Dave has another question regarding inbed fuel tanks.  What are your thoughts on auxiliary fuel tanks versus a transfer tank? Is one better than another? Pros and cons of each?  

Thanks!

Candy

I think having the extra fuel is the main thing. Being able to use the fuel without stopping is nice, but if I couldn't afford the aux I would go with the transfer. We are able to drive for 1000 miles without fueling. I never pull into a gas station with the rig in tow.

Hi, We have the 50 gallon transfer tank in the bed of our truck, had it coated with what looks like Line-X Protective coatings and is black in color; all you do is fill the transfer tank and it has a small fuel pump and filter that sends the Diesel fuel to the main trucks fuel tank fill neck, and keeps the trucks main tank full. It also has a dash mount monitor that tells how much fuel is in the trucks main tank also in the transfer tank and total of both tanks and it tells when it is transferring the fuel. It is well worth the money.

Lonney

cejones4210 wrote:

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Dave has another question regarding inbed fuel tanks.  What are your thoughts on auxiliary fuel tanks versus a transfer tank? Is one better than another? Pros and cons of each?  

 

Thanks!

Candy

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Not sure what you mean by a “transfer tank.”  If you mean a tank that uses gravity to transfer fuel to the main tank – that is not legal in many states.  These tanks are typically available from places like “Tractor Supply” and are not always road legal.  They are used off-road.

Typical tanks that are legal have pumps that pump the fuel into the main (OEM) tank – either directly or via a filler hose and nozzle like you would see at a gas station.  They are also baffled to prevent serious fuel “sloshing” when they are not full and they meet crash standards.  All that means they cost more money – but are legal and much safer.

There are some variations on this but that’s the basics.

Cummins12V98 wrote:

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Stop at the truck stops. I carry a 5 in the toolbox for just in case. This I don't have to stop for 1,000 miles is simply amazing, your folks must have super bladders!

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 I would think that if you are traveling through areas with higher fuel prices like CA say, then fueling up in lower cost areas is worthwhile. You can still stop  frequently to empty the bladder if the need arises. LOL

Quote:Not sure what you mean by a “transfer tank.”???????????????????


one assumes he is referring to the extremely well known RED Tidy tank . it will have either a hand pump or electric transfer pump system

ticat900 wrote:

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Quote:Not sure what you mean by a “transfer tank.”???????????????????


one assumes he is referring to the extremely well known RED Tidy tank . it will have either a hand pump or electric transfer pump system

-- Edited by ticat900 on Friday 8th of January 2016 12:22:46 PM

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 Paul:

As I know you are aware, there are “legal” and not so legal “transfer tanks.”  I was trying to clarify for the OP just what I was referring to.

We’re trying to help people and trying to do so in as polite a fashion as possible.  :)

yes I can clearly see he was asking for legal advice sorry I missed all that  I thought he was asking if he should go Tidy style transfer tank

or built in fuel tank system

BiggarView wrote:

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Cummins12V98 wrote:

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Stop at the truck stops. I carry a 5 in the toolbox for just in case. This I don't have to stop for 1,000 miles is simply amazing, your folks must have super bladders!

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 I would think that if you are traveling through areas with higher fuel prices like CA say, then fueling up in lower cost areas is worthwhile. You can still stop  frequently to empty the bladder if the need arises. LOL

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 Lots of logic on this subject.  I think the expense is not easy to recoup and the extra weight when I am already heavy is an issue and the loss of tool box space is an issue.  If I did anything I would get a TITAN replacement tank.

I am by no means wealthy but I am not too concerned with .20 savings when I am adding 30 Gallons a savings of $6.

I think a lot of people going full time feel they HAVE to add an auxiliary tank.

Cummins12V98 wrote:

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BiggarView wrote:

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Cummins12V98 wrote:

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Stop at the truck stops. I carry a 5 in the toolbox for just in case. This I don't have to stop for 1,000 miles is simply amazing, your folks must have super bladders!

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 I would think that if you are traveling through areas with higher fuel prices like CA say, then fueling up in lower cost areas is worthwhile. You can still stop  frequently to empty the bladder if the need arises. LOL

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 Lots of logic on this subject.  I think the expense is not easy to recoup and the extra weight when I am already heavy is an issue and the loss of tool box space is an issue.  If I did anything I would get a TITAN replacement tank.

 

I am by no means wealthy but I am not too concerned with .20 savings when I am adding 30 Gallons a savings of $6.

 

I think a lot of people going full time feel they HAVE to add an auxiliary tank.

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 Therein lies the rub... at $6 savings per fill up, it could take a 100 fillups to recoup the cost. Suddenly it doesn't seem quite so worthwhile any more except in certain circumstances, like driving in remote areas where fill ups are few and far between. A better option would be more careful travel planning to avert running out in the middle of nowhere. For a numbers guy like me, I'm surprised I had not considered the cost benefit of the aux tank.... until now. Thanks for the perspective.

Brian

My friend pulling a 5th wheel almost ran out of fuel in the mountains in Colorado, the truck said he had 12 miles to go and no gas station in the area, they were sweating it, I said, not for me; so I had the 50 gallon transfer flow auxiliary fuel tank installed, so problem solved, we have not regretted it since.
I don't need that stress looking for a gas station when the tank is reading low.
It gives me a total of 76 gallons.
We all have priorities in our life, this is one I have chosen, we all do this from time to time.

Lonney

https://www.transferflow.com/shop/product/0800116181?p=1&c=10&s=p-

-- Edited by Lonney Wade on Friday 8th of January 2016 10:39:52 PM

Lonney, looks like your friend must have passed up quite few stations (from the map I looked at anyway) in order to get down that low  on fuel. That makes it a judgement call not a scarcity thing. As you say, we each have our priorities but at 1200+ dollars for the one in your link, I think I'll just top off/fill up more frequently.... We can empty our bladders too. LOL

FWIW, Brian

Let’s call them “Extra Fuel Tanks” if we like, but they are a choice depending on a lot of personal factors.

Here’s a few for us for consideration:

We do travel places, like Alaska, Canada and places in the US where only 36 gallon of OEM fuel is marginal.  Yes, we could carry extra “cans” of fuel, but for us that’s just not what we want and in our case 10 gallons is simply not what we consider to be aux fuel.  That’s only 90 miles for most realistically.  But that is our view.  Other views are just a valid but not for us.

Personally, I don’t care to stop at truck stops.  Many times they won’t take a credit card at the truck pumps so you have to go to the "fuel desk" or they have a higher price for “credit.” The area is dirty and that dirt / spilled fuel on the ground gets tracked into the rig or truck. The large diameter filler hoses sometimes don’t work well with the OEM filler pipes and I am “never” taking my rig to a “car pump” again.  It’s just too much trouble and one must be really careful.  A choice.

Having nothing to do with bladder sizes, I can fill up when I want without the trailer.  I am seldom forced to get fuel on a travel day if I don’t care to and never forced to do so with the trailer.

I also, if desired, can bypass fueling in states that have high bio content in their fuel. Again, an active technical choice, not a political statement.

Finally, yes I can save a few dollars on a fill up most times.  Not a major issue but quite nice as well.

All of these are choices and those who travel relatively little, whatever little means to you, or very short distances on a travel day probably have no need for an aux tank.  So once again, “it depends” and is a choice based on style, desire and comfort factor.  I just think for those deciding on this lifestyle and equipment are well served to know about the options and conditions to make informed choices.  Neither choice is wrong as such.

When we were moving to a big 5er and diesel truck an aux tank was an obvious “must have” for us because it gave such flexibility and we have never had “fuel anxiety.”  For others it may not be necessary. I just encourage all to think about it and at least have a truck that can carry the weight of an aux tank if ever desired.

I do caution those considering a tank not to select one of the inexpensive tanks which require one to open a valve and allow gravity to drain from the aux tank into the OEM tank.  I will stand corrected, but these are not DOT legal. (I.e. for use on public roads.)  If for any reason there is an issue it is very desirable to have that sticker that says, “I’m legal.”

BiggarView wrote:

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Lonney, looks like your friend must have passed up quite few stations (from the map I looked at anyway) in order to get down that low  on fuel. That makes it a judgement call not a scarcity thing thing. As you say, we each have our priorities but at 1200+ dollars for the one in your link, I think I'll just top off/fill up more frequently.... We can empty our bladders too. LOL

FWIW, Brian

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 Brian even though there were many chances to fill up on his journey, how many of those were big rig friendly?  Honestly for those traveling in the lower 48 the extra fuel is a luxury.  And I'm sure many people travel to Alaska and Canada without the extra fuel and have no problems.  But I'm with Lonney, this is a choice I made and glad I did.

Bill and Red, your points are well taken, I had not considered the rig size issue vis a vis access. Obviously there are subtleties and nuances that you've experienced that we have not a clue about yet so we will take you words under advisement. Still, I have reservations about the expense on an aux fuel tank now that I see the cost of one. Perhaps if we find a TV with one already installed we might think differently about it. 

Having said all that, we are seriously entertaining notions of an Alaska trip, probably on our second or third year out. By then we'll have a clearer picture of need vs want. Clearly a case can be made for one. I guess I balked in a kneejerk response at the cost for one. More research is still needed... thankfully we have the time.

cejones4210 wrote:

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Thanks for the thoughts. From our perspective there have been trips in the past where we have traveled long days or in isolated areas where fuel stations are few or far between. There has been more than once where we wished we had an auxiliary fuel tank. For us personally, and each of us are different, for our piece of mind it would be reassuring to have the extra along. We are of a like mind with Bill, that it makes it easier on fill days, to go without the fifth wheel if possible. 

In another truck we had years ago, we ordered it with dual tanks and we loved it. Just flip a switch when the first got low and it would pull from the second tank. We were told at a dealership that they no longer build double tanks. People usually order the auxiliary tank that is in the bed of the truck. 

Again, thanks for the comments.

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Actually, there are some commercial trucks that still offer an additional OEM aux fuel tank. Not that big a tank, not bad, but a bit small for our use.  The RAM4500 / 5500HD's offer an OEM extra tank under the rails and probably the commercial Fords as well if memory serves from previous research.  (I.e. not the F-450 "pickup.") 

Just info for those reading along.

We started from day-one having an aux tank and I would not consider otherwise, having experienced the benefits.

I agree with Bill's comments below and other above comments:
"Having nothing to do with bladder sizes, I can fill up when I want without the trailer. I am seldom forced to get fuel on a travel day if I don’t care to and never forced to do so with the trailer. ...

Finally, yes I can save a few dollars on a fill up most times. Not a major issue but quite nice as well."

We filled-up the truck's fuel tanks when towing a couple time and decided it was not worth it, trying to find a fuel station we could fit into, etc. With a full aux tank, we do not need to stop for fuel on towing days.

Regarding bathroom breaks, we travel many roads/states where there are no rest-stops that have fuel and/or conveniently located truck/RV friend fuel stations ... so we find an otherwise relevant place to stop and use the bathroom facilities in our fifth-wheel. This allow us to address bladder "comfort" and we don't have to worry about combining that stop with purchasing fuel.

Bottom line, we would not be without our aux fuel tank. YMMV

cejones4210 wrote:

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Thanks everyone for your thoughts.

We are contemplating carrying additional fuel primarily for convenience and flexibility, especially for the 'blue' roads where there are not as many easy access fueling stations for a long rig. Bill summed up pretty well the merits of having additional fuel capacity, and we are like minded in that. Thanks Bill for your insight!

So back to our original question. What are your thoughts on auxiliary fuel tanks versus a transfer tank? Is one better than another? Pros and cons of each?

I define an auxiliary tank as one that sits in the truck bed and taps into the regular fuel line or filler tube of the truck; and a transfer tank as one that sits in the bed of the truck where it is like a mini fueling station that has its own pump and nozzle on a hose whereby I can transfer the fuel to the truck in the regular way like at the pump.

Note we are diesel not gasoline. We have the capacity for the extra weight of the tank and fuel.

The setup that Lonney has looks very appealing where it does not rely on gravity alone to fill the trucks tank. But is there ever a concern about the connection to the truck tank failing? Does anyone have experience with just gravity fed types? Less expensive, but any cons?

For the transfer type I am considering something like an RDS fuel transfer tank/toolbox combo which includes a pump, nozzle and hose. How awkward is it to access the nozzle when the the fifth wheel is attached to get it and fill-up the trucks tank? We have a RAM Dually and it is quite a reach sometimes from the ground to access the bed.

For both types of tanks auxiliary or transfer how is it to fill the tank? I am guessing best while unhooked and climbing up in the truck bed.

Thanks again for sharing your experience and practical tips.

Dave

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Dave:

Transfer tanks “work” but, IMO, are more trouble and can be a little “messy.” The filler nozzle will get dirty over time and weep. With the trailer connected it could be more difficult to get into the bed, if required, to handle the hose, etc. This could be more of an issue to some than others. A minor issue is the hose itself which does require space to be stored. By their very nature you do have to stop to fill the OEM tank. (Well, duh.) 

IMO, the only disadvantage of true auxiliary tanks, such as to those made by ATA or TransferFlow, is they are more expensive due to the automatic part.  They have no impact on the OEM fuel system should they fail. So that is not a factor.In a worse case situation you pull the fuse and the OEM truck system doesn’t know they were ever installed. (I’ve never had that happen BTW.)

This is primarily a choice between convenience, cleanliness and cost IMO.  Both accomplish exactly the same thing and if the correct vendor is selected they both do it legally.  One is just much easier and cleaner.

As I commented before gravity fill tanks are not DOT legal in all states when on public roads.

About the gravity fed auxiliary tank.
A friend told me that a truck came to stop at a gas station and fuel was running on the ground, the guy said; Oh, shoot he forgot to turn off the gravity fed auxiliary tank, so that my friends is why I don't have that system, LOL. My money was well spent on the transfer tank.

Lonney

Lonney Wade wrote:

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About the gravity fed auxiliary tank.
A friend told me that a truck came to stop at a gas station and fuel was running on the ground, the guy said; Oh, shoot he forgot to turn off the gravity fed auxiliary tank, so that my friends is why I don't have that system, LOL. My money was well spent on the transfer tank.

Lonney

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 That is Illegal all over the place. However there are kits available to do that Legally.

https://www.transferflow.com/fuel-tanks/in-bed

http://www.thefuelbox.com/