Extended range fuel tanks - who has one?

[Boatycall]

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'er. Also don't want a spare tire replacement tank...I like having a spare.

Stock tank is 37 gallons. Fully loaded, depending on where I go, I get 10-11mpg. Usually, it's my arse saying it's time to stop and take a fuel break before my gauge says to. But sometimes, it would be nice to have a little extra range.

I've found three so far for my truck, these are the best prices I could find--.
-Titan 67 gallon, ABS plastic, $1409 free shpg
-Aerotanks Aluminized Steel, 60 gallon, $980 + $170shpg
-TransferFlow Aluminized Steel, 57 gallon $1185 free shpg

The Titan appears to be the most popular, but that doesn't mean it's the best.

Any thoughts?

[Hemi_Joel]

I agree with you guys about wanting a bigger fuel supply when pulling a big trailer. Since the rig won't fit into the car pump area very easily, I often have to go to the semi truck fueling area. And most of the time, they don't have pay at the pump. So I have to go in, wait in line to get the pump turned on, go out and fill, then go back in and wait in line again to pay. Even if I need to stop for personal reasons, I would prefer not to have to fill up.

[TucsonJim]

I replaced the 28 gallon tank in my F350 crew cab with a 50 gallon tank from Transfer Flow. I did it for the same reason you are. With the 50 gallon tank, I can run all day without trying to find a station I can fit 50+ feet of truck and trailer in. When we get to camp in the afternoon, we'll unhitch and head into town for fuel.

I installed the replacement tank myself and it took me about 5-6 hours to do so. It wasn't too complicated, but just labor intensive.

Jim

[BMCM]

Kayteg1 wrote:

That was at the time when Utah had diesel like 30-40percent cheaper than California and California fuels have been diluted to deliver less mpg.
.

Just what is it that California uses to "dilute" diesel..?
rw

[MARKW8]

I have the big Titan on my 08. While I'm happy with the range, 500+ miles, not completely happy with Titan. I did the install myself and when I filled it up, it leaked out through the side of the tank. I had a trip planned 7 days later. This was a Friday and I called Titan and told them the problem and sent pictures. I'm in Ohio, they are in Idaho. They said they would ship it that day, with 2 day delivery. This turned out not true but was shipped out that day and delivered 12:30 PM on Wednesday. So I was ok with that.

I was also told I would be reimbursed any expenses incurred, including my time. I twice, e-mailed,(I don't here well on the phone)requesting $200 reimbursement. $35 for 6, 5 gal buckets and a pump. The rest for my time. They never replied back. I had the new, new tank in and filled by noon Thursday. I then loaded the camper and left Friday afternoon. When I cut the tank apart, there was a flaw in the wall of the tank.

Mark

[Bedlam]

2blazers added an extended tank to his trunk. You may want to get details from him on what was involved.

[Boatycall]

Reddog1 wrote:

NRALIFR wrote:

Lwiddis wrote:
Your money but a 370 mile range isn't limiting in my view.

It's not just the added range that makes a bigger tank advantageous. It also gives you the opportunity to be more selective about where you buy your fuel, and bypass a high-cost area entirely. While my current truck doesn't have an after-market fuel tank, a previous truck did and I loved it. I carried a total of 65 gallons between two tanks. Did I always use the full range it gave me? No. But as I said, it's not just about range. It was there if I needed it, which I did a few times.

I would go for the biggest, which would be the 67 gallon Titan. I also like the fact that it's plastic. As long as it's adequately protected, plastic would be superior IMHO.

:):)

I agree with Lwiddis. For me it is like spending $1000 to increase your MPG by 1 mpg. I cannot imagine breaking even in your lifetime, much less your trucks lifetime. To spend that kind of money cause you can, okay. To spend that money for bragging rights, okay. But if you do note frequently drive cross country, I can't see any advantage. How much will it cost to haul the extra fuel?

Wayne

Guys... Sorry, I should explained WHY I want a bigger tank. It has nothing to do with picking and choosing the cheapest fuel.

I'm 54 feet long from bow to stern. I can't fit in your mom and pop convince store fuel ups. And I NEVER run below 1/4 tank unless I know for fact a fuel station I can fit in is just up ahead....so to the comment of "370 miles is plenty". I for one do not wait until mile 369 to then look for fuel. So "370 mile range" comment is entirely irrelevant.

So - this is about range and "fit into the gas station" anxiety. In my case, a 57-67 gallon tank would allow me to more easily space out the spots I can fit in.

So back to the question - anyone have one, and what are the opinions of the tank you have?

[Kayteg1]

I was carrying 100 gallons aux tank on my F450 flatbed when I was driving interstate.
That was at the time when Utah had diesel like 30-40percent cheaper than California and California fuels have been diluted to deliver less mpg.
Lately every state adds bio to diesel and the price differences between states are no longer drastic.
Than carrying the hundreds lb of fuel cost you in fuel consumption, brakes consumption, transmission wear and loss of payload.
My new truck with 30 gallons tells me "510 miles to empty"
That does not apply to carrying camper, but sure looks good.

[Reddog1]

NRALIFR wrote:

Lwiddis wrote:
Your money but a 370 mile range isn't limiting in my view.

It's not just the added range that makes a bigger tank advantageous. It also gives you the opportunity to be more selective about where you buy your fuel, and bypass a high-cost area entirely. While my current truck doesn't have an after-market fuel tank, a previous truck did and I loved it. I carried a total of 65 gallons between two tanks. Did I always use the full range it gave me? No. But as I said, it's not just about range. It was there if I needed it, which I did a few times.

I would go for the biggest, which would be the 67 gallon Titan. I also like the fact that it's plastic. As long as it's adequately protected, plastic would be superior IMHO.

:):)

I agree with Lwiddis. For me it is like spending $1000 to increase your MPG by 1 mpg. I cannot imagine breaking even in your lifetime, much less your trucks lifetime. To spend that kind of money cause you can, okay. To spend that money for bragging rights, okay. But if you do note frequently drive cross country, I can't see any advantage. How much will it cost to haul the extra fuel?

Wayne

[MarkTwain]

Jaxom wrote:
Like you did with your rig, go big.

I like having the option to fill where I want to instead of where I need to. Different states have different tax rates for fuel. Some states are cheaper than others. Some states I prefer to NOT buy fuel in.

I can't speak to the Titan as I have an in-bed auxiliary tank.
Good Luck.

Price of fuel in different states is very true. Calif. is outrageous and as soon as you cross the state line into Ariz. the price of diesel will drop on the average of 30 cents a gallon:):)

[MarkTwain]

fpoole wrote:
I got the 2nd tank on mine, standard 22 gal, extended 50gal for total of 72Gal...
Great when driving...
Not so great when I have to fill them..
9.5 - 10.5 mpg or so..

I'd get 57.. big enough without selling the truck for a fill up.. heheh,
fun..

Aux fuel tanks can also give you the opportunity to look for lower priced fuel. For me the relief and security of not running low and not knowing where the nearest diesel fuel can be found is of value. This peace of mind is especially true when you are crossing some of the south west deserts.

[fpoole]

I got the 2nd tank on mine, standard 22 gal, extended 50gal for total of 72Gal...
Great when driving...
Not so great when I have to fill them..
9.5 - 10.5 mpg or so..

I'd get 57.. big enough without selling the truck for a fill up.. heheh,
fun..

[NRALIFR]

Lwiddis wrote:
Your money but a 370 mile range isn't limiting in my view.

It's not just the added range that makes a bigger tank advantageous. It also gives you the opportunity to be more selective about where you buy your fuel, and bypass a high-cost area entirely. While my current truck doesn't have an after-market fuel tank, a previous truck did and I loved it. I carried a total of 65 gallons between two tanks. Did I always use the full range it gave me? No. But as I said, it's not just about range. It was there if I needed it, which I did a few times.

I would go for the biggest, which would be the 67 gallon Titan. I also like the fact that it's plastic. As long as it's adequately protected, plastic would be superior IMHO.

:):)

[MarkTwain]

Boatycall wrote:
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'er. Also don't want a spare tire replacement tank...I like having a spare.

Stock tank is 37 gallons. Fully loaded, depending on where I go, I get 10-11mpg. Usually, it's my arse saying it's time to stop and take a fuel break before my gauge says to. But sometimes, it would be nice to have a little extra range.

I've found three so far for my truck, these are the best prices I could find--.
-Titan 67 gallon, ABS plastic, $1409 free shpg
-Aerotanks Aluminized Steel, 60 gallon, $980 + $170shpg
-TransferFlow Aluminized Steel, 57 gallon $1185 free shpg

Any thoughts?

I have had 3 auxiliary fuel tanks from TransferFlow in Chico Ca, that fit and replace your stock tank location. I have a 64 gallon tank in my current 2004 Diesel Dodge 3500. If possible I would drive to chico to have them install it and they can have it done in 1 day. They will also mail the tank to your location and provide the name of a shop in your area that is qualified to install it. I have never had any problems with any of Transfer Flow's tanks for diesel trucks. They are very professional and competent and friendly.

[DownTheAvenue]

ack in the early 1990's, I replaced the stock tank on a 1989 Ford F150 with a transflow unit. It was well made with very thick steel, and a new sending unit that worked flawlessly with the dash fuel gage. It replaced the spare tire, so I had to do something with that. Of course, that was over two decades ago, too.

[HMS_Beagle]

I'd go for the biggest if I was going there. Unfortunately no one makes one for my 2015 F350 xcab.

I would be very careful with the install: numerous problems/complaints on the truck forum about a non-careful install resulting in water in the fuel (gets caught by the filler neck or pickup/gage contours on the tank and goes inside unless that is meticulously sealed). The result of water in the fuel in a modern diesel can be complete fuel system replacement at around $10K.