Another Auxiliary Tank Story

[Killgore]

Well, I went on ahead and sprung for the auxiliary fuel tank that I had been considering for several months. This week I installed an ATI 46 gallon tank with the Shotz System (similiar to the gravity feed system offered by Northern Tool). It fit very nicely, marrying up behind the Tractor Supply low-profile tool box and still leaving some room in front of the fifth-wheel.

One of the purposes for the additional tank besides being able to capitalize on cheaper fuel (in preparation for a trip up the AlCan Highway sometime in the future), was to be able to filter and separate water prior to the primary filter on the engine. I settled on using a Baldwin filter base (BF-1311) and a filter/water separator (BF-1258) rated at 3 microns, 9 microns absolute.

No leaks, no puddles, and no money after filling up.

Ed

 

[DAN V]

How about some pics of the install? I am working on getting my in bed tank in as well.

 

[Killgore]

Dan, CBlack did his homework on how to put two 4-port remote bases in tandem, although having to offset them, and thereby utilizing both a fuel filter and a water separator. However, due to space limitations where I wanted to mount all of this just forward of the wheel well, I needed a smaller footprint with horizontal mounting. I elected to mount the base on a 4" long piece of 2"X6" rectangular tubing and then mount that to the bottom of the truck bed.

The Shotz System is very similar to the system offered by Northern Tool.

The ATI AUX46 tank fit in the truck bed behind the tool box like a glove. The tool box had a 2" lip about 17" from the truck bed. The tank measured 57"X12"X16.5" (LXWXH) and fit just under the lip.

 

[Killgore]

I should also hasten to add that I contacted Baldwin Filter's 'hotline' and took the recommendations of their representative on the correct filter/water-separator to use with the FB-1311 base. I did find out that the base requires 3/8-16 bracket bolts and the inlet and outlet are 7/8"-14UNF threads. These necessitated the use of hydralic fittings at these locations rather than just standard hardware store brass reducers, etc. The FB-1311 is a standard Cummins engine fuel filter mount and everything went together pretty well once I got my wife to help me. LOL

Ed

 

[DAN V]

Nice looking setup Killgore!! All I have is the Delta 105 L shaped tank that I had to have acid cleaned inside because the guy I bought it from didn't know what he was doing. it was filthy inside. I will post my pics when I get a chance with the camera. I'm hoping I can still put a toolbox in front of the tank when I get it in.

 

[Jpachla]

Two years later. But. Did u remove the fuel tube before you cut it?

 

[Killgore]

No, if I remember correctly I took my trusty little hacksaw from Harbor Freight and a utility knife to it without removing it.

I have since learned the hard way since installing the transfer system that it is difficult to get a good seal on the OEM fill cap if I ever fill my OEM tank and break the seal. Consequently I only fill the auxiliary tank.

I also had the occasion to get some brown algae in my system at one point. That crap will go through the filters all the way to the pump if you don't catch it in time. Two ounces of bio-cide every now and then will keep it under control.

Overall, I consider the auxiliary tank an excellent investment and wouldn't hesitate to do it again.

- Ed

 

[Jpachla]

Thanks for the reply. My concern was getting any small shavings into tank when cutting the tube. I just bought a 2015 and pretty close to buying a 46 gallon tank. My truck does not have a fuel cap.. but apparently I can still do a gravity feed

 

[Killgore]

With the utility knife and a rubber hose I wasn't concerned with the shavings. With a metal tube that has to be cut, perhaps someone else with that setup should comment.

Are you looking at the ATI tank? I was impressed with their workmanship.

- Ed

 

[Killgore]

Incidentally, at some point I started running a Donaldson P-550848 water separator in the gravity flow system because I felt it was a smidgen better than the Baldwin. Having the capability to enhance filtration and further separate out the water is probably one of the most desirable features of an auxiliary tank. At the minimum, it is an added safeguard against that bad tank of fuel, and I am convinced that you can never polish the questionable fuel we buy enough. Injector life is directly and adversely affected by poor fuel filtration, at least on my 5.9.

- Ed