RV Hauler Bed

[ChrisM]

Hi, looking to switch to an RV Hauler Bed on my Ram 3500 for storage, ease of access to stored items and an auxiliary fuel tank ( not a transfer tank ). It drives me nuts when traveling with friends in class A's having 80 gallon plus fuel tanks and I can't do a days worth of traveling without looking for diesel fuel stops. I've been looking at Utility Body Works, Highwayman, and Classy Chassis but hoping to get some feedback from people who have one of those brands or know someone who does or even a different brand.

[roadglide]

I'm useing RDB aluminum 60 gal with small tool box on top . I wired pump with a ball valve and switch is in the cab. Are looking at adding another tank under the bed?

[CaptnJohn]

Originally Posted by roadglide

I'm useing RDB aluminum 60 gal with small tool box on top . I wired pump with a ball valve and switch is in the cab. Are looking at adding another tank under the bed?

I just added an auxiliary tank in the bed of my truck. Nothing fancy. Open the valve and fuel goes into the truck tank. I have about a 900 mile range. I run with the valve open and the tank shows full until the auxiliary tank is dry and using fuel from the truck tank.

[hornet28]

I run an in bed 50 gal Transfer Flow tank for a total of 84 gals on board

[Racebug]

I have a 65 gallon "L" shaped tank under my tool box. gives me around 100 gallons total. T with a float valve in filler neck. I will tire out before we need fuel.

[ChrisM]

Lots of good feedback on auxiliary tanks. Looks like maybe not too many people have switched over to utility body based on responses.

[CaptnJohn]

Originally Posted by ChrisM

Lots of good feedback on auxiliary tanks. Looks like maybe not too many people have switched over to utility body based on responses.

Only one person I know did. Saw the company at the Tampa RV show. They do a 5er bed on a f450. Best have real deep pockets.

[ChrisM]

I was hoping it could be done for under 10K. Most of the websites don't post even base prices but I'm finding that it could be 15 to 20K which is disappointing because the functionality would be great but to me that is an outrageous cost for what you get. Almost a 3rd of the price of the vehicle and I'm sure it adds little value for resale but then I realize anybody interested in resale should just forget RV'ing.

[CaptnJohn]

Actually I’d think it may deter from resales. A very limited market and limited use other than pulling a 5er

[Pull Toy]

+1 for the Captain ^^^ The more specialized the equipment the smaller the secondary market.

I did some rough calculations. My 6.7 Ford average 12.5 +/- mpg in mildly hilly New England. My fuel tank holds approximately 26 gallons of diesel. Without sucking the last couple fumes from the tank, this means I can drive about 5.416 hours at 60 mph. At my age, by that point, I've already take at least one "relief" stop, had a stretch to work out the kinks, and had a bite to eat. Since I've already pulled in, I might as well fill 'er up as I don't like to drop below 1/4 tank. It keeps the in tank fuel pump a lot cooler, and when I hit standstill traffic I don't sweat running dry before it clears. I don't presume to speak for everybody, but 5 hours is about as far as I want to go in one day anyhow, and even if I decide to drive further, it sure as H*LL won't be straight thru, non stop.

Another major, IMHO, consideration is the big time loss of PAYLOAD when adding all of that extra curb weight. As we've discussed almost daily, the average camper is already overloading his TV, and camper with toys, and gear. Imagine adding 100 gallons of fuel at around 8 pounds per gallon?

Good Luck,

[notanlines]

We'd be lost as a goose without our auxiliary tank. 100 gallons total means we only fill up every second day on the road. And one more vote for the same type tank as Cap'n John. Gravity feed, one moving part, a petcock, how can you go wrong? Fuel and tank adds about 400 pounds to the bed.