Higher ethanol blends and ethyl alcohol-mixed fuels harm the environment. They produce significant air pollution and reduce fuel efficiency. That’s why many people are switching to ethanol-free recreational fuel.
You might be wondering, what is recreational fuel?
Recreational fuel is a special type of gasoline for recreational vehicles and equipment. Unlike regular gasoline, rec fuel is ethanol-free, which helps prevent engine problems and improves performance. It’s ideal for small engines such as outboard motors, jet skis, lawnmowers, snowblowers, chainsaws, generators, pumps, and other small engine equipment. Many consumers prefer non-ethanol recreational fuel for boats, motorcycles, ATVs, and classic cars because it improves performance.
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Let’s look deeper into what is rec fuel and its types and applications. We will also discuss the pros and cons of recreational fuel and provide guidance on choosing the best rec fuel for your equipment.
What is Recreational Fuel?
Recreational fuel is a type of gasoline that doesn’t contain ethanol, and it’s used in vehicles like motorcycles and boats that require high fuel performance without ethanol. Specifically, it’s used in machines and equipment with small engines, such as snowblowers, weed whackers, lawnmowers, and personal watercraft. Recreational fuel is also known as REC-90 gasoline because it has an octane rating of 90. The octane rating of 90 indicates how well the fuel can resist knocking in engines.
REC-90 fuel is not similar to standard gasoline. The difference between recreational fuel and standard fuel lies primarily in their composition. REC-90 fuel is ethanol-free gas. Regular gasoline undergoes a purification process where the whole ethanol content is removed. The resulting product is a clear and clean 90-octane gas that is safe to use in recreational gear.
Types of Recreational Fuel
Here are some common types of recreational fuel:
● Ethanol-Free Gasoline
Ethanol-free gas is preferred for small engines used in recreational vehicles like ATVs, motorcycles, and lawnmowers because ethanol can attract moisture and potentially cause corrosion and engine damage.
● High-Octane Racing Fuels
High-octane racing fuels are specifically formulated to provide maximum performance and combustion efficiency in high-performance engines, such as those found in racing cars, motorcycles, and certain high-performance boats. These fuels typically have octane ratings well above 100 (often 110 to 118 octane or higher), which allows them to withstand higher compression ratios and temperatures without detonation (knocking).
● LPG or Propane
Liquefied petroleum gas, also known as propane, is a type of recreational fuel commonly used for cooking and heating purposes. Tourists and campers also prefer propane because it burns cleanly and is environmentally safe.
● Aviation Gasoline
Avgas is a specialized type of gasoline used in piston-engine aircraft. It comes in different grades, such as 100LL (low-lead). Avgas is formulated to meet the specific requirements of aviation piston engines, including high reliability, consistent performance at varying altitudes and temperatures, and resistance to vapor lock. It also contains additives to prevent icing and corrosion, crucial for aircraft safety and engine longevity.
Uses of Recreational Fuel
Whenever we hear about a new fuel, we often think about its uses. Since we are discussing recreational fuel, you might be wondering, what is recreational fuel used for?
Recreational fuel is utilized for various purposes across different types of engines and equipment. Its ethanol-free composition makes it suitable for engines sensitive to ethanol and requiring consistent performance. Some marine engines, like outboard motors, jet skis, and boats use REC-90 because it helps avoid fuel system problems that can happen with ethanol blends. The primary reason for using non-ethanol REC-90 fuel in marine engines is its ability to prevent the buildup of deposits that can lead to poor engine performance over time.
Small engines found in lawnmowers, snowblowers, and chainsaws also prefer recreational fuel for its clean-burning properties and minimal impact on engine components. Moreover, REC-90 has applications in off-road vehicles like ATVs, classic cars, and even certain types of aviation engines.
Benefits of Using Recreational Fuel
Ethanol-free fuel offers many advantages over regular gasoline. Here are some prominent benefits of using recreational fuel:
- Recreational fuel prevents moisture absorption and fuel system corrosion, which are common issues with ethanol-blended fuels.
- It reduces maintenance costs by lowering the risk of engine damage and corrosion.
- Non-ethanol REC-90 fuel burns cleaner than ethanol-blended fuels, making it an environmentally friendly fuel. Ethanol production involves higher energy consumption, which leads to increased carbon emissions.
- Recreational fuel has a longer shelf life because it doesn’t absorb moisture.
- It is the preferred choice for boat owners, as it reduces the risk of engine problems in water by preventing deposits from building up.
Cons of Using Recreational Fuel
REC-90 also has some disadvantages:
- Rec fuel is more expensive because it requires additional refining to remove ethanol.
- It is not readily available to customers.
- Rec fuel has a lower energy content than ethanol-blended gasoline.
Choosing the Right Recreational Fuel
Now you know about what octane is recreational fuel. However, this information alone isn’t enough to choose the right REC-90 gas. We can not choose recreational fuel and expect it to be the best REC-90 gas merely on the basis of its octane number. There are other important factors that determine the best recreational fuel.
Before choosing recreational fuel for your vehicle or any other device, check engine compatibility first. Ensure your engine can use ethanol-free options like REC-90 to avoid problems with ethanol blends. It’s also important to check local rules for any specific requirements regarding ethanol-free fuel. The intended use of recreational fuel is also a factor that you should take into consideration. Make sure you are using recreational gas only for the purposes for which it is made.
Above all, if you frequently use recreational fuel, make sure there’s enough available to address any availability issues. Now you might be thinking, where can I buy recreational fuel near me? There are multiple gas filling stations in the US that sell ethanol-free fuel. Alternatively, if you are living in a harbor or lakeside town, you can easily find recreational fuel at marinas.
In the United States, fuel stations offer three grades of fuel: regular, midgrade, and premium. Recreational fuel falls into the midgrade category. REC-90 gasoline is almost always more expensive per gallon than regular gasoline because it does not contain inexpensive oxygenates. The cost of REC-90 fuel varies from state to state and city to city. On average, the price of midgrade fuel (octane rating 89-90) is $3.970, which is slightly higher than the average price of regular fuel, which is $3.519.
Legal and Safety
It’s imperative to follow regulations for the safe storage and handling of recreational fuel to prevent accidents and environmental harm. Once you have the required quantity of recreational fuel delivered, keep it in a cool, dark place away from sunlight. Fill the storage container completely to minimize air exposure and also add a stabilizer to maintain fuel quality.
People also have several questions about using REC-90 fuel in a car, such as can I put recreational fuel in my car? Or, what happens if I accidentally put non-ethanol gas in my car?
As far as the compatibility of recreational fuel with a normal car engine is concerned, it is primarily designed for use in marine engines and other recreational equipment. However, using it in standard car engines does not cause harm. In fact, some drivers prefer ethanol-free fuels for better gas mileage and engine performance. But, to be on the safer side, you should avoid using it in your vehicles because it might not be effective for heavy engines in the long run.
Consider REC-90 for Your High-Performance Fuel Needs
REC-90 fuel is a high-octane gasoline that does not contain ethanol. Recreational fuel is specially formulated for marine engines and other high-performance recreational equipment. It offers several benefits over ethanol blends, including better fuel economy, reduced engine wear and corrosion risk, and minimal water absorption.
Moreover, REC-90 has a longer shelf life but it’s essential to use it only after careful consideration. Evaluate your specific needs and the requirements of your equipment to determine if the fuel is suitable.
FAQs
Is recreational fuel the same as regular?
No, recreational fuel is not the same as regular gasoline. It is ethanol-free and has specific properties suited for recreational vehicles and equipment engines. Moreover, it has a specific octane rating of 90, which also sets it apart from other fuel types.
Is recreational fuel good for lawnmowers?
Recreational fuel does not contain ethanol, making it suitable for lawnmowers. Any fuel containing ethanol is not good for outdoor power equipment. Ethanol-mixed fuels burn hotter in smaller engines and can damage engine parts.
Can you mix recreational gas with regular gas?
Mixing recreational fuel with regular gasoline is generally not recommended. Recreational fuel is non-ethanol and has a different octane rating compared to regular gasoline. Mixing ethanol and non-ethanol gas can damage your engine over time. If you get the proportions wrong or use the mix for too long, it can cause permanent damage to your engine, fuel system, and other car components. So, it’s best to use each fuel type separately according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
What does premium recreational gas mean?
Premium gas is a high-octane fuel with an octane rating between 91 and 94. It differs from standard recreational fuel, which has an octane rating of 90. Despite its higher octane rating, premium recreational gas is also ethanol-free. It is used for the same purposes in recreational gear as REC-90.
What is REC-90 fuel?
Multiple gas filling stations, both mobile and traditional, offer REC-90 fuel. But an important consideration is whether you have the time and access to a nearby fueling station that can meet your fueling needs. If not, why not choose a fuel delivery company that provides hassle-free fuel delivery? Fuel Logic is a reputable fuel delivery agency with a proud history of serving numerous customers across the US.
Whether you need off-road diesel fuel or diesel exhaust fluid, Fuel Logic is your dedicated service partner. We also specialize in bulk fuel delivery, including bulk gasoline delivery. Call us now and place your order. We sell and deliver fuel to your business address and assist in resolving any fuel storage and handling issues you may encounter. For any queries, our esteemed customer service agents are ready to help you.
