Aux fuel tanks

[Doc Owens]

EMDDiesel is right guys. I also did commercial fishing. We went thru a lot of fuel too in a season and went thru biocide like it was beer. Biocide ain't cheap but if you're dragging your fishing gear next to rock cliffs in a big swell in 40 degree water, you simply cannot afford an engine shutdown from a clogged filter. We installed a separate dip tube in our tanks which went to the bottom. With a hand pump we could draw up fuel from near the bottom. Water & algae live at the bottom. The fuel was decanted into a clear drinking glass. If there was water , we worried. If there was algae we made sure our will was up to date.

 

[Davison]

Well, I finally did it! Went to Chico, CA and took advantage of Transfer Flow's $99 installlation special and had them put in the 74 gal 'wedge' aux tank in the bed of the truck. Went to DJ's in Sacramento and had Don build a custom carpet kit around it... The tank fill neck comes out the side of my Snug Top shell, just next to one of the posts for the EIDE boat rack. Lordy I hope there's enuf fiberglass there to hold it all together!

So it's 108 gal altogether and I am thrilled with it. Trans Flo's opperation is a marvel of modern business and manufacturing. EVERYTHING, I repeat, everything is spiffy, organized and efficient, from the reception office to the factory floor. In these days of sloppy manufacturing and 'customer no service' I was really impressed that this family was proud of what they were making.

It wasn't cheap, but I'm banking on being happy for the long run.....

Speaking of running... . I remember a post a while back, where the person said that as the tank emptied, more air (atmosphere) entered to replace the spent fuel. When the air cooled off (usually at night) any humidity in that air would condense out, and thus into our fuel. Makes sense to me.

So what I got from that was to keep your tank full. But then I haven't filled up in 3 weeks!

Who knows of a good, widely available 'biocide'?????

Rich

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2001. 5 2500 SLT+, QC/LB 4x4, ETH, 6spd, 3:54 LSD, camper/tow equip. , NV241HD, Bright Silver, Snug Top, Ispro w/3 pod pillar w/tweeter, Pyro, Boost & Mag Hytec cover w/temp guage, "Plain Wrap" (no decals or emblems)

 

[mangle]

Just installed an American Tank combo with 45 gallons. First, let me say I like the looks, size and the way this system works. Now for the rest of the story:

At first was told they had tanks in stock. Two days later I ordered and learned it would take four to six weeks. Eight weeks later they told me they had damaged my “custom order” and would build another ASAP. It seems all tanks are a “custom order”. Ten weeks from the order date they shipped my tank. Two days after installing it, it started leaking fuel.

I called Mike, the owner. First he asked if I could have it welded myself. Told him I purchased a new tank, and expected one. He agreed to replace it and said he would call me back with info. Still waiting. I am calling my credit card company next to contest payment.

Guys, when I started this little project, I was told I would receive the tank in four to six weeks. Here it is almost three months later. The wife and I plan on leaving for the summer. This fuel tank issue is a bummer. Guess I should have run up to Chico for an Aux tank.

Installation isn’t bad. Of course you have to love taking a bath in diesel, as you are under the rig when you cut the fuel lines. Don’t forget to take four plugs for capping the cut fuel lines until you install the value.

Still waiting in California for my Texan fuel tank.


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Mike Angles -- email address removed -- . My web site is www.mangles.net. 2001 Ram 3500 Cummings, 6-speed, 4x2 Longbed Cowboy Cadillac with B&D brake, etc. Gotta get a gun rack...

 

[Barry]

I ordered 4 of the toolbox/tank combos from Northern Tool. I have 2 of the 60 gallon units left. Yellow Freight did some minor cosmetic damage to them and I filed a claim. Have not settled with me yet. Hoping they knock off the freight charges at least. If anyone needs one..... I got it!

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2001 2500 QC, ETH/DEE,4:10s,LSD,EZ with elbow(28psi)Stage 1 injectors from Carl,Boost/Pyro Guages,4" Turbo back,BD Brake,Mag-Hytec Cover,Kleen Wheels,Energy Release,70 gal. fuel,20K Reese. 31,000 Miles on 03/01/01 TDR Grille Badge(Auto/Truck/RV Dealer)Honda GL 1500 SE Pearl White for fun.

 

[PRout]

Mangles,

I too was going to go w/ the American tank. The sales guy told me they had em in stock. So after looking around, I decided to buy one from them & have it shipped out. I had my credit card in my hand when the guy sprung the news on me. "6 weeks to have one built", then he started telling me about their cheezy sounding install. No thanks. . I'm still looking for something decent. Transfer flow has a 50 gal for the shortbed, but I really want 65 gals min, so I can wait till someone comes up with the "hot setup". transferflow does seem to have the best reputation, and that counts for alot. Also makes their higher price easier to justify. I plan on keeping the truck till its not worth fixing anymore, so dont want junk.

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Y2k, 40k miles, QC, SB, 4x, 6sp, 3. 54, 285/75r16 bfg/at, stock air cleaner (reliable), silencer ring "in" (runs better), Sunnybrook 28' fiver, 17,100 lbs GCVW. 17. 5-19mpg (unloaded), 12 mpg (loaded). VA, DD1's, PS Boost module, elbow, BD brake...

 

[LEEH]

I am now on my second Transfer Flow Aux fuel tank. The first was a 67 gal. in a 96 RAM and the present one is a 98 gal in my 2001. 5. Excellent product and equal service if you have their factory install it. Pricey - yes, but well worth it if you do not want to deal with problems down the pike. Wouldn't be without one!

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2001. 5 2500 4X2 ETH DEE Dark Garnet, Trailer Tow Pkg. , Camper Special Pkg. , Anti Spin, SLT +, Agate interior, Leather, molded running boards
BD Exhaust Brake, TurboLiner Spray in bed liner, 20K Reese 5th Wheel Hitch, Transfer Flow 98 gal Aux Fuel Tank, 31'Alpenlite double slide out 5er

 

[Matt42]

Several years ago, I installed a 38 gallon Transfer Flow aft-axle tank in my 96 long bed CC. The installation was straightforward. I took my time with it, and worked alone. All needed fittings were included, and the tank was first quality. Well worth the $$. The downside (to some) would be having to relocate the spare tire into the bed. That wasn't a problem for me. My experience with under-bed spares is that invariably, when I have a flat, it's a rear tire and I'm in a low spot or a mud hole. Now I carry two spares fastened to the inside of the bed. Since I switched all six tires to Michelin, I haven't had a flat.

Matt in AZ

 

[Shelby Griggs]

Except for the commercial drivers, I am wondering if an auxiliary tank is cost effective. Diesel fuel weighs around 6. 8 pounds / gallon. Say you add 100 gallons of capacity. You will be packing over 700 extra pounds (with tank and fuel) for a good number of miles. I understand that fuel prices vary greatly, but the initial cost savings will be offset to some extent by the extra fuel burned packing the extra weight several hundred miles. You will also, of course reduce your payload capacity by the same 700 pounds in this example. Running solo, we should all be going around 600 miles with the stock tank, and that is probably going to equate to several potty or food stops anyway, so why not fuel then, instead of packing all of that extra fuel around? I can maybe see a need where you are running commercial, moving heavy loads, and using a lot of fuel. Time is money in that case, but quite frankly most of us are not in that category.

I know I will probably get some flak for taking the contrary opinion here, but I have the flame proof suit on and am waiting. I guess I just want to stir the pot a little, and see what the rational is for being able to drive up to 1000 and even 2000 miles without fueling.

Shelby

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2001. 5 2500 QC LB 4WD, ETH (Built 09-10-00), DEE, 3. 54 gears, Laramie SLT, Camper Special, Trailer Tow, Travel Convenience Group, Power Driver Seat, Alarm System, Remote Keyless Entry, Fog Lamps, Cab Clearance Lamps, HD Transfer Case, Bright White with a Gray Interior. Built 09-15-00, took delivery on 10-06-00, 12310 miles as of 05-01-01. Custom aluminum work body / flat bed. Coming soon: E-Brake and gauges.

 

[Ray J]

Originally posted by Joseph Donnelly:
Transfer Flow tanks meet all the gov't regs. You don't need to get the TRAX electronics in many cases--my replacement 54 gallon tank uses the Dodge fuel sender/pickup assembly.

Also, I don't prefer tanks that require drilling holes in the frame crossmembers and --worse--into the frame flanges (a no-no according to Dodge) in strength-related areas. The Transfer Flow midships tank uses the stock mounting arrangement, but with their own heavier duty straps.

I ordered this one also and am just waiting for it to come in. They had (have) a reduced price on their website until 5/31.

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01 2500 Sport, QC, LWB, Auto, 4. 10, 4x4, Camper Pkg, Tow Pkg, Geno's muffler eliminator pipe, rest is stock for now.
62 T-Bird

 

[Jar Head]

I'm w/ Shelby. You'll have to stop for a restroom anyway, so it might as well be a Flying J. I see no advantage being able to run non-stop for two days straight, Mother Nature will win every time.

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Made in Mexico: 2001 Dodge Ram 2500 HD 4x4, Regular Cab ST, ETC, Auto, 4. 10 LSD, Camper Package, Trailer Package, 100% Stock.
SSgt. USMC, Ret.

 

[Lurch]

I agree with Shelby to a point. I am one of the commercial drivers. The point of the aux tank isn't really the time, because you do need to stop by the time you need fuel, but I don't run a dedicated route and that means I'm usually in unfamiliar territory. In some parts of the country you can go a long ways without seeing a truckstop, kind of unsettling when you're below an eighth of a tank and next stop is unknown. Much easier to just hit a rest area for the call of nature and keep on rolling.

Eric

 

[John]

I'm with Shelby. . in theory anyway. I have a Transfer Flow 54 gal. replacement tank on order (19 more gallons of fuel than the OE tank). When my low fuel warning light comes on at 400-450 mi. (OE 35 gal. tank) I have around 8 gal. left. I would like to extend that number thus, my order for the replacement tank. I don't like further decreasing my remaining fuel supply once the low fuel light comes on, especially in hot weather, at high speed and at high engine demand. I want to make sure I have enough reasonably cool fuel running through my VP44 injection pump.

In addition, there are several trips I like making that will allow NO stopping for fuel with the 54 gal. replacement tank. No wasted time, no possibility of obtaining bad fuel while on the road etc.

And BTW Shelby, even if I could go 1000 mi. on a tank of fuel... when I'm driving on a LONG trip by myself I don't eat anything, only drink, I don't like wasting time looking for a bathroom. I make great time and I almost never stop.

..... everytime I do, invariably, a stupid VW bus will have passed me and hold me hostage on one of the two-lane mountain roads I travel (until I find a place where I can pass that useless POS). #ad


[This message has been edited by John (edited 05-28-2001). ]

 

[Andy Perreault]

Joe Donnelly, thanks for the excellent article in the latest TDR on installing the 54 gallon tank. I was considering one, and I recently got to crawl under Dave Perea's truck to check out how much room it takes up. I have a Gear Vendor overdrive, and it looked to me like the tank would come in contact with the overdrive. Oh, well, I'll have to stick to just having the stock tanks and the rear Transfer Flow 38 gallon tank.
I commute 600 miles a week, so when I see a good price, I like to load up on fuel. I realize that, as some mentioned above, I am carrying a lot of extra weight (+/- 700 lbs), but I personally think that my truck doesn't know the difference when there's that much weight added. I don't think 700 lbs. will make that much of a difference in my mileage. Just my opinion, though.
Since I drive so much, I don't worry about the fuel getting "old" in the tanks.
I'm not up on the latest Ford trucks, but I know they used to come with dual tanks. Why doesn't Dodge offer that option?
Andy

 

[mdlowry]

I'm with Andy. I drive 700+ miles a week. Having the extra fuel capacity would be very nice for me. Unfortunately I have a short bed and my options are limited. I've been looking at the 30 gal combo for a little while now though. I do like the idea of the 38 gal aft axle, but I can't get one. . .

BTW, does anyone know when the Transfer flow tank pumps to the main? I seem to recall that it does it when the main is at a certain point. Is it 3/4 full or 1/2 or what?

Michael

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2000 QC 2500 5sp swb 2wd 4. 10
PGP key id:0x8BB389F7 Finger Print: BD0B 4CCE BB08 0BCB A8DD F4A3 9CBA B96B

[This message has been edited by mdlowry (edited 05-29-2001). ]

 

[SmokinJoe]

Originally posted by Andy Perreault:
I'm not up on the latest Ford trucks, but I know they used to come with dual tanks. Why doesn't Dodge offer that option?

Makes me wonder the same thing. DC has a bunch of lamers in the marketing department...



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2001. 5 QC 2500 White Sport 4x4 LWB ETC 5-Speed Anti-Spin 3. 54 Trailer Tow 241HD SLT+ Tan Leather(Mad Cow Disease) LT265/75R16E ARE Z Series Cap Bedrug ICI Nerfbars

 

[SmokinJoe]

Originally posted by Andy Perreault:
I'm not up on the latest Ford trucks, but I know they used to come with dual tanks. Why doesn't Dodge offer that option?

Makes me wonder the same thing. DC has a bunch of lamers in the marketing department...



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2001. 5 QC 2500 White Sport 4x4 LWB ETC 5-Speed Anti-Spin 3. 54 Trailer Tow 241HD SLT+ Tan Leather(Mad Cow Disease) LT265/75R16E ARE Z Series Cap Bedrug ICI Nerfbars

 

[BillGotthelf]

AS an owner of a coupla of those blue badged trucks with two tanks let me tell you that the trasfer switchs seem to go out about every three years-with some rough dirt road driving. Usually when the go out you are stuck with only one small tank or none at all. I like Dodge's KISS single large tank. Thats why I complicate things by adding an extra tank. #ad


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1996-3500 4x4 extended cab tst #5 plate, K&N air filter,Primeloc fuel filter kit,4" exhaust,Purodyne bypass oil fiter system, bigger injectors (215),b&m trans pan,Amsoil all around,temp gauges out the wazzo, much transmission work including TST upgrade kit and Bill Kondalays TC, Transfer Flow 98 gal bed tank,double tow 33' 5th wheel and 12' trailer w/motorcycle(Honda Valkyarie Interstate)Also have 1999-250-stock.
Installing governor spring kit(BD)on dualie.

 

[Dr.Evil]

Ford doesn't offer the dual tanks anymore. I personally liked them. Book shows them to be about 38-1/2 gal. cap. but I can put more like about 42 in Mine. Having driven O-T-R for several years, Just about every day I wished I had a little more fuel cap. on board. 125 gal. tank on a tractor that only got 4 to 4-1/2 MPG wasn't enough!
DENNY... ... ... ...

 

[Andy Perreault]

Originally posted by Bill Gotthelf:
As an owner of a coupla of those blue badged trucks with two tanks let me tell you that the trasfer switchs seem to go out about every three years-with some rough dirt road driving.

I had a '79 F250 4X4 with dual tanks for 12 years (and it was 6 years old when I bought it), and I never had a problem with the transfer switch. Maybe the older stuff was better built? This was back before fuel injection, so there was no return line to be switched in sequence with the feed line. It was a less complicated unit.
Off subject here, but I still love that body style! Especially '78-'79 F250 SuperCab 4X4's. I see quite a few of them around the Seattle area. Someday, when I have that dream garage... #ad

Andy

 

[John]

..... off subject but, don't forget to purchase an extra front bumper Andy... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ..... just in case. #ad