Aux fuel tank

[NHanger]

Has anyone had any experiance with the aux. fuel tank/toolbox combo's sold in Northern Hydraulics . Pictures look the same and shipping weight is the same (must be about the same material thickness) but $$ is about half ?

 

[Cummins Pilot]

I've got the RDS 90 gal tank from Northern Tool supplier. Is this the one your talking about?

 

[frijole]

Someone a while back had the same question, bottom line is they may NOT be D. O. T. approved, and/or not approved in the emissions states. i. e. (Calif, Conn, Mass, NY etc). Check it out before you buy, 'cause if you have a fire or a emissions issue your flat outa luck.

 

[DarkRAM]

I can't speak for the northern tool setup, but if you want to do it right, i. e. legal, http://transferflow.com/html/regulations.html , then go with the transferflow I've had mine in the week after I got the truck and the craftsmanship is top-notch. It costs a bit more, but IMO it's one of those things where you get what you pay for, I'll add some pics to my readers rig after lunch.

 

[JimBob24]

I have the RDS 45 gal aux tank from Northern. I think it is an excellent tank. I also had one on my '97. My tank has a data plate which states in part: "THIS TANK IS MANUFACTURED TO MEET OR EXCEED CFR 49. 173. 24 & 24B STANDARDS. " It also is marked "DIESEL FUEL ONLY. " You can read more about them at http://www.rdsaluminum.com .

 

[tractorseller]

Here's another one www.auxtank.com



I had a 90 gallon tool box/fuel tank combo installed by them. I can post a picture if you want. Don't know how it compares to the Transfer Flow, but it was cheaper and I like it. They were working on getting the right fuel pump setup for the 05's and I'm waiting on a replacement pump (for the aux tank). The pump that's in there works fine, but makes more noise than it should - I think because it's putting out too much pressure. I have another thread going on this somewhere and will update it after I get the new pump installed. Worth you checking out though to compare all your options... ... . Bud

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

I used a cheaper tank once. It rusted constantly and finally cracked. Now I use only Transfer Flow. Those who buy another brand almost always say it was to pay less, and seemed to be almost as good. My Ram is worth the best, and its fuel system doesn't like dirt and rust

 

[DarkRAM]

Tool box pics

Pics of the transfer flow installed are in my readers rig.

https://www.turbodieselregister.com/user_gallery/index.php &sorttype=date&startrow=0

 

[tractorseller]

Had a "cheaper" tank in my 96 PowerStroke - 100 gallon capacity, paid $500 installed from a guy in Phoenix, it was baffled, ran off the factory fuel gauge, switched to it with a toggle, and had a big Wix fuel filter installed on the frame. Never had one problem with it up to the time I sold the truck with 70,000 miles on it.



To each his own. I'm sure "Transfer Flow" isn't the only outfit capable of putting out a good aux fuel tank .

 

[Cummins Pilot]

Considering that aluminum doesn't rust its a non issue. I didn't like the options offered by transferflow for the money they wanted. So I made my own and it works fine. To each his own.

 

[OTRPU]

Transfer Flow is just cutting a fat hog. Nothing wrong with having a gravity flow tank as long a you have a shut off valve. Some people think aluminum is made outta gold. If you got the money and want the best go with TF, if not, there's lots of other answers.



Cheers,

Steve J

 

[NHanger]

Jimbob24,

Thanks for replying . I did not know who made Nothern's tanks until your post . Looking at RDS's website finalized my deccision .

Considering that shipping weights are about the same tells me material thicknesses are equal . With all the marine tanks they offer I feel confident they produce a descent product .

Still wonder why so much cheaper ?

Thanks again , RNH

 

[JimBob24]

I'm not so sure it is all that much cheaper. With TransferFlow and some of the others you are buying a complete system with pumps, electronic monitors, fittings, etc. That is a lot of the cost. Transferflow is a super system, but I wanted simplicity. With my tank I just transfer fuel to my stock tank thru a fitting I put in the filler neck. I used an electric fuel pump, filter, and fuel shut-off solenoid to build my own system. That added about $150 to the total cost. I also wanted the ability to remove my tank easily if I did not need it. I just remove the fuel and vent lines and plug them and remove a couple of bolts and I can lift my tank out (if it is about empty). Takes less than 10 minutes. The pump, filter and solenoid are mounted under the truck bed.



I used an RDS tank on my previous '97 RAM CTD for over 6 years and the tank still looked almost new when I sold the truck. I did not need the toolbox combo so I got just the tank. The one on my 2004. 5 is only extends 9" from the front to back and is about 1" taller than the top of the box. That helps in my shortbed. I use mine mostly when towing my 5th wheel and the 45 extra gallons lets me go all day without having to make a fuel stop. My tank has fuel and vent fittings, a fuel gauge sender plate, and a 2" threaded opening with plug (for an external transfer pump)on top and a drain fitting at the bottom of the tank. Even though I ordered mine thru Northern I called RDS directly to ask questions about the tank. They were very helpful and were glad to answer all my questions.