FAQ
1. What is the Smart Ass Fuel Mule Electric Gas Caddy?
It's the genius, eco-friendly way to gas up your aquatic toys or heavy machinery right on YOUR terms. Think boat docks, private land, farms, ORV parks or jobsites—this mule's got your fueling needs covered! It’s the smartest and most efficient and environmentally friendly gasoline caddy you’ve every seen to fuel your boat, jet-ski, waverunner or other type vehicle up on your own private dock or property. Or to fuel up construction/farming equipment in the field. Or your off road vehicles, Jeeps, dirt bikes, side by sides (SXS), etc. Bottom line, it's the best fuel caddy you've ever seen....
2. How much fuel does it carry?
This bad boy can carry up to 50 gallons of fuel—enough to keep your adventures going strong. That's right. It's a 50 gallon gas caddy. With a freaking motor that does all the work!
3. Can it be used only on paved surfaces or also off road?
From smooth pavement to rugged terrain, it's a champ! Don't push it to Dukes of Hazzard extremes, but it'll go almost anywhere you want it to. Yes it has it’s limits… but they’re UP THERE! You aren’t going to be climbing big steps (unless you use ramps!) or taking it off any sweet jumps, but it’ll go places you’ll never find an easier way to get fuel to.
4. Hasn't this been done before? (Insert picture of basic boring gasoline caddy)
No. We were surprised too. But no, it has never been done before to our knowledge. We're Patent Pending on the design. This is the most useful gas caddy ever.
- 750w Brushless IP65 drive motor controlled with thumb throttle.
- Four 10" wheels and tires designed for off road use.
- 50 gallon capacity
- Overkill BEEFY 1” Live Axle - tracks up and down ramps nice and straight
- Hydraulic disc brakes with parking brakes.
- 15 gal/min electric pump. (we may offer a 20gal/min option)
- Rechargeable batteries onboard that power everything.
- Capable of climbing ramps at 22degs of angle (6' ramps into the bed of a common pickup truck are easy)
This thing rocks. It's the first and only motorized all terrain off road capable gas caddy. There's nothing else like it. What we’ve got here is completely unique solution to the problem of transporting moderate quantities of fuel off-road. We’ve seen it called the Porsche of refueling solutions. Or the YETI of off-road capable refueling solutions. And it is.
5. Who is Smart Ass Products LLC?
We're just some lake-loving entrepreneurs and gearheads who have raced cars, engineered and manufactured race car parts for 20 years, and then got hooked on boating and came up with some cool ideas in that space, so we're making cool stuff for a new market now. We're enthusiasts and engineers FOCUSED on making lake life better.
6. Is the Smart Ass Fuel Mule patented?
We're in the Patent Pending stage (US 63/513,633 USPTO). The government's nod is pending, but trust us, it's something special.
7. Can I use it to fuel up my race car?
Absolutely-- our background is racing, after all! Our buddy Scott had us gas his car up for him at a recent Cosmic Drift event, and it's perfect. Next thing you know we had other racers there asking if we could bring them fuel!
8. OK so it's not just for boats, who else needs a Smart Ass FuelMule?
Correct, though conceived on the shores of Lake Lanier, the Smart Ass FuelMule is not just for boats.
We're hearing from lots of customers in the construction industry, and from the aviation industry as well. Off Road Vehicle parks, equipment rental and service facilities, race tracks, country clubs, etc -- they all love the FuelMule!
And here's one we didn't think of originally... Disaster Management and Disaster Recovery missions! Following Hurricane Milton and Helene in late 2024, we sent a unit up to a remote camp operated by Adventures In Missions (AIM) in Black Mountain, North Carolina. They were serving their community from this camp, running COMPLETELY on generator power with four separate generators running 24hrs/day.
And God Bless him, they had a 72yr-old man running 33 gas cans to the gas station EVERY SINGLE DAY. Not any more. We donated a Fuel Mule to the project in early winter 2024 and changed that man's life. He LOVES the Smart Ass Fuel Mule, and uses it every day to keep that camp running. NO MORE JUG LUGGING!!!
9. So does it roll right out onto the dock?
Heck yes! And it's so easy! It motors anywhere you want smoothly, maneuvers tight spots effortlessly, and cozies up right beside your watercraft. The Smart Ass Fuel Mule was designed for fueling boats on private docks from conception. Every design choice was make to ensure it could cover rough terrain and manuever tight spaces with ease. This electric gas caddy is designed to fit where you need it, and to do it SAFELY.
10. How steep of a decline/climb can it make?
For extended climbs, we recommend no more than about a 15-16deg grade. For reference that's about as steep as as the steepest paved hill you've ever driven up (that's about the limit for roadways). For short ramp climbs, such as into or out of a truck, or ramps to help navigate an elevation change at the shoreline or dock gangway—We’ve tested an empty and lightly filled Fuel Mule extensively at 29deg or more… which is a 55% grade! With a heavy/full tank of fuel in the unit, we recommend 22deg max with gasoline and AVGAS, or 20 deg max with diesel and other heavy fuels. Just don’t be a dumb donkey! Here's some testing with a full load of gasoline where you can see we one-hand, even two finger operate this most excellent of all Gas Caddies up and down the ramps in and out of the truck, torture testing the brakes and powertrain. The Fuel Mule handles it like a boss!
11. What fuels can be transported in the Smart Ass FuelMule?
Darn near anything you'd ever need to transport.
- Gasoline or common E10/E15 variants
- Diesel and Biodiesel
- Kerosene
- AVGAS 100LL
- Jet A
Got another fuel type you need to transport? Let us know!
12. I'm a boater -- How much money can I save using the Smart Ass Fuel Mule to fuel up my boat?
Well, that depends on just how much you use your boat! Most Marinas seem to upcharge about $2.00 to as much as $4 per gallon on fuel prices!
Quick Math of our Founder's eperience: The boat holds 63 gallons but we've never needed more than 50 to fill it up. The local marina currently charges about $2.50/gal MORE than the cost of fuel at a local fuel station. 50 gallons x $2.50 per gallon saved is $125 saved. Filling the boat about twice a week in the boating season here in Georgia. That’s about 52 fillups a year. 52 fillups x $125 per fillup? That’s $6,500 per year saved using the FuelMule. Yes-- That boat gets a lot of use. But even for people that use their boat somewhat less — this sucker will save you money with a full return on your investment, FAST. And the time you save is flat out amazing.
13. I'm considering using this to fuel up my boat. Is it faster? Does it save me time or just money?
You nailed it, you're not just going to save money, but GOBS of time. It's faster than a trip to the marina and back easily. Say goodbye to waiting at pumps or dodging marina traffic—this mule gets you sorted in record time. Even if you're right next to a marina like we are, this is faster every single time. And you don't waste money lugging your boat through the water to fill up or burn any of it up boating back home!
14. Does this Mack Daddy Gas Caddy actually save me fuel?
How much fuel do you spend just getting to the marina and back just to fill up? Even if it’s a short ride like us… you still spend something. And if you’re 5 or 10 miles from the closest marina like some of our buddies across the lake… it starts to save you a LOT in fuel costs. And oh my gosh the time saved adds up FAST!
15. Is it more convenient?
Abso-freakin-lutely. It's all about convenience! No more party interruptions or long waits—it keeps your fun-filled days rolling! While it can be very convenient to fill up at a marina if you’re already there while out all day and don’t mind burning cash….. It’s far more convenient to not have to. And let’s say you’re having that birthday party for your young foal or filly—and you’re out pulling them on a tube all day with their friends, burning gas like it was your job, and you run low. Aw man… is the party over? Not with the Smart Ass FuelMule. You were NOT a dumb donkey, you already had that sucker right next to the house full and ready to rock. 5 minutes later you’re back on the water in that smile-generating-machine! Talk about maximizing Smiles-Per-Gallon Fun!!!
16. Is it hard to operate? Can a small framed person safely operate the Smart Ass Fuel Mule or do I need to a be stud like you guys?
Small frame? No problem! Just be a Smart Ass, follow instructions, and let the mule do the heavy lifting. With the Smart Ass Fuel Mule—you let the mule do all the work, all you have to do is use your head and you’ll be fine.
You can do this too, it's not difficult. It's designed to do the job for you. Read the manual, watch the videos, and use the Smart Ass Fuel Mule with some intelligence, you’re gonna be just fine whether you’re a just a bit more than a filly or foal, or a wise old jack or jenny…
17. What the heck is a jack or jenny?
Don’t be a jackass! (Or a jennyass for that matter!) A jack is an adult male donkey, and a jenny is the same, but female—now, you're in the know!
18. Is it hard to load into the bed of a truck? Or to get it out?
Not at all. As mentioned above it doesn't take a large strong framed person to operate. It's designed to make the job easy. Read the manual and practice a little bit to get the hang of it, and you will be fine. So long as you’re not a dumb donkey this thing does all the heavy lifting for you….
Unlike the labor required in walking 5+ gallons in each hand to and from the boat over and over again, the only work you have to do with this fuel caddy of excellence is steer it and control the thumb throttle and brake, the rest is cake. You might run over a snake. On your way to the lake. OK, I'm done now.... just don't let carrying gas cans strain your back, that's what a long day of surfing is supposed to do! Check out this little video demo of the FuelMule loaded with 50 Gallons of gasoline!
STILL NOT CONVINCED?
19. Can I use this with Ethanol Fuels like E10 safely in my boat?
Yes, absolutely. Just ensure your boat's compatible with E10—it's all about safe and savvy usage. For instance in our 2021 Supra SA400, and prior 2019 Malibu 23LSV, 100% yes, E10 fuels are safe and listed as good to go in the manual. Check your watercrafts user manual to confirm. Here's a Blog Article we wrote up that might be helpful as well!
20. But what if I don’t want to use E10 fuels?
Duh. You just like... don’t use E10 fuels. You buy Rec90 or other non-ethanol fuel at your local gas station and you still save a ton of money and time like the Smart Ass you are!
21. Will this reduce spills that happen so commonly when filling my boat at my dock using other methods, such as the old ‘lug a bunch of 5 gallon cans to the dock and pour it in the hard way’ method?
Yes, absolutely- used like a Smart Ass, the FuelMule will completely eliminate ANY spillage when used properly. Not even a drop. There’s no other solution on the market that can beat that, and most of them pale in comparison. Follow the instructions in the manual and the videos we provide, and you’ll be just fine. Not a drop.
Individual 5 gallon gas cans pouring in manually?
This is one of the worst options. These suckers ALWAYS leak it seems. And you’re using 10 of them to fill a 50 gallon boat tank, that’s 10 chances that either they leak, or that you drip some fuel in the water either when starting or stopping fueling. They’re heavy and unwieldy, and it’s a tough job to do with minimal spill.Oh, and you'll be worn out when you're done.
What about siphon solutions? Can I avoid a spill that way?
That’s easier, you don’t have to hold the 5 gallon can carefully tipping it into the fuel filler for 2-3 minutes per can, so yeah, it’s better. You still have to carry all those cans down to the dock, and every time you pull that hose into or out of a can, you will find you likely drop at least SOME fuel. We can do it better.
What about funnel type solutions that let you just drop a bunch of fuel into a big funnel and fill your boat using gravity?
Those work better than manually pouring it in as well. Since you don’t remove the hose from the tank filler or gas can each time you change out cans, yes there’s less chance for drippage there. But what happens when you tank is full but there’s still fuel left in the funnel? Where does it go? You better have a plan for that….. (It's ugly watching all of the fuel go into the water, bad the environment, and you can get in trouble!)
Oh, and you’re still lugging 10 gas cans down to your boat and back….
There are other smaller gas caddies out there right? How do they pump the fuel out?
There are some other gas caddy like solutions that carry smaller quantities of fuel, but make you do all the work. Hand pumps that take forever and wipe you out cranking away at that thing like you're in a contest to rewind all of VHS history!
Gravity feed drains that don't wear you out, but take what seems like days to fill. Multiple trips to get a full tank. No brakes to help you manage the hill, and no parking brakes to bring it to a standstill. Tiny little wheels/tires never intended for use off road. No power assist to help you get it across rough terrain and back up the hill. You do you. Our Smart Ass is gonna do us. And I bet we beat you out onto the lake!
22. Is The Smart Ass Fuel Mule safe?
Absolutely! We've been using it for years, and the product is designed for safety, we've partnered with the pros and done this right—this mule's as safe as safe gets. Even after years of safe usage and testing, we’ve gone back to the drawing board joining in partnership with Intertek, a leading National Research Testing Laboratory, to refine the product further and to maximize safety on all fronts. We've consulted with a Master Electrician (IBEW instructor) and other engineers, and we've done something with what we learned. We’ve made a handful of small refinements to make this product as safe as it possibly can be and have integrated those changes into the final product!. If you are a Smart Ass like us, and not a dumb donkey… this mule's as safe as safe gets.
23. Is it legal to fuel my boat up myself like this?
While we encourage people to check their local laws and regulations—100% of the time thus far we have found it to be safe and legal to fuel your boat at your own private property or private dock. We’ve checked all regulatory body regulations that we can find thus far, and all of them allow for fueling your private boat at your private dock.
24. So it’s environmentally friendly AND saves money? AND it’s safe? AND saves time while being more convenient?
Ding, ding, ding! You've hit the jackpot, Smart Ass!
25. How do you carry it to the gas station?
We use a pickup truck and a set of ramps. The motor EASILY drives it right up a set of ramps into the bed of a pickup truck, doing all of the hard work for you. The hydraulic brakes are powerful and easily allow you to control the unit when unloading down ramps, or even to come to a complete stop with ease mid ramp.
A small trailer would do the trick nicely too and could be pulled by a small car for those that don’t have a truck. Check out the video above for a demonstration!
26. I keep my boat at a marina. Will they allow use of the Smart Ass FuelMule to fuel my boat at their marina?
- They want to sell you fuel.
- Their insurance may require them to only allow fueling at their fueling docks. (And they want to sell you fuel.)
- And of course, the biggest reason: They want to sell you fuel.
(they'll probably blame it on their insurance anyways)
We originally built this most excellent of gasoline caddy goodness for fueling at private docks-- but some marinas will allow you to use it there as well! You’re going to have to ask them. In some cases, marinas discourage private fueling of vessels at their facilities for one of at least three reasons.
27. How much does it cost?
We’re manufacturing these (In Gainesville, GA USA) as cost effectively as possible but as you all know -- nothing is cheap to build these days, and we’re overbuilding these to make them as safe and functional as possible. No corners have been cut. No half assing has occurred here. No pun intended, it's built like a tank and will last you for years and years of service.
- Retail price of The Smart Ass Fuel Mule is $4495.
- Retail price of The Smart Ass Fuel Mule AVIATION EDITION is normally $5745. (Sale price right now $5245!)
28. Can I buy a Smart Ass Fuel Mule now?
YES! We are actively shipping the Smart Ass FuelMule Gas Caddy - ORDER NOW!!
Be quick, we can only build them so fast!
29. Can I ride it?
.
Professional rider on a closed course, do not try this at home! (and those display units have never had fuel in them!)
30. Is the Smart Ass FuelMule only for boating and marine applications?
You are a Smart Ass aren’t you? You’re right, there are SO MANY more applications for the Smart Ass Fuel Mule. We originally envisioned it in the marine market, and that’s where we got our start, but you’ll see these things on the jobsite, on the farm, the off road vehicle park, the race track, serving the community at disaster recovery camps, and small airports and fly-in communities/airparks! Smart Asses, unite!
31. But... I really like carrying a almost a dozen heavy gas cans down to the dock and spending the better part of an hour filling my boat!
Who are you kidding? No you don't! That can be a thing of the past!!
32. Where can I get some more info?
Check out our Blog at this link!
Here's a few notable places to get started:
Creating the World's Best Gas Caddy - Part 1: Conception
Creating the World's Best Gas Caddy - Part 2: It's Alive!!!
Creating the World's Best Gas Caddy - Part 3: Putting it to Work
A Cleaner, Smarter Solution for Fueling Boats (Yes, it's GREEN!)
Loading the Fuel Mule in the truck is EASY!
You can read the entire User Manual for the Smart Ass Fuel Mule right here!
Check out our blog on the Smart Ass Fuel Mule Motorized Gas Caddy. Learn about how we brought the best fuel caddy ever made to life in this series of articles!
Let customers speak for us
Very well designed and high quality manufacturing
I really miss slogging my 30 gallon gas caddy around or paying Marina gas prices. This 50 gal "Fuel Mule" is effortless and saves me many trips to the gas station. We ski every morning April through early November so we consume a lot of gas. I gravity fed my gas caddy which took forever so now with the auto shutoff pump and self propelled Fuel Mule refueling is convenient and almost fun. The founder and inventor of the Fuel Mule, Jerry Hoffman, is fabulous to work with along with his team. What a well engineered product and we love supporting such creative and practical entrepreneurs.
After 10 years of wrestling Jerry cans, we invested in a Smart Ass FuelMule. A perfect solution, with great customer service and build quality that exceeded our expectation! Yes, this is an investment…but worth every penny.
Hello,
We purchased this to use in our aircraft hangar when needing to ‘top off’ our Piper Tri Pacer or PT22 Ryan. When we bought ours the aviation model was not available so we added a few modifications. We talked with Jerry and his team took our suggestions and an ‘aviation model’ was born!
It is excellent because it is small enough to maneuver inside a hangar without a tow vehicle. It is well built and extremely user friendly. We love it!
Do yourself a favor—-BUY one!
Build quality is impeccable, definitely made in USA! Plenty of torque and very maneuverable with a full load, had no issues getting it into and out of the truck with the ramps. Bye Bye Jerry's!
Found these guys while trolling the web trying to find a better solution for getting fuel to our clients toys in a more efficient manner. We ordered 3 units to start. Talking with the crew at smart a** was great! Order arrived in a few days. Starting showing off the new units and getting the buzz rolling around the lakes in East Texas. Can’t wait to get the units in action at our clients homes! Due West Property Management LLC.
I cannot stress how satisfied I am with our Fuel Mule! It is so much better than fueling up on the water. Thank You Smart Ass Products for this fantastic product!
I have had several 28 gallon gas caddies with hand crank delivery. With no gas docks on our lake, these were my only way to fill a 50 gallon boat and 2 wave runners. While better than hauling down gas cans individually, these gas caddies were a lot of work! When I saw the smart ass Fuel mule with its battery operated drive and fuel delivery system as well as a 50 gallon tank, I knew that that was a must have for our water toys.
I had many conversations with Dylon from Smart Ass products and he was fantastic! If I didn’t get him live, he called me back within minutes and also was responsive to my text messages, even on weekends! The product was delivered with expert care, the instructions were very clear and the Fuel Mule was ready to go immediately with no assembly required.
The Fuel Mule cuts down on the labor of wheeling the old gas caddy down to the lake and hand cranking the fuel out of the old gas caddies and makes filling our water toys a breeze. Having the motorized drive, makes it so effortless to get the Fuel Mule in and out of your pick up or trailer to fill/transport and getting from the garage down to the lake. You may look at the price and be concerned by it, but I can tell you that the convenience of having a motorized drive and fuel filling mechanism is well worth the cost compared to how I was filling everything before. My old hand crank gas caddies are a thing of the past.
Thank you Smart Ass for coming up with a truly ingenious product and thank you Dylon for all of your assistance in getting me my Fuel Mule!!
The Fuel Mule is a very well made gas cart that takes fuel down to my dock with ease. I have a unique situation where my gangway is 110’ and on a pretty good incline and I have had no problems getting up or down. Brakes work well going down and the motor pulls up the hill no problem. Well done!
Great product that solves a major weekend headache. No gas on the lake and hauling cans multiple times per weekend is no longer a problem. Less trips to the gas station and more time on the lake.
Shipping was fast and crating was perfect.
I lug gas cans for boat fuel year round, I thought the fuel mule would help a little with not having tons of trips from the truck to the dock. But it’s way more! Filling it up is so much better, it’s like filling a car instead of a bunch of tops, some leak, fixing seals etc. and just the headache. Then filling the boat without a siphon hose or holding cans, just stand there and pump! Life changing for my lifestyle as an athlete and coach! Love it!!!
Finally a product that holds its quality to the American made standard. We use ours in a commercial setting and the staff loves the new product vs our old manual fuel caddy. Very well designed, very intuitive, very well made. Excited to put a second one in our fleet to eliminate the rest of the original caddys.
Since acquiring the Fuel mule, not only do I enjoy going to the gas station it makes it easier! Before the mule I had 22 gas cans to fill and carry down to the dock. All you need is one fuel mule! Load it in the truck go to the gas station in 30 mins or less you’re fueled up and ready to shred! WORK SMARTER NIT HARDER!
Great product with great support. What my video and you will want one!
I have truly enjoyed this product and has saved me a lot of time in fueling my lawn products.