John's outdoor fueling setup

[John Mitton]

Here are some photos of my FM2 (3000psi) installed by the garage. I paid around $4,000 for it used on eBay and then had my local FuelMaker dealer refurbish and install it for another $1,000 or so. The way I see it, the refurbish and install was free since I will be claiming the $1,000 credit on my federal tax return.

Note the Utah "clean fuel" license plate with the blue "C" dot... this allows solo carpool lane access as well as free metered parking in downtown Salt Lake City.

I will soon be upgrading this to a 3600psi FM2 which I have on order. This will increase my range from the current approx. 200 miles up to 240. If anyone is interested in my FM2 let me know via private message (click on "PM" in the left menu bar).

[holtek]

Re: John's outdoor fueling setup

Uuuuhhhh...don't you get snow in Utah? I wouldn't have considered putting my refueling station outside here in Wisconsin!

[altfuel]

Re: John's outdoor fueling setup

Uuuuhhhh...don't you get snow in Utah? I wouldn't have considered putting my refueling station outside here in Wisconsin!

Technically, you are not allowed to install the FM-2 or this size unit indoors without a CNG sensor and shutoff (extra accessories). Unlike the Phill which is certified for in the garage - this does not have the proper safety - but the FM-2 does fill twice as fast!

I really question whether there would ever be a problem with installing it indoors (it is programmed to shut off if it detects a leak while filling) and I know at least two people here in SLC that have them installed in garages - but if you want to go by the book, then you have to brave the snow. -also, I know in this case, John makes the unit available to neighbors.

-Alex

[John Mitton]

Re: John's outdoor fueling setup

It is also located in a sunny south-facing section of my driveway, so even when we do get snow it usually melts out there pretty quickly. I suppose if I lived up in Park City I would re-think the situation. Check out my post "Why I Passed on Phill" in the Home Refueling forum.

[holtek]

Re: John's outdoor fueling setup

Technically, you are not allowed to install the FM-2 or this size unit indoors without a CNG sensor and shutoff (extra accessories). Unlike the Phill which is certified for in the garage - this does not have the proper safety - but the FM-2 does fill twice as fast!

I really question whether there would ever be a problem with installing it indoors (it is programmed to shut off if it detects a leak while filling) and I know at least two people here in SLC that have them installed in garages - but if you want to go by the book, then you have to brave the snow. -also, I know in this case, John makes the unit available to neighbors.

-Alex

I would certainly be thinking "remote fueling station" so you could leave the pump outside. That's what I will probably do when my Phill dies. Besides the quicker fill you get with a FMQ-2, you can also hook up a storage tank cascade for a quick-fill setup!

[Timon]

Re: John's outdoor fueling setup

I'd love to have a FMQ2 but no way can I justify the cost.

[roadster]

Re: John's outdoor fueling setup

Honda and Fuelmaker have a joint promotion for new GX buyers which about cuts the cost in half for an FM2 (businesses only).

[cnielsen]

Re: John's outdoor fueling setup

Honda and Fuelmaker have a joint promotion for new GX buyers which about cuts the cost in half for an FM2 (businesses only).

This would be good. I think I can get a business to get a Honda GX!

[Curtis]

Re: John's outdoor fueling setup

Not quite half. The promotion can be utilized by anyone with a 1099 status. The discount is based on how many GX's you buy, based on blocks of 4. 1-4 cars gets you a $2300 discount, leaving the total cost at around $6000. Clean Cities Coalition also has their part in the discount. Theoretically you are supposed to be a Clean Cities member as well.

[cnielsen]

Re: John's outdoor fueling setup

Getting a 1099 isnt hard. I can consult for any company quickly to get myself a 1099.

One thing I have wondered, do business/fleets get a better deal with 1 car than I do with getting 1 car.

[Curtis]

Re: John's outdoor fueling setup

Generally not. A fleet of one has little barganing power. When SCAQMD, or LAX buys 19 cars at a time... that's buying power. Keep in mind that there's only about $1000 of net profit in the car anyway... The best deal I ever heard of won't garner you more than a few dollars a month difference in payment. Wouldn't you rather that whoever you buy from knows the what they're doing and and works hard to assure your satisfaction? Personally, I'll go to a particular resturaunt, even if it's not the cheapest, if I love the service I get there.

[BiggJohn]

Re: John's outdoor fueling setup

Why does the South Coast AQMD's only offer their $2,000 incentive on the Phill?