Bob Vaughn wrote: Can I install a 35-50 gallon Auxiliary gasoline tank in the bed of my truck and have it gravity feed into the main tank as the main tank empties ?
No you can't at least not in a Ford because it will flood the vapor recovery system with fuel. I use a 50 gal tank but I pump it into the main tank with a 12 volt fuel pump when needed. It will also have to be sealed tank that can be vented into the trucks fuel system so you don't get a service engine soon light.
Denny
2000 F350 SC DRW V10 4.30 gears, Banks Cat Back, BrakeSmart, Air Lifts
2003 HitchHiker Premier 35FKTG
In truth, I'm not sure that gravity feed between tanks for gas is illegal. Here are the important points from DOT. 393.65 applies to ALL vehicles, but there is nothing specified for transferring fuel between tanks. 393.67 applies to fuel tank design but only for COMMERCIAL vehicles.
§ 393.65 All fuel systems.
(a) Application of the rules in this section.
The rules in this section apply to systems for containing and supplying fuel for the operation of motor vehicles or for the operation of auxiliary equipment installed on, or used in connection with, motor vehicles.
(d) Gravity or syphon feed prohibited. A fuel system must not supply fuel by gravity or syphon feed directly to the carburetor or injector.
§ 393.67 Liquid fuel tanks.
(a) Application of the rules in this section.
The rules in this section apply to tanks containing or supplying fuel for the operation of commercial motor vehicles or for the operation of auxiliary equipment installed on, or used in connection with commercial motor vehicles.
(5) Fuel withdrawal fittings. Except for diesel fuel tanks, the fittings through which fuel is withdrawn from a fuel tank must be located above the normal level of fuel in the tank when the tank is full.
But practically speaking, I don't think you will find a new aftermarket tank that is not designed to meet the commercial market. Meaning the withdraw tube will be above the fuel fill opening and therefore require a pump. Assuming your vehicle is NOT registered as a commerical vehicle, you could use the drain port on a new tank for gravity feed instead of the withdraw tube, or you could find an older tank manufactured before the latest DOT regulations.
One more issue, I don't think that a vented gas cap is legal any more, so besides the feed line between the tanks you would also need a vent line between them as well. But this should also address any vehicle computer problems.
One side note, I wonder how many generators on trailers and motor homes are DOT legal, especially any aftermarket installations??
Larry Day
Texas Baptist Men-Retiree Builders since '01
'03 GMC 2500HD D/A EC SB, Jordan controller, custom RKI bed/hitch, Putco boards, TF 45gal tank, grey Speedliner
'04 CrossRoads Cruiser CF29RK, Mor/ryde IS, Carefree Eclipse 12V awning Rig Photos
One more issue, I don't think that a vented gas cap is legal any more, so besides the feed line between the tanks you would also need a vent line between them as well. But this should also address any vehicle computer problems.
One side note, I wonder how many generators on trailers and motor homes are DOT legal, especially any aftermarket installations??
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