"My fiancee and I are commuting a total of almost 300 miles a day in different directions. I commute to a state where gas is 20-40 cents cheaper per gallon than where she works and it's 40-60 cents cheaper than where we live. Although we planned on moving as quickly as possible, this time dragged on and on (we are moving this weekend though).
I bought this to refuel her car (she drives about 170 miles a day, i.e. a full tank every second day). We saved a minimum of $2-3 per tank for the 2-3 months or so we've used it. I also filled the 40 gal tank on the van we have. Based on this the caddy has already paid for itself. And I can use this for the lawn equipment etc we have. I already had two 5 gal gas containers and one 2.5 gal container as well.
Although the tank is heavy when full (perhaps 80-90 lbs of gasoline, about 10-15 pound container with hose), I am able to comfortably carry it on my own (and I'm no muscleman). I hold it flat/horizontal, not vertically by the handle. This is to get it up above the level of the gas cap of the car.
I had no problems with the siphon pump, loose or leaking fittings, or anything else. It doesn't pump that quickly but it's okay as you don't have to actually stand there and pump it.
I'd do the following:
1. Put gas caddy on top of a (flat top) garbage can or on a retaining wall around our driveway.
2. Put the caddy vertical. Unscrew the vent on the caddy filler cap. Pump the handle perhaps 5-10 times to get gas flowing. Verify flow by listening for the vent bit to make air noises.
3. Wedge the car's gas tank cap in the pump handle (like you would at a gas station). This allows it to siphon/pump on its own.
4. Do other things in the vicinity (check the car's oil, air pressure, clean the windows, whatever).
5. The gas really does stop flowing when the tank is full. I watched this happen a number of times and now trust that it happens on its own.
6. The nozzle end is ridged so it pops into the filler tube - don't have to worry about it dropping out.
7. I disconnect the hose every time as it stiffens up and looks like it's prone to crack. I hold the disconnected end up above my head and pump the remaining fuel into the tank before I go anywhere, reduces how much spills.
8. The hose also discolored (it's grey now, used to be black). It has some creases. I have a feeling it will have to be replaced at some point.
9. I refill it with the 5 gallon containers if necessary and repeat 1-4.
The shutoff valve works as it should. The vent/filler cap does not leak, unlike some of the other gas containers I have.
It holds about 14.5 gallons, maybe 15, without leaking or anything.
The wheels stopped turning easily - I think I just have to adjust it but I simply haven't done it.
Overall I like it. I'd be curious about a more durable hose and more durable pump handle (metal one) but this is fine.
BTW I don't know how to rate myself. I change all the cars oil, I do the brakes, done axles, but haven't done a timing belt or a clutch. To some I'm a "pro". To the pros I'm a beginner."
What is your level of technical expertise? Home Handyman