"Auxillary" Fuel tank vs installing a new/larger tank

[jeffjcalweb]

Hello - I have a 2017 Ram 2500 w/Cummins with the 6'4 bed, and just purchased our first fifth wheel.

I'd like to add fuel capacity for towing and have seen a few threads here with some discussion about transfer cases etc.

I live in CA and first couple places I have called asking about "gravity fed transfer case" said it was "frowned upon in CA - like most emission, tuning, etc for diesels".

So I can put install a 50g auxiliary tank (transferflow TRAX 3) that comes with a nice LCD display and controls with automatic fuel transfer but installed runs close to $2500.

I've also looked at replacing the OEM tank and looks like 52g is about the biggest thing available. That installed is also around $2k.

I don't mind spending the money, I am hesitant to put in the auxiliary tank because of the space it will take up. The truck has a B&W turnover gooseneck bed setup which I plan to use with an Anderson hitch.

I'm also hoping maybe there's something (besides just a few 5g portable cans) that might allow me to not have the tank in the bed when we don't need it (which will certainly be 90% of the time).

Is there another option? And is anyone in CA that has had a gravity fed tank installed (about half the price of the TRAX 3 system)?

Thank you, sorry for the long question.

[jeffjcalweb]

Pretty sure yes ... http://titanfueltanks.com/products/xxl-replacement-tanks/dodge-crew-cab-short-bed-7030113

Just trying to see who actually can get one is being a challenge!

[Flashman]

jeffjcalweb wrote:
Thanks for the continued feedback. Just got back looking for a quote on a Titan tank (52gallon)... like many things right now, inventory is non existent so have to see what the wait time is and that is where I'm currently leaning towards, cost w/installation is just about $1500.

And I realize when I said "26g" for current size that I was not accurate. I don't let tank drop past 1/4 so "26g" is more of the usable size of the tank when I'm thinking of capacity.

Also just a FYI, doesn't change anything and certainly won't shock anyone familiar with California and CARB - you can't get a gravity fed tank installed by a shop. Another "bonus" CARB policy for us all!

Are you sure the 52 Titan will fit? I think it is for the long bed. I too was looking for a bigger tank for my 2017 RAM short bed 3500. I was told they don't make a replacement tank. Did you check out the spare tire tank?

[jeffjcalweb]

Thanks for the continued feedback. Just got back looking for a quote on a Titan tank (52gallon)... like many things right now, inventory is non existent so have to see what the wait time is and that is where I'm currently leaning towards, cost w/installation is just about $1500.

And I realize when I said "26g" for current size that I was not accurate. I don't let tank drop past 1/4 so "26g" is more of the usable size of the tank when I'm thinking of capacity.

Also just a FYI, doesn't change anything and certainly won't shock anyone familiar with California and CARB - you can't get a gravity fed tank installed by a shop. Another "bonus" CARB policy for us all!

[fj12ryder]

We travel fewer daily miles now than in the past, but then it was common for us to travel 550-600 miles in a day. A 50 gallon tank would still have had us stopping to fuel up while towing. That's why we went with a smaller auxiliary tank. We carry about 70 gallons total which is perfect for us.

If you travel shorter distances, then a larger tank isn't as necessary.

[BarryG20]

I also have a 17 ram though a long bed. Not long ago Put in a titan tank 55 gallons I think it is.
Wasn’t willing to give up bed space for an extra tank or to have several smaller loose ones in the bed been quite happy so far

[ACZL]

Titan tanks are made of plastic. Transferflow tanks are aluminized steel so yes they are heavier. Both hold about the same (50 gallons and both are midship replacement tanks). T-flow are stronger, yet both can be installed right in your garage. Given their size, can easily go 300-400 miles before you need fuel or next CG, drop RV and buzz to fuel up w/o RV and still have plenty for reserve-----just in case. I had 2 T-flows, installed myself and worked great. Best part as well was still able to utilize front of hitch for stuff.....IE: firewood.

[Flashman]

jeffjcalweb wrote:
Thank you for the replies. The OEM tank is 26gallons, so not a lot of range there. I didn't want an 8' bed because most of the time, there is no trailer/hitch and the 6'4 is perfect for everyday use... so the challenge was seeing if there was an option/solution that I hadn't seen. Guess it is either install a new tank (52g) or just deal with the auxillary tank in the bed.

Thank you for taking the time to help out a new forum member.

I have the same truck and the fuel tank is 32 gallons - I have put in over 31 in when it was near empty.

[Lwiddis]

“"gravity fed transfer case" said it was "frowned upon in CA - like most emission, tuning, etc for diesels"

Aren’t gravity fed axillary tanks illegal in California?

[FishOnOne]

You may want to check out S&B fuel tanks. Read some pretty good reviews about them.

S&B Tanks

[cummins2014]

jeffjcalweb wrote:
Thank you for the replies. The OEM tank is 26gallons, so not a lot of range there. I didn't want an 8' bed because most of the time, there is no trailer/hitch and the 6'4 is perfect for everyday use... so the challenge was seeing if there was an option/solution that I hadn't seen. Guess it is either install a new tank (52g) or just deal with the auxillary tank in the bed.

Thank you for taking the time to help out a new forum member.

Welcome . If it were me ,and I too have the short bed Ram, I would go with a under the bed Titan, and be done ,no messing with auxiliary tanks, needing to be filled ,and then transferred to the OE tank , fill just the one . 52 gallons or whatever is nearly 400-500 mile range towing , if you can't find fuel in that distance, you are really off the beaten path 🙂

My truck holds right at 30 gallons, I plan my trips, and there has been plenty , and thousands of miles ,and never has been a problem. I personally do not want to carry another 250-300 lbs of fuel in the bed, another 150 lbs or so, that I could deal with , 50 gallons total .

[Bionic_Man]

Your quote for an auxiliary tank seems high. And I’m pretty sure that the only instances you run into trouble with gravity fed is in gas. Not diesel. So I would dig a little deeper there.

Tough call with the short bed. I love my auxiliary tank - one of the best upgrades I’ve done. It’s nice to stop where I want to stop not where I need to.

26 gallon tank on a HD truck is insane. If i were you I would probably go with the replacement tank.

And, I’m sure you will soon have someone post a photo of their single 5 gallon diesel can stating it is an appropriate substitution for either a replacement or auxiliary tank......:S

[Grit_dog]

There are several 30-40 gal slip tanks that are 9-12” deep. Minimizes how much bed space is lost. At about 1/4 the cost of replacement tanks.

[jeffjcalweb]

Thank you for the replies. The OEM tank is 26gallons, so not a lot of range there. I didn't want an 8' bed because most of the time, there is no trailer/hitch and the 6'4 is perfect for everyday use... so the challenge was seeing if there was an option/solution that I hadn't seen. Guess it is either install a new tank (52g) or just deal with the auxillary tank in the bed.

Thank you for taking the time to help out a new forum member.

[Grit_dog]

There’s 100 threads about it on here. Reading a few may help your indecision.

[corvettekent]

How many gallons is your stock diesel tank? and what is the fuel range now?

If you really need the extra range I would replace the tank with the larger aftermarcket tank.