Custom trailer to carry 100 gal of E85 to track

[Tcoat]

1000 gallons of gas (note MO chalked on tailgate behind my ass).
5 ton truck.
Baffled tank.
Sudden stops.
Jerk 3 feet forward then 2 feet back then 1 foot forward then stop.
Twin would be doomed with 100 gallons sloshing even in a baffled tank.
Don't do it.

[dp1]

So many good people on this forum

I read all replies and talked to many people. There are ways to minimize risks but not within my tolerance.

I will have a custom small trailer built to carry 4-6 5gal jugs or cans, a toolbox and a spare set of wheels, with upgraded suspension. Now looking for ways to have E85 or E100 delivered to tracks.

Thank you all kindly for your valuable feedback.

[Stang70Fastback]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

1000 gallons of gas (note MO chalked on tailgate behind my ass).
5 ton truck.
Baffled tank.
Sudden stops.
Jerk 3 feet forward then 2 feet back then 1 foot forward then stop.
Twin would be doomed with 100 gallons sloshing even in a baffled tank.
Don't do it.

But just for funsies:

BRZ + trailer = 1.75 tons
1.75 / 5 = 35%
60 gallons vs. 1000 gallons
60 / 1000 = 6%

So his setup would have roughly 1/3 the weight, but only be carrying 6/100ths as much fuel. Or to put it another way, his setup is the equivalent of your truck having weighed more than 29 tons.

Of course its not that simple since this would be a trailered load, but still. Wanted to put your example in perspective

[dp1]

Originally Posted by Stang70Fastback

But just for funsies:



BRZ + trailer = 1.75 tons

1.75 / 5 = 35%

60 gallons vs. 1000 gallons

60 / 1000 = 6%



So his setup would have roughly 1/3 the weight, but only be carrying 6/100ths as much fuel. Or to put it another way, his setup is the equivalent of your truck having weighed more than 29 tons.



Of course its not that simple since this would be a trailered load, but still. Wanted to put your example in perspective

Great point, guess I should clarify - it wasn't the weight ratio that turned me off, no doubt that 700lb total trailer/load weight would work fine 99% of the time.

However, accidents happen. Regardless of the exact shape, the tank couldn't be too tall and would be mounted onto a fairly low hanging frame. Even with fully upgraded trailer frame and the best baffled tank money can buy, significantly upgraded suspension to improve the ride and protective barriers around the tank...somebody running a red light or rear ending me has that tank more/less directly on the impact path...

[Stang70Fastback]

Originally Posted by dp1

Great point, guess I should clarify - it wasn't the weight ratio that turned me off, no doubt that 700lb total trailer/load weight would work fine 99% of the time.

However, accidents happen. Regardless of the exact shape, the tank couldn't be too tall and would be mounted onto a fairly low hanging frame. Even with fully upgraded trailer frame and the best baffled tank money can buy, significantly upgraded suspension to improve the ride and protective barriers around the tank...somebody running a red light or rear ending me has that tank more/less directly on the impact path...

Psh. Just gotta buy a GOOD tank. Jeez...

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mHtOW-OBO4"]Nuclear Flask Endurance Testing in USA - YouTube[/ame]

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by Stang70Fastback

But just for funsies:

BRZ + trailer = 1.75 tons
1.75 / 5 = 35%
60 gallons vs. 1000 gallons
60 / 1000 = 6%

So his setup would have roughly 1/3 the weight, but only be carrying 6/100ths as much fuel. Or to put it another way, his setup is the equivalent of your truck having weighed more than 29 tons.

Of course its not that simple since this would be a trailered load, but still. Wanted to put your example in perspective

Well I must have missed where it went from 100 gallons to 60 and that would make a big difference. The capacity of the truck was 5 tons and I don't remember the GVW of the actual truck but it was more than 5. You also sort of nailed it when you said it is a trailered load so you can include the weight of the trailer as vehicle.

[redlined600]

Have you looked into the possibility of having the fuel delivered straight to the track for you. Or if you could connect with shops near the tracks you frequent that would deliver it for you.

[dp1]

Originally Posted by redlined600

Have you looked into the possibility of having the fuel delivered straight to the track for you. Or if you could connect with shops near the tracks you frequent that would deliver it for you.

I'm investigating that now, also looking at Torco fuel accelerator

[dp1]

In conclusion, I backed away from E85 altogether as it's not readily available at or near my favorite tracks...just not worth the hassle. Car is set up really well, it's a blast to drive and everything should last longer with current 93oct setup, fully built engine, etc. May try torco or boostane for fun (already have 100oct Ecutek map) but not necessary.

[Pat]

I really enjoy reading your posts. Thanks for taking the time to share your journey in such great detail.

[Takumi788]

Just read this entire thread (I kind of stalk you dp1) bc I am a track guy living in upstate NY like you. I have also had this E85 debate and ran into the same transportation/availability issue and also backed away from the idea. It just isn't cost effective in this part of the country.

[Hyper4mance2k]

I'm surprised I wasn't tagged in this. I built a trailer and towed an 800 lb load from LA to DC in 2015. I still have the trailer, which is 150 lbs empty, and I use it all the time, empty, half a load, full load, etc. With no problems what so ever.
I use the Slambert trailer hitch. The only troubles I had was when I had too little tongue weight. Originally I had 80 lbs of tongue weight at ground level, but it was way too low at hitch height. Once I remounted the tool box and I had 80 lbs of tongue weight AT TOW BALL HEIGHT! Everything was smooth as butter.

[200hp/tonne]

this might come off as a stupid idea but,
what kind of fuel cell would fit in an 86?
Maybe if you kept your extra fuel in a high capacity fuel cell IN the car and kept the tires and tools on a trailer you would be better off, wouldn't you?