American Toolbox/Tank Combo???

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I have just about decided on purchasing an American Toolbox/Tank combo (90 gal. ). I am rigging the truck to pull a 5th wheel, soon to be purchased, and want the extra fuel capacity especially since Okla. has low fuel prices and this would allow me to travel quite a few miles without refueling. I read the TDR review on these tanks, but have a few additional questions. I know that the fuel gauge will read either tank when switched, but what effect will this have on the trip computer readings? What will the MPG reading, the distance 'till empty reading, etc. be? If this screws up the readings, I can live with it, but am just curious. Would appreciate any input - thanks.

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2001 2500 HO 6spd QC LB 4x4 SLTPLUS All options except Snow Plow and Clearance Lights - Rhino Liner and Straight Exhaust

 

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I have a 70 gallon tank in the bed of my ram. It will not give you the correct figures on DTE. MPG readings will remain the same as though on the main tank. Don't forget to add that second filter on the aux tank.

Butch

Originally posted by SLVRBLT:
I have just about decided on purchasing an American Toolbox/Tank combo (90 gal. ). I am rigging the truck to pull a 5th wheel, soon to be purchased, and want the extra fuel capacity especially since Okla. has low fuel prices and this would allow me to travel quite a few miles without refueling. I read the TDR review on these tanks, but have a few additional questions. I know that the fuel gauge will read either tank when switched, but what effect will this have on the trip computer readings? What will the MPG reading, the distance 'till empty reading, etc. be? If this screws up the readings, I can live with it, but am just curious. Would appreciate any input - thanks.

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2000 QC 4X4 24V 3500 4:10 All Options Auto Aux fuel/tool box combo Bright Box Geno's Garage Fender Trim Kit Garmin GPS III+ Kenwood 2 Meter Y2K+1 Tow Mirrors 1999 Excel Fifth Wheel, 1999 Concord LXI Y2K Cavalier Z-24. Wife says I need to add "One Dodge Diesel Dog" N9JPZ KB9RZQ PT Cruiser on order

 

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Butch -
Thanks for the reply. Why do I need to add a second filter? If the aux. tank lines are spliced into the original lines, doesn't the existing filters work for the aux?
Dave

 

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The original filter works but it's much easier and less expensive to catch the rust from the metal tank in an auxiliery filter. I understand that the fuel gauge sender goes through the PCM and when you switch , it wont read the aux. tank until you turn the ign. off then back on. My tank has sending unit but I haven't hooked it because I couldn't see turning the key off while coming down Wolf Creek Pass to switch tanks. Our trucks are so consistant on fuel mileage I can look at the miles I have driven and tell within a couple of gallons how much fuel is in the aux. tk. bg

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White 99 3500, QC, 3:55, auto. most options except leather, Line-X bed liner, fiberglass running boards Rancho 9000s, bug shield and window vents, black vented 5th wheel tailgate, 100 gal. aux. fuel tank.

 

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BG hit it right on the head with that second filter. Put a inline filter on, easy to install and change. I've always used the aux tank when I was in doubt of the fuel I was buying and had no other stations with in reasonalbe driving. With that second filter which can be purchased for around $6. 00 its much cheaper and faster to change rather than main filter. My gauge will catch up after a few hours of driving. I will say that my tank has paid for its self a few times over, all it takes is to watch fuel prices and buy according.

Butch

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2000 QC 4X4 24V 3500 4:10 All Options Auto Aux fuel/tool box combo Bright Box Geno's Garage Fender Trim Kit Garmin GPS III+ Kenwood 2 Meter Y2K+1 Tow Mirrors 1999 Excel Fifth Wheel, 1999 Concord LXI. Wife says I need to add "One Dodge Diesel Dog" N9JPZ KB9RZQ 2001 PT Cruiser

 

[Archive]

Been on the phone and email today with American Tank and Tool Box scheduling an appoinment to have it installed. Going to drive to Dallas and let them install it. I have a sister and niece in the area, so will visit a day or two before coming home. Been talking to a guy named Mike at American who is really nice and seems pretty sharp about this stuff. He says their tanks have a fuel filter and they will show me how to change and costs only a few dollars. The tank is all aluminum construction, so rust is not a problem. He tells me that on the Dodge, when you switch while on the road it will take aat least 15-20 minutes for the gauge to catch up with the tank that you switched to. Otherwise, you have to cycle the ignition switch to get an instant reading. American doesn't do the work themselves, they have an independent shop nearby that they farm the work out to. B. G. and Butch, I appreciate the responses on this post, at least I can ask intelligent questions now on the matter. After I get home, I'll post back here on my experiences with the installation, etc. Thanks again for the info.
Dave

 

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I instaled the American tank combo tool box, and am having a hellof a time. First they had sent me the wrong sending unit, now over the weekend, my low fuel wouldn't go off when I switched to the aux. tank. Then as you said it took 15 min to convert to the aux tank, then it only read a half a tank full. I don't know waht is wrong. I assume I have to take it back to the shop.
dean

 

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Hill

If you check you will find that they do not manufacture the switching value. I done some research and found that most tank manufactures use the same valve. What I did was contact the company and bought a spare valve and wiring harness. I oreded it direct and saved over half.

Butch

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2000 QC 4X4 24V 3500 4:10 All Options Auto Aux fuel/tool box combo Bright Box Geno's Garage Fender Trim Kit Garmin GPS III+ Kenwood 2 Meter Y2K+1 Tow Mirrors 1999 Excel Fifth Wheel, 1999 Concord LXI. Wife says I need to add "One Dodge Diesel Dog" N9JPZ KB9RZQ 2001 PT Cruiser