2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Extra fuel tank

[Lube Man]

I'd like to carry extra fuel at times but do not want to have a permanent installation in mmy truck bed or have to remove the spare tire for a behind the axle tank. I have thought about buying a 30 gallon tank and connecting it to vent line so I can gravity fill the main tank in an emergency. It would be easy to route a small line down through one of the tie down holes in the bottom of the bed, and install a manual valve and quick disconnect on the aux tank. When empty it could be easily lifed out of the truck. If I interpret the DOT regs correctly you cannot have a gravity feed going directly to the injector pump but gravity feeding the main tank would seem to be OK. Am I missing something or is there a simpler way to do this other than carrying five gallon tanks?

 

[Barry]

I have a 36 gallon tank in the nose of my bed. Takes up 9". I gravity flow it to the rubber portion of my filler neck via a 3/8" fuel line thru an inline fuel filter. Takes about 45 min. to transfer. I think the fuel tank is 19"H x 57"L x 9"D. Works great, hope this helps.

------------------
2001 2500 QC, ETH/DEE,4:10s, LSD, EZ with elbow(26. 5PSI) Boost/Pyro Guages, 4" Turbo back, BD Brake,Mag-Hytec Cover, Kleen Wheels, Energy Release, 70 gal. fuel, 20K Reese. 25,000 Miles on 01/30/01(RV Dealer)

 

[Banshe]

Ed,

I had just asked the same question under another thread "Auxiliary Fuel Tanks" and am now looking at those molded tanks from Northen Tools and at the marine tanks. Thinking of getting one somewhere between 15 and 30 gallons and throw it in the bed when I'm hauling my 5ver. Plan to rig up an external transfer fuel pump and quick disconnect fuel line feeding the main tank. They are running between $50 and $200. Check out www.northerntools.com www.surplusunlimited.com and www.boatus.com.

Good Luck

 

[Big-D]

Is there a site on the web that provides DOT regulations for extra fuel tank container typess and locations? I am in the process of completing a home made aluminum flatbed and have an ideal location behind both rear tool boxes for tanks. This location would be outside the frame and wonder what the rules are pretaining to such a location. Thanks!

 

[DRT]

Big-D, Aren't big rig tanks outside the frame? Just a thought.

 

[TomGolden]

Hey guys,

I spoke with an engineer at TransferFlow in December to confirm a rumor I heard on the TDR. The engineer confirmed that TransferFlow is indeed coming out with an OEM replacement 60 gallon tank for our Rams sometime early this year. Back in December he said they expected to have it on the market in February. Don't know if that is still a firm date, but if you're looking for more fuel without hassles of extra tanks, like I am, this may be one possible answer for you.

TransferFlow's web site

Tom


------------------
Get outta the way: The Cummins is Cummin'!

Tom Golden
Godzilla: Patriot Blue 2001 2500 SLT QC 4X4 LWB ETH/DEE, Tow & Camper packages, 3. 54 Ltd. Slip, 4 wheel disc ABS, Isspro EGT/boost gauges, black SmittyBilt nerf bars, TDR decal, Jack antenna ball
2001 Zinc Yellow SVT Mustang Cobra on order
NRA Life/CRPA/El Dorado #26 F. &A. M. of California

 

[BV]

FWIW - Aero Enterprise (Aero Tank) has a 55/60 gallon replacement tank.
http://www.aerotanks.com/

 

[ISB RAMBO]

Tom, the Transfer Flow tank will be available to order on 2/15. It is 54 gallon capacity (not 60) and sells for just over $700. I am seriously considering a 36 or 50 gallon heavy duty plastic Tempo marine tank (both around $200) that can easily taken out of the bed when not needed. A small electric fuel pump and an anti-siphon valve would allow filling to the main tank - single switch in the cab. This is probably the 'poor mans' way to do it but it sure gives a lot of capacity the easy way. Just my thoughts

------------------



Stan

2001 2500 SLT+ Quad Cab, 6 speed, ETH, 4X4, LWB, 3. 54 LSD Trailer Tow, Camper Special, 241HD, Tow Mirrors, Bright White, Line-X Bedliner, Putco Boss SS running boards, A. R. E. K Series Truck Cap, Reese Titan V Hitch, 2WD Low, DD 4" exhaust, BD exhaust brake, Isspro Boost and EGT gauges, Mag-Hytec rear cover with Amsoil Series 2000 75W-90 synthetic, Amsoil Dual-Remote Cummins Oil Filtration System (full-flow & by-pass); Amsoil 2 Stage Air Filter

 

[JohnMcIntyre]

Originally posted by Ed Fernandez:
I'd like to carry extra fuel at times but do not want to have a permanent installation in mmy truck bed or have to remove the spare tire for a behind the axle tank.

<font color = blue> Ed, you should check out Aerotank's 60 US gallon/300 liter replacement fuel tank. I had mine fitted last year at their Pomona CA facility. See their URL embedeed in my sig file below.



------------------
JMc

2001 Flame Red Sport 3500 QC, 5. 9L 24v Cummins, 4x4 Auto, 3. 54/LSD, 155 inch WB, Agate leather, Camper Special & Trailer Tow Groups , Sliding Rear Window, WAAG sidetubes with dually kickouts, Line-X UTR Bedliner & underseal, Grover Airhorns, Lance 1130 slide-in Camper, 60 gallon Aerotank, RS9000s, Reese Titan class 5 hitch, Roadmaster XX, in planning stages... . Gauges, Mag-Hytec, Exhaust Brake, Psychotty Air, 4" exhaust, Injectors, Rickson 19. 5" wheels, , Bill K. VB & TC.

 

[Big-D]

DRT,

You are absolutely correct, the big rigs do have their fuel tanks outside of the frame and I would suppose that's a good argument for doing the same with my truck. However, GMC lost a law suite not too awfully long ago on their pickups (1976 models +/- a few yrs)with saddle tanks outside the frame. You might remember seeing this on 60 Minutes for side impack accidents caused a couple of fires. I like playing by the rules and feel the DOT probably has something to say about it. I'll keep looking before I go much further. Any ideas would be appreciated.

 

[Lube Man]

Originally posted by Barry:
I have a 36 gallon tank in the nose of my bed. Takes up 9". I gravity flow it to the rubber portion of my filler neck via a 3/8" fuel line thru an inline fuel filter. Takes about 45 min. to transfer. I think the fuel tank is 19"H x 57"L x 9"D. Works great, hope this helps.

This sounds exactly what I had in mind. Where did you get the tank?

 

[Davison]

John:

Your 60 gal Aero Replacement tank... . I've heard all kinds of things about it! Does it actually hang down 'below' the frame and just how close is it to the driveshaft?

Obviously it is a good unit, how do you like it?

Hey Big D: I did see the DOT regulations posted on one of the Aux Fuel Tank Manufacturer's Web site. A real snooze = legal mumbo jumbo mostly, but it is the definative source for the only 'legal' way to do it! I'll snoop around and see if I can't find it again for you.

------------------
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)

 

[Big-D]

Thanks Davison! I'll check back.

 

[Kingsbury]

Aux fuel tank

I put an 85 gal saddle tank in the front of my bed and ran a 1/2" line into the vent line of the filler neck. I tie it down with straps to the side and I have about $100 in it. pulling my trailer I can go between 1000 and 1200 miles without fueling.

 

[dezeldog]

aux fuel tank

Kingsbury, Do you have some sort of valve for transferring fuel to the OEM tank????



Tanks alot Jim

 

[Shovelhead]

I'm tryin' to get edjumacated here.



On the replacement of OEM tanks... .

If #2 diesel weighs approx 7lb/gal.

then:

stock tank cap/weight= 35 gal/ 245 lb

aftermarket = 60gal/ 420 lb



Isn't that alot of weight to carry around on only one side of the truck?

And on the driver's side too?

Wouldn't that upset the front end alignment?

It seems the cross-the-bed style would carry the weight more evenly.

 

[richardcoxid]

I had Aero Tanks install their 60 gal. Replacement Tank 3 years ago. Love it! No problems! It does hang down 2 1/4 inches below the frame. This isn’t a problem for me. Aero does make a skid plate if you want one.



In talking with Aero if they install it the warranty is 2 yr. If you install it (freight was $90. 00?) the warranty is 1 yr. The difference is that the tank is very long and to support the extra weight it is bolted to the frame. They want to make sure that during installation the frame of the truck isn’t in a twist that would put extra strain on the tank itself. Also I didn’t think that the $139. 00? installation fee was out of reason. That represents about 2-2½ hrs. labor. I was at their shop at 8AM and out by 12:10 PM. TDR had an article a year or so ago about installing it. I think that it would take most people a day or two to do it the first time.



While researching various options in carrying extra fuel my insurance agent said that your coverage could be jeopardized if the modifications didn’t meet DOT requirements. So for safety’s sake I would check with your insurance agent and DOT before doing the gravity transfer method. I guess that in case of an accident involving a fuel fire and the Insurance Co. found out that the fuel system modifications weren’t according to DOT they could refuse to pay!

 

[Kingsbury]

Bed fuel tank

I did not put a valve in the 1/2" line going to the vent line filler neck. I did use a hydralic coupler so that I could just unhook the line when I wanted to remove the tank. These Ag couplers do not let fuel or dirt through them when not conected.

 

[Lube Man]

Well there have been some interesting replies to my original thread but a lot of questions regarding details were never answered.



I finally decided to buy two 6 gallon plastic tanks from Walmart for $5 each. Pulling my 5th wheel it gives me another 100+ miles of security. I use an automatic siphon to transfer (has a non return ball valve. you simply shake the siphon up and down to get a flow started. ) THe 6 gallon tanks fit nicely in front of a 2x8 that goes across the bed. Actually I could carry 6 of these tanks if I wanted.

 

[RMidgett]

Auxillary Fuel Tank

I recently purchased a used aluminum 100 gallon diesel tank from a local business that deals in used semi-truck parts. I bought it for $50. I plan to mount it in the front of the bed with ratchet straps & feet that I'll add for stability. It will be removeable; I don't need it all the time. I'll fill the main tank from the aux tank via the vent line as others have indicated works well. Gravity feed should be good, an electric pump might be necessary. An inline filter seems to be a good idea as well.