aux fuel tank

wiredgeorge · 03-29-2020, 03:56 PM

Impoverished diesel truck owner. Thinking about an auxiliary fuel tank. There are scratch and dents at a local accessory place.

https://sanantonio.craigslist.org/pt...090193547.html

I don't particularly want a tool box / tank but only the tank and would like to be able to turn on fuel without hopping up in the bed (too short to reach down at bed level for a manual drain valve. As noted, I am poor and can't afford fancy; anyone have recommendations how to not bust the budget... or break my neck crawling up in the bed with the 5ver hooked up? PS: Already have an in-bed swing out side case to carry what is needed hence no need for the tool box.

roadglide · 03-29-2020, 06:31 PM

I use RDS 60 gal with tool box . The RDS is a very good rugged fuel tank I know because I through tools in the box. Ford and Chevy beds are different rib bed design. Get a tank design for your truck bed . I do not use gravity flow .

Roscommon48 · 03-29-2020, 06:35 PM

I personally like the titan or S&B under the truck tanks. but you're talking $1500-1600

**JRTJH** · 03-29-2020, 07:01 PM

Towing a fifth wheel, I'd be cautious with any tank/toolbox combination. Installing anything that rises above the bed sides essentially makes the long bed truck a "short bed conversion" and opens all the "issues with crunching the nose of the fifth wheel if you turn too sharp..... Under the bedrail (low mount) tanks/toolboxes don't have that issue.

gearhead · 03-29-2020, 07:10 PM

I would go to a RDS with the shallow (6 1/2"?) toolbox. The toolbox lid covers the tank filler to prevent tampering or theft. I think the total height of the 40-60 gallon is about 19" which about truck bed side rail height.
I would do the gravity fill and not complicate things with pumps and electrical wiring. When the truck tank gets low fill it, then fill the auxiliary tank.
I think retail with installation is around $1200 or do it yourself maybe $800-900.

notanlines · 03-30-2020, 03:39 AM

As I have said before, we have the RDS 50 gallon (actually holds 48), bought from Northern Tools with installation kit, and costs about $600 complete. I installed one in a friend's F-350 in about 45 minutes. This tank of ours is on its third truck and never a problem. Yes, it is gravity feed. I use the petcock on the tank, but we put a on-off petcock on his in the wheel well. You might start here and go from there. https://www.northerntool.com/shop/to..._541559_541559
PM me and we can talk if you need more info.

Brentw · 03-30-2020, 05:06 AM

I installed a 10 inch wide by 19 inch high transfer tank, found a good deal on a used one. Similar to this https://www.deezee.com/product/long-...k-black-steel/ , with this kit https://www.deezee.com/product/auxil...onnection-kit/ .
If you go the route of a transfer tank and want simple, this is it, manual valve in the bed that pretty much stays open all the time. You can up the control by wiring in a solenoid valve. If you install a aux tank ( fuel connection on top of tank) you will need to install a small in line fuel pump and wiring.
Either install is not that onerous, if time and budget warrent, shop used. An auto transfer with fuel guage/controller would have been wonderful, but budget would not cover that ( Titan transfer tanks)
Google searches will give you scads of options and installs.

roadglide · 03-30-2020, 07:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brentw

I installed a 10 inch wide by 19 inch high transfer tank, found a good deal on a used one. Similar to this https://www.deezee.com/product/long-...k-black-steel/ , with this kit https://www.deezee.com/product/auxil...onnection-kit/
If you go the route of a transfer tank and want simple, this is it, manual valve in the bed that pretty much stays open all the time. You can up the control by wiring in a solenoid valve. If you install a aux tank ( fuel connection on top of tank) you will need to install a small in line fuel pump and wiring.
Either install is not that onerous, if time and budget warrent, shop used. An auto transfer with fuel guage/controller would have been wonderful, but budget would not cover that ( Titan transfer tanks)
Google searches will give you scads of options and installs.

. That siphon hose kit is like the one installed along with small Transfer pump and 2 inline filters . I had filters plug and stop the flow of diesel I’m going on 4 years of use with the pump .

cavediver · 03-31-2020, 02:07 PM

I put a 36 gal tank from Northern tool in my truck. I had to weld a 1/2" fitting in the bottom plus a 1/4" vent in the top. I put in a 1/2" ball valve then a 1/2" electric fuel valve. After that a 1/2"tee in which the bull head leads up to the vent. All of the fittings are brass. From the outlet of the tee I used 3/8" fuel line down to the fuel filler line. Mine used 1 1/2" ID hose. I cut the line and used a 1 1/2" x6" nipple with a 1/2" coupling welded. I've used it for 10 months now and it works great. I also have a switch in the cab to control it. Including the tank I have less then $400 into it.

hornet28 · 03-31-2020, 06:11 PM

Unless you're in a hurry keep watch on Craigslist. Using an electric pump doesn't require that much in the way of wiring. You could even put an extra fuel gauge in the cab. A few years back I did that in my brothers truck. So that he didn't forget and leave the pump on too long I put a very small flashing LED light in the dash. He ran that combo over 300K without a problem

notanlines · 04-01-2020, 12:12 AM

Cavediver, what brand tank did you buy that you had to weld on? The tanks we see have the valve and vents all ready to go.

cavediver · 04-01-2020, 05:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by notanlines

Cavediver, what brand tank did you buy that you had to weld on? The tanks we see have the valve and vents all ready to go.

The Tank I used is from Northern tool, part number 44114-2056. I wanted gravity feed. It didn't have a lower drain port. I have been a pipe welder for 35 years. This is an easy task for me. The vent I put in is on the side of the tank. When I first made it expansion of the fuel became a problem I would get fumes. Now that the vent is in no more fumes.

chunker · 04-01-2020, 08:13 AM

I also got the RDS 51 gallon tank with the tool box. I can only get 46g in mine. It sits at bed rail height and I'm in a long bed. Gravity feed and takes about 45 minutes to fill the tank while driving down the road. I don't leave the petcock open unless actively transferring. I'm short and carry a small plastic folding stool to use when fueling it. I can reach the petcock without it though. Just to be on the safe side I took a piece of 2x12 and slid in the bed slot just aft of the tank to protect the tank from something sliding into it and poking a hole. Having 80+g of fuel and 7-900 mile range towing is nice and I can pick and choose where to fuel up.

notanlines · 04-01-2020, 12:13 PM

Cavediver, "The Tank I used is from Northern tool, part number 44114-2056."
I looked at it online and now I see why you did the work. Thanks...

HDroadglide · 04-05-2020, 07:49 AM

I have a RDS 45 gallon tank that i have installed in all my trucks, not counting the ones I installed for friends. Mine are gravity feed. I installed a 1/4 inch stainless quarter turn valve on the inside of my bed. I stop and get out of the truck and reach inside and turn the valve and then back on the road. This is the cheapest way to get set up. for a few dollars more I can install a electric valve that will operate from inside the cab.

alfonsi4 · 04-05-2020, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roadglide

I use RDS 60 gal with tool box . The RDS is a very good rugged fuel tank I know because I through tools in the box. Ford and Chevy beds are different rib bed design. Get a tank design for your truck bed . I do not use gravity flow .

I use the RDS 60 also, in my 2006 Ford F350 Dually. It is also a tool box. It fits nicely under my tonneau cover and out of site when not towing. I DO use the gravity flow which has a check valve to keep it from over filling the primary tank. Has worked well years now for me.

LewisB · 04-05-2020, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wiredgeorge

...As noted, I am poor and can't afford fancy; anyone have recommendations how to not bust the budget... or break my neck crawling up in the bed with the 5ver hooked up?

One of the best things I ever purchased to go with my DRW F350 and Raptor is the following item. This gets used a BUNCH both while hooking up/unhooking and in the trailer to reach high cabinets, etc. It is rock solid, industrial, can be used either with or without the folding handle, and folds down flat (about 4" thick) and fits between the side of my RDS fuel tank/tool box and the side wall of the truck bed. If I ever lost this, it would be one of the first things I'd replace. I'm 6'3" and still need/use this all the time!

https://www.amazon.com/Little-Giant-...72&s=hi&sr=1-4

JJaxon · 04-05-2020, 09:55 AM

I use the RDS60 with no tool box. Gravity fed, using the DeeZee kit for 2019 Ram 3500 LB. Tank holds about 53gal. Tank sits below bed rail and tonneau cover hides it. Best mod I've done this year. No more searching for my next fuel stop until I get to my destination for that day. I can unhook, go in to town and get best price around instead of truck stop prices.

CaptnJohn · 04-05-2020, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJaxon

I use the RDS60 with no tool box. Gravity fed, using the DeeZee kit for 2019 Ram 3500 LB. Tank holds about 53gal. Tank sits below bed rail and tonneau cover hides it. Best mod I've done this year. No more searching for my next fuel stop until I get to my destination for that day. I can unhook, go in to town and get best price around instead of truck stop prices.

I have the RDS tank and gravity feed. I also use a small step. The difference is I look for the last Loves before my destination as with the EFS card fuel is cheaper at the truck stop besides not having to unhook - safer and easier plus cheaper

chunker · 04-05-2020, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaptnJohn

I have the RDS tank and gravity feed. I also use a small step. The difference is I look for the last Loves before my destination as with the EFS card fuel is cheaper at the truck stop besides not having to unhook - safer and easier plus cheaper

I carry 2 types in the truck a Werner 2 step and folding plastic 1 step. 2 step ladder used when hooking up 5th wheel and folding step when fueling. With a 35 gallon main tank and up to 46 in the RDS tank that gives me a lot of range. I can bypass high tax states completely. I typically will be unhooked with the toy hauler anyway so going to town to eat if the weather's too crappy for the bike.

https://embed.widencdn.net/img/werne...op=no&u=qlpvmu
https://www.google.com/search?q=fold...xQ4pZA_uB7qkM:

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