Adding a second fuel tank?

I've been thinking about adding a second fuel tank to the truck lately... with several of the gas stations around here with no gas it seems like increased range would be handy for waiting out the shortages. It seems like the "no gas" thing only lasts for a few days, but a larger tank would seem like a good buffer. I know I could put some 5 gal cans in the bed, but that's just begging to be stolen. Something hidden/locked would be better. I did a quick search but nothing turned up. Anyone carry a larger capacity on a regular basis?

 

The folks at Expeditions West added a second fuel tank to their 1st Gen tacoma... http://www.expeditionswest.com/vehicles/ewvehicles/tacoma/index.html

Specifically here: http://www.expeditionswest.com/equipment/tacoma/fuel_tank.html

 

Nothing turned up because shortages are temporary. Adding another gas tank is pretty extreme and I see no reason for a daily driver to add one. It almost sounds like you're falling for the hysteria the news media keeps pumping out. Funny, I live in the southeast yet we have no shortages here.

I don't know, man. Not trying to be critical, just thinking your money would be better spent elsewhere.

 

Why not just keep a few Jerry Cans around if shortages area concern?

 

It's a great idea if it can be pulled off.

A friend of my dad's put an extra 12 gallon tank in his Vega back in the early 80's.
He used to get all kinds of looks when he paid for 25 gallons of gas in that little car.

 

If there is no gas for the factory tank, where is the gas for the "panic, oh my good there will never,ever be any more gas" tank coming from?

 

I think it's a great idea for a mod. My Dad's old 1980 Chevy pickup came with two gas tanks from the factory. One on each side, and a switch to change tanks. It's great for long trips.

 

Yeah...I live in Panhandle Florida- and the gas station here was without gas for like 4 days total.
You are adding a fair bit of weight to carry around for "just in case"

A few 5 gallon cans in the garage or whatever is prolly more efficient.

Good luck working it out if you are set on doing it...

 

The Expeditions West mod that was posted earlier is probably the best method of adding another fuel tank as cheaply as possible. But I have to say that if your only concern is having some reserves when the gas runs dry at the pump, you're better off keeping some cans in the garage. Carrying extra fuel is heavy, so your decreased efficiency is going to be working against you; one step forward and two steps back, you know?

Plus, for the $50 you'll need to buy the extra fuel pump and wires and switches (if it's not a lot more than that), you could buy quite a few plastic and/or metal fuel cans.

 

It would be more cost effective to just get a few military type jerry cans.

Hell, get 4 of them and that's another tank (5 gals each I believe).

 

if you're like me and just hate pulling over on those long haul the company below actually has done several tacoma in bed tanks for the GEN 2 trucks. i believe the entire setup costs about 750 bucks for a 40 gallon tank switches and fuel pump.

http://www.auxiliarytanks.com/default.asp?id=346352&shopperid=&showsite=true

 

$4.00 gal x 187.5 = $750. I'd rather have the gas but it is an interesting setup.

 

Nah, I'm not hysterical about it... yet. I don't really care how much the gas is, and I laugh at the people waiting in hour long lines for gas when it happens, but I also like to be 500% over-prepared, especially for situations where the solutions is a fun project.

That's a good point, but lately it seems like they're panic-induced shortages. A few people run out and scream "oh my god we need to get gas right now" so the entire city does the same thing, and surprise! No more gas for a few days, but after a few days to a week, it's back. It would suck to be at 1/4 when that happens and *need* gas. Sure, I could use the gas cans, but what fun is that? If I always filled up when I was at 1/4 of a 40 gal tank, that would still get me by for a week if I suddenly could't fill up.

Yea, one tank for an entire trip to the beach would be great... but $750 is a bit much. I think it'd be worth the loss at around $3-400 for me.

It's really just a curiosity at this point. I already have a few 5gal gas cans, and a boat with a 20gal tank, so I've got the emergency stash already... but a 2nd tank would still be cool.

Thanks for the good links!

 

North-west steel products makes a tank for the 1st gen tacomas, fits above the spare, lowering it 3" or so..worked great, you pumped it into the main tank once you were down to a 1/4 of a tank...I really liked mine...wish they made it for the 2nd gen....

 

Did you do it?

 

Your could just go with a long range fuel tank: http://outbackproven.com/c-324180-long-range-tanks-long-range-fuel-tanks-accessories.html

 

my truck cost 17 K and that fuel tanks up to 2K. That's crazy. I was thinking $250

 

Jerry cans

 

I want it