Thanks for all the replies. I would only have to "handle or move" the tank when empty. I take my trailer to the fuel vendor, and put the gas in the barrel, and then back to my remote cabin, and would pump it out with a 12 volt pump that runs off the Jeep battery.
I do see that the weight of the steel drum is not that much more than the plastic, yet the plastic would still be even easier for me to pick up and throw on the trailer.
From the info posted, the steel drums are subject to rust and leaks, and the plastic ones suffer from uv rays and severe cold. I will take all of this into account.
Some very good points were posted on this, I appreciate them all, and I will make note of all the points.
My other consideration is what kind of top I would have on the barrel that I would buy. I suppose if I got the right top, I could make some sort of home-made "mount" for the 12 volt pump.
Thanks again to all.
James