Auxiliary Gas Tank in Bed

[Tumbleweed]

I read one of the reviews state it’s illegal to use gravity feed from the aux tank. Is this true? I imagine the danger of fuel leaking from the feed line from the aux tank to the main tank is the reason...safety. Using a transfer pump wouldn’t be difficult to install, or would it?

Commercial use has different regulations than personal private use. I'm not a lawyer so I can't speak to the legal ramifications. I have never seen the regulation prohibiting gravity feed to the OEM tank.

 

[EastTN]

This link appears to describe what is safe...

https://www.attatank.com/what-is-legal/

 

[Rado]

Good to know about the Teflon tape.
I did use some type of Teflon tape from Car Quest auto parts store.

I will verify when I get the **** welded in the rear and re-plumbed.
Do you have an appropriate thread sealing tape/compound to use?

I would get the pipe dope at a auto parts store and possible Wal Mart. Just make sure the label is approved for gasoline ! I have seen many oil tanks and valve with teflon tape and it will breaks down over time. But no need to panic it does not fall apart fast Another issue is sometime you leave a tail piece at the end of the fitting and the tape breaks off when threading and it plugs thing up :O!




https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/teflon-tape-vs-gasoline-question.264585/

 

[Tumbleweed]

This link appears to describe what is safe...

https://www.attatank.com/what-is-legal/

I don't wish to get in a debate about what is legal. Courts not forums will decide.
The link above seems to pertain to commercial use.
I am happy with my results. I believe it is safe. You can choose what you wish to do. I will do further research.

 

[SyN]

I know just from visiting the RV parks over the years and spending some time with mutliple Full Time RVers as well as 2 of my relatives whom have been full time RVing more then 20 some years.

There are MANY full time RVers whom have gravity fed auxiliary fuel tanks installed in the beds of their diesel trucks to help with refueling stop space and issues. (Way Less Stops)

Both my uncles installed the ATI 51 gallon tank within their 2 Ram 3500s.
Thus the reason where I got the idea from. (Talking to them).

I can definitely see the issues some would have with the set up.

When i was in the oil field for a few years - I know MOST of the diesel pickups of the salesmen had gravity fed tanks in the back - due to I helped install a few of them.

I would venture to say as of today Tumbleweed - You are not ALONE!

 

[Tumbleweed]

With my diesel Dually, I vented the aux tank to the atmosphere...just as most semi tractors do.
With the new Hemi Ram, I vented into the factory vent system. No fumes or vapors to be concerned with. It is a closed system.

 

[Ratket]

You could put an electric valve instead of a shut of valve in the feed line and not have to leave the truck until you stoped to pee, because that’s gonna happen before you run out of fuel.

 

[EastTN]

I don't wish to get in a debate about what is legal. Courts not forums will decide.
The link above seems to pertain to commercial use.
I am happy with my results. I believe it is safe. You can choose what you wish to do. I will do further research.

I agree with you 100% on courts vs forums. I was not trying to out you on doing something illegal, I was just trying to share information so we all could learn. Hopefully others will read/research and setup their aux tanks so it functions safely and will not get surprised if stopped by a LEO...a fine may be expensive. Feel free to choose your setup as you deem appropriate.

 

[HammerHead]

Well I've read a bunch of threads about folks wanting an auxiliary gas tank in the bed of their truck. While numerous options exist for the diesel crowd, none seem to exist for the gassers. I used to have a 54 gallon tank in my diesel dually. Loved the extra range and the option of buying fuel where and when I wanted, rather than when I needed to.
So, I bought a 60 gallon RDS tank, 71212 56" Length x 13" Width x 19.25" Height Rectangular Auxiliary/Transfer Fuel Tank, from Amazon. I had it in my "Wish List" and when the price dropped $145, I pulled the trigger.

I mounted it offset to the passenger side so I would have more room for a valve and fittings.
I routed the vent hose to a tee I installed in the OEM vent line so there would be no fumes lingering around. I then welded a tube to allow the aux tank to gravity feed into the OEM tank's fill tube. I added an inline gas filter between the aux tank and the OEM fill tube.
It has been a couple weeks and only one small problem so far. Once the OEM tank is full the gravity fed gas will drain into the OEM vent line. This has caused the truck to stall 3 times. My solution for now is to only open the valve when I need the gas and shut it off once the factory tank is full. There seems to be no long-term ill effects of the excess gas draining into the vent line.
View attachment 168937


A little tube cutter took care of the vent line.
View attachment 168938


The tank is secured via the mounting tabs. The ratchet strap is just for a little extra security.
I do wish that the **** was welded at the rear of the tank to allow for easier plumbing, more room for fittings.
View attachment 168939

This is awesome, I’ve been kicking around this idea for a long time. But I think we need a video; if you have time one day please make a detailed video and post it here. Would help me out Big Time.
Definitely report back after a long road trip.

 

[John Jensen]

IMO the legality issue would only be a problem in the event of an accident and/or fire. Insurance companies might decline coverage and the law might cite.

 

[SyN]

I totally agree John: Either style/design of tanks presents a group of very similar problems if a wreck or even a rollover occurs.

My main focus with mine will be using very high grade mounting bolts/nuts (corrosion resistant) & mounting the tank in the Most secure position possible.
Thick Rubber Mat between bottom of tank and bed of truck so no rubbing or scuffing!

No skimping will be done with the block valve / hose / filter / thread sealer!
All will be of the highest quality & installed with a LOT of thought/planning.

This mod is still a couple years down the road.

Edit: Just wanted to say - My auxiliary tank will only be 25-30 gal capacity.
I don't need a 50-100 gal tank.
I'm not going to be RVing cross country - Just within my own state (500- 800 mile range}.

 

[John Jensen]

Yep, for example:
I know of a case where an F350 Ford, pulling a triple axle toy hauler were overloaded and too fast, jackknifed on a downhill, rolled over, total loss, serious injuries to all. The insurance company declared they were overloaded and walked away. Poor souls lost it all, were sued, were cited, hospital bills, etc - a sad story.

 

[AFMoulton]

Trick is don’t overload it, and then you are covered.


2018 2500 6.4 4x4 4.10 Amsoil SS 0w-40, Softopper
Black Rhino Armory 18x9 +12mm
Cooper St MAXX LT295/70R18

2016 Durango 5.7 AWD 3.07 Amsoil SS 4 Qts 5W-30 and 3 Qts 0W-40
1996 Nissan Altima 2.4 Amsoil SS 5W-30

 

[John Jensen]

Don't overload wasn't the point. The point was the insurance company doesn't have to honor your policy if you are illegal in any way.

 

[AFMoulton]

The problem begins with people thinking the manufacture posts numbers just because, or they have the attitude “my truck can do it”. Then they get into an accident, and come to find out they were 3k over GCWR or Payload.

By that point the gravity feed gas tank is a mute point.

I watched a 2500 ram pulling a 3 axle toy hauler catch fire. Why? Because he was coming down a long hill and the trailer was way more than the truck could handle. Brakes caught on fire, then proceeded to catch half of White Sands Missile Range on Fire. Insurance didn’t cover him. Because it began with him being overloaded.

A certified Aux tank in the bed of your truck isn’t illegal. Having a gravity fed system into your fuel tank isn’t illegal. The only “illegal” part is if you are doing it while driving and “For Hire” Commercial rules are much different than private use.

Your story was about an overloaded truck going too fast. Don’t buy more trailer than your truck can handle, or buy a bigger truck.

I’ve never been messed with by DOT, not will I.


2018 2500 6.4 4x4 4.10 Amsoil SS 0w-40, Softopper
Black Rhino Armory 18x9 +12mm
Cooper St MAXX LT295/70R18

2016 Durango 5.7 AWD 3.07 Amsoil SS 4 Qts 5W-30 and 3 Qts 0W-40
1996 Nissan Altima 2.4 Amsoil SS 5W-30

 

[John Jensen]

Califunny includes everyone with an emission controlled vehicle.

Auxiliary fuel tanks are subject to California's anti-tampering laws. Installation of auxiliary fuel tanks on emission controlled vehicles is prohibited unless the auxiliary fuel tanks have been evaluated and certified by the Air Resources Board.

To get certified the fuel must come from the top of the tank, not from the bottom.

 

[SyN]

Glad I don't live in Cali!

I probably would be some how fined for adding my 8oz of Diesel Additive @ every fill up!

 

[tjfdesmo]

For diesels it's easy, with many options from Titan, Transferflow, etc. They have pumper systems with in-cab monitors, and you can transfer on the fly. It's with gassers where there is a DOT obstacle. At least that's what Titan and Transferflow both told me verbatim.

 

[AFMoulton]

For diesels it's easy, with many options from Titan, Transferflow, etc. They have pumper systems with in-cab monitors, and you can transfer on the fly. It's with gassers where there is a DOT obstacle. At least that's what Titan and Transferflow both told me verbatim.

Well the part numbers for stock gas/diesel tank are identical, so I’m debating on pulling the trigger for a titan tank and making it work. Did they give you any other reason than “laws” that it wouldn’t work?


2018 2500 6.4 4x4 4.10 Amsoil SS 0w-40, Softopper
Black Rhino Armory 18x9 +12mm
Cooper St MAXX LT295/70R18

2016 Durango 5.7 AWD 3.07 Amsoil SS 4 Qts 5W-30 and 3 Qts 0W-40
1996 Nissan Altima 2.4 Amsoil SS 5W-30

 

[crash68]

It's with gassers where there is a DOT obstacle. At least that's what Titan and Transferflow both told me verbatim.

Gasoline also expands more than diesel fuel. I believe there is a difference in the amount of expansion room DOT requires.
I figured out the expansion difference between gas/diesel within a 55 gallon tank, it was a bit surprising.