your 6 gallon marine tank. After about 3-5 minutes or less of run time the generator starts pulling fuel from the 6 gal tank. So basically you went from 1 gallon of fuel capacity to 7 gallons! Depending in the load on the generator you could run for several days without the hassle of having to ad fuel ever day or more often! It’s really nice not to have to go out every morning or evening and have to hassle with fueling the generator, especially in bad/cold weather.
** Additional info….. I have had many say they cannot find the 1/4″ nipple for placing in the genny cap or the right stock mower cap to fit a specific generator and/or the ¼” t-fitting. A great substitute as my son can say and works well is a simple valve stem for a set of air bags. This can be bought at most automotive stores. Look closely of the picture below. On the table you will see the valve stem. You simply drill the hole just big enough to accept the stem and with rubber washers or O-rings on each side of the cap-the nuts tighten down holding it in place and sealing the fitting. Out the bottom side (of the cap) we placed a short piece of plastic air line about 2″ long (compression type) for the fuel to run out of. Works perfectly! You slide the fuel line over the threaded valve stem, tighten the hose clamp and you’re ready to ride! When not in use you simply screw on a valve stem cap and all is well. If you decided to run the genny without the extended tank simply loosen the valve stem on the cap and away you! No need for 2 different caps!
Here are some pics of my setup……
The 6 gallon marine tank itself with the Honda mower cap (replaces the stock gen cap) (Keep your stock cap!)…..with 1/4″ bulkhead and fuel line…..
The setup running…..Please note the tank is only sitting on the picnic table for photo op. It works at, below or above ground level. It creates its own vacuum.
Such a sweet deal for just over $30, but like I said earlier if you’re the adventurous type you can always order this setup for $100 plus shipping lol! What just kills me is these things sell on line for over $100! I and others have seen this almost exact thing for sale on line and in booths at RV events for nearly $100. Keep track of all your mods and expenses as well as everything else in your RV world with the best RV management software there is, RV Notebook! The best of the best, very interactive and fun to use!
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