I've never done it before, but how do I store gasoline?

TRO

VERY CAREFULLY!!!
Specificly, here are some hints:
Select sturdy cans designed for storing fuel. This gets you a container that is safer than a water jug, for instance. It should be red and plainly marked: "GASOLINE" . What ever you do, do not mix them up with containers holding kerosene, deisel fuel or water. Putting gasoline in a kerosene auxiliary heater can be a "devistating" experiance.
Five gallon / 20 liter cans are the largest to consider unless you have a pump. Even this size can be a handling problem filling a generator or other small appliance, so I suggest one or more smaller containers also be included.
Have the proper size spout and also include a funnel for the small fills.
Add a stabilizer, such as "Stabil", available at most auto supply stores.
Tag the cans with the fill date and indicate whether or not a stabilizer. I usually don't add the stabilizer when I plan to use the fuel shortly, i.e. a couple of weeks.
Store in a garage or other outbuilding, not in the basement. The storage area should be well ventilated, away from any heater. Keep seperate from other fuel containers. It should also be locked to keep the curious and dishonest away.
Container storage in a vehicle is also a potential danger. I use a couple of GI fuel can holders bolted to a 2X10 which fits into slots in the back of my truck. In any case, secure cans, even for a short ride home. Use rope, bungees, whatever, to prevent spills.
Rotate the stock a couple of times a year.
As far as how much to store, it depends.......? I use gasoline regularly for a tractor, riding mower, chain saw etc., so I buy and store more than most.

"There is nothing more frightening than ignorance in action"

All good advice, with the exception of using bungee cords to anchor containers.

Now, if you're using those stiff black rubber straps, that's probably okay. But when most people think of "bungee cords", they think of those cheap-junk muticolored crap straps that aren't good for much of anything, ESP anchoring potentially explosive containers.

Sue

(As I'm LMAO), thanks Sue... I needed that <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Troy

Also, there are fuel conditioners, chemical additives if you will, that will keep the gas from breaking down. Typically, a treatment is good for a year or so. It is terribly frustrating to go out and try to start the mower in the spring only to find that the gas left in the tank from the previous fall has turned to varnish, and the entire fuel system needs to be worked on.

What about propane tanks? The kind hooked to a grill? Can one leave those on a sub zero terrace all winter?

My sometimes-faulty memory says my brother told me that propane gels in cold temperatures. Unless he was talking about diesel... <img src="/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

Sue

Well, I think the propane and the tank will take the cold without worry. Propane will not gel, it was likely diesel he was referring to. However, I wouldn't leave a propane tank out in the elements for long and expect it to last. I've seen many, many failed tanks that were all rusted out on top because someone left the bbq out on the patio all winter and the tank that went with it.

Is it safe to bring inside (I live in a condo)?

Wouldn't the first questions be:

1) how long do you want to store it?

2)WHY do you want to store gasoline instead of buying it as you use it?