2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Aux Tank Mounting?

[Nate]

Guys looking for your opinion on this.



I'm about done building a 50 gallon aux tank.



What I have setup for mounts are 2 1/4" thick pieces of steel that fits into the "trough" of the corregated bed floor, since the tank sits on the top part.



There's 2 3/8" bolts on each piece.



I also made a "washer" out of another piece of 1/4", only a bit longer.







Now I was thinking of putting a tab on the top of the tank as well and mount it to the headboard or bed rails. It will help the tank from trying to rollover when accelerating. I know it shouldn't, but it's just extra support. Figure the tank weighs around 150-200lbs empty (1/8" steel) and 50 gals of diesel will be around 400lbs.



Someone told me not to do this because the bed flexes too much and it will crack the welds of the tank.



I can't see the bed flexing that much with it sitting on a stiff frame (vs a 1/2 ton frame).

 

[Nate]

Here's some pics...



The mount isn't welded in place in that pic, but you get the idea. It's welded it's whole length on both sides.

 

[dezeldog]

Here's some pics...



The mount isn't welded in place in that pic, but you get the idea. It's welded it's whole length on both sides.

Nate, first off... . nice job on the fab of the tank. As for the mounting system I think what you have planed is fine. I would think that 3 2" welds..... ends and center per side would be more than enough.



Jim

 

[Bob4x4]

I think I would weld larger plate to the tank on the ends then weld mounting brackets to that plate as what is done in off road race fabwork. The bed and frame both flex. The amount of flex is determined by where and how you drive. My cab has been kissed by the bed

My aux tank from Aerotanks (spare tire location) has cracked at the mounts from not being deigned strong enough.



Bob

 

[steved]

I would either mount it to the floor OR mount it to the wall... not both. I have broken tool boxes (or broken the bed out around the mounting holes) trying to mount to both the floor and walls.



The bed and floor flex more than we think...





steved

 

[Nate]

Ok.



I went to the farm store yesterday and their expensive, (but cheap made) tanks just have 4 pieces of 1/8" angle to hold the tank to the truck bed.



I guess what I have should be fine then.