DIY aux tank for truck

[handirifle]

A 36 gallon tank would be perfect for me, but it won't fit (not the GM one anyway). I would LOVE to be able to swap one into my truck, but there is a cross member in the way. I still have not given up totally on the idea though. Next time I can get under my brother in laws I will take some measurements and see for myself. I am a little stubborn that way. If there is a way I can cram it in I will.

One Duramax tuner told me the sending units use a different ohm setting than mine does too. All minor obstacles to overcome.

 

[handirifle]

Well speak of the devil, the BIL showed up about an hr ago and I measured. REAL close but it won't work. The cross members are close enough, distance wise, that I might make it work, except my cross member is designed WAY different than the new ones. I do see a possibility to build a tank forward of the factory one, that I could probably squeeze 10 gallons into. I could then have EFI Live tell my truck it carries 36 gallons instead of 26, but I am not sure I have the guts to drill holes in my tank. THAT I have to think about. There is a thread where a guy did just that, but I am fearful I could screw it up and then there's no turning back.

My thinking is to connect the 2 tanks with a large hose at top for fill up, and a smaller one for fuel usage/drain back. The top hose would have to be sizable to prevent a slowdown when refueling.

If I could locate a CHEAP GM diesel tank and make the changes to it, then I would have a way out. More to ponder.

 

[handirifle]

Going over some numbers, a gallon = 231 cu in, and after measuring, I believe I could fit a tank that is approximately 7" deep x 16" wide x 24" long, and that is over 11 gallons, almost 12. That is enough to allow for dimension adjustments and still keep me in the 10 gallon range, which is my goal. With it connected as I mentioned, there would be no gauge confusion issues the GM's sometimes have when extra fuel is added without turning off the engine. The fuel would drain as the computer expected and the DIC range would work as well (I think).

 

[FTG-05]

I have been reading about some folks that have made their own aux diesel fuel tanks for mounting UNDER the truck bed, and plumbed into the system to fill and drin as the main tank does, no switch over system. Anyone here done this?

If I were trying to do this, I would look into a fuel tank from a Ford Excursion and install it where the spare tire normally goes. I would then plumb it via a ball valve and gravity to the main tank (diesel only). Someone did this and there was at least one thread on this over at the Diesel Stop forum but I haven't seen it in years.

Good luck.

 

[handirifle]

NOT me. I had too many instances of debris in the road destroying a tire and having no spare equals being stranded. No thanks. Some folks say just put the spare in the bed. If I wanted to do that, I'd just put a tank in the bed. Not going to do that either. I want one that is filled at the same time the main tank is, and uses fuel at the same time, thus the gauge is accurate, AND it doesn't cost me $1500.

This is the thread I mentioned earlier. http://www.duramaxforum.com/forum/a...d-20-gallon-fuel-tank-front-factory-tank.html. This is likely the path I will take. Just need to guts to cut a hole in my tank when the time comes. Even if I screw up my factory tank, a new one can be had for under $340 plus shipping, so it won't cost a fortune to replace.

 

[handirifle]

For me a 52 gallon tank, like a lot of aftermarket tanks are, is really more than I need. Titan also sells a 39 gallon tank, but cost's $1400-1500 also. At my age I need to get out and stretch long before I would use that much fuel. Usually when we tow the 5th wheel, 4 hrs is the normal pull time, a hurry up trip, we will push 5 or so. On a 5 hr day, I will have to get out around 3hrs anyway, so might as well fuel up. What 36 gallons would do for me, is give me a 3 hr pull, with enough fuel to tool around town once there and unhooked. So a 5hr day would be drive 3hrs, fuel up, drive 2 more, unhook and tour, and fill up at my leisure, not because I am already in the yellow or on E.

 

[dodge man]

I read somewhere that they have places that sell fuel. You pump all you want and then pay them money for it. I never understood the hang up with the need for more fuel. The cheapest route is a L shaped fuel tank but they are only meant for diesel. I guess if you towed heavy and had a small tank it might get old stopping all the time but is it worth the money to do something about it?

 

[handirifle]

Well I don't understand the need to be sarcastic, because someone else has preferences or concerns different than yours. If you don't get it, or don't like it, no need to comment.

Kinda how liberals that don't eat meat, suddenly want hunters to no longer be able to hunt. They don't get it either!!

I DO tow heavy, and there is only 20-21 gallons of USABLE fuel, so YES I do need to stop often to refuel, even at those places that sell it. YES it IS a diesel, and NO I do NOT want the majority of my 6.5ft bed taken up with a stupid looking tank.

 

[ultrarunner]

^^^This was a big complaint of my friend that makes a living towing his Tag trailer all over CA...

With the Ford he never had to stop midway to buy Diesel.

 

[MossRoad]

What year, make and model is that truck? Were there any larger factory tank options that maybe you could get at a salvage yard?

I know I love my 42 gallon tank in my '93 Suburban. I'll frequently go for a month around town before refueling. I've gone over 700 miles on one tank (all highway and no towing).