2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Fuel tank question

[SWC]

I want to add a fuel tank in the box of my truck, and I want to make the system as simple as possible. Can I gravity feed the fuel from the tank in the box to the main tank by Teeing into the main tank fill line? Will the main tank or fill cap overflow as I would let the fuel flow into the main tank right from the start? Are there any regulations on how to set up an additional fuel tank? I do not want to use any pumps or valves if I don't have to.

Thanks.

Stan

 

[snowracer69]

well...

You're gonna have to use a valve of some kind if you want to shut it off at all. I have a 50 gallon aux. tank in the bed of my truck, with filler cap through the canopy, and the outlet through the bed of the truck. Here's how mine is setup.



I have a valve of some sort that has 2 inlets and one outlet... it's supposed to be a switch between two tanks, but one of the inlets is plugged off, therefore making it an on/off for the aux tank. It gravity feeds into the main tank via a nipple that comes off the front of the filler tube, about 10"-12" down from the cap. The on/off switch is activated by a 12 volt continous on/off toggle switch in the cab... . I believe this is basically used as a break, but I'm not sure... I didn't install the system, or know who did, and I haven't really looked at it too well until today. I'm in the process of installing an LED light onto the switch in the cab so I know when it's on or off. I'm just waiting for my plate for the cubby hole from Eric (in the classifieds) so that i can put it in. Oh, the light is so that I don't overfill my main tank anymore... which brings me to my next point...



yes, it will overfill and spill if you leave it on overnight or something with too much fuel in the aux tank, if it all won't fit in the main tank. My Grandfather (previous owner of my truck), did this twice, putting about 30 gallons of diesel on the ground. I've done it once, but only dumped about 3 gallons on the ground, hence why I'm putting the dummy-light on.



If anything, just put a manual ball-valve on the outlet from the aux tank so you can shut it off if you want, otherwise you'll have a mess.



Hope I helped some. Josh

 

[SWC]

Snowracer, thanks for the reply. If I understand you correctly the main tank will not run over when you are driveing?

Stan

 

[Whitmore]

Gents, If you choose to go the gravity feed route I can help you to not overfill. On the OEM tank where all the lines,sender goes into the tank there is a vent tube there, simply put a hose onto the tube and extend the tube along the frame and then to a higher point than your aux fuel level and it will not spill on the ground, Go look at a one ton at the dealer that has no bed on it and you will see what I mean.

One word of caution if you do this, never open the fill cap on the oem tank when it registers full as it could be 100% full



Cheers,Kevin

 

[snowracer69]

SWC,



That is correct. I can start with a 100% full main tank, and if I turn on my aux tank when I start driving, it will not overfill... in fact, the engine uses more fuel than the aux tank supplies. But, it takes FOREVER to see any difference in reading on the fuel gauge... . so it's obviously working.



Kevin,



Thanks for the tip... I'll have to get that done. Any idea where I should route the line to though, as the fuel level in my aux tank (when full) is above my bed rails! Maybe just up between the cab and canopy?



Thanks, Josh.

 

[Sageair]

I recently soved the aux fuel problem by spending the money for a Transfer-Flow aux tank. It measures the fuel level in both main and aux tank and transfers fuel via a pump when the level in the main gets about 4 gallons below that of the aux tank. The pump runs long enought to transfer 4 gallons and than goes back into standby mode . The display show gallons in main tank,gallons in aux tank,total fuel and system status. This is an extremely sanitary and well engineered system. I installed mine in about three hours tanking my time. The transfer flow tanks are spendy but in my opinion are worth every penny.

 

[SWC]

Kevin, thanks for that idea. What did you use on the top end of the hose as a filter? I have a deck on my truck and a tool box under the deck blocking my view of that area. I can feel the nipple. Does a 1/4 in. ID hose fit over that?

Thanks

Stan

 

[LRamey]

I built an 85 gallon tank to put in the bed. I took out my filler neck and vent on the stock tank. I have a 1/2" drain in the bottom of the 85 gal. tank and ran a line to the 1 1/2" filler hose. Just got a 1/2" x 1 1/2" bell reducer. The vent line from my stock tank I ran up & into the top of my big tank. I fill into my big tank and it always drains down into the stock tank. The only problem I have is unless I fill the dang thing up I can't check my milege, and you about have to take out a loan to fill it but I can drive forever otherwise. One time I filled it & went 2 1/2 months just driving back & forth to work!

 

[Chipstien]

I am thinking of making my own Stainless steel gas tank for the bed. How thick should the material be? Any pointers for building your own gas tanks?

 

[SWC]

I cheeped out and used steel. The welder that did mine used 10 gauge on the bottom and 14 for the rest. I have two tanks 14 X 14 in and 55 in. long. I made mine so I could put a slide in camper on if I want to in the future. I haven't used them yet. Tomorrow will be the first time I will try them out.

I have a tandem axle trailer which I enclosed and I will be moveing my daughter up to Whitehorse in the Yukon leaving Tuesday morning. Looking forward to hearing the cummins hummin for about 5000 kms over 4 days.

Stan