travelnutz
West Michigan - On the Lakeshore
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Joined: 04/09/2006
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Dave H M,
I have not seen your setup or the Federal acceptance certifications of the components used in your setup. That's for the lawyers to hassle over. Who is going to support you in the event of a lawsuit including your gravity flow tank setup moving and causing a fuel leak? Gravity flow requires the outlet to be near the bottom of the tank and liquid flows downhill, guaranteed! That's why out of the top of the tank is required as in higher than the fuel level. Don't count on your vehicle insurance to cover your owner installed after market non-inspected and certified gravity flow intrusion into your vehicle's certified fuel system setup. Bet you'll be on your own! Beyond that said, I am not the enforcement source to decide whether you are legal or not. There's much more to it than I have commented on. Such as the secure mounting of the tank, the thickness, and the square inches of backing plates for the bolt thru the bed attachment as well as the size and number of bolts used to attach your bed to the frame. Bolting your tank thru the bed and frame is the best way to secure the tank. However, I have yet to see the tank flanges line up with a frame rail and the vehicle manufacturer has much to say about drilling holes thru the frame flanges. Most do allow small holes well spaced to be drilled thru the frame's web.
Different State, local, and/or Country rules and laws may well apply also. Red Ram gave a very simple example. Liability lawyers aren't loved by businesses and most businesses are smart enough to protect their posteriors!
2004 Chev 2500HD D/A crew cab LB 4X4 - Air Bags - Loaded
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FalconLover
Southern California (Whittier)
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Joined: 07/28/2005
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I purchased a fuel cell from Summit Racing Equipment (SummitRacing.com). It’s a 22 gallon RCI tank that is designed for circle track racing so both the pick-up and vent are on top. It was $119.95, plus tax and a nominal delivery fee (around $10.00). I could have got the 32 gallon tank for a couple bucks more, but oh well. I strap it in the corner of the bed with a motorcycle tie down. Our bed has a spray in liner which keeps it from sliding around, but the strap ensures that it won’t move when empty. I picked up the fuel fittings from a local Home Depot or Lowes – basic gas line to hose connections. If you have a bed cover like I do the fuel pick-up fitting on the fuel cell needs to be an elbow type so that it will clear the cover when closed. Mine is actually a swivel type fitting that I bought at a hose store.
The fuel line runs through an existing hole in the bed and down under near the trucks filler neck. The vent is covered with a basic brass cap that is loosely attached, but you can buy a vent cap from Summit.
I cut out a small section of the hose between the filler neck and pipe that connects to the fuel tank (I simply pulled back the mesh cover on the hose so that it can be put back in place without a problem. I bought a copper “tee” fitting that was the same diameter of the fuel hose (I think it was 1 ¼” with a ½” connection). I brazed a threaded fitting onto the ½” tee and added a threaded 3/8” hose fitting to that. All parts were about $10 total.
With the copper tee clamped into place I connected the fuel line to the 3/8” hose fitting. To get the fuel into the tank I picked up an inexpensive electric fuel pump (about $35) and in-line filter from Kragen Auto Parts. I mounted it under the bed using existing holes in the frame. With a ground wire connected to the frame all I needed was a single hot wire and a switch. I ran a hot lead up under the dash and to the battery terminal. I mounted a simple push/pull switch on the panel that’s on the left side of the dash next to the steering wheel where it’s easy to get to after the fuse panel is removed.
When I get down to under ½ tank I can pull the switch and it starts a siphon that will empty the entire 22 gallons into my main tank. With the siphon started it will only put in as much as you use so there is no worries of overfilling. I usually just run the pump for a few minutes then shut it off and it keeps going until the siphon is broken (just a quick twist on the line that attaches to the fuel cell), or when the fuel cell is empty. Plus it's no more than one fitting and a ground wire that I added a quick connect to and in seconds it's out and stored behind the house when its not needed.
Our truck gets 11 MPG towing our 5er and with 61 gallons of fuel on board we easily have a 600 mile plus range. But who ever needs that? It's just nice not having to worry about it. I get fuel when and where I choose.
As you can see I have about $150.00 invested in the entire system. My thought process was that saving $1,350.00 over the cost of a TransferFlow system would buy a LOT of fuel.
John
The Rutters
2004 Ford F350 Crewcab Lariat FX4 (4x4) DRW
6.0 PSD, Torque Shift, Jack Rabbit roll top cover, Rosen widescreen DVD system
2004 Montana Mountaineer 33' fifth wheel (297RKS) w/double sofa option
1965 Ford Falcon Futura (Pro Street/Driver)
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Lord-Dogbert
Fontana, Ca.
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Joined: 09/17/2004
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I added a 60 gallon tank to my short bed, I can haul forever now. Follow this link to step by step and pics: http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=50876&hl=lord-dogbert
2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD crew cab with 8.1l engine and Allison Trans. Prodigy brake controller, 60 gallon aux tank in the bed.
2007 38' Skyline TrailRider Toy Hauler with 2 A/C's, 5.5kw Onan generator, dual slides.
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travelnutz
West Michigan - On the Lakeshore
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Joined: 04/09/2006
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FalconLover,
Very interesting because you could argue that your 22 gallon aux tank would not overflow the main tank unless the main tank was over 1/3 full and why would you transfer fuel if the main tank wasn't in need? I don't know if it would hold water in court though. 22 gallons is not much extra to have but is sure better than none.
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rob85546
Hot arizona
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Joined: 03/14/2006
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Do a post when you do get the quote and that...Im interested
Saftman wrote:I am waitng for a quote from a local welder to build a tank to fit in my existing tool box. Hopefully it and the hook-up stuff will be less than the tank/box combos.
2007 GMC DURAMAX,LBZ,4 by Crew, Allison
Magnaflow Turbo Back Exhaust
Predator Tuner
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5year old boy
3 year old baby girl
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Wilderness 5th wheel
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FORD Expediton
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rob85546
Hot arizona
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HAS ANYONE, looked at northertool.com?????????????
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travelnutz
West Michigan - On the Lakeshore
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Joined: 04/09/2006
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rob85546,
The last 100 gallon tank came from Tractor Supply. It measures approx 24 X 24 X 45. I waited until it went on sale and got it for $249.99 and waited for the 1/2 gallon hand lever pump to go on sale too. Got it for $87.88. Both were under $360. with the tax. Hose comes with the pump and used a 3/4" ball valve and 45 degree schedule 40 plumbing fittings etc to fashion a valve handle for the end of the hose. I used a 3/4" schedule 40 cap to cover the handle outlet end when stored. Didn't glue it on, just ring fit pushed it on and it doesn't leak. The diesel fuel is oil and it lubes the cap fit so it doesn't pickup plastic from the other part. It's been on and off more than 25 times.
What I have rigged in my truck for an auxiliary fuel tank setup is totally legal and so easy to use. Never had a spill or dripped fuel yet. Handle end of the hose lays in a 12 quart Rubber Maid storage box with a "U" shaped slot on one end for the hose when not being used. Snap on cover keeps the rain out. Simple, inexpensive, and works great!
What you do is up to you!
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rob85546
Hot arizona
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How good is that hand lever pump???? I had a flow something hand pump that I have seen advertised and tried it for my boat/sandrail and GEn and such, it I could pour it out of the jug easier than that dang pump.. I just tossed it..
I maybe interested in something that will work..
travelnutz wrote:rob85546,
The last 100 gallon tank came from Tractor Supply. It measures approx 24 X 24 X 45. I waited until it went on sale and got it for $249.99 and waited for the 1/2 gallon hand lever pump to go on sale too. Got it for $87.88. Both were under $360. with the tax. Hose comes with the pump and used a 3/4" ball valve and 45 degree schedule 40 plumbing fittings etc to fashion a valve handle for the end of the hose. I used a 3/4" schedule 40 cap to cover the handle outlet end when stored. Didn't glue it on, just ring fit pushed it on and it doesn't leak. The diesel fuel is oil and it lubes the cap fit so it doesn't pickup plastic from the other part. It's been on and off more than 25 times.
What I have rigged in my truck for an auxiliary fuel tank setup is totally legal and so easy to use. Never had a spill or dripped fuel yet. Handle end of the hose lays in a 12 quart Rubber Maid storage box with a "U" shaped slot on one end for the hose when not being used. Snap on cover keeps the rain out. Simple, inexpensive, and works great!
What you do is up to you!
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travelnutz
West Michigan - On the Lakeshore
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Joined: 04/09/2006
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rob, the pump I have works great. Each single stroke is one quart transferred. 4 movements are 1 gallon. 25 gallons takes well less than 3 minutes. It's a push-pull pump. one push is one quart. They also make a one push is 1/2 gallon but I think it's overkill. A 3/4" dia hose can only transport so much fuel per second. I thought about an electric pump but I'm glad I didn't buy one. No electrical hookup required for mine. Works anytime, anywhere, 24/7.
Just go to Tractor Supply and check it out. Don't be in a rush. Research and let the time help you.
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rob85546
Hot arizona
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How about some pictures of your set up??? I would like to go smaller tank and put all inside a tool box
travelnutz wrote:rob, the pump I have works great. Each single stroke is one quart transferred. 4 movements are 1 gallon. 25 gallons takes well less than 3 minutes. It's a push-pull pump. one push is one quart. They also make a one push is 1/2 gallon but I think it's overkill. A 3/4" dia hose can only transport so much fuel per second. I thought about an electric pump but I'm glad I didn't buy one. No electrical hookup required for mine. Works anytime, anywhere, 24/7.
Just go to Tractor Supply and check it out. Don't be in a rush. Research and let the time help you.
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