DIY aux tank for truck

handirifle · May 25, 2016

No, they have one that replaces the factory tank, but $1400+ shipping $200 is a LOT of money. I can't justify that much. But 20-21 gallons at 12 mpg towing, doesn't go far.

I saw a behind the cab 20 (or so) gallon tank somewhere a while back. It stood just below the bed rails, and went across the bed, and was only about 7" deep. But I cannot find it anywhere. That, if it could be transferred while driving, would be worth considering.

MossRoad · May 26, 2016

Transfer while driving is a must, or you'd be better off stopping at a gas station. I wonder if you'd be insured if something happened while using a home-built aux tank?

aczlan · May 26, 2016

handirifle said:
No, they have one that replaces the factory tank, but $1400+ shipping $200 is a LOT of money. I can't justify that much. But 20-21 gallons at 12 mpg towing, doesn't go far.

I saw a behind the cab 20 (or so) gallon tank somewhere a while back. It stood just below the bed rails, and went across the bed, and was only about 7" deep. But I cannot find it anywhere. That, if it could be transferred while driving, would be worth considering.

It looks like Aero Tanks (AeroTanks - We specialize in auxiliary and replacement fuel tanks.) sells a 52 gal tank for $1185.00 installed (still seems high), you might also hit up the local junkyards and see if you can find a truck there with an aftermarket oversize tank installed.

Aaron Z

dodge man · May 26, 2016

I was thinking Northern Tools have a lot of in bed tanks listed, I was thinking some were pretty narrow. I also seem to remember they sold kits that allowed the factory tank to be hooked up to the in bed tank.

Do you have a tool box in your truck? They make tool box tank combos, but they are expensive.

handirifle · May 26, 2016

Good question. I assume the tank would have to be a causal factor though.

handirifle · May 26, 2016

Dodge man
No I don't but don't really need a tool box either. I have been retired since 2009, but didn't need one for work either. I will probably settle on an in-bed model, but something like 15-20 gallons is all I need. I sure wish I had saved the link to the one I found a while back.

The Titan Sidekick is CLOSE to what I want, but it is NOT DOT approved (not if it's connected to the fuel system), so I'd be just as well off with a homemade one. I want to be able to transfer enroute.

bdog · May 26, 2016

dodge man said:
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?

Not everyplace sells diesel. Depending on where you are it can be difficult to find. When towing big trailers sometimes it is difficult to get into many gas stations. I like others like to stop every four hours or so and stretch but it is nice to be able to go farther and have freedom when you buy fuel. I have a 90 gallon transfer tank on my bed for my equipment and it has a small pump T'd into my filler neck on the truck so I can flip a switch and pump the truck full.

dodge man · May 26, 2016

http://www.northerntool.com/images/product/2000x2000/349/349004_2000x2000.jpg

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200395491_200395491

Here is a couple from nothern tool, probably close to what you want but I'm not sure if they can be plumbed into your tank or not.

handirifle · May 26, 2016

I have been scouring the net and cannot find the one I remember. I looked at every tank Northern sells, to no avail. The one you posted is close, but I don't want one that lays flat. I need bed space. Plus I REALLY don't want one in the bed, because they do tend to collect some fuel on them and if I haul furniture or something like that for one of my kids, I don't want fuel getting on it.

I have written the folks at Aero before, they are about 4hrs from me, and they only sell installed tanks. I have no issue with that part. Still pricey. Theirs DOES have internal baffles though, and I like that part. Steel tank, so weighs about 80lbs I have heard. Not sure what Titan's tank weighs, but it does not have baffles in it either.

I sent Aero another email to see how much reserve theirs leaves in the tank. Titan leaves as much as 15 gallons from what I have read. Some say as low as 7, and that's fins but 15 is too much, to my liking.