The certification standard—UL2085 (Fireguard®) or UL142—greatly influences a tank’s price and application.

• UL2085 Fireguard Tanks: Built for high-risk environments, UL2085 tanks offer ballistic resistance, vehicle impact protection, and the ability to withstand a 4-hour 2000°F furnace test. They comply with NFPA 30 and 30a standards, featuring 150% to 200% spill containment and double-walled construction, making them ideal for strict regulatory environments like California. Their advanced safety features increase costs, particularly for Jet-A and AvGas, which require additional certifications. A 500-gallon UL2085 Fireguard turn-key system for diesel or gasoline is more affordable than aviation fuel systems due to specialized requirements.
• UL142 Double-Walled Tanks: UL142 tanks provide secondary containment to meet Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) regulations but lack the enhanced fire and impact resistance of UL2085 tanks. They are suitable for less regulated settings and are more budget-friendly, especially for diesel and gasoline. UL142 tanks for Jet-A and AvGas are less common due to stricter aviation fuel regulations, which often require UL2085 certification.

Price Impact: UL2085 tanks are pricier due to their superior safety features, with significant premiums for Jet-A and AvGas tanks. UL142 tanks are more affordable for diesel and gasoline in less regulated environments. Verify local regulations to ensure compliance.

The configuration of a 500-gallon fuel tank, combined with the fuel type (diesel, gasoline, Jet-A, or AvGas), significantly affects its cost and functionality.

• Turn-Key Systems: These fully equipped tanks are ready for immediate use, including 15–35 GPM pumps, retractable hose reels, fuel level gauges, and a 7.5-gallon rust-proof aluminum spill bucket. A 500-gallon UL2085 Fireguard turn-key model for diesel or gasoline costs $16,000 to $20,000, reflecting high-quality accessories. For Jet-A and AvGas, turn-key systems range from $59,000 to $99,000, with the top end ($99,000) including full self-service capabilities, such as integrated credit card payment or fleet card systems installed on the tank for convenient, automated fuel dispensing at aviation facilities.
• Ready-2-Fill Tanks: These tanks, such as the 500-gallon UL2085 Ready-2-Fill model, are pre-configured for mobility and compliance, featuring bi-directional forklift pockets, a 16″ or 18″ man-way, and safety features like interstitial leak gauges. For diesel and gasoline, they cost under $15,000, while Jet-A and AvGas models are under $20,000, reflecting additional aviation-specific features like enhanced filtration or grounding systems.
• Bare Tanks: The most economical option, bare tanks like the 500-gallon UL2085 bare tank include the basic structure—UL2085 or UL142 certified, double-walled, with forklift pockets—but lack pumps or hoses. For diesel and gasoline, bare tanks cost around $12,000, while Jet-A and AvGas tanks are around $17,000 due to stricter material and certification standards.

Price Impact: Turn-key systems are the most expensive, especially for Jet-A and AvGas with self-service payment systems. Ready-2-Fill tanks offer a cost-effective balance, and bare tanks are the cheapest but require customization.

A man-way—a hatch for accessing the tank’s interior—is critical for maintenance and significantly affects cost and longevity.

• Tanks with Man-Ways: High-quality 500-gallon UL2085 tanks, such as those from Above Ground Fuel Storage Tanks, typically include a 16″ or 18″ man-way. This feature enables cleaning, inspections, and repairs, ensuring compliance and maintaining fuel quality, especially for sensitive fuels like Jet-A and AvGas. Adding a man-way requires significant manufacturing changes, including specialized welding, pressure testing, and reinforcement for structural integrity. These modifications can increase costs by up to $5,000, reflecting retooling of production lines, additional labor, and quality control for a sealed, pressure-resistant hatch.
• Tanks Without Man-Ways: Cheaper, lower-quality tanks omit man-ways to simplify manufacturing and cut costs. Excluding a man-way avoids complex design changes, specialized welding, and testing, saving up to $5,000. However, this compromises maintenance, making it difficult to remove sediment or inspect for corrosion. For diesel and gasoline, this can lead to fuel contamination, damaging engines or causing bacterial growth that corrodes tanks. For Jet-A and AvGas, the lack of a man-way is particularly problematic, as aviation fuels require stringent quality control to prevent engine failure. Without proper maintenance, tanks may last only 10–15 years instead of 30–40 years, leading to costly replacements or fuel-related issues.

Price Impact: Tanks with man-ways cost up to $5,000 more due to manufacturing complexity but are essential for maintaining fuel quality and extending tank life, particularly for aviation fuels.

Additional features influence the cost and performance of 500-gallon fuel tanks:

• Material and Coating: Zinc Primer for additional rust resistance and chemical resistant epoxy lining Aviation fuel tanks will further increasing costs.
• Portability Features: Bi-directional forklift pockets, standard on some cube style UL2085 tanks enhance mobility, adding $300 to $700. Lifting lugs for crane relocation increase costs but improve versatility.
• Safety Features: UL2085 tanks include interstitial leak gauges, overfill prevention, and 150%–200% spill containment, increasing costs but ensuring compliance. Jet-A and AvGas tanks often require additional grounding and filtration systems, and stainless steel piping and parts, further elevating prices. 
• Warranty and Certification: Fireguard UL2085 tanks carry a 30-year STI-backed warranty, reflecting durability and increasing costs. While other UL2085 tanks may not qualify under the Steel Tank Institute as Fireguard and come with a much shorter 1 year warranty.

Typical Price RangesApproximate price ranges for a high quality “Fireguard™ Certified” and UL2085 500-gallon fuel tanks, based on fuel type:

• Turn-Key:
  • Diesel/Gasoline: $16,000–$20,000
  • Jet-A/AvGas: $59,000–$99,000 (top end includes self-service credit card/fleet card systems)
• Ready-2-Fill:
  • Diesel/Gasoline: Under $15,000 
  • Jet-A/AvGas: Under $20,000
• Bare:
  • Diesel/Gasoline: ~$12,000
  • Jet-A/AvGas: ~$17,000
• UL142 Bare:
  • Diesel/Gasoline: $3,000–$12,000
  • Jet-A/AvGas: Not commonly available due to regulatory requirements

Prices vary based on customization, shipping, and installation. Contact Above Ground Fuel Storage Tanks at (800) 555-4754 for precise quotes.