Taco Auxillary Tanks?

[flyingwil]

I am researching my options for increasing the fuel load, as my Taco will soon grow up, (just around the corner!). I have looked into the long ranger, but they do not offer it for the Taco. I think Downey creates a tank, but i seem to recall it not fitting a Dub Cab :mad: .
http://www.downeyoff-road.com/images_parts/AT-9.jpg

I guess I should fill you in on my plans to get a more valuable response. I am planning on a Bent-Up rear bumper with the skids on the rear after trimming the rear panels. Similar to the below pictures:
http://www.parksoffroad.com/tacomamods/rearquarterpanelmod/drivers%20side%20almost%20smooth.JPG
http://www.parksoffroad.com/tacomamods/rearquarterpanelmod/final/P9060033.JPG
http://www.parksoffroad.com/tacomamods/rearquarterpanelmod/final/P9060035.JPG

So now that my options are narrowed to mostly custom, and a more creative approach. I do not want a tank that will reduce my ground clearance, so a copy of Scott's system is not an option, but maybe using a Civic gas tank might be. Another option I have been playing with is the tool box and fuel combo unit, but I was more opting for that for water solution since I want to be able to put my secondary battery in the box, to keep it safe. I am thinking going custom and designing a system that will be able to incorporate an Aux fuel tank, tool box and water storage. Knock out a few birds with one stone! I am thinking of a over the rail box, that would fill all areas, but am limited to size and prefer an all water tank there. (See Attached Image) So my options are getting limited and I am lacking in the creative aspects and turning to you all. What's your input?

[The BN Guy]

That is a slick bumper! Ohhh, great, now I'm drooling!

Seems like a fairly easy one to build. Just interested in how the quarter panel pieces attach to the bumper. Time to email.

[flyingwil]

Seems like a fairly easy one to build. Just interested in how the quarter panel pieces attach to the bumper.

There is a complete write up of that bumper, but I am going for all one (not bolt on)HERE. (http://www.parksoffroad.com/tacomamods/rearquarterpanelmod/Rear%20Quarter%20Panel%20Protection.htm)

[Suty]

Wil, You might want to check out NWMP Northwest Metal Products (if you already have then disregard) They advertise a tank for Taco's for $577. It's 15 gal and comes with a transfer pump (I Think) . They also have a ebay store with a In Bed Tank that is 16 Gallons. I hope this helps, Let me know . Tu Compa, Suty

[Scott Brady]

Dont forget the sidekick tanks. 15 gallons and no loss of GC. They also have a built in fuel pump.

[flyingwil]

Dont forget the sidekick tanks. 15 gallons and no loss of GC. They also have a built in fuel pump.

Scott- What are you refering to? A Suzuki Sidekick tank, or the tanks in bed that go on the sides?

WIL

[Scott Brady]

A Suzuki Sidekick tank. Take a look at one. They are a perfect fit, have a factory skid plate, in-tank pump, the same fuel level ohms as Toyota, etc.

You would just need to custom fab some brackets.

[flyingwil]

A Suzuki Sidekick tank. Take a look at one. They are a perfect fit, have a factory skid plate, in-tank pump, the same fuel level ohms as Toyota, etc.

You would just need to custom fab some brackets.


Hmmm... good point there! I might have to look into this a bit more. I would like to keep my fuel as far away from the battery as possible. I found a great company here in AZ that can fab up a tank for a decent price, I have played with the fuel cell idea, and also custom tanks.

Depending on the location of the mounting position would the rear frame need to reinforced, or maybe boxed in?

[brittan]

This is/was my solution...
http://www.fuelsafe.com/offroad.htm
They have a cell that is 34"LX17.5"WX9.5"H. That just fits where my spare is. The plan is to put the spare on top of the rack. They have cool pumps that are the size of your thumb that don't pump that fast but save on space and weight. When I speck'd it out it was going to run me under a grand for the entire solution, which is more than you'd spend on finding a jeep tank or the like. I'd need to do some skid plate protection but I'd have done that for any solution I went with.
My other idea was to do what you are suggesting and put the tank in the bed and fill from a filler installed on the shell. I think that is the easier install...

[Scott Brady]

Depending on the location of the mounting position would the rear frame need to reinforced, or maybe boxed in?

I would say that if you are running the fuel tank aft of the rear axle AND a heavy rear bumper, then you should reinforce the frame. One or the other is ok IMO.

[jeffryscott]

Scott- What are you refering to? A Suzuki Sidekick tank, or the tanks in bed that go on the sides?

WIL

Wil,

I recently saw a Tracker tank on ebay, brand new, that went for .99 cents (shipping was about $40). I was going to buy it just because, but forgot to bid before it ended ....

In other words, Suzuki parts can be had cheap on ebay, so if you go that route, keep an eye out.

Jeff

[BajaTaco]

Wil, what are you plans for the spare tire? I am of the opinion that if you can keep that fuel storage low, and between the frame rails, you will be better off. But the question of tire storage comes into play.

[flyingwil]

Plans are for the spare to go on a rear bumper, and also an air tank under the bed, I was thinking 1 or 2 (yet to be determined) 3 gal tubes similar to the ones from wheelers, and an aux tank installed __________.

I am trying to get a good game plan / blueprint prior to starting my creation. That way I just need to make small modifications to make everything work. I hope to start a complete build-up in January, after a trip to Austraillia for parts (of course). I am able to get round trip tickets for $98.00, and think it might be worth the money to get somethings different than everyone else, but still high quality and Aussie designed.

Now, I just need to get some sweet deals like Scott does and I am set! LOL.

But for the tanks, I have no clue on what or where to put them. For tanks I want:
Aux Fuel
Water
Air


Now it is just figuring out what and where!

Wil

[BajaTaco]

The tickets to Australia are definitely nice :) I imagine shipping costs will be an eye opener if it is anything that you can't bring back on the plane with you. :Wow1:

Since you are going to put the tire on the bumper, I would definitely get the frame reinforcement like Scott has.

Is there any particular reason you need 3 to 6 gallons of air storage? That is a lot of weight and bulk to add.

OK, before you decide on the tanks - what are your other plans for the bed area of the truck? Are you doing a tent? Fiberglass topper? Rack?

[Suty]

Plans are for the spare to go on a rear bumper, and also an air tank under the bed, I was thinking 1 or 2 (yet to be determined) 3 gal tubes similar to the ones from wheelers, and an aux tank installed __________.

I am trying to get a good game plan / blueprint prior to starting my creation. That way I just need to make small modifications to make everything work. I hope to start a complete build-up in January, after a trip to Austraillia for parts (of course). I am able to get round trip tickets for $98.00, and think it might be worth the money to get somethings different than everyone else, but still high quality and Aussie designed.

Now, I just need to get some sweet deals like Scott does and I am set! LOL.

But for the tanks, I have no clue on what or where to put them. For tanks I want:
Aux Fuel
Water
Air


Now it is just figuring out what and where!

Wil
Will, I will be changing my Air Tank out shortly for a 5 Gal model , Mine is a 2.5 and I will not be needing it . So, let me know if you want it? Tu Compa, Suty

[flyingwil]

The tickets to Australia are definitely nice :) I imagine shipping costs will be an eye opener if it is anything that you can't bring back on the plane with you. :Wow1:
That's the beauty of my job! Discounts on a lot of things... Air cargo is normally less than $50, if you are on the plane along with your goods. I am thinking of buying 2 of what I like for redundancy.



Is there any particular reason you need 3 to 6 gallons of air storage? That is a lot of weight and bulk to add.
I would like an Air Tank to help mitigate the use of a compressor, they do weigh a ton, but depending on my compressor options I think it will help the logitivity of the compressor.



OK, before you decide on the tanks - what are your other plans for the bed area of the truck? Are you doing a tent? Fiberglass topper? Rack?
I am thinking of doing similar to Scott's since it is a DC a topper is out of the question for sleeping unless I shrink about 15 inches over the next few months. I love the roof top tents and my search keeps growing to narrow it in. This is another reason I prefer not have an Aux tank in the bed... Who wants to smell gas fumes while sleeping?


WIL

[flyingwil]

Will, I will be changing my Air Tank out shortly for a 5 Gal model , Mine is a 2.5 and I will not be needing it . So, let me know if you want it? Tu Compa, Suty

Suty-
That just might be the perfect size... Shoot me a pm when you get your 5 Gal.

Wil

[BajaTaco]

That's the beauty of my job! Discounts on a lot of things... Air cargo is normally less than $50, if you are on the plane along with your goods. I am thinking of buying 2 of what I like for redundancy.


NICE!!! :jumping: Careful saying that, you might get a lot of requests to "smuggle" 4x4 goodies :D






I would like an Air Tank to help mitigate the use of a compressor, they do weigh a ton, but depending on my compressor options I think it will help the logitivity of the compressor.

Hmmm... well, unless you need the extra volume to run air tools I'm not sure there is much benefit over a one or two gallon tank. A small tank will be enough to run air lockers without the compressor having to cycle much. And if you don't need a small tank for air lockers or an air horn, then there is really no need for a tank at all. It's no extra work for your compressor to fill tires vs. extra tank volume.




I am thinking of doing similar to Scott's since it is a DC a topper is out of the question for sleeping unless I shrink about 15 inches over the next few months. I love the roof top tents and my search keeps growing to narrow it in. This is another reason I prefer not have an Aux tank in the bed... Who wants to smell gas fumes while sleeping?

Ahh, ok. In that case I think following Scott's approach is a great idea. I would put the fuel between the frame rails under the bed, and put the water storage in the middle of the bed, down low. Build your other storage stuff around that and if you can keep the tent at or below the roof line you will save some fuel economy. If you need to have more storage in the bed (for instance if you need to keep the d-cab 2nd row seats useable) then I would seriously consider doing a topper with the tent on top, or a rack system like Pasquale has. The topper may add some extra weight, but you will require less weight to make the storage area dust/weather proof since it will all be enclosed. And the topper would be lockable and keep the storage out of the sun/elements a little more. But the rack setup is awesome for the sake of easy access to everything.

[Suty]

Suty-
That just might be the perfect size... Shoot me a pm when you get your 5 Gal.

Wil
Wil, I will pm you as soon as I get it. Tu Compa, Suty

[flyingwil]

Wil, I will pm you as soon as I get it. Tu Compa, Suty


Cool thanks Suty!

[Willman]

Plans are for the spare to go on a rear bumper, and also an air tank under the bed, I was thinking 1 or 2 (yet to be determined) 3 gal tubes similar to the ones from wheelers, and an aux tank installed __________.

I am trying to get a good game plan / blueprint prior to starting my creation. That way I just need to make small modifications to make everything work. I hope to start a complete build-up in January, after a trip to Austraillia for parts (of course). I am able to get round trip tickets for $98.00, and think it might be worth the money to get somethings different than everyone else, but still high quality and Aussie designed.

Now, I just need to get some sweet deals like Scott does and I am set! LOL.

But for the tanks, I have no clue on what or where to put them. For tanks I want:
Aux Fuel
Water
Air


Now it is just figuring out what and where!

Wil

Any updates Wil on your Aux. fuel system?

After i complete my rear storage system...The next thing i am thinking about building is an alum. tank.....

[flyingwil]

Any updates Wil on your Aux. fuel system?

After i complete my rear storage system...The next thing i am thinking about building is an alum. tank.....

No not yet. I am still thinking of going custom. Maybe we all could design one, and they could pump out quite a few of the same units if there is enough intrest.

[edgear]

No not yet. I am still thinking of going custom. Maybe we all could design one, and they could pump out quite a few of the same units if there is enough intrest.
Would they be able to fabricate one for a silver Tacoma, or are they only customized to fit the white ones? :hehe:

What would the cost difference be on this custom unit, versus say a Suzuki Sidekick tank?

[flyingwil]

Would they be able to fabricate one for a silver Tacoma, or are they only customized to fit the white ones? :hehe:

What would the cost difference be on this custom unit, versus say a Suzuki Sidekick tank?


If it is custom it will be how we want it rather than how Suzuki wanted it. I would like to pull out the spare and take some measurements and see if there is existing holes in the fame that we could use.... (I am thinking out load here). When compared to a Suzuki tank they are made for a Suzuki, not a Taco where the custom tank would be specifically made for this application.

I'll start playing around with this idea later tonight and see what I come up with and keep you posted.

[SOAZ]

If one were not to get "into" doing the wiring etc for a fuel pump. Would it be completely getto to have an aux fuel tank that because it sat higher than the main tank could simple have a valve that you open and presto your tank gets partially re-filled.
I am wonding if welding together an aluminum tank that fit and bolted into the spare tire location would work and you simply have a fuel line and breather connection so you can refill you tank when you want it.
Too hack???

[Desertdude]

Wil, I believe those downey tanks are made here

http://www.nwmp.com/fueltanks.asp

[Nullifier]

Wil, I believe those downey tanks are made here

http://www.nwmp.com/fueltanks.asp

Yes I talked to those guys awhile back about it. They are the manufacturer for sure. The down side tot he taco system is the electric pump. Because the taco doesn't hav ea treaded plug they use an electric pump to transfer the fuel. Persoanly I would tap intot he stock tank and make it a gravity feed syste, with a checkvalve so fuel will onbly travel in one direction. They told me that if I wanted to do that they would knock about $50 off the price opf thkit and eliminate the electric pump. It would still be about $600. My issue is eliminating the rear tire mount. I like having my spare there.

[BogusBlake]

Where exactly are you guys thinking of mounting these Sidekick tanks? Up in the passenger side of the frame under the bed, in front of the axle?

[erin]

Blake, in the stock location of the spare, centered behind rear axle.

[Desertdude]

Yes I talked to those guys awhile back about it. They are the manufacturer for sure. The down side tot he taco system is the electric pump. Because the taco doesn't hav ea treaded plug they use an electric pump to transfer the fuel. Persoanly I would tap intot he stock tank and make it a gravity feed syste, with a checkvalve so fuel will onbly travel in one direction. They told me that if I wanted to do that they would knock about $50 off the price opf thkit and eliminate the electric pump. It would still be about $600. My issue is eliminating the rear tire mount. I like having my spare there.


The pump offered by Downey is quite slow. The Pump Scott chose on his aux. tank mod in the Tacoma is lightning fast. I like the idea of being able to control the flow of gas and the amount of reserve left in the auxiliary tank with a pump.

When you want to use the spare the tank has a square donut hole for the tire hanger the spare hangs down below the tank. Otherwise you can get the tank sans the hole.

[flyingwil]

Wil, I believe those downey tanks are made here

http://www.nwmp.com/fueltanks.asp
That is correct.
http://www.downeyoff-road.com/images_parts/AT-9.jpg
The problem I see is that is only about 15 gal more since it is designed so that you can put the spare back in the original location. I think if done custom we might be able to squeeze out 20+ gallons getting it above the frame rails with moving the spare to a different location.

I am a bit concerned about moving too much weight aft of the axle though. We all know our frames are not the strongest on the Taco's.

[flyingwil]

If one were not to get "into" doing the wiring etc for a fuel pump. Would it be completely getto to have an aux fuel tank that because it sat higher than the main tank could simple have a valve that you open and presto your tank gets partially re-filled.
I am wonding if welding together an aluminum tank that fit and bolted into the spare tire location would work and you simply have a fuel line and breather connection so you can refill you tank when you want it.
Too hack???

I think you are implying a gravity feed. In order to transfer the fuel, you would need a pump. IMO, the the gravity feed is not a good idea because it may overwhelm the tank and charcoal canister, causing the CEL to trigger. In most options out there it's a bit difficult to do a gravity feed since the output is towards the top of the tank and would need some sort of vacuum to prime it and possibly keep it going.

[SOAZ]

Got it! Since I want something that will be put on and taken off I think I'll stick with some gas cans for now put in a hitch mounted carrier so I dont die of fumes in side the runner. Also, I noticed that the runner has about 4 more gallons capacity than my old taco. I can squeeze about 19.5 in there.

[94-RUNNER]

Dont forget the sidekick tanks. 15 gallons and no loss of GC. They also have a built in fuel pump.

Talk about reurecting the dead thred !
OK, Scott, What are the odds of this tank fitting into a 94-Runner in between the frame rails with all the spare tire and winch hardware removed. And what year Sidekick tank were we talking about using ?
Sounds like something to worth look into !

ps; found this while looking for a auxillary battery setup for 94-Runner, any thoughts? I guess another thread.
......Tucker

[dnellans]

while we're resurecting... i've been researching a aux tank a bit as well. is downey still the only turnkey solution around a few years after this post started?

[94-RUNNER]

Wil, I believe those downey tanks are made here

http://www.nwmp.com/fueltanks.asp

I'm sure that there has to be other fuel tanks from other vehicles that would fit with of course some mods but this is a sure fit. Hope this helps !


......Tucker

[SEREvince]

re-reviving this thread!

What about using a plain ole fuel cell? They are common, cheap, and come in a variety of sizes. A company called Jaz(?) and Summit offer a couple options for filler tubes, necks that look pretty simple. Add desired pump and mount.

Plastic cell $150
Filler neck/45 out with check valve $50
Mounting straps $28
Steel plate/ frame mounting tabs ???
Fuel pump/lines/wiring ???

Am I missing anything?

Here's a nice aluminum version. http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=SUM%2D293215%2DS&N=700+400304+305671+115&autoview=sku

Plastic is much cheaper
http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=SUM%2D290104&N=700+4294920243+115&autoview=sku

Through the fender fill kit. 3' length. Would probaly need the 45 degree output from the cell available from the same place. Add a check valve for added safety during a rollover.

http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/KeywordSearchCmd?storeId=10001&N=1010297%2b4294960824&Ne=1143230&langId=-1&catalogId=10002

[flyingwil]

I am still trying to figure this one out... and think the only option is to go custom then it is 100% what I want.

As stated above, there are not too many options out there...
1.) There is the Downey Auxiliary Tank (http://"http://www.downeyoff-road.com/BodyComponents/AuxiliaryTanks.html"), that is actually Northwest Metal Products (http://"http://www.nwmp.com/viewOptions.asp") part TPA-7
2.) Using a non specific tank such as 2000 Trooper tank (http://"http://www.expeditionswest.com/equipment/tacoma/fuel_tank.html") and fuel cells (like BajaTaco)

Ok, now, option 1... is not enough fuel adding only 15 gallons is not worth the time nor the money IMO. Option 2 seems a bit awkward and might be rather difficult.

So there is th possibility of an option 3. The Long Ranger (ARB) (http://"http://www.thelongranger.com.au/") but the Hilux model will not fit because the tank is on the Right hand side... My question is would a Toyota 4Runner 1989-1996 tank (http://"http://www.thelongranger.com.au/4runnerlongrangefueltank.html") fit the Tacoma?

Option 4 is completely custom.

[SEREvince]

Does Bajataco have a write up on his setup? Looks like a aluminum fuel cell. how is the fuel transferred?

[ntsqd]

One possible issue with going completely custom are the FMVSS & DOT regs on fuel tanks. TransferFlow's page has some info on this.

Having read the above I'm still planing on fabricating one for Patch ('84 Xcab). I can fit almost 40 gallons in there if I'm willing to do some crazy work up top & allow it to be a bit of a hangy-downy part, but I think the point of diminishing returns is btwn 30 & 35 gallons. My foam-core mock-up's dims would yield about 32 gallons once the necessary internal baffling is added.

Fuel cells rarely fit how you need them to fit. In a race vehicle that's usually OK. In a vehicle that needs to have other utility it's probably not.
If you need a fuel cell to fit a given space exactly then you're talking about a custom cell and those are quite a bit more than anything Summit sells. Both Fuel Safe and ATL will make a custom cell to fit your dims, but you'll want to get a quote b4 heading down that path.

[Willman]

One possible issue with going completely custom are the FMVSS & DOT regs on fuel tanks. TransferFlow's page has some info on this.


I need to go over the rules on this and Utahs as well........

I'm thinking of TIGGing up a Alum tank like Bajataco.......Now all i need is time!

:chowtime:

On BajaTaco website.....He dosen't have a link to it poss. due to legal issues....I'm sure he would answer questions for ya!

Heres a picture of his rear bumper build with some pics of the tank in the background:

http://www.bajataco.com/rearbump2.html

[ntsqd]

TF's page on what's legal: http://www.transferflow.com/fuel_tank_regulations.html

I'm not planning on aluminum. I'm going with steel. My tank's skid will be it's bottom plate. That means that the tank will be load bearing on occasion. I did a little study in SW in considering aluminum. Turned out the 3x cost factor comes nowhere close to justifying the 0.25x weight savings & I own a SynchroWave 250 so TIG welded aluminum has 0.0x bling factor for me.
I am planning to use this fuel tank sealer to head off the rust flakes monster: http://www.por15.com/products.asp?dept=12 coupled with a marine water separating fuel filter btwn the tank and the external EFI pump.

BTW, another extra tank option: http://www.transferflow.com/oem_tanks.html scroll down.
http://www.transferflow.com/Resources/oem_ta5.gif

[BajaTaco]

Does Bajataco have a write up on his setup? Looks like a aluminum fuel cell. how is the fuel transferred?

Sorry, no write-up.

The fuel is transferred to the OEM filler neck using an in-line pump controlled by an illuminated rocker switch in the cab.

[SEREvince]

Sorry, no write-up.

The fuel is transferred to the OEM filler neck using an in-line pump controlled by an illuminated rocker switch in the cab.

Thanks for the reply!

For the follow up: Are you happy with your set up?

More info on fuel systems
http://www.autoshop101.com/forms/h22.pdf