Home made in-bed fuel tank

handirifle · Mar 17, 2015

I am considering making an aux fuel (diesel) tank, to go in the side of the bed, in front and even with the wheel well. I am considering either welded steel, or fiberglass.

Has anyone ever made their own?

I do not want one that lies across the bed and uses up valuable bed space, thus the wheel well idea. I know there are custom makers but at over $1,000 a pop, that is out of line too.

Haven't gotten to the fuel transfer options yet.

Big Barn · Mar 17, 2015

I made one out of 10 gauge steel for my 2008 F150 stepside short box when it was new. Did exactly the way you described. Kept the overall height just below the rear window.
A side view would show the tank itself being 'L' shaped with an integrated short tool box with aluminum checker plate lid.

The fuel transfer pump is plugged into a waterproof receptacle with a hidden switch in the bottom corner of the box. It is permanently wired with a relay to the engine compartment.

The tank is flat on top except for the sloped tool box lid.

2x6 fir acts as a 'bumper' on the bottom rearward portion of the toolbox. It can be slipped out easily if another 2" is needed in order to close tailgate for certain loads.
Fuel capacity is about 80 imperial gallons.

I will take photos and post in the morning.

Terry

handirifle · Mar 17, 2015

Thanks Terry, will be looking forward to them.

Since he is in BC, would a tank made here have to be DOT approved? Anyone have any idea on that?

handirifle · Mar 17, 2015

Big Barn
Was your transfer system controlled in the cab, or did you have to reach into the truck bed to activate the pump? How did you connect to the main tank, in the filler hose? Would also like to know about filler cap hardware, etc.

handirifle · Mar 17, 2015

Big Barn
Was your transfer system controlled in the cab, or did you have to reach into the truck bed to activate the pump? How did you connect to the main tank, in the filler hose? Would also like to know about filler cap hardware, etc.

Big Barn · Mar 17, 2015

handirifle said:
Big Barn Was your transfer system controlled in the cab, or did you have to reach into the truck bed to activate the pump? How did you connect to the main tank, in the filler hose? Would also like to know about filler cap hardware, etc.

Handirifle, the switch is right on the pump. I think it is a one inch hose 20 ft long with auto shut off nozzle. The pump is metered. Th hidden switch is just in case I leave truck unattended for a long period of time. (I never use it). It's just easier than locking it.
The filler cap was an aluminum vented one. I welded a pipe nipple to the tank and used a short coupling to extend the height.

Terry

Big Barn · Mar 17, 2015

Here's a few pics I just took in the dark. If you need better angles or?? I can take for you tomorrow.

Terry

mikehaugen · Mar 17, 2015

Handrifle, it sounds as if you want a tank that will fill the truck tank, is that correct? Or is this for fueling other equipment, or both?

If you want it to do both, and you want to control it from the cab, I think I would use a second smaller pump to fill the truck tank. It doesn't need to be that fast since you could just do it while driving.

terryknight · Mar 17, 2015

my father has had two trucks with in bed tanks, both ran a different set up. the dodge had a 60 gallon in bed tank plumbed to the main tank. the in bed tanks was used as a transfer tank through the filler neck. the main tank had it's own lift pump. it had a small 12 volt electric pump that was controlled in cab via a timer, a safety so you didn't need to remember to turn it off. the ford had a rail mount fuel pump, no in tank pump so the in bed tank was used as a second tank. it had it's own supply, return, vent lines, and it's own fuel gauge. there was a selector valve wired it between the tanks and the pump. flip the switch and you went from main tank to in bed tank. the fuel gauge for the in bed tank was wired into the dash fuel gauge. both work well.

handirifle · Mar 18, 2015

Big Barn, thanks for the pics.

Yes I am looking for a tank to act as a supplemental fuel tank, that I could use to refill (partially) the main tank, while driving. Seems I read somewhere that a gravity fill tank in the bed is against CA law, not sure on that one. I am not opposed to a pump though. Even if I can get about 6 gallons or so, I would be content.

I want it as a safety, in case I happen to not pay attention and want to avoid being stranded, while 5th wheeling. I cannot go without stopping to pee long enough, to warrant a regular in bed tank, nor do I want to give up that much bed space all the time. Looking at those like the Titan 52 gal replacement, the cost is prohibitive for me.

Thus if I could build one that sits in the wheel well, in front of it, that would be about perfect. I usually carry a 6 gal diesel fuel container, but I have to secure it to prevent theft, and it's a hassle to lift and fill the tank with.

Not really concerned, at this point with refilling any other vehicles with it.

Where would I look, Northern Tool, for said pumps? An in tank pump would be sweet, but would have to be a junk yard thing I suppose.