Extended range fuel tanks - who has one?
I'm looking into replacement fuel tanks. I'd like to hear from folks who have replaced the existing tank with a larger replacement. Since I haul a TC, can't use a bed tank like I did when I had a 5'...
Forum Discussion
I've toyed with this idea a few times but never pulled the trigger. First there is the weight of 60 additional gallons of fuel over my rear axle - not insignificant for me because I am pretty well balanced right at my front and rear axle weights. To add that much additional weight I'd probably have to invest in wheels and tires. Right now I'm within limits - with an additional 400-500 pounds over the rear axle my comfort cushion would be seriously eroded.
Then there is the economics. We just finished a trip to Florida and the most variation we observed in fuel between states was about $.22. That means to recover the cost of just the tank at $1,000/.22=4,545 gallons assuming I save $.22 on every gallon. At 12 MPG that means I've got to cover over 50,000 miles to make up the investment (if my math is right - I was an English major so feel free to shoot me down:p).
There are advantages to a bigger tank but for me it just doesn't offer enough advantage to justify the investment. I'm sure others will have different opinions.
Then there is the economics. We just finished a trip to Florida and the most variation we observed in fuel between states was about $.22. That means to recover the cost of just the tank at $1,000/.22=4,545 gallons assuming I save $.22 on every gallon. At 12 MPG that means I've got to cover over 50,000 miles to make up the investment (if my math is right - I was an English major so feel free to shoot me down:p).
There are advantages to a bigger tank but for me it just doesn't offer enough advantage to justify the investment. I'm sure others will have different opinions.
