Are you on the hunt for the best fuel transfer pump? However, do you have no idea where to start to find one that truly stands the test of time and meets your usage needs?
To save you unnecessary time and trouble, we did the legwork to put together a definitive guide to the top 5 best fuel transfer pumps and other information you need to choose the best fuel transfer pump for you.
The Top 5 Best Fuel Transfer Pumps Reviewed
Check out our reviews of the top 5 best fuel transfer pumps. Keep reading to discover which product made it to the top of the list!
Fill-Rite FR1210G 12V 15 GPM Fuel Transfer Pump with Discharge Hose
Our first pick for the best fuel transfer pump is the Fill-Rite FR1210G. It’s a DC-powered unit with exceptional performance, 12-voltage capacity, a manual release nozzle, suction pipe, and 12-foot wire delivery hose. We were duly impressed by this pump 15 GPM flow capacity. This means you can use it for everything from kerosene to B20 diesel to E-15 gasoline fuel transfers.
The motor’s 12-volt DC power sports a 0.25 horsepower rating. This makes it a solid choice for high-intensity fuel transfers utilizing a wide range of fuel types. The flow pump has a non-continuous, positive displacement design. This promotes proper suction while transmitting sufficient flow out of the inner chamber.
The Fill-Rite FR1210G also caught our attention because it is very portable. It weighs in at roughly 34 pounds so you can transport it in the bed of your truck or the back of your car without issues. When completely assembled, the unit extends 17 inches in length by 11 inches in width by 17 inches in eight. The automatic nozzle is an excellent bonus touch, as is the included 18-foot power cord.
Pros
- Exceptional 15 GPM flow rate
- Durable construction for long-lasting use
- 12-volt, 20 amp pump power
- Features a 30-minute cycle
- Sports a thermal protection switch for enhanced user safety
Cons
- No anti-siphon valve
- The nozzle can leak with prolonged use
TERA PUMP TRFA01 4 AA Battery Powered Fuel Transfer Pump
The Tera Pump TRFA01 model made it to our list of the top 5 best fuel transfer pumps for its powerful DC mechanism. It operates on 4-AA batteries with a flow rate of 3 GPM. The power pump features an adjustable 35-inch intake hose and a 2-foot discharge hose with an anti-spill nozzle. The fuel transfer pump is incredibly lightweight and portable. This measn you can transport it from one location to the next for effortless onsite fuel transfers.
The pump weighs 1.2 pounds and measures 14 x 6 x 3.5 inches when you assemble it completely. The hoses sport plastic materials. They are very light to maneuver and sturdy at the same time. The intake hose features an integrated threaded adaptor to a thread on the fuel can (or if the fuel can uses a non-standard outlet, the model comes with the right adaptor for your intake hose).
With mechanical seals to inhibit unwanted spillage and premium operation, along with a solid battery cover for durability, the Tera Pump TRFA01 stands in a class of its own amongst the best fuel transfer pumps.
Pros
- Very lightweight at just 1.2 pounds
- Compact measurements make this pump highly portable
- Runs on 4 AA batteries
- 35-inch adjustable intake hose for extensive fuel transfers
- Mechanical seals inhibit leaking
Cons
- The 3 GPM flow rate is a bit low
- The pump does not include batteries
FUELWORKS Electric Diesel Fuel Transfer Pump Kit
Our next choice for the best fuel transfer pump is this worthy contender by Fuelworks, featuring a 12-volt capacity running on DC power with a 13-foot delivery hose and 10 GPM flow rate. The critical component to note with the Fuelworks Pump Kit is that it runs with diesel only, so you won’t be able to utilize this model for any other type of fuel transfers.
The pump features a positive displacement and non-continuous flow capacity operating on a rotary vane to form suction and transmit the fuel outward from the inner chamber. The kit includes a proprietary bypass valve. One feature that really drew us to this best fuel transfer pump is the fact that it is very lightweight at just 17 pounds, so you can take it in and out of your vehicle as you need to.
Once you finish assembling the unit, it measures 12.6 inches in length by 12.6 inches in width by 7.9 inches in height. The Fuelworks kit even includes a nozzle compartment to mount and lock it in when you don’t need to use it. The outlet portal lets you adjust to a 90-degree hub elbow as needed and thread up to a ¾ inch diameter.
Pros
- 10 GPM flow rate
- Duty cycle lasts for 30 minutes
- The 12-volt capacity that runs on a DC pump
- Highly portable at just 17 pounds
Cons
- You can only use diesel fuel
- On the pricier side
GasTapper 12V Gasoline Transfer Pump
The GasTapper 12V is one of the best fuel transfer pump options on the market currently due to its excellent flow rate and unique weather-resistant, air-proof storage case to protect the unit, its nozzle, suction pipe, and 16-foot delivery hose. If you’re searching for the best fuel transfer pump with a notably high flow rate, you may have met your match, as the GasTapper sports a 30 GPM flow rate.
Because the flow rate is so high, you can use this fuel transfer pump for everything from gasoline to biodiesel to regular diesel to blended alcohol—and even aircraft fuel! You can use this fuel transfer pump to transmit fuel to larger units like boats and airplanes, which is why this one is a popular choice for aviation and sea-faring enthusiasts.
The total unit weighs just around 4.4 pounds and measures 11.5 inches long by 9.5 inches wide by 4 inches tall once you assemble it. We liked the fact that the pump includes circuit protection and that you can thread it into the tank area when you don’t need to use the unit. With a 30-minute duty cycle and airplane-grade steel exterior, the GasTapper 12V is one of the best choices for the value.
Pros
- Very high 30 GPM flow rate
- Airplane-grade steel for enhanced longevity of use
- Circuit protection
- Works on all kinds of fuel
- Powerful enough to transfer fuel to aircraft and sailing vessels
Cons
- No alligator clips on the cord
- Performance is not as fast as some other models
SuperHandy Transfer Pump Kit 10GPM/40LPM Heavy Duty Portable Diesel Fuel
Our final pick for the best fuel transfer pump is another unit that runs exclusively on diesel fuel. It features a moderate flow rate at 10 GPM, and a 12V DC Pump with those handy alligator cord clamps our last pick missed. We chose this unit as one of our top 5 because it is highly portable, weighing just 15.9 pounds and measuring 12.9 x 12.5 x 7.7 once you assemble it.
The frame sports a manual operation aluminum nozzle with a 13-foot delivery hose. If you are hunting for a quick unit for backup fuel transfers or frequent transfers on the go, this unit could be for you. On the other hand, if you don’t prefer to use diesel exclusively or need a transfer pump with more extensive flow capacity for larger machinery or boats, this pump might not be a good fit.
Pros
- Moderate 10 GPM flow rate
- 12V DC pump power
- Lightweight and easy to transport from place to place for fast fuel transfers
Cons
- Only runs on diesel
- Not ideal for longer or extensive fuel transfers
Buyer’s Guide
Keep scrolling for our informative buyer’s guide to picking the best fuel transfer pump for your needs.
Critical Safety Design Elements
The foremost component to understand when it comes to looking for the best fuel transfer pumps is that manufacturers produce these units with high safety standards in mind. The concept of safety features is of paramount importance with fuel transfer pumps because you only really use them to transfer volatile fluids that could easily explode or catch fire in an instant.
Fuel pumps feature elements like circuit protection and overheating measures to avoid these exact types of incidents. So, first and foremost, you need to pay attention to the safety features of any fuel transfer pump you’re looking at.
The best fuel transfer pumps have a design that automatically goes into protection mode if the temperature elevates or the pressure increases.
In addition, the best fuel transfer pumps are user-friendly, simple to use and install with a variety of fuel containers. With a quality fuel transfer pump, you should be able to refuel devices from commercial vehicles to forklifts.
Usage Options
You can use your fuel transfer pump to carry a wide range of liquid fuels, including lubricant oil, diesel, kerosene, and more. You can also use many of the best fuel transfer pumps as dispensaries in certain gas stations such as smaller fuel stations and vendors.
Positive vs. Non-Positive Displacement Pumps
You may remember us noting that several of our top fuel pumps picks featured positive displacement. If you’re not sure what that means, here’s what you need to know.
In the case of positive displacement units, a certain amount of fuel remains inside the pump’s chamber before the pump forces it into the outlet pipe. The screw set, piston, plunger, gear set, or rotary vein is the propelling force that displaces the fuel.
Positive displacement pumps only pump a set amount of fuel during a cycle.
On the other hand, non-positive displacement pumps, or centrifugal fuel transfer pumps, are an altogether different story. These types of pumps typically feature a rotating impeller with blades that move circularly inside the chamber of the unit.
When one blade passes above the chamber inlet, it forms a vacuum that causes the fuel to move in the space in between. The blades then create an ongoing viscosity with the inlet that supplies fuel to the chamber will displacing fuel from the outlet port at the same time.
Operation Methods
There are three primary ways that the best fuel transfer pumps operate— on an engine, electricity, or manually. Engine-powered fuel transfer pumps integrate the engine and pump, which is why most models of this variety are also centrifugal or non-positive displacement pumps.
Pumps that run on electricity are often explosion-resistant by way of sporting a complete casing for all the potentially spark-inducing components, so they don’t get in touch with the fuel you’re pumping or the atmosphere as a whole.
Finally, manual pumps are exactly what their name indicates—you have to manually operate the pump to transfer fuel from the tank and into the opposite tank. As you can imagine, manual pumps are not always as efficient and can wear the operator out quite fast.
How to Select the Best Pump Based on Flow Rate
A final point to consider when looking for the best fuel transfer pump is the flow rate of the unit. Flow rates fall into three categories—low, medium, and high. Flow rates on the lower end of the spectrum could drop as low as 13 gallons per minute (GPM) to 18 gallons per minute.
Units featuring medium flow rates typically hit at the 19 GPM to 23.75 GPM mark, while high flow rates are those exceeding 24 GPM. A higher GPM is ideal for larger vehicles, so consider the capacity of the tank you need to feel when determining the flow rate you’ll require.
FAQ
Have some questions that we didn’t cover? Check out some of the most common questions about fuel transfer pumps.
What is a fuel transfer pump?
A fuel transfer pump is a type of refueling mechanism by which you can transfer fuel from one location to the next with a dispensing nozzle, typically from a fuel tank to a vehicle, boat, or aircraft.
How does a fuel transfer pump work?
The fuel transfer pump is essentially a mechanism that transmits fuel from a tank via suction, before depositing it at high rates of pressure into a vehicle fuel tank or another fuel-powered mechanism.
Check out this video for a first-hand look at how a fuel transfer pump works.
How long does a fuel transfer pump last?
Fuel pumps can last as long as 200,000 miles, but after the initial 100,000, it may be advantageous to consider a replacement.
What kind of fuel goes into the pump?
Although many people use diesel fuel in a transfer pump, you can use the pump to carry oil and other types of fuels. Always make sure you know what is in the pump and how to handle it safely.
Closing Thoughts
Ready to learn which product made it to the top of our list? Drumroll please— the GasTapper 12V! From its mind-blowing 30 GPM flow rating to its 16-foot delivery hose and weather-proof casing, this fuel transfer pump stood out from the rest.
We liked the fact that the high flow rate means you can transfer almost any type of fuel you want, to both small and large vehicles as you require. As powerful as this pump is, it is very lightweight and portable so you can easily take it on the go. The unit’s airplane grade steel design and circuit protection components for enhanced user safety sealed the deal for us.
