F250 Fuel Tank Upgrade - Montana Owners Club

Pbonaventure · 11-24-2016, 02:09 AM

I'm considering either installing a 40 gal capacity fuel tank or a 50 gal truck bed transfer tank. I have a short bed so I am concerned about losing additional truck bed space. Any thoughts/recommendations from those that have done either would be appreciated.

Paul
2014 F250 Lariat 4x4 FX, Firestone airbags
2016 3160RL

timandsusan · 11-24-2016, 02:20 AM

In my 2012 F250, I installed a 50 gallon tank in the space where the original 26 gallon tank was installed. Transfer flow makes the tank. Also had my truck software upgraded for the 50 gallon fuel tank. I think it is the best mod I have done. I also have a short bed truck.

Starmaster · 11-24-2016, 05:14 AM

Hi Pbonaventure

Just a thought. An extra tank and 50 gallons of fuel weighs close to 400lbs. I have a 3160RL like you. My pin weight when loaded is about 3100lbs. An F250 PS diesel with fuel and passengers is at least 8500lbs. Adding the pin weight and extra fuel puts the truck GVW at about 12,000lbs which is significantly over the 10,000lbs rating of an F250. You don't say if your TV is diesel or gas, SB or LB, 2wd or 4wd. A loaded gasser F250 and passengers is probably less than 8000lbs. The only way to know your weight is to have your rig weighed when everyone is in the truck and the 5er is loaded for a trip.

I'm not saying you can't or can run that much over, but just wanted to mention the extra weight issue of adding an extra 50 gallons of fuel. Weight is one of the most debated topics on the forum. Its up to you to decide what you are comfortable doing and want to be responsible for. I don't want to start a weight debate, just commenting so you're aware.

I have an RDS 32 gallon bed mounted tank in my F350 diesel SB, but do not normally fill it when towing. I usually put enough fuel in it for the day's drive of 350-400 miles. I went with a bed mounted tank so I can move it when I get a different truck (and it was significantly less expensive).

It sure is nice to have the extra fuel since Ford used to put 26 gallon tanks in their SB pickups. Beginning with the 2017 models they have went to 34 gall tanks in the SB and 46 gal tanks in the LB.

Dave

TLightning · 11-25-2016, 02:49 AM

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by Starmaster

Hi Pbonaventure

Just a thought. An extra tank and 50 gallons of fuel weighs close to 400lbs. I have a 3160RL like you. My pin weight when loaded is about 3100lbs. An F250 PS diesel with fuel and passengers is at least 8500lbs. Adding the pin weight and extra fuel puts the truck GVW at about 12,000lbs which is significantly over the 10,000lbs rating of an F250. You don't say if your TV is diesel or gas, SB or LB, 2wd or 4wd. A loaded gasser F250 and passengers is probably less than 8000lbs. The only way to know your weight is to have your rig weighed when everyone is in the truck and the 5er is loaded for a trip.

I'm not saying you can't or can run that much over, but just wanted to mention the extra weight issue of adding an extra 50 gallons of fuel. Weight is one of the most debated topics on the forum. Its up to you to decide what you are comfortable doing and want to be responsible for. I don't want to start a weight debate, just commenting so you're aware.

I have an RDS 32 gallon bed mounted tank in my F350 diesel SB, but do not normally fill it when towing. I usually put enough fuel in it for the day's drive of 350-400 miles. I went with a bed mounted tank so I can move it when I get a different truck (and it was significantly less expensive).

It sure is nice to have the extra fuel since Ford used to put 26 gallon tanks in their SB pickups. Beginning with the 2017 models they have went to 34 gall tanks in the SB and 46 gal tanks in the LB.

Dave

I had the exact same thought when I read the first post.

Too much PW, even without the extra fuel.

jlb27537 · 11-25-2016, 04:34 AM

Yup, another overloaded truck owner.

Pbonaventure · 11-25-2016, 03:01 PM

Thanks Dave, I certainly understand the weight debate and have had the truck weighed as well as the 5th wheel. My F250 Diesel,FX 4X4, fully loaded, weighs 8010 lbs and my PW fully loaded is 2850 lbs. Tim and Susan, ironically I was evaluating the specs on the Transfer Flow tank and your experience has been helpful. jlb27537, well, not sure why you bothered.

Best Regards
Paul

PapaBeav · 11-25-2016, 03:40 PM

Just had a 50 gal tank replacement at transferflow on our new truck

timandsusan · 11-26-2016, 01:52 AM

I had a 26 gallon tank and replaced it with a 50 gallon tank. I only added 24 gallons of diesel--NOT 50 gallons. I suggest you recalculate your weights.

mtheo · 11-26-2016, 03:23 AM

I put a 30 in bed tank takes up only 8" and I didn't have to buy a new tank, it came out of my old TV. That is the reason I went with an in bed tank, you don't have to buy anew tank when ever you change trucks.

richfaa · 11-26-2016, 03:34 AM

When pulling a heavy Montana and getting 10/11 MPG having a larger fuel tank is a consideration. We have the F-350 dually that actually holds 40 gallons of diesel when filled to the lip.

We find that we stop about every 3 hours or so for a break and we fuel when we break. That is about 180/200 miles. We have never in 11 years and many, many miles on the road had a problem in finding a fuel stop. A consideration when purchasing a truck to pull these Montana's was a larger fuel tank.

I would be tempted to replace a smaller fuel tank or add a in bed tank but in our case since we stop every 200 miles or so it would not be a problem for us.

PapaBeav · 11-26-2016, 05:50 AM

Some people like to stop, some people would rather drive to their destination and get set up. Then go fill up, that is what I prefer.

richfaa · 11-26-2016, 06:14 AM

Understand that and it is a personal preference . Driving long distances even though Helen shares the drive time is not fun for us. We are usually in a campground around 5/6 PM and always before dark. We are usually out by 9AM. Although we may be on the road for 8 or 9 hours Since we share the drive time that is maybe 4 hours or so drive time for each of us not to mention break stops. Back in the day when time was limited we did the long drive times. We now have plenty of time.

Trailer Trash 2 · 11-26-2016, 08:57 AM

I put this in years ago in my Ford TV then moved it to the RAM.
I have used it on 2 vehicles now, and saved a bundle not having to buy another set up. I don't like setting something up and giving it to the new owner.

Bad Moon · 11-26-2016, 02:22 PM

My short bed Silverado also has a 26 gal tank. I put a 17 gallon tank in my toolbox. Gets me about 200 additional miles when towing, which works out really well for us. I rigged it up with a fuel pump that dumps directly into the tank vent near the gas cap. Takes about 12 minutes to transfer the 17 gallons. fun to watch the fuel gage running backwards when heading down the road.

PapaBeav · 11-27-2016, 05:18 AM

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by Bad Moon

My short bed Silverado also has a 26 gal tank. I put a 17 gallon tank in my toolbox. Gets me about 200 additional miles when towing, which works out really well for us. I rigged it up with a fuel pump that dumps directly into the tank vent near the gas cap. Takes about 12 minutes to transfer the 17 gallons. fun to watch the fuel gage running backwards when heading down the road.

The 2003 Chevy I just got rid of I had a 45 gal replacement tank installed where the other one was at Transfer Flow, Gave me a 400+ mile range if I needed it.

waynemoore · 11-27-2016, 05:24 AM

When we first started RVing I missed calculated the fuel and had to buy fuel in Needles, CA. At over $5.00 a gallon. The very next month I had a 40gL tank put in the bed. Have sense moved it to my new truck. I now have over a 575 mile range when towing and over 1100 when not towing. I now can buy fuel when I want at the best price.

Trailer Trash 2 · 11-27-2016, 06:05 AM

I think another thing to keep in mind is, are you going for looks or space availability? I wanted the easiest way to install and remove when needed 3 times now on removal to haul some dirt and building materials.
as for driving for unlimited miles? I don't do that either at the most 300 miles per day no more than 375. it just me driving not my wife so it can be a long day. I just don't like the prices that some fuel stations sell or should I say gouge us in the wallet. so I can be selective in service station selections.
the tank was originally purchased for our trip to Alaska and the fear of not finding a fuel source in time of running out. but that never happened that year either so now I have plenty of fuel and never worry about running out or paying outrageous prices.
good luck on your decision you have plenty of great comments to go review and decide.

Twopetes · 11-28-2016, 01:43 AM

Not to jump on the band-wagon, but the rear axle weight would be my concern. My 2011 F-250 is - lets say - questionable on rear axle weight and I do not have the extra tank. I am looking to upgrade to a F-350 for the weight issue.

Suggest you pull on to a CAT scale and get all axle weights so you know exactly where you stand.

And I feel your pain! I want a 40 gal aux tank!

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