Nothing ends a ride day faster than running dry far from the trailer. Powersports fueling is its own problem: uneven ground, awkward filler locations, and transferring from a jug or VP can with cold or gloved hands. Here's how to make trailside refueling fast, clean, and safe.

The trail-refueling problem

• Awkward access: ATV and dirt-bike tanks sit low and at odd angles; UTV fillers hide behind bodywork.
• Uneven ground: tipping a jug on a slope is a recipe for spills.
• Spill = wasted range: out on the trail, every ounce you spill is range you don't get back.
• Fuel on hot components: spilling on an exhaust header is dangerous.

How to refuel on the trail the right way

1. Park on the most level spot you can find and let the engine cool.
2. Stabilize your fuel container on flat ground rather than holding and tipping it.
3. Use a controlled-flow method so you can stop precisely — small tanks fill fast and overflow easily.
4. Cap and stow immediately; secure cans so they don't slosh or leak in transit.

Common mistakes powersports riders make

• Carrying a funnel-and-jug combo that's slow, drippy, and hard to use one-handed.
• Overfilling small tanks, leading to fuel weeping out on the trail.
• Letting cans bounce around loose in a bed or rack.
• Ignoring fuel freshness between rides — stale fuel causes hard starts (treat and store it properly).

The portable-pump approach

A compact battery-powered fuel transfer pump changes trail refueling completely. Drop it into your VP can or jug, run the nozzle into the tank, and pump — the can stays planted while you guide the fill. Look for VP Racing can compatibility, auto-stop on select models for small fast-filling tanks, and a USB-C power option so you can run it from a power bank at camp (it also runs on 2 AA batteries).

DeWay's pumps are VP Racing–can compatible and run on 2 AA batteries (with a USB-C power option), with a steady, controlled flow that's quick enough to top off between runs without holding up the group.

FAQs

What's the easiest way to refuel an ATV on the trail? Use a portable battery-powered pump that fits your fuel can. Keep the can on the ground and let auto-stop prevent overflow.
Will a transfer pump fit a VP Racing fuel can? Choose a pump rated as VP Racing compatible. DeWay's pumps are designed to work with VP-style cans.
How do I keep fuel fresh between rides? Add stabilizer if the bike will sit for weeks, and store fuel in a cool, sealed container.