Thread: Flexible fuel tanks any good?

Originally Posted by DiscoMick

I was just wondering if anyone had any experience with flexible fuel tanks as an alternative to fitting a permanent larger tank, which seems to be quite expensive.
For example, Flexitank: Flexitank | Pillow Tanks | ContainerPac | 4WD & SUV Vehicle Flexitanks | Inflatable Marker Buoys | Flotation Devices
or maybe there are other manufacturers.
In our case, with 89 litres in the Disco plus we can carry 2 x 20 litre drums on the camper, its hard to justify the large cost of installing an additional permanent tank when it might only be needed occasionally on a very long inland trip. Logically, having an extra flexible tank which can be stored away when not needed sounds pretty sensible.
However, I wonder what the traps are. They are supposed to be double layered and quite tough, but are they really? The consequences of having a tankful of diesel go wild and start sloshing around in the vehicle are not a pretty thought. Do they release fumes? Are they difficult to fill/unfill?
I haven't got any prices at this stage.
Has anyone gone down this route? Was it a good idea? Any advice would be appreciated.

Yachties use flexible tanks for fuel, for water and to collect sewage in sensitive areas. Your concerns for diesel going wild would have to be a similar concern for someone losing their fresh water or having sewage all over your boat.

I used a flexible tank for water on a trip across the center. Worked well and I'd do it again. I did use jerry cans for the fuel only to save on having to organise pumps to transfer the diesel from one tank to another. I can imagine trying to lift a 100 litre bladder up to pour into the fuel tank would have been a challenge

Yeah, holding a 20 litre drum up there until it empties is hard enough, let alone a 75 litre flexible bag. I suppose it could be put on the roof rack and a hose run down to the fuel filler.

Would there be a way to use the portable 12 volt pumps.. ?