lane hog
Tucson, AZ
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Joined: 07/06/2003
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As much as I wanted that nice secondary fuel tank from Tractor Supply, it appears that The Queen had other ideas for how best to spend that money...
We routinely carried three 5 gallon cans of diesel, along with a fourth 5 gallon can of gas for the generators. They fit rather nicely into a pair of recycled recycling bins that we'd carry in the bed of the truck.
I figured that gave me about 150 miles of comfort factor, and more than once, used them to avoid paying higher prices where we happened to be (knowing that I'd be able to get fuel a hundred miles down the road for about $0.25 less per gallon).
My other word of advice -- if you do carry extra cans in the bed of your truck, be sure to tie them down with rope or bungees, because they'll blow out of the bed of your truck when they're empty..
Alas, we've moved on to a motorhome with a 55 gallon tank, so I won't be carrying any spare gas along for the ride unless we're really heading out into the boonies.
- 2005 Winnebago "Minnie" 31C (was a three-time Jayco owner)
- 2000 Jeep Cherokee Classic toad (had Ram 2500 CTD, Durango, Liberty...)
- Onan Microquiet 4000, plus 130W solar and Honda EU2000i twins for backup
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rbigdog
San Diego
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Joined: 08/13/2006
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I have a 100 Gallon aux. tank in the bed. It operates independantly from the main tank, with a Main/Aux. switch & its own gage. I have only been able to completely fill both tanks a couple of times, but its nice to know that I can stop for fuel when I want to, not because I have to.
2002 Fleetwood Terry 31.5 Fiver Double Slide
Yamaha 3000EIB Generator
Used for Desert, Beach & Mountain camping.
RBIGDOG/2001 Dodge 3500 HO 6 speed Deisel Dually
8' Long bed, 100 gallon Aux. tank w/gauge
Converted for gooseneck towing
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Beaux Duke
Southeast La
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Joined: 01/07/2002
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Summit Racing has fuel cells made from aluminum and/or plastic in the $150 - $250 range. Some come with senders. Many will fit in existing tool boxes. Some are foam filled to reduce sloshing (if that's an issue for you). Avoid the models with sumps if you plan to mount it in your bed.
Fuel cells @ Summit Racing
01 Silverado 2500HD, 8.1, Allison, 4.10
05 Sierra 305 RLW 5er
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wla7
Warren, Ohio
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Joined: 02/10/2005
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We have 70 gallon auxiliary TransferFlo which enables us to carry about 100 gallons of fuel. We just completed a 5,500 mile trip out west. With a range of about 1,000 miles, the flexibility when carrying the extra fuel is fantastic. We wouldn't be without the auxiliary tank now.
Wla
2007.5 Silverado 3500HD LTZ CC/DRW Duramax/Allison, 20.0k Pull Rite Super 5th
2008 Cedar Creek 36RLTS Center Point suspension & pin box
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Dave H M
IL
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Joined: 08/11/2006
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If gravity flow/feed is "illegal" - would someone show me the proof - not just propaganda like from a transfer flow site.
I contend that as long as the roll over valve is in the system, the thing meets DOT standards.
If they are "illegal" how can a huge company like RDS sell them and advertise them.
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travelnutz
West Michigan - On the Lakeshore
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Joined: 04/09/2006
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Dave H M,
The regulations, laws, and rules are clearly spelled out in the FHWA (Federal HighWay Administration) safety regulations. You will notice that even RDS has notes all over their literature stating their auxiliary and transfer fuel tanks meet FHWA regulations, states these vehicle bed mounted tanks are for diesel only and site the California law of no gasoline to be carried in bed tanks. Please look it up for yourself!
As stated in the FHWA regulations: No vehicle operating on Federal Highways may have a fuel tank connected to the vehicles approved fuel system in which the separate tanks contained fuel level could be higher than the highest fill or vent point of said vehicle as installed. The following exceptions apply: Such Additional fuel tank with a higher fuel level shall have a positive manual shutoff at the said tank opening and an approved anti-back flow device in the tube above the fuel line junction but below the vent opening or vehicle fuel filler opening. Any transfer of fuel may ONLY be done when the vehicle is stopped, off the traveled portion of the roadway, and the ignition in the off position. Unregulated free flow or transfer of afore mentioned fuel from said fuel storage/transfer tanks while vehicle is in operation on Federal Highways is prohibited and subject to enforcement citation.
This is the same law vehicle OEM engineering must comply with. It goes on to separate different types of fuels carried and their particulars.
It does not say the tanks if not connected together are illegal, ie a diverter valve to allow draw from one tank or the other. Just different fuel level tanks being connected together since liquid always seeks the lowest point.
There is a reason why Transfer Flow and others make the statements they do. Canada has it's own version of rules.
Just think what a stuck valve or non-sealing back flow device etc would be like in coating the road surface with OIL or other fuel. Beyond slippery for the vehicles beyond you and the EPA would be all over your gis-machies. Then there's the thought of a little thing called FIRE!
2004 Chev 2500HD D/A crew cab LB 4X4 - Air Bags - Loaded
915 Lance Camper with 2'X 8' rear porch (my own design n build)
29 ft Carri-lite 5th wheel - 1 large slide - specially built
36 ft Carriage - 3 axle 5'er -NOW SOLD- Looking at some new 5'ers
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Georgew48
Ohio
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Joined: 10/30/2006
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Just remember, it takes fuel to carry fuel. Fuel is weight and that means you will burn more fuel to carry the extra weight. Why do you think airplane only take as mush fuel as required for the flight plus a small reserve. We learned this lesson during WW II.
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travelnutz
West Michigan - On the Lakeshore
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Joined: 04/09/2006
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GeorgeW48,
True, it takes fuel to move mass but it is very little more as on rolling truck. Also, since the tank is in the bed, it offers no additional wind resistance. Drag from additional weight on an aircraft is more pronounced because it's the air speed over the wing creates the lift through suction. Flaps, trim, etc allow for adjustment but also disturb the free flow of air. More weight, more lift required. Thus, more thrust required which is more fuel used in a measured distance. These are variable and basic descriptions depending on the type of aircraft used. However, the principle is true.
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RedRam
Moved from the smallest county in Texas
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Joined: 10/20/2003
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I know when i called and talked to them about the size and how i wanted it plumbed i mentioned the thought of running the outlet line down into the cab to a valve then vrom the valve back into the main tank so i could fill without stopping.At that point he told me he would sell me the tank but i would have to mount it in the truck and do all the plumbing because it was against the law the way i wanted to do it and he wasn't going to but his license on the line.I had them do it and it cost more but i'm legal according to them.
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Dave H M
IL
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Joined: 08/11/2006
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Well travelnuts you explained it all. The gravity feed kit i waqs referring to has a anit backflow/roll over valve where it enters the vehicle tank hose and a shut off valve for installing at the outlet of the in bed tank.
So tell me what is "illegal" about my installation as it sets in the driveway of the house or going down the road with the little shut off valve turned off.
We are talking diesel here.
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