Extended Range Fuel Tank add-on: Pros and Cons

[kdgreene]

Great ideas. Thanks for the photos. Wish I had the opportunity to install the tanks before I installed the camper body as I would have had more options available.

I've found a good deal on a used 55 gal fuel tank that would fit in the same spot at my exisiting 33 gal, it is just a more efficent use of the space as the replacement tank is rectangular and will fit right up to the frame, unlike the stock round tank.

I'll look around to see if I can find the space for a second tank between the rails as well.

Cheers!

[dhackney]

Don,

Extended range is a very good idea.

I will go +1 on the 2nd tank opinion.

If there is any way to put another tank on, I think it is a very good idea. Especially for some parts of Africa.

Doug

[Overdrive]

One disadvantage of a two-tank setup is that the switching valve(s) can malfunction, sticking one way or the other so you only have use of one tank until repair. I had a Ford with factory dual tanks, which incorporated an electric valve. The malfunctioning valve system left me stranded once (luckily, less than a mile from home!) Probably a relatively easy field repair, but...on the other hand, I had a different truck with an aftermarket Aero tank, and they used a manual valve system. I liked that much better.

I don't think there's a huge advantage of a two-tank system as far as the notion of "if you have a problem with one tank, you can fall back on the other". Because if you have two separate tanks, you double your risk of damage. Yes, I guess there would be some rare instances of an advantage, but if both tanks are exposed under the vehicle, it would be hard to prove an advantage. However, if a secondary tank is in a more protected location, then great.

[kdgreene]

Well I've gotten our new fuel tank. Its a big 56 gal unit that came off of a new Isuzu. Of course it doesn't line up with the holes on our Fuso's chassis so I'll be doing some modifications to it. I'll be taking photos of the process and will post my successes and failures as I go. I'm starting today by removing the old 33 gal tank. Wish me luck!

Don