DeezilDog,
Thanks for the url; I checked it out. I'm a little bit skeptical about the quality, and really like the looks of the American Tank & Tool box Co. diamond plate tank...
I called and talked to Mike Shuman this morning (877-485-3359). He said they'd custom make a tank for me with the filler tube concealed in the tool portion of the box ("out of sight, out of mind"). The unit I'm interested in is a CAM45-DL. It's a combination tool box and 45 gal. tank. I really think, as Rob said in his review, that these are top notch security, very well constructed units. Unlike the standard, bed-mounted toolbox, they have handles which are virtually burglar/tamper proof -- cam-action locks which pull the lid down tight, and don't feature the light-weight, flimsy, 1/4" sheer-rod that provides security for most tool boxes (like the "Camping World" unit). Regular toolboxes, as a result, can be easily forced open with a conventional pry bar ("WonderBar"). He went into a lot of detail about the construction of the tanks -- superior baffling and venting, etc. -- and convinced me this is the way to go.
With this 45 gallons, and the stock tank, I'll have 80 gallons on board which is probably as much fuel as I'll ever want to carry -- particularly in Georgia, which is already one of the cheapest states in which to buy fuel.
The cost, including the installation kit, delivered to my home, would be around $1,200. This includes my paying about a $150 premium for having the tank made to my specifications (hiding filler tube), which is probably not really necessary. I figured out that there is really no way to rationalize this purchase from a cost (fuel savings) standpoint. Even if I could net a 20¢ per gallon savings, I'd have to drive well over a hundred thousand miles (4 or 5 times around the world) just to break even on the deal.
The main attraction for me is the security of knowing there's a reserve of fuel on-board, should things get really "nutz" on the oil front (embargo/war); I remember, very well, the long lines during the oil "crisis" of the early '70s.
Mike said to allow 4-6 week delivery, and to expect that the job is about a 4 hour install for one person. Two guys do an installation at their Dallas, TX facility in about an hour, but they charge $300 for the install.
Thanks, again, for your link.
[This message has been edited by Sasquatch (edited 10-17-2000). ]