Better Built Steel Transfer Fuel Tank - 36-Gallon, Rectangular, Black, Model Number 29211584

Why I added a 36-gallon transfer tank

Running equipment in the field is a time sink if you’re shuttling five-gallon cans back and forth. I outfitted my truck with Better Built’s 36-gallon transfer tank to streamline fueling for mowers, compact tractors, and a diesel UTV. After several weeks of use—fill-ups at commercial pumps, daily dispensing, and a few bumps down washboard roads—I’ve got a clear sense of where this tank shines and where it asks for a bit of owner involvement.

Setup and installation

The tank’s rectangular footprint makes it easier to place than taller, L-shaped designs. I set it tight to the cab side of the bed to keep the weight forward and preserve space near the tailgate for tools. Mounting tabs are welded on the bottom; I used a rubber bed mat under the tank to prevent fretting and spread the load, then bolted through the bed with grade 8 hardware and large washers underneath. It’s worth preplanning hole locations—avoid bed ribs where you can, and check for harnesses or fuel lines beneath before drilling.

The tank comes with 2-inch, flush-mounted bungs for inlet and outlet. That flush design matters: it keeps accessories low and out of the way so you’re less likely to catch a hose or elbow on cargo. I fitted a 12V transfer pump and a filter/water separator on the outlet, plus a short whip hose to a standard automatic nozzle. The lockable cap is basic but effective; I like that I can leave the truck parked without worrying about casual tampering.

A quick note on prep: before I installed the pump, I inspected the interior with a flashlight and gave the tank a rinse with a half-gallon of diesel, then drained through a temporary fitting. It’s a simple step that can keep welding debris or paint flecks out of your pump and equipment. I’d also pressure-test fittings with soapy water after assembly; it takes minutes and buys peace of mind.

Build quality and design

This is a steel tank with a gloss black finish. The paint looks good and has held up well where it hasn’t been scuffed. Any tank that ships freight can pick up cosmetic dings; mine arrived with a couple of minor rubs and one bent mounting tab that I straightened with a crescent wrench. If you see bare steel after install, touch up with an enamel or rust-inhibiting paint to keep corrosion at bay.

Internal baffles are the standout design element. With 36 gallons sloshing around—roughly 250-plus pounds of fuel, not counting the tank’s own weight—baffles make a noticeable difference. Braking, cornering, and rough trails feel controlled, and you can hear less of that hollow “wash” of fuel under the bed. The baffles also add rigidity; even when the bed flexed over uneven ground, the tank stayed quiet and didn’t telegraph stress through the mounts.

One omission is a drain plug. If you want to empty the tank, you’ll either pump it out or siphon. That’s fine for routine use, but service work is easier with a low-point drain. I added a bulkhead fitting at the lowest corner to give myself a controlled drain—simple job if you’re comfortable with steel fabrication, but it would be nice if it were standard.

Filling and dispensing

The overfill restriction on the fill neck does its job. When I top off at the pump, the nozzle’s automatic shutoff trips cleanly—no geysers or fuel creeping up the neck. Refueling rate has been solid with both station pumps and my 12V transfer pump. That 2-inch bung gives you flexibility to run a high-flow pump and a properly sized pickup without restriction.

On the dispensing side, the fast flow is noticeable when fueling larger equipment. I paired the pump with a 10-foot hose and an automatic nozzle, which makes it feel like a scaled-down version of a commercial island. If you’re filling smaller tanks, you can still modulate the nozzle easily enough to avoid splashback.

Road manners and weight

Any auxiliary tank needs a quick payload check. Diesel weighs in the neighborhood of 7 pounds per gallon, so a full 36-gallon tank adds around 250 pounds, plus the tank and pump. My half-ton truck handled it fine when I kept other cargo light; my three-quarter-ton barely noticed. The low, rectangular form helps keep the center of gravity where it should be, and the baffles prevent the “rear shove” you can get with unbaffled tanks.

Noise and vibration are non-issues in day-to-day use. The tank stays planted, and the pump’s rubber isolators keep whine to a minimum.

Safety and compliance considerations

Use a bonded/grounded connection when filling and dispensing to dissipate static. Keep a fire extinguisher in reach. As for how you plumb it, I set this up as a transfer tank, not as a direct feed into the truck’s fuel system. Regulations vary by jurisdiction, and some setups (like gravity feeds) may not be compliant or advisable. If you’re considering integration, check local rules and your vehicle manufacturer’s guidance, and consider a proper auxiliary fuel management kit.

I also run a filter/water separator on the outlet. It’s cheap insurance for injectors and pumps on modern equipment.

Maintenance and small mods

• Touch-up paint: Any nicks from shipping or install should get paint the same day to prevent rust creep.
• Periodic inspection: Every few weeks I check mounting hardware torque, hose clamps, and fittings. Five minutes well spent.
• Filtration: Replace filter elements on schedule; I track by hours on the pump rather than calendar.
• Drain solution: If you need a drain and don’t weld, a quality bulkhead fitting with fuel-rated gasket is a workable alternative to welding a bung.
• Venting: Ensure your cap and setup allow the tank to breathe properly, especially with a high-flow pump. Vacuum lock will starve flow.

What I like

• Practical capacity: 36 gallons is a sweet spot—enough to meaningfully reduce fuel runs without eating the entire bed.
• Overfill restriction: Clean, predictable pump shutoff with zero drama at the station.
• Baffled stability: Noticeably better road manners than unbaffled tanks I’ve used.
• Flush bungs: Cleaner install with less chance of snagging and easier pump placement.
• Lockable cap: Simple deterrent that works.

Where it could be better

• Packaging and handling tolerance: Mine needed minor straightening on a tab. Extra protection in the box would go a long way.
• No drain plug: Serviceability would improve with a factory low-point drain.
• Finish thickness: The gloss black looks good, but high-contact edges could use heavier coating from the factory to resist scuffs during shipping.

None of these are deal-breakers; they’re mostly about setup and long-term maintenance.

Who it’s for

• Landscapers, small acreage owners, construction crews, and anyone feeding multiple pieces of equipment away from a fuel island.
• Truck owners who want a compact, low-profile tank that still preserves usable bed space.
• Folks comfortable with light setup work—mounting, adding a pump, and installing filtration.

If you’re looking for a factory-integrated auxiliary tank that plumbs directly into a truck’s fuel system with zero customization, this isn’t that product. If you want a reliable, straightforward transfer solution, it’s right in the wheelhouse.

Recommendation

I recommend the Better Built 36-gallon transfer tank for users who value a compact footprint, stable road manners, and fast, clean fueling. The internal baffles and flush-mounted bungs make daily use smoother than many tanks in this size class, and the overfill restriction behaves exactly as you’d hope at the pump. Be prepared to address small setup realities—touch up cosmetic scuffs, verify your hardware, consider adding a drain, and install proper filtration. Do that, and you’ll get a durable, secure, and genuinely useful fueling companion that saves time every week.