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Auxiliary tank - full or empty?

Durb
Explorer
Explorer
After a long trip, my auxiliary tank is currently empty. I have winterized my trailer and won't be towing until next Spring. I have no need for the added range the tank offers until then. Should I leave the auxiliary tank empty or fill it up for storage?
29 REPLIES 29

hornet28
Explorer
Explorer

What is the expected advantage of keeping the tank full?

You don't have the hassle of dealing with stations and it's customers. I haven't been in a station since 10/17 and still have over 30 gals in the tanks

JRscooby
Explorer II
Explorer II
memtb wrote:
Fill it.....treat it! The few extra pounds of fuel carried will be inconsequential to fuel mileage! If the difference is even measurable, it would be minimal..... a small headwind would affect mileage much more! memtb


Headwind every trip, that changes to tailwind every time you stop.
I have never liked to leave a load sit on a spring-ride truck.
Then there is the issue of the fuel itself. At this time of year, depending on where he is likely to buy fuel blended for winter. Warmer weather, when using the fuel, get less mileage.
What is the expected advantage of keeping the tank full?

memtb
Explorer
Explorer
Fill it.....treat it! The few extra pounds of fuel carried will be inconsequential to fuel mileage! If the difference is even measurable, it would be minimal..... a small headwind would affect mileage much more! memtb
Todd & Marianne
Miniature Schnauzer's - Sundai, Nellie & Maggie Mae
2007 Dodge Ram 3500, 6.7 Cummins, 6 speed manual, 3.73 ratio, 4x4
2004 Teton Grand Freedom, 39'
2007 Bigfoot 30MH26Sl

azdryheat
Explorer
Explorer
If it's empty, it's empty. I wouldn't fill it and I don't with my tank.
2013 Chevy 3500HD CC dually
2014 Voltage 3600 toy hauler
2019 RZR 1000XP TRE

kellem
Explorer
Explorer
Gas or Diesel, store with full tanks.

JRscooby
Explorer II
Explorer II
On my trucks, getting a tank completely MT could not happen. But the transfer tank, it was fairly easy. With a partly full tank, you get condensation on the sides, drains down thru fuel. You can have wet fuel issues when start using again. Or you can have water freeze in bottom of tank fittings, and leaks.
But if the tank is MT, just pull the plug to drain before use. Or leave drain open until ready to use.

fj12ryder
Explorer III
Explorer III
If the tank is full there is less room for condensation to form. I always fill both tanks before I put the Cummins away for the winter.
Howard and Peggy

"Don't Panic"

Lantley
Nomad
Nomad
My thought is keeping full. Avoid any moisture or condensation in the tank.
Weight and cost are negligible factors for me.
19'Duramax w/hips, 2022 Alliance Paradigm 390MP >BD3,r,22" Blackstone
r,RV760 w/BC20,Glow Steps, Enduraplas25,Pedego
BakFlip,RVLock,Prog.50A surge ,Hughes autoformer
Porta Bote 8.0 Nissan, Sailun S637

Bionic_Man
Explorer
Explorer
My aux tank stays full all the time. My truck is rarely used in the winter. Never had a problem with the fuel, and I don't use any additives.
2012 RAM 3500 Laramie Longhorn DRW CC 4x4 Max Tow, Cummins HO, 60 gallon RDS aux fuel tank, Reese 18k Elite hitch
2003 Dodge Ram 3500 QC SB 4x4 Cummins HO NV5600 with Smarty JR, Jacobs EB (sold)
2002 Gulf Stream Sea Hawk 29FRB with Honda EV6010

Edd505
Explorer
Explorer
I keep mine full at all times, trucks filled from the tank and tanks gets filled at the pump, keeps the diesel fresh. I use the TSD fuel card currently at the T/A truck stop for best price. Closest is 75 miles from home in a city I get to once a week or maybe two at the most.
2015 F350 FX4 SRW 6.7 Crew, longbed - 2017 Durango Gold 353RKT
2006 F350 SRW 6.0 crew longbed sold
2000 F250 SRW 7.3 extended longbed airbags sold
2001 Western Star 4900EX sold
Jayco Eagle 30.5BHLT sold, Layton 24.5LT sold

Grit_dog
Navigator
Navigator
It won't hurt to let it just sit full, but why...
Either leave it empty or empty-ish, or continue to use it if it's a gravity feed tank. Is it an actual auxillary tank, or a slip tank you have to pump in?

Unless the truck is just parked, then I'd leave it empty.
If it's parked outdoors, condensation is a concern. In doors, not hardly at all.
2016 Ram 2500, MotorOps.ca EFIlive tuned, 5” turbo back, 6" lift on 37s
2017 Heartland Torque T29 - Sold.
Couple of Arctic Fox TCs - Sold

Durb
Explorer
Explorer
I'm not concerned with the weight or cost of the extra fuel. Do I have to put an anti-algae agent in the fuel if I let it sit for 6 months? If so, recommendation. The weather will be cool and humid (rain).

wanderingbob
Explorer II
Explorer II
Fill it up , helps prevent condensation , also fuel is pretty cheap now .

JRscooby
Explorer II
Explorer II
jdc1 wrote:
Diesel? Diesel will last a day before forever. Gas? Gotta keep cycling it.


This. But you also need to think about the extra fuel and wear needed for hauling the weight of fuel you don't need.

jdc1
Explorer II
Explorer II
Diesel? Diesel will last a day before forever. Gas? Gotta keep cycling it.