Talk me out of: Auxillary Fuel Tanks

I just watched a video of someone showing their f-250 with two fuel doors and a switch to toggle between two 20 gallon fuel tanks. The design just seemed so seamless and the applications limitless. Can anyone link to some threads if this was discussed before here? Putting it inside the bed isn't really ideal, but if I did I think it'd be worth the sacrifice. Driving from one end of the state to the other with enough fuel to never worry about boonies gas stations where they cut the fuel with piss and moonshine would be worth its weight in gold.

 

No need to add a tank to the bed, just upgrade to one of these:

https://exitoffroad.com/product/toy...xMzBJiUmKW6HCPj06QsK0--XIUnQQNecaApJ_EALw_wcB

 

If I was wanting an extra fuel tank id rather go for a fuel cell and if bed space was the concern it would be something like this:

https://jdfabrication.com/collections/05-15-6-lug/products/tacoma-rear-gastank-kit

that or just buy 2x 5 gal Jerry cans as the middle ground for much much cheaper.

 

Dual tanks made sense on those old gas guzzlers so they had a driving range that wasn't laughable.

Can't see it being economical to put dual tanks on a Tacoma unless you're going for some sort of Tacoma specific world record for distance between fillups.

If you need to drive further, it's probably time to trade in the Tacoma for something else.

 

Yeah but what if I'm trying to avoid looking like you guys? Plus I live in [GenericButDangerousCity] and when people see jerrycans in truck beds all of the sudden they think I'm operating a giveaway.

This was always an option. Didn't know it was 2k out of the gate... probably the biggest deterrent here. For that money I could buy 2x 5 gallon cans and a bunch of hookers and blow

 

Dual tanks used to be a pretty common option on GM and Ford trucks until the mid 90s, GM still offers dual tanks on HD trucks (mainly chassis cabs).

I think one of the bigger reasons they went away is the safety factor, a rear mounted tank on a light vehicle tends to be quite a fire hazzard in a rear end collision so pretty much everyone moved them forward of the rear axle. Cost and emissions regulations are likely other major factors.

 

LoL

 

Yea Chrysler had a big lawsuit against them for that very problem with 1st gen Jeep Grand Cherokees and Libertys which led to a massive recall which directed dealers to install trailer hitches on them in an attempt to better protect the fuel tank.

 

Friend of mine's dad had a couple of F150s with this (84 and I think 83) growing up. As was mentioned they probably got 8mpg or so at the time haha.

 

Can you replace with a bigger tank, add a secondary, or carry more when needed? Yes. It is also costly.

And rarely made for the Tacoma versus other trucks.

I’ve seen it put on a dodge ram, I believe 2500, claiming it can drive to Canada on one tank of gas.
not sure if they get any better MPG than a Tacoma.

I used to think diesel is cool. If it’s one of the rare few reliable ones the torque must be nice.

until my co worker showed me his new to him Silverado Duramax. Not the famed LBZ, but the motor before that. And told me despite being basically stock, he gets like 14mpg.
The acceleration was great though.

and those being bigger trucks likely already fit bigger tanks to begin with.

I know what Ford you’re talking about. I’ve been in one.
That’s because old US gas engines were horribly inefficient.
Those old gas engines used to be damn near 7 liters in size making like 170hp and probably horrible MPG stock.

last guy I knew with one it was basically a spare car he got for very cheap that sat parked on the side, used occasionally for utility as their only truck for things like haul house renovation junk to a yard or pick up a bunch of stuff.

 

Let’s be real here if you actually needed the range you’d carry Jerry cans. Do you want to have extra fuel so you don’t have to stop in the goonies if you’re low on fuel or do you want to spend $5,000 on some kind of overland aux fuel tank/extended range tank?

 

Here’s a long thread about the LRA offering that’s 34 gallons

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/long-range-automotive-fuel-tank-34-gallon.490548/

 

My 84 F250 with a 460 and a 4 spd manual gets 10-11 empty, around 7 towing. Not terrible considering today's HD gas trucks don't do much better (typically around 13-15 at best), diesels don't do too much better anymore with all the emissions crap on them.

 

I’ve had German Jerry cans in my bed for years without issue.

 

I owned a 1994 Flareside f150 with dual tanks
The pumps even when new, would whine sometimes, you had to make sure the valve was in good order, the gauge would sometimes stick, not as seamless as those who just see them for a minute think they are

just buy a different car for mileage, or just pony up at the pump

 

My F150 gets 1 mpg worse than my Tacoma. The Ford has a 36 gallon tank and is one of the best features on it. Try towing with a 21 gallon Tacoma tank and filling up every 150 miles. Even when not towing having extended range means I fill up when and where I want to and pay better prices. Not where I have to.

I'd like to see a larger tank in a Tacoma to give it 600+ miles of range like is possible on 1/2 tons. But I don't see any aftermarket ideas that I'd use. The cost is prohibitive. And Jerry cans aren't a good option. The whole point is to not have to stop. You still have to stop to pour in the extra gas.

The good news is that at least Tacoma has a 21 gallon tank instead of the 18 gallon tank Ranger is using.

 

This guy gets it. So many good factors to having extended range. I think I'm just going to have top scrape the internet for a totaled truck with a tank that could fit. That's the only way I'd justify buying one. Matter of fact the main reason I started this thread is I saw someone post about wanting to sell theirs for like 3x less than new. If I could get one sub $1,000 with a personal install I'd be happy. Until then I think Tacomaworld has the right idea that this is a pipe dream.

Oh, and the explosions.

 

https://titanfueltanks.com/products/titan-sidekick-15-gal-portable-liquid-tank-5040015

 

Leave your truck alone.