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Old 07-31-2016, 07:03 AM   #1
hybridhauler
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Auxiliary Fuel tanks

I have been juggling the idea of installing an auxiliary fuel tank on the 3500. Several types are offered. They range from an extra capacity tank that is a direct replacement for the original tank to the bed mounted arrangement that allows you to transfer fuel on the fly. I am leaning towards the one that mounts in the original location because I have a Retrax Pro bed cover installed.
Each type has their own pros and cons. The direct replacement tank has a capacity of 60 gallons which will nearly double my range on the highway but costs nearly twice as the bed mount type depending on the options you get.
The bed type has a larger capacity 50-100 gallons but takes up valuable bed space. If you have a retractable bed cover the choices available are pretty slim.

Any thoughts about what direction is best?
 
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Old 07-31-2016, 07:49 AM   #2
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For our F350 SRW we went with an RDS 32 gallon bed mounted tank that is only 9" tall. The RDS number is 71804. This tank give us a total of 58 gallons. My goal was to be able to carry enough fuel to do a days worth of driving without having to refuel. Since we try to do 400 miles/day or less at 10MPG, this meets that goal.

The reason I didn't go with a larger tank was I didn't want to carry the extra weight. Diesel weighs about 7lbs/gal. I know some of guys have added 90 gal tanks and can carry up to ~125 gallons of fuel. Thats over 900lbs of diesel.

With the monty on a SRW, I watch my pin weigh and payload so as not to be over (much) on the truck's GVWR. I usually carry the days estimated consumption of fuel plus an extra 8-10 gallons.

I had two reasons for going with a bed mounted gravity feed tank. First, its less expensive than replacing the existing tank; and second, when I sell/trade the truck I can take out the RDS tank and install it in my new truck.

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Old 07-31-2016, 08:04 AM   #3
hybridhauler
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Dave, You gave a valid point about being able to remove the tank and installing it in a different vehicle. I hadn't thought about that.
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Old 07-31-2016, 08:09 AM   #4
TLightning
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I replaced the OEM tank with one twice it's size. I still like...no transferring of fuel, still have all my bed space, total fuel available shows on fuel gauge and refuel as normal.
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Old 07-31-2016, 08:58 AM   #5
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^^^^
Transfer Flow replacement tank. Make sure the installer (re)calibrates your fuel gauge sender.
Now I KNOW that 'E' means I have 6 US gal of fuel left.
-Steve
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Old 07-31-2016, 09:48 AM   #6
H. John Kohl
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Replaced underbelly tank. I needed bed space for my pair of Honda generators and my 10" high toolbox next to the tailgate.
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Old 07-31-2016, 11:32 AM   #7
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I have an 8 foot bed on my F-350 Dually and a Roll-N-Lock cover. The tank sits below my bed rails and allows the cover to completely close over the tank. My tank holds 50 gallons but I only fill it to ~40 gallons during Summer months and ~45 in Winter to allow for expansion. This gives me ~78 - ~83 gallons and ~750-830 mile tow range. It lets me usually go two or three days between fill-ups. I can also take advantage of states that have good fuel prices. The tank sits about 8 inches back from the front rail to allow for the roll-up mechanism.
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Old 07-31-2016, 02:38 PM   #8
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I went with the one in the bed. It is now on it's 3rd truck.
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Old 07-31-2016, 02:45 PM   #9
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I have the Retrac Pro on my truck. KSH in Lake Havasu built a 40gal tank that fits under the cover. Had it built for my F250 and when I moved up to a F350 I just pulled the tank out and KSH reinstalled in into the new truck for $100.00. One thing I try not to do is lock myself into something I can't change.
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Old 08-01-2016, 11:22 AM   #10
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Does anyone have a link to the larger tanks that replace the factory tanks under the truck?
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Old 08-01-2016, 11:29 AM   #11
hybridhauler
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http://gastankdepot.com/7030303-tita...-long-bed.html
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Old 08-01-2016, 01:49 PM   #12
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We find that no matter how far we drive per day we still stop every 3 or 4 hours for a stretch or a change of drivers and we do it at a fuel station. Most of our friends who have taken the Alaska trip have said the extra fuel tanks were a good thing but thus far we see no need for one or the extra expense.
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Old 08-01-2016, 01:58 PM   #13
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I did the tank replacement since my truck only came with a 26 gal tank. My next truck will be a long bed and in that truck I will install an in bed aux tank since there is more bed room.
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Old 08-01-2016, 01:59 PM   #14
northwestchill
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I got the FTC 60 from Fuelbox a couple of years ago and I'm quite pleased. I like that it sits below the bed rails also.

http://www.thefuelbox.com/products/fuelbox-ftc60/

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Old 08-01-2016, 02:27 PM   #15
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I have an emergency fuel tank that I can use just in case. A 5 gallon can and I have had to use it.
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Old 08-01-2016, 05:19 PM   #16
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I have the 50 gal in bed tank from transfer flow and I absolutely love it. It is totally automatic, and so far has been flawless in its operation for the 3 years that I've had it. I had it removed from my previous truck and reinstalled in my current truck. It sits under the bed rails, even the fill neck is below the rails.
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Old 08-03-2016, 06:50 PM   #17
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I replaced my factory tank in my Chevy 3500HD with a transfer flow 61 gal tank and also had the the 50 gal tank with the trax 3 system installed in the bed. It works great. Now I have 111 gals capacity just in case. The main reason I did it wasn't so I could go longer distances between fuel stops under normal vacation/camping situation. I did it because I live on the coast in central Florida and if I had to bug out because of a hurrican or some other emergency I will have more than enough fuel to leave and return. Under normal daily driving and camping conditions I just fill the 61 gal tank. I will fill the 50 gal tank every so often just to keep everything working. For me it's more peace of mind knowing I have that type of range if needed. I bought this truck new and plan on keeping it for a long time.
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Old 08-04-2016, 05:33 AM   #18
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I don't use a bed cover so I just installed a 40 gal "DeeZee" diamond plated gravity flow in the bed. Sticks up above bed about 2" but is not a bother to me. $450.00. I am a retired trucker and was used to a 1800 mile range so the 26 gal on the truck was just not enough for me.
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Old 08-04-2016, 02:56 PM   #19
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I, like Lynwood, carry one or two 5 Gallon cans, depending on where we are going. Sometimes I use one, and the second one comes in handy when I really want to stretch it. Saves the expense of a factory replacement and is easily transferable when I move on to another TV.
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Old 08-04-2016, 07:53 PM   #20
DmaxDually
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by WeBeFulltime

I don't use a bed cover so I just installed a 40 gal "DeeZee" diamond plated gravity flow in the bed. Sticks up above bed about 2" but is not a bother to me. $450.00. I am a retired trucker and was used to a 1800 mile range so the 26 gal on the truck was just not enough for me.
I have a Bak-Flip bed cover. The transfer flow 50 gal in bed tank is designed to fit under bed covers that why I got it. I'll admit Transfer flow tanks are expensive but worth it. I like their tanks and Trax 3 system.
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