Storing Fuel

Proper prepping plans should include a diverse selection of fuels that are appropriate for your prepping goals. Your preps should leverage each fuel's advantage while minimizing the less valuable aspects of the fuel. For example, charcoal emits smoke and smell and may not be the best choice for an urban environment packed with a starving population. Charcoal is also bulky and heavy so it won't be bugout bag appropriate. On the other hand, charcoal is inexpensive and stores forever as long as you keep it dry. Its one of many great bug-in choices for temporary power outages due to storms and blackouts. Below, read more below for the pros and cons of prepping fuels.

Gasoline

Extremely versatile. Uses include generators, tractors, chainsaws, wood splitters, boats, RVs, water pumps, ATVs, cooking, lighting...etc.
High energy density makes gasoline an ideal fuel when weight or space are a concern.
Gasoline is highly flammable and should only be stored in a cool, well ventilated area in a DOT approved container away from flames, sparks or any heat sources.
Sta-bil video review
Sta-bil Gas Affiliate Link
Container Affiliate Links

Gasoline as a prepper fuel?

Gasoline while very versatile, is also very popular as it is used in most lawn mowers, gas trimmers, cars, trucks, ATVs and just about every small engine in the consumer outdoor power tool market. Public panic has emptied gas station supplies in a matter of hours. If you choose to store gasoline, understand that everybody seems to have some but not enough. Additionally, plain old pump gasoline has additives that break down over time. Most gasoline has ethanol as well which is not an ideal for prepping as the consensus says its bad for small engines. These characteristics make gasoline more difficult but not impossible to store. If you choose to store gasoline as part of your preps, be sure to source ethanol free gasoline and add your own fuel stabilizer such as Stabil. Stabil can keep gasoline fresh for up to 24 months*
*(https://www.sta-bil.com.au/about).

Diesel

Extremely versatile. Uses include generators, tractors, ...etc.
High energy density makes diesel an ideal fuel when weight or space are a concern.
Diesel is highly combustible but not as flammable as gasoline. Diesel should only be stored in a cool, well ventilated area in a DOT approved container away from flames, sparks or any heat sources.
Sta-bil video review
Sta-bil Gas Affiliate Link
Container Affiliate Links

Diesel as a prepper fuel

Diesel, also very common, is used in many lawn mowers, tractors, generators, cars, trucks, ATVs and just about every small engine in commercial/industrial outdoor power equipment on the market. Diesel is usually available in the same places motorists find gasoline so during a gasoline panic, you'll be waiting in the same gasoline lines at the fill-in' stations. If you choose to store diesel, understand that it is not the perfect fuel.

Propane

Another flexible fuel: Uses include generators, refrigerator/freezers, cooking, lighting...etc.
Lower energy density than gasoline or diesel, propane is a very capable fuel when weight or space are of concern.
Perhaps the best prepper fuel for a variety of reasons
Propane is highly flammable and should only be stored in a cool, well ventilated area in a DOT approved container away from flames, sparks or any heat sources.
Container Affiliate Links

Propane as a prepper fuel

Propane is another very common fuel used in gas grills, fryers, griddles, lanterns, generators, cars, trucks and ATVs. It easy to light and burns without smoke or odor. Propane can heat your house, water and dry your clothes. Available everywhere from the national big box chains to local hardware stores, propane is also delivered directly to your home and is stored in 1lb bottles and up to 1000+ gallon tanks with both inground and above ground installations. It lasts forever as long as the contain is able to maintain integrity. Propane is possibly the most flexible of all the fuels. The primary drawbacks of propane are cost per btu and the costs associated with storing propane. Costs aside, propane doesn't get old, gunk up your carburetors or take forever to boil water.

Camp Fuel / White Gas

Coleman Camp Fuel and White Gas are primarily used as lantern and camp stove fuel. Neither are a suitable substitute for gasoline due to it low octane rating, 50-55 octane.
High energy density makes Camp Fuel and White Gas ideal fuels when weight or space are of concern.
In the US, Camp Fuel/White Gas are available in 1 quart and 1 gallon metal containers.
Both are highly flammable and should only be stored in a cool, well ventilated area in the provided container away from flames, sparks or any heat sources.

Camp Fuel / White Gas as prepper fuel

Coleman Camp Fuel and White Gas are primarily used as lantern and camp stove fuel. Camp Fuel/White Gas make great prepper fuels as a seal/unopened container can last 5-7 years. Both burn clean and odorless and will not draw attention when you off grid boiling water for cooking.

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse