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Auxiliary Fuel Tanks
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Auxiliary Fuel Tanks
In some cases, replacement tanks can have double the capacity of OEM tanks.
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Auxiliary Fuel Tanks
Replacement tanks will fit directly into the factory location between the frame rails
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Auxiliary Fuel Tanks
Auxiliary tanks can be fitted where space allows, feeding fuel to the main tank when needed.
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Auxiliary Fuel Tanks
Aero Tank replacement tanks.
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Auxiliary Fuel Tanks
Genright fuel tanks are designed specifically for Jeep products.
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Auxiliary Fuel Tanks
Long Range Automotive is an Aussie company that sells to North America.
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Auxiliary Fuel Tanks
Man-a-Fre tanks are specifically designed for Toyota Landcruisers.
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Auxiliary Fuel Tanks
Titan Fuel Tanks build high capacity tanks for full-size domestic trucks.
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Auxiliary Fuel Tanks
Transfer Flow fuel tanks.
By Budd Stanley, photos courtesy of Aero Tanks, Genright, Man-a-Fre, Titan and Transfer Flow
4WD’s are continually becoming more fuel efficient, as technology allows these previously big guzzlers to get further down the trail on a single tank. The problem is, chances are you are not dragging a 2014 or newer rig into the bush. You are more likely topping up the tanks of an older beast that does not have the same advantages of its modern equivalent. And if you are like our Tech Editor, Bryan Irons, the pursuit of ever more torque means you have dumped one fuel-guzzling power plant for one that is even bigger and catastrophically more expensive to feed.
What do you do if you are looking to venture farther into nature, or maybe tow heavier loads longer distances? The easiest and cheapest answer is to slap on a couple of Jerry Cans. However, these need constant monitoring when temperatures change, are messy to operate and are never mounted in an ideal place. Another option is an auxiliary fuel tank. There are several manufacturers that build direct replacement large capacity tanks or auxiliary tanks.
What is it?
To the uninitiated, an auxiliary fuel tank is any tank that increases the fuel capacity of a vehicle. This can be done several different ways. The most common is the transfer tank that sits in the truck bed. These are most often used by tradesmen to refuel machinery, but also work well to feed the truck that is carrying it as well. The other option is an auxiliary tank. These are secondary fuel tanks that are designed to fill empty space under the vehicle and will feed into your main tank when fuel gets low. Then you have the replacement tank, which is designed to take up as much free space as possible to give you added capacity in a single tank.
We are going to concentrate on the last two here. We want to be able to add fuel capacity to a vehicle without sacrificing vital cargo space. Because let’s face it, if you are planning to go deeper into the wilderness, chances are you are going to need more cargo space as well. These tanks also keep the weight of the fuel low in the chassis, aiding the centre of gravity and balance of a 4WD.
Manufacturers of these tanks are very efficient at finding more space. They remove the OEM tank and measure every nook and cranny of the underside of a given 4WD to find every bit of usable space to fit fuel. As a result, the tanks these companies create are much more intricate in their design than the OEM tanks they replace. However, these intricate designs can yield fuel capacities that are sometimes double that of the original fuel tank.
Do you need one?
The purchase of an auxiliary fuel tank should not be a decision taken lightly. These things ain’t cheap and there is a fair amount of work that needs to be done to get them installed. However for the right person, the large investment in cost and install time, will far outweigh the constant annoyances of carrying and filling multiple Jerry Cans. Ask yourself this; do you travel away from services for several days at a time? Do you enjoy long overland expeditions into vast uninhabited areas? Do you get anxious when you see the fuel gauge slip below the ¼ level? Then an auxiliary fuel tank might be a good option. If most of your trail time comprises of short day trips in and around your local area, then maybe not.
Travelling in the vastness of the Australian Outback, the additional 90L I got with an auxiliary tank in the Landcruiser I was travelling in, made a massive difference in the stress level of exploring new terrain. You might have enough fuel to cover a predetermined route, however most often people don’t account for time in 4-Low, getting stuck, or having to divert to a secondary route. Once any of these issues arise, you start to look at the fuel gauge with much sharper eyes than you did at the beginning of your trip. It is extremely calming to know that you have more than enough fuel to get you through to the next fuel stop, no matter what happens.
What’s involved?
Unless you are extremely handy with a TIG welder and confident enough that you can create your own high capacity fuel tank that is better than what’s available on the market, chances are you will be ringing up someone like Summit Racing or one of the tank manufacturers themselves to see what’s available for your rig. This is likely going to set you back between $1,000 and $2,000 depending on the vehicle in question.
Depending on your skill level at swinging wrenches, a fuel tank install can be relatively simple. Simple installs will require draining the fuel system, unbolting the old tank, dissecting the in-tank pump and sender unit and reinstall. More complicated installs will require some body modifications, wiring and plumbing of secondary pumps and dash displays for dual tank systems. So, if you are going to go it alone, make sure you know what you’ve gotten yourself into.
With that, we give you a list of the more popular brands of replacement and auxiliary tanks:
AeroTanks
Aero Enterprises has specialized in manufacturing auxiliary and replacement gas and diesel tanks since 1969. Their tanks come in kits that include easy to follow directions and all the necessary parts for a smooth installation. Aero Tanks builds tanks in either stainless steel or aluminized steel for all major truck brands. If they don’t have the product you need, they will also take custom orders to fit your vehicle.
Builds tanks for:
- Chevrolet Pickup
- Chevrolet 2500-3500
- Chevrolet Blazer/Suburban
- Ram HD Diesel
- Ram Chassis Cab Diesel
- Dodge Ramcharger
- Dodge D100, D200
- Ford F-450/F-550 Chassis Cab
- Ford F-250/F-350
- Ford F-150
- Ford F-100
- Ford Bronco
- Ford E-250/E350
- Jeep Cherokee
- Jeep Wrangler
- Jeepster Commando
- Jeep CJ5/7
- Jeep Scrambler
- Mercedes Benz Sprinter
- International Scout II
- Toyota Landcruiser
Find the exact tank you need at: www.aerotanks.com
GenRight
GenRight, based out of Southern California, offers a complete line of aftermarket Jeep products including both competition and extended range fuel tanks. As Jeep specialists, they also offer tanks specifically tailored to work with the companies 5-in and 7-in wheelbase stretch, as well as aftermarket suspension setups. Tanks are built with 3 mm (1/8-in) TIG welded Aluminum with 5 mm (3/16-in) steel skid plating.
Builds:
- Jeep Wrangler JK Extended Range Tank
- Jeep Wrangler Unlimited LJ Safari Tank
- Jeep Wrangler TJ Extended Range Tank
- Jeep Wrangler YJ Extended Range Tank
- Jeep CJ Extended Range Tank
- Jeep Cherokee XJ Extended Range Tank
Find the exact tank you need at: www.genright.com
Long Range Automotive
Long Range Automotive has been manufacturing and supplying auxiliary and long-range fuel tanks since 1989. Long Range Automotive uses the latest technology to design long-range fuel tanks that are the most suitable shape for a specific vehicle. Precision CAD/CAM drawings are produced for all petrol tanks and water tanks to ensure they fit properly into the selected location. Long Range Automotive is an Australian based company with distributors in the United States.
Builds tanks for:
- Chevrolet Colorado
- Chevrolet 2500
- Dodge Ram
- Ford Ranger
- Ford Explorer
- Ford F-250
- Ford F-350
- Hyundai Santa Fe
- Isuzu Rodeo
- Jeep Cherokee
- Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Jeep Wrangler JK, TJ
- Nissan Pathfinder
- Nissan X-Trail
- Land Rover Defender
- Land Rover Discovery
- Land Rover Range Rover
- Toyota 4 Runner
- Toyota Landcruiser
Find the exact tank you need at: www.longrangeautomotive.com.au
Man-A-Fre
Man-A-Fre out of Southern California offers a comprehensive list of accessories available for the Toyota Land Cruiser line. Tanks are fully baffled and trapped with threaded brass barbed hose fittings, MIG wire welded, Fuel Injection compatible, and includes all mounting hardware. Modifications to seat mounts may be required on most models.
Builds:
- Toyota FJ Cruiser Auxiliary Fuel Tank
- Toyota FJ40 Long Range Fuel Tank
- Toyota FJ40 Auxiliary Fuel Tank
- Toyota FJ60 Long Range Fuel Tank
- Toyota FJ62 Long Range Fuel Tank
- Toyota FJ80 / Lexus LX450 Long Range Fuel Tank
Find the exact tank you need at: www.man-a-fre.com
Titan Fuel Tanks
TITAN Fuel Tanks manufacture replacement and auxiliary fuel tanks for most late-model domestic diesel trucks out of their Idaho plant. For most vehicles, the “Super Series” tanks are larger than ever before, they fill more quickly, and represent a new level in quality, features, and innovation. These tanks are built from corrosion-proof heavy-duty cross-linked polyethylene and work with factory fuel gauges, are biodiesel compatible and come with a 5-year limited warranty.
Builds tanks for:
- GM 2500/3500 Diesel
- Ford F-250/F-35-/F-450
- Dodge Ram 2500/3500
Find the exact tank you need at: www.titanfueltanks.com
Transfer Flow
Transfer Flow replacement fuel tanks are designed, engineered and manufactured in the USA from 12- and 14-gauge aluminized steel for superior rust resistance, strength, and powder coated black for a quality finish. Fuel tanks are baffled to reduce fuel sloshing, and come with new heavy-duty straps and mounting hardware. These tanks come with all components needed for installation, are able to handle gasoline or diesel, and come with a 3-year unlimited mile warranty.
Builds tanks for:
- Dodge Ram 2500/3500
- Ford F-250/F-350
- GM 2500/3500
- Toyota Tundra
Find the exact tank you need at: www.transferflow.com