WeatherGuard Auxiliary & Fuel Transfer Tanks

Weather Guard transfer fuel tanks (also sometimes called transfer tanks) are fairly common for contractors, fleets, and anyone who needs to transport diesel or hydraulic fluid in a pickup truck for on-site refueling. Below are the key characteristics, features, and design descriptions, plus some example models.

Key Characteristics & Features

1. Purpose / Use Case

   • Designed primarily for transporting diesel fuel or hydraulic fluid — not for gasoline or as a part of the vehicle’s primary fuel system. 

   • Meant for use in the bed of a pickup truck to refuel remote or heavy equipment on job sites. 

   • Not designed as an auxiliary fuel tank for the vehicle’s engine; i.e., you shouldn’t plumb them into the truck’s main fuel system. 

2. Construction / Durability

   • Built from heavy-gauge steel (many models use 14-gauge steel) for strength and durability. 

   • Full arc-welded construction helps ensure structural integrity. 

   • Overlapping edge panel design for corner reinforcement (on certain models) to add rigidity. 

   • Interior baffles: These are internal walls or partitions inside the tank that help minimize fluid slosh (movement) while driving. That improves stability and reduces stress on the tank. 

   • Rubber isolation bushings: These help absorb road vibration so that the tank (and its welds) are protected from constant shaking.

3. Filler / Cap Design

   • They have a vented filler cap. This is important: as fluid heats or sloshes, pressure changes inside the tank — the vent prevents dangerous or damaging overpressure. 

   • The filler cap can be locked, providing some security. 

   • The filler neck (the pipe where you fill the tank) is reinforced, and some models accept standard 2" threaded pipe. 

4. Mounting / Installation

   • Heavy-duty plate-steel flanges are used for secure mounting to a truck bed. 

   • Lifting loops or points are often included, making installation (or removal) easier. 

   • Some models are specifically shaped (L-shape, column, rectangle) to work with other Weather Guard truck storage solutions (like cross boxes or saddle boxes). 

5. Finish / Coating

   • Tanks are typically finished with ARMOR TUF® powder coat for corrosion resistance and long-term durability. 

   • Color options: commonly gloss white or gloss black. 

6. Drain / Maintenance

   • Many tanks include a 3/8-inch drain port to allow for maintenance (draining water, contaminants, or cleaning the tank). 

   • Because of the design (baffles, welded construction), maintenance is manageable but does require attention.

7. Fluid Compatibility & Limitations

   • Only for nonflammable liquids like diesel or hydraulic fluid. 

   • Not rated or approved for transporting more volatile or gasoline-type fuels, per Weather Guard’s documentation. 

8. Connection for Pumping

   • Many tanks have a 2" NPT (National Pipe Thread) port to attach a pump. 

   • These are commonly used with diesel transfer pumps (like 12V DC Fill-Rite-style pumps) to move fluid in/out at job sites.

9. Warranty

   • Weather Guard offers a limited lifetime warranty on their transfer tanks. 

   • This suggests confidence in the durability of their welds, material, and overall construction.

10. Safety / Regulatory Considerations

    • Because these tanks are only for specific fluids and not part of the vehicle’s main fuel system, there are important safety practices (venting, secure mounting) baked into the design.

    • There may be regulatory limits on how large a transfer tank can be in a vehicle before additional DOT / hazmat rules apply (users often mention staying under certain gallon thresholds).

Advantages & Strengths

• Durability: Steel construction + arc welding + quality coating makes these tanks rugged and long-lasting.

• Safety for On-site Fueling: The vented cap, baffles, and secure mounting are designed to reduce risk when transporting fuel.

• Flexibility: Multiple shapes (L, rectangle, column) and sizes (50–110 gal) mean there’s likely a model that fits a variety of truck beds and needs.

• Ease of Use: Since they are designed for job sites, they are built to work with standard pumps, making fluid transfer relatively straightforward.

• Warranty: Lifetime limited warranty gives buyers confidence in the product’s quality.

Limitations / Considerations

• Weight: Steel tanks can be heavy, especially at large capacities — this adds load to the truck bed.

• Limited Fluid Types: Not meant for gasoline (in most cases), so if you need a multi-fuel solution, this may not be ideal.

• Not for Engine Use: These are transfer tanks, not auxiliary tanks — you can’t (or shouldn’t) feed them directly into the vehicle’s engine system.

• Maintenance: Drain port and baffles help, but you still need to periodically clean / inspect the tank, especially if using for long-term storage.

• Regulation: Depending on the capacity, there may be regulatory or safety requirements around transporting fuel (e.g. DOT or local rules).