et2
MI.
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Joined: 10/31/2007
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I'm consider installing a 115 gallon auxiliary fuel tank to our 3500 dually. When not towing the truck will sit for quite some time particularly in the cold months.
Will 150 gallons ( main tank 35 and aux 115)keep for extended periods( 6 months or more)? Are there any issues with condensation? I assume the consensus would be keeping the tanks full to eliminate any condensation. Are there any additives that should be added?
Are there any here that could share their stories or thoughts, good and bad? I hate to make a $1300 investment that might cause more problems than the benefits I'm looking for.
Thanks!
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2oldman
Winchester WA
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The only caveat I'd add is that with full tanks, that's a lot of weight.
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et2
MI.
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2oldman wrote:The only caveat I'd add is that with full tanks, that's a lot of weight.
1065 total fuel weight for both tanks. Additional 816.5 for the tank. I have figured out the pin weight,passengers,etc. I will still be under by a couple hundred pounds on GVWR.
However I'm considering a 51 gallon combo tank as well.
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lawnspecialties
Garner, NC
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I would think the fuel would keep OK. Diesel doesn't seem to go stale like gas does. Throw some stabilizer in there.
Like said before, that's a lot of weight. I know your truck can handle it but for some reason, I just wouldn't want to keep that much weight in the bed of my truck over six months at a time.
My auxiliary tank has a ball valve shut off right where it comes out of the tank. I wonder if there's a way to store that tank empty but being able to keep condensation out?
2011 Ford F450 4X4
2011 Cyclone 370C
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WyoTraveler
Northwest, Wyoming
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Gas or diesel? I suspect you have a fuel filter on your vehicle. Ford has a drain to get the water out of the filter on their diesels. Being in Michigan you may have some higher humidity than out west. On the ranch in Wyoming we have storage tanks above ground for both gas and diesel. We have a fuel filter installed on both of those storage tanks and can drain the water out of them periodically. We've never had a problem storing fuel. If I am using diesel in the winter from the tank I try to fill up on warm days and put additives in the tractor fuel tank to prevent the diesel from freezing.
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conmoto
Northern Illinois
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I have an RDS 60gal aux tank tool box combo. I personally would not want one larger. I kind of gag when I have to put over $300 when I fill up I think if it were $600 I might have the big one!
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45Ricochet
North Idaho
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Your fuel should be no problem, I'm still using the fuel from my last fill up (October). One thing is the winter fuel gets less mileage so having 150 gallons come camping season might be one draw back. But again the way fuel prices jumped this winter you might be dollars ahead 
As far as weight in your truck that shouldn't be a issue either as many working trucks are loaded with equipment their entire lives. I left a full yard of traction sand in the bed last year.
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2oldman
Winchester WA
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45Ricochet wrote: weight in your truck that shouldn't be a issue For some reason if I'm full of 70 gallons of fuel my truck/5er seems to labor more. Could be just my imagination.
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Airstreamer67
Pineville, LA USA
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I usually treat the 90 gallons of diesel in my truck's auxiliary tank with Biobar to make sure any water in the fuel doesn't create microbes that can clog up the system. This product is popular among boaters and airlines to keep the fuel free of such growth. I use it because I live in a damp Gulf Coast climate.
I keep a lot of fuel on hand for hurricanes and other potential needs, and use the auxiliary tank to fuel a generator and tractor, in addition to the truck. When towing the travel trailer, it sure is nice to be able pick the best spots for buying fuel.
The additional weight has not noticeably affected the suspension or performance in my old 1996 F250.
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Dave H M
IL
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I have a 70 gallon aux. I pay no attention to how much is left in there and have always left it set around empty a lot.
I have never had a water in fuel light and do not drain the fuel filter either.
live in cetral IL
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