aux fuel tank in truck questions

Bionic Man wrote:

brulaz wrote:
I see the OP and BionicMan have installed one of these under their camper shell. I was thinking about doing that, but the Aux Tanks I've been around have not been particularly clean for some reason, and the diesel stink was pretty bad. Was not looking forward to dealing with that in a small enclosed space.

Is it just a matter of being careful and cleaning up any spills when filling? Apologize for the hijack ...

No diesel smell from mine. Not sure why they would get dirty like you mention. Mine is still very clean.

Thanks. I guess then it's just a matter of being careful when filling and cleaning up after any spill. The ones I looked at were clearly work trucks, and the guys didn't really take care of them.

brulaz wrote:
I see the OP and BionicMan have installed one of these under their camper shell. I was thinking about doing that, but the Aux Tanks I've been around have not been particularly clean for some reason, and the diesel stink was pretty bad. Was not looking forward to dealing with that in a small enclosed space.

Is it just a matter of being careful and cleaning up any spills when filling? Apologize for the hijack ...

No diesel smell from mine. Not sure why they would get dirty like you mention. Mine is still very clean.

I see the OP and BionicMan have installed one of these under their camper shell. I was thinking about doing that, but the Aux Tanks I've been around have not been particularly clean for some reason, and the diesel stink was pretty bad. Was not looking forward to dealing with that in a small enclosed space.

Is it just a matter of being careful and cleaning up any spills when filling? Apologize for the hijack ...

I used to live in a cold weather state where winter temps could get to -20F. When I winterized my boat for the long winter, I filled the 100 gallon fuel tank and added fuel stabilizer. Retarding condensation was the reason. So that is what I would do if I was in your situation. And then just use it up after temps stabilize in late spring. Maybe drain the water trap at the bottom of your fuel filter a few times while using up the fuel.

I think I am going to install the 60 gal RDS tank with gravity feed. I have read about some over flow problems but I think if one monitors it closely it should be fine. My question is about how to keep the tank (full or empty) while not traveling. I am not retired yet and only travelling 2 months of the year and the truck gets very little use otherwise. It will be seeing winter temperatures of -30F and I worry about condensation. I drive it twice a month for about 60 miles just to keep the batteries charged and lubes circulated. So any opinions on the best way to keep the tank? Full (with stabilizer) or empty. The extra 600 or so pounds wouldn't hurt for winter traction.

I like simple so I installed an RDS tank and used their gravity flow kit to attach to the OEM fuel filler line. No pump needed.

You can buy the kit for $50-$70 I think. Just yesterday I was in a CW that was even selling the kits. Or just contact RDS.

Install a manual on/off valve to the tank, then use the kit. The kit includes a 1-way valve that stops the flow of fuel when the OEM tank is full and fuel starts backing up the OEM filler line.

The one drawback is that these things work slowly - probably because the line from the aux tank to the filler line is so small. Might be 3/8. But it will flow more fuel then you will use when driving so it WILL fill the OEM tank while driving. I usually flip the manual valve to 'on' when I stop at a rest stop, or for dinner, or (usually) overnight.

Mine works like a champ. Been using it for 2 over years. Simple works.

aruba5er wrote:
I have an RDS tank from Northern tool. you can buy their adapter and it allows fuel to flow into your main tank and then shuts off. If you leave it on until the fuel guage starts dropping, you know the bed tank is empty. It works great. I put inline a ball valve to shut off the bed tank because I want to keep the bed tank full sometimes

X2 and yes it is legal in the USA if not for gasoline, but then who is checking them anyway?? Some say it may not be legal for commercial use but I have never seen anything about that...Easy to install, works very well.

B.O.

has anyone every had a problem with DOT type inspections and aux fuel tanks in truck bed, especially with line to main tanks??

I have an RDS tank from Northern tool. you can buy their adapter and it allows fuel to flow into your main tank and then shuts off. If you leave it on until the fuel guage starts dropping, you know the bed tank is empty. It works great. I put inline a ball valve to shut off the bed tank because I want to keep the bed tank full sometimes

You need a three-port either/or manual handle fuel switch valve or an either/or electric switch. One tank at a time. Making it impossible for both tanks to flow at the same time.

Myself, I would remind me that there is a fuel pump in the original tank which HATES to be exposed to air in an almost empty tank. Overheating, and failure. Plan wisely.