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If you use multiple fuel-powered tools, such as landscaping equipment, generators, ATVs, or others, you may have considered installing a transfer tank on your truck bed. I use enough fuel that it justified mounting one on my work truck. They’re not just for pros either—DIYers will also find these multi-gallon tanks handy for reducing frequent trips to the gas station.
I chose the Better Built 75-gallon transfer tank because it combines the tank with a sturdy steel tool box, and I always need more tool storage. I’m happy with the tank, but there are a few things I think Better Built could have done differently. Keep reading for my experience and to determine whether this tank—or a different fuel transfer tank—is a good solution for your fuel needs.
Better Built Transfer Tank: At a Glance
Our rating: 3.9/5
| Better Built 75-Gallon Transfer Tank | |
| Capacity | 75 gallons |
| Material | 14-gauge steel |
| Dimensions | 24- by 31- by 48-¼ inches |
| Fuel type | Diesel only |
| Accessories | Attached tool box, lockable cap and coupler |
| Pump | Not included |
| Model | 29211676 |
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Buy on Tractor Supply for $1099.99
Testing the Better Built Transfer Tank
Testing the fuel transfer tank was straightforward. I mounted it to the bed of my pickup truck, attached a transfer pump, and then filled the tank with fuel. It’s important to note that the Better Built transfer tank I bought is suitable only for diesel or hydraulic fluid. It’s not designed to haul gasoline. Any transfer tank used to transport gasoline must meet DOT safety requirements, as this RDS 80-Gallon Fuel Transfer Tank does.
I chose this 1/2HP 12V GPI Pump that comes with the fuel nozzle. You can choose from several different pumps and nozzles, but I felt it saved time to buy the pump and nozzle as a bundle. Better Built could improve its transfer tank by including a pump and nozzle.
| What We Like | What We Don’t Like |
| Large, 75-gallon capacity | Doesn’t come with a pump |
| Steel tool box included | Cannot be used for gasoline |
| Easy to mount to truck bed |
Installation
There are a couple of ways to mount the transfer tank. It comes with welded-on mounting brackets for bolting it to a truck bed, but I opted to secure it with ratchet straps for now since I will likely move it to a flatbed truck in the future and will permanently mount it then.
The pump was simple to attach to the tank—it took only a wrench to tighten the fittings, and then I ran the 12-volt pump wires to my truck’s battery. I already had a couple of battery terminal connectors on the battery, so connecting the wires was quick and easy.
I purchased one more item for the setup—a fuel filter—although it’s not required. In my experience, fuel filters are great for removing any debris that might inadvertently get in the tank and prevent it from transferring to my tools and equipment.
Ease of Use and Convenience
The transfer tank makes fueling ATVs, generators, and other diesel-powered equipment much easier than lifting and dumping fuel from portable fuel cans. As long as the equipment I’m fueling is within a few feet of my truck, all I have to do is attach the 18-foot flexible hose, insert the nozzle, flip a switch on the pump to On, and squeeze the handle to dispense the fuel.
When I’m done, I return the nozzle to its holder and turn the pump off. In addition to eliminating the need for portable fuel cans, the biggest advantage I’ve noticed from the Better Built transfer tank is not having to visit the gas station nearly as often. My truck is a diesel, so if I need to fuel up, I can do so at home or on the job or even at a rest stop if I’m traveling.
Durability
The Better Built transfer tank is made from 14-gauge welded steel, and the front half of the unit is a tool box with locking latches. The tool box itself isn’t quite as heavy-duty as my WeatherGuard tool box, but it’s better than many of the cheaper tool boxes I’ve had over the years.
So far, I’ve found the transfer tank to be very durable. Still, some users have complained about leaks, so the first time I put fuel in the tank I only put in a few gallons—the last thing I wanted was 75 gallons of diesel leaking out on my truck bed and running out on the road or my driveway. I needn’t have worried—the welds are good, and there have been no leaks.
This transfer tank is built to last and looks great, but it’s black, so when the weather is hot and the sun is shining, it gets uncomfortably hot to the touch.
Is the transfer tank a good value for the price?
The Better Built tank currently sells for $1,099.99 at Tractor Supply and for about $7 less on Amazon. Personally, I think it’s a good idea to fork out the extra $7 and pick it up at your local Tractor Supply if possible. Even better, most locations will offer free delivery or same-day pickup. The tank weighs 209 pounds, and if you need to return it, it’ll be much easier if you can do so locally. Depending on the type of pump you buy, you could spend another $500 or so to get the tank up and running.
Ultimately, your fuel needs will dictate whether this transfer tank is a good investment for you. If you have a diesel truck, that alone may be sufficient justification for buying this tank. It’s already saved me a lot of time by not having to go to the gas station as much.
If you have other diesel tools and equipment, it offers the benefit of not having to fill up portable cans at the gas station and then having to transport and store them. I pull my truck right alongside my tractor and skid steer, and fill them up. So, for me, the Better Built fuel transfer tank is a good investment. Just keep in mind that you can’t use it for gasoline—so if you primarily use gas-powered equipment, you might be better off purchasing a tank specifically for gasoline.
Buy the Better Built Fuel Transfer Tank on:
Product Comparisons
| Better Built | RDS | ATI | LAPPPLSP | |
| Capacity | 75 gallons | 80 gallons | 95 gallons | 48 gallons |
| Fuel | Diesel | Gasoline, diesel | Gasoline, diesel | Gasoline, diesel |
| Material | 14-Gauge Steel | Aluminum | Aluminum | Polyethylene |
| Pump | Not included | Not included | Not included | Included |
| Price | $1,099.99 | $1,099.99 | $1,029.00 | $538.33 |
Meet the Tester
Glenda Taylor is a contractor, product tester, and writer focusing primarily on construction, DIY tools, and home appliances.
