Cost of diesel across Canada to Alaska

[Grizzly]

George, if you don't have an aux fuel tank in the bed, this may be the time, I have as several others do a 75 Gal Transfer-Flow bed tank, I removed it from my 05, and installed it in the 12 truck, total fuel about 105 gal, it lets you select where you want to fill up, both price, and fuel quality. Yes they cost, but I think mine has paid for itself over the years, plus I never worry about where to fill up, will the 5er clear the canopy etc, just something to ponder over.

Transfer Flow seems to be the way to go, but they are pricey. Where the best place to purchase one? How difficult is it to install?



george

 

[HBarlow]

Transfer Flow seems to be the way to go, but they are pricey. Where the best place to purchase one? How difficult is it to install?

george

Yes, they are a little expensive but quality costs. Mine has been in use since 2002 transferred from the original truck to an '06 then to my current truck.

Many thousands of gallons have been purchased in states where the fuel and other taxes were lowest saving me a lot of fuel cost money. The tank paid for itself long ago.

TF tanks can only be purchased from Transfer Flow. See their website.

Very easy to install the in-bed aux tank. Set it in place, drill four holes through the bed to secure it in place and a hole through the inner bed wall into the cavity between inside wall and outside wall of bed for the fuel transfer hose and wiring harnesses.

Route 12 volt supply to the harness for the transfer pump and tap the OEM fuel gauge sender wire the instructions identify by color code. The fuel sender signal tells the transfer pump when to pump fuel and when to stop. Route the fuel transfer hose from tank to a "Y" fitting inserted in the OEM fuel tank vent line. This is the route to transfer fuel from the aux tank into the OEM tank.

The system is complete with tank, hardware, transfer pump, mini-computer for controlling when the pump kicks on and when it stops, and fuel hose and "Y" fitting and clear, readable instructions. No additional external filtering is required as it is a transfer tank.

Transfer Flow is an excellent company. Their tanks are DOT tested and approved for impact and roll over protection and all components are of high quality. Their customer service is outstanding. The engineer who designed the transfer tank system will receive and answer phone calls and emails to provide information and advice.

 

[Grizzly]

Yes, they are a little expensive but quality costs. Mine has been in use since 2002 transferred from the original truck to an '06 then to my current truck.



Many thousands of gallons have been purchased in states where the fuel and other taxes were lowest saving me a lot of fuel cost money. The tank paid for itself long ago.



TF tanks can only be purchased from Transfer Flow. See their website.



Very easy to install the in-bed aux tank. Set it in place, drill four holes through the bed to secure it in place and a hole through the inner bed wall into the cavity between inside wall and outside wall of bed for the fuel transfer hose and wiring harnesses.



Route 12 volt supply to the harness for the transfer pump and tap the OEM fuel gauge sender wire the instructions identify by color code. The fuel sender signal tells the transfer pump when to pump fuel and when to stop. Route the fuel transfer hose from tank to a "Y" fitting inserted in the OEM fuel tank vent line. This is the route to transfer fuel from the aux tank into the OEM tank.



The system is complete with tank, hardware, transfer pump, mini-computer for controlling when the pump kicks on and when it stops, and fuel hose and "Y" fitting and clear, readable instructions. No additional external filtering is required as it is a transfer tank.



Transfer Flow is an excellent company. Their tanks are DOT tested and approved for impact and roll over protection and all components are of high quality. Their customer service is outstanding. The engineer who designed the transfer tank system will receive and answer phone calls and emails to provide information and advice.

Thanks Harvey for the excellent information on the TF fuel system. Now I know what I need to do. I just have to decide on the size of tank.



george

 

[DonFitzwater]

4. 01 at Safeway in Fairbanks today with a Safeway card. About 4. 19 average everywhere else in town.

 

[Grizzly]

4. 01 at Safeway in Fairbanks today with a Safeway card. About 4. 19 average everywhere else in town.

Thanks, that's the kind of information I need. On our last trip in 06 we purchased diesel at Fred Myers in Fairbanks, Anchorage and Soldotna with a Rewards Card. They were the cheapest at that time. Are they still good?

 

[Midnite]

Yep, at least here in Anchorage they're the cheapest.

 

[RMachida]

Thanks, that's the kind of information I need. On our last trip in 06 we purchased diesel at Fred Myers in Fairbanks, Anchorage and Soldotna with a Rewards Card. They were the cheapest at that time. Are they still good?

Yep, still the cheapest especially if you buy a lot of groceries there and are willing to let them track your purchases with a rewards card. I usually get $1. 00 off per gallon.

 

[Grizzly]

Yep, still the cheapest especially if you buy a lot of groceries there and are willing to let them track your purchases with a rewards card. I usually get $1. 00 off per gallon.

Thanks, I was hoping that was still true. I still have my Fred Myers rewards card.

 

[RonD]

Transfer Flow seems to be the way to go, but they are pricey. Where the best place to purchase one? How difficult is it to install?



george

George, it took me about 5 hours to install, they make two systems for the Dodge truck in your year, the Express is the simple one, when the tank gets down to about 1/4 mark, the pump automatically transfers to the factory tank, when it reaches about 3/4 full, it shuts off, there is no gauge reading for the AUX tank, this is what I had in my 05 Ram, I just went by miles driven and had a close idea what fuel was remaining, a simple system. The other system they have is the Trax 2 system, it has a module with LED reading, shows how much fuel is in both tanks, and some other stuff. If you buy one of these systems beware the first one I discused will not work on a 2010 and newer Dodge, the tank gauge wiring has changed, only the Trax 2 will work. So if you decide to replace your 05, you have to buy the Trax 2 kit. The install on the Trax 2 is a little more involved, add a couple of hours to do that one, I have done both, I retained my 70 GAL tank when I sold my 05, and bought the Trax 2 kit to add to my tank for the 2012. They want in the instructions the Module mounted in view of the driver, I found no need to always know what the fuel in the tanks are, so I mounted it inside the glove box, if want to see it, I just open the door and look. One other thing about the Trax 2, is say you fill up both tanks, the module will show 70 gal in the aux, and 35 gal in the factory tank, when your factory tank gets down some maybe 5 gallons, it will transfer to the point that the main tank is at the same % of full as the Aux tank, so as you driving along and your main tank Factory gauge says it is at half full, the Aux tank will be the same, half full, I like that a lot, also when I installed the aux tank, I installed a Marine Racor 2 micron fuel filter between the aux tank and the transfer pump, now all my fuel gets 2 micron filtering, and it has it's own water seperator also, pre filtered fuel before it enters the mail tank, I hope this helps.

 

[Grizzly]

RonD, I agree with you on the Trax II. I'm looking at the 50 Gallon Toolbox and Fuel Tank Combo in Aluminum Diamond Plate online. The only thing I don't like is the $1855 price tag. I'm hoping to find a good used one on craigslist or ebay. I can't justify $1855 for occasional use.

 

[HBarlow]

George, it took me about 5 hours to install, they make two systems for the Dodge truck in your year, the Express is the simple one, when the tank gets down to about 1/4 mark, the pump automatically transfers to the factory tank, when it reaches about 3/4 full, it shuts off, there is no gauge reading for the AUX tank, this is what I had in my 05 Ram, I just went by miles driven and had a close idea what fuel was remaining, a simple system. The other system they have is the Trax 2 system, it has a module with LED reading, shows how much fuel is in both tanks, and some other stuff. If you buy one of these systems beware the first one I discused will not work on a 2010 and newer Dodge, the tank gauge wiring has changed, only the Trax 2 will work. So if you decide to replace your 05, you have to buy the Trax 2 kit. The install on the Trax 2 is a little more involved, add a couple of hours to do that one, I have done both, I retained my 70 GAL tank when I sold my 05, and bought the Trax 2 kit to add to my tank for the 2012. They want in the instructions the Module mounted in view of the driver, I found no need to always know what the fuel in the tanks are, so I mounted it inside the glove box, if want to see it, I just open the door and look. One other thing about the Trax 2, is say you fill up both tanks, the module will show 70 gal in the aux, and 35 gal in the factory tank, when your factory tank gets down some maybe 5 gallons, it will transfer to the point that the main tank is at the same % of full as the Aux tank, so as you driving along and your main tank Factory gauge says it is at half full, the Aux tank will be the same, half full, I like that a lot, also when I installed the aux tank, I installed a Marine Racor 2 micron fuel filter between the aux tank and the transfer pump, now all my fuel gets 2 micron filtering, and it has it's own water seperator also, pre filtered fuel before it enters the mail tank, I hope this helps.

Did you talk with Jason Holpuch (from memory, I've lost his email address) about this? Jason is the TF engineer who designed the 70 aux tank. The wiring changed from 2001 to 2006 and from 2006 to 2008 also. Each time I transferred my tank from one truck to the next I contacted Jason and purchased his recommended mini-computer to match the new truck and a new fuel transfer pump because the previous one had lots of miles and gallons on it. My tank is the simple one without the TRAX system and still works great.

 

[RonD]

That's the Guy Harvey, He knows these tanks completely, good people for sure, Ron

 

[RonD]

RonD, I agree with you on the Trax II. I'm looking at the 50 Gallon Toolbox and Fuel Tank Combo in Aluminum Diamond Plate online. The only thing I don't like is the $1855 price tag. I'm hoping to find a good used one on craigslist or ebay. I can't justify $1855 for occasional use.

George, as I recall the tank cost isn't that much difference going from one to another, if I had to do it again I would have bought the 98 gallon one, as far as the polished Aluminum with the tool box, I don't recommend it, first park that truck in the Hot New Mexico sun one summer day, then try to open it, if you can without burning your fingers, everything inside will be cooked, second the cost is a lot, in my case I only really use the truck for towing the 5er, I have more than enough room in it for tools etc. The first time you haul a wheelbarrow in the back and it dents that soft Aluminum side wall you won't be happy, and the weather will win the battle on that polished finish, with the Rig you have a big tank will fit just fine. My bed has a spray bed liner in black, the tank just blends in, just my 2 cents, Ron

 

[RonD]

George, one more thing, look at a photo of the tank with the toolbox, then the one without, the tool box one has the filler on the rear side, down a little, the regular tank has it on the top, filling that with your Dually may present some additional issues with access, Ron

 

[Grizzly]

Ron, If I get the Aluminized Steel (Powder Coated Black) with the Express-UFS @ $1191. 52, I'm limited to only 40 gallon tank. I'm with Harvey, I don't need the TRAX-II.



The 98 gallon sounds good, but I do need a small tool box. Did you know that they want another $200 for shipping.

 

[mrtrombley]

Grizz, I just want to give you an alternative. Certainly nothing wrong with Transfer Flow (maybe price?) But take a look at www.auxtank.com and see what you think. Mike Shuman has some very nice tanks and is very knowledgeable and has great customer service. He manufactures the tanks himself in TX, north of Dallas. I have the 65 gallon tank in my bed. Sits below the bed rails so it doesn't interfere with the 5th wheel.

Tank is set up so that I can switch from one to the other as I want. It also reads the fuel level of the tank I am using. Nice feature is that each tank has it's own fuel pump, so they each work independently. Also DOT compliant.

With nearly 100 gallons I can go about 1300 miles empty and about 750 towing. And my 4wd doesn't get the best mpg!! Gives me a choice of where to buy.

 

[dcallaway]

Hey George, I think the last time I filled up here in Anchorage, diesel was in the 4. 10 range, give or take a few cents. I've made that trip a few times myself. One time I ran way low on fuel, and had to fill up in the middle of nowhere. Didn't even look at the price, just kept scraping bugs off the windshield. When my wife said I had just gone over $150, I gave up on the dead bugs, and it shut off at a $157. Another plus for the aux tank. Next trip, I'll have one. Have a great trip.



Dave

 

[Grizzly]

Grizz, I just want to give you an alternative. Certainly nothing wrong with Transfer Flow (maybe price?) But take a look at www.auxtank.com and see what you think. Mike Shuman has some very nice tanks and is very knowledgeable and has great customer service. He manufactures the tanks himself in TX, north of Dallas. I have the 65 gallon tank in my bed. Sits below the bed rails so it doesn't interfere with the 5th wheel.



Tank is set up so that I can switch from one to the other as I want. It also reads the fuel level of the tank I am using. Nice feature is that each tank has it's own fuel pump, so they each work independently. Also DOT compliant.



With nearly 100 gallons I can go about 1300 miles empty and about 750 towing. And my 4wd doesn't get the best mpg!! Gives me a choice of where to buy.

Thanks mrtrombley, the 65 gal/tool box combo sounds impressive. Good price too.

 

[mrtrombley]

You can have the tank shipped and install it yourself. For me it was worth it to go there and have him install it. Was working in AL, so just routed to Dallas area on our way home for Thanksgiving. That was in Nov, 2005. Have been using it ever since. Was really impressed with the owners knowledge of our trucks and their electrics.

 

[Barry]

I have my RDS 91 gallon Combo/Tank/Toolbox in the 3rd truck coming up on 350,000 miles. Not one problem. And the ingenious little collar that fits in the filler neck line ($50) has an internal float valve that just keeps the main tank full until the fuel in the aux tank is exhausted.



No wires, no pumps, no solenoids. Install the tank and collar in one hour. And the price cannot be beat.



mi dos centavos