We are looking to add an auxiliary fuel tank to the bed of our Ram 3500. Having read some older posts on this subject, it seems some tanks are better quality than others. We were looking at a Northern Tools 32 gallon tank that fits the dimensions of our bed under the rolling bed cover. Are there any other brands that we should explore? Also, any ideas about where to get an auxiliary tank installed? Any info is appreciated.
Frank
Bill and Linda said
01:29 PM Nov 9, 2018
Frank:
The first criteria is: Does the tank meet DOT regulations in all the US and Canada. For example, if the tank is gravity fed to the main tank, as one key point, then it isn't legal for highway use.
ATA and Transfer-Flow tanks are "50 State Legal" - and safe. I don't know about the ones from Northern Tool / Tractor Supply, etc. one way or another. But some of those tanks are only "legal" off-road - i.e. on a farm for example.
Better quality, highway legal tanks are also baffled and pressure tested to meet DOT regulations. Likewise an important factor.
This is a big deal if you were ever in an accident. Not only as to safety but as to legal liability.
That said, make sure anything you install is DOT legal. They're probably more expensive - for a good reason.
Bill
Edited to add: Transfer Flow and others may still make a replacement tank for the OEM tank which could give you almost as much additional fuel as the 32 gallon aux tank you mentioned. However, if I were doing it, and I have 3 times, I'd go with at least a 50 gallon tank which should fit under the cover. Transfer Flow made one of those. Haven't looked recently. This isn't about how long one goes without stopping to use the rest room. It's a convenience thing allowing one not to have to fill up everyday, go to a truck stop or bypass expensive fuel while not having "range anxiety."
I am assuming in all this your truck is good GVWR / RAWR wise to carry any additional fuel with the 5er. While that shouldn't be an issue with the Landmark I'd just make sure.
-- Edited by Bill and Linda on Friday 9th of November 2018 01:38:13 PM
Cummins12V98 said
07:54 AM Nov 10, 2018
I simply carry a 5 gallon can of Diesel, I have needed it ONCE. My truck has a 32 gallon tank also.
"IF" I were to do anything it would be the TITAN 55 gallon replacement tank. I would never want my bed compromised with a tank.
Bill and Linda said
08:07 AM Nov 10, 2018
Barb and Frank wrote:
Also, any ideas about where to get an auxiliary tank installed? Any info is appreciated.
Frank
Frank: To answer this question which I should have done in the first place:
Mine worked flawlessly for years. Totally worth the price in Alaska and Canada alone. Saved a bunch of money and a "long walk." 5 gallons, which would have added only about 40 miles of towing, wouldn't have worked. Not by a long shot. Naturally, YMMV. Get what works for you. Just make sure its legal.
Bill
Barb and Frank said
08:26 AM Nov 10, 2018
Bill,
Thanks for the information - very helpful. I am happy to see there are so many places across the US to have an auxiliary tank installed. We will be sure to buy a DOT tank - I can see the importance of that. I am looking forward to not having to worry about filling up on travel days.
Thanks again,
Frank
R12 said
09:31 AM Nov 10, 2018
Bill and Linda wrote:
Frank:
The first criteria is: Does the tank meet DOT regulations in all the US and Canada. For example, if the tank is gravity fed to the main tank, as one key point, then it isn't legal for highway use.
ATA and Transfer-Flow tanks are "50 State Legal" - and safe. I don't know about the ones from Northern Tool / Tractor Supply, etc. one way or another. But some of those tanks are only "legal" off-road - i.e. on a farm for example.
-- Edited by Bill and Linda on Friday 9th of November 2018 01:38:13 PM
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations 393.65 (d) prohibits a system from supplying fuel by gravity directly to the carburetor or injectors.
If the auxiliary tank supplies fuel to the OEM fill tube it is legal to use. The "Diesel Install Kit for Auxiliary Fuel Tank" from Northern Tool contains a check valve to prevent over filling and feeds into the fill tube. This makes it legal to use on the road.
BiggarView said
11:09 AM Nov 10, 2018
Since we are also considering an Aux fuel tank option, we had originally thought as you have. Recently the TITAN tank as mentioned by Cummins12v98 came across our radar. Since we are considering at least two trips to Alaska over our planned lifestyle change that may begin as soon as next year this very flexible fuel option has now been budgeted. The TITAN 55 gal. tank is price competitive with the tanks also being mentioned by others. I like the idea of free bed space in the truck. Another "dreamer" on the this forum had the install done... he is very satisfied with it according to reports.
FWIW
Barb and Frank said
12:55 PM Nov 10, 2018
Cummins,
Thanks for the info - I thought the pricing on a replacement tank would be much higher. This has opened up a new possibility. I like the idea of saving the space in the truck bed for other things. A 55 gallon tank should get us anywhere we want to go in a single day.
Frank
RonC said
02:34 PM Nov 10, 2018
FWIW ... our travel days are typically 200 miles or less, so I rarely have to find fuel with the rig attached. I can see advantages to having extra capacity but for us, the expense and trouble just isn't worth it ... to us ... YMMV.
-- Edited by RonC on Saturday 10th of November 2018 02:35:41 PM
Rickl said
05:37 PM Nov 10, 2018
RonC wrote:
FWIW ... our travel days are typically 200 miles or less, so I rarely have to find fuel with the rig attached. I can see advantages to having extra capacity but for us, the expense and trouble just isn't worth it ... to us ... YMMV.
-- Edited by RonC on Saturday 10th of November 2018 02:35:41 PM
+ 1
We try hard to keep it betwpeen 200-250 miles. With a 36 gallon tank ( an average of 10.2 mpg over the last 10,000 miles) we have plenty for the days trip. The only advantage I can see is making a good buy on diesel. But then one needs to factor in the extra money for the tank and what that adds to the costs per mile. But again, each to their own.
-- Edited by Rickl on Saturday 10th of November 2018 05:38:04 PM
Bill and Linda said
11:48 AM Nov 11, 2018
Frank:
Here's Rob's post with the link for the Titan 55 tank should it be helpful. He's been happy with this choice for his application in his new 3500HD Ram.
Bill
Bill and Linda wrote:
Rob_Fla wrote:
I switched my 32 Gallon OEM Tank on my RAM 3500HD to a aftermarket Titan 55 Gallon Tank. So far been very happy with the switch and the 55 Gallon range is quite enough for us without an aux fuel tank. But again, everybody has different needs and wants for their lifestyle and budget.
Remove the OEM sending unit, filler and vent hoses from OEM Tank and install on new Titan Tank]
__________________
Robert & Sheryl
2014 Redwood 38FL MorRyde IS & MorRyde Pin Box
2018 RAM 3500 DRW Cummings H.O. / 4.10
Lynn and Ed said
04:57 PM Nov 11, 2018
We have an aux fuel tank. Our experience using the extra fuel capacity has been very favorable, during the 4 1/2 years that we have been full timing. Due to family events and family care needs, we have needed to travel back to the northeast U.S. a number of times. Our travel patterns often have us traveling 800 to 1,000 miles between destinations. Often times we are traveling 2 or 3 days to cover this distance. Having the extra tank allows us to tow for 750 or 800 miles between fueling. We like to say that the extra fuel takes away one of the "variables" on travel days. With the size of our rig and truck, our only option for fueling is truck stops. With the higher cost, often lack of parking space, the need to prepay at many of the national truckstop chains, etc., we prefer to fuel up when we are not towing. Also, if we can travel for a couple of days without fueling, we can stay hitched up for overnight stops. Again, as Bill said, a lot depends on your travel style, and the excess capacity in your truck. For us, the aux fuel tank has made our lives easier.
Ed
Barb and Frank said
06:31 PM Nov 11, 2018
Thanks to everyone for the great info - and to Bill for the pictures of the OEM replacement tank. Replacing the OEM tank seems ideal since we won’t be taking up space in the truck bed with an aux tank. Plus, it will give us just enough extra fuel to make it through a typical driving day. We like to stay under 250 miles per day - but there are times when traveling across country when this is not always possible. I look forward to the day when my wife and I (she drives as well) can go 350-400 miles without having to find a truck stop. I really, really despise truck stops!
Frank
Team Murc said
07:07 PM Nov 12, 2018
Call Tom at Classy Chassis. They are simply the best.
Danny and Cheryl said
09:22 AM Jul 10, 2019
I have the TransferFlow 40 Gal tank that sits in my RAM 3500 low enough for my roll top cover to close. I wish it was larger but it is what it is. it is DOT legal in all states even for gas
Neil and Connie said
09:58 AM Jul 10, 2019
What Bill said on DOT certification. Concerning the recommendation to only carry a 5 gallon can…while that solves (maybe) the "I'm a little short on fuel" problem in the lower 48…even down here there are places where 40 more miles wouldn't really cut it.
The biggest. reason to have the aux tank IMO is cheaper fuel. Most 5vers who travel more than 225 miles or so in a day will not have sufficient range on a full tank for a complete travel day…which necessitates stopping for fuel…and since towing we're talking a truck stop (Loves, Pilot, etc) where you can take the rig around the back. Fuel at truck stops is way more per gallon…just this summer we've seen a 40 cent difference between big truck stops and what Gas Buddy found us in town that I could get the truck by itself into. When you're buying 70 gallons at a time…that's real money. Of course…some of the savings gets eaten up by driving the truck to the gas station…but what we typically do is figure out the optimum station to go to based on price and distance to maximize the savings then we just take the truck instead of the car on one of our trips out to the pub or something…then it's only the differential cost between the truck and car's cost per mile that's a factor.
Second biggest reason is that it allowed me to buy no fuel during our recent pass through of the Democratic People's Republic of Californiastan…we filled up in Carson City before we went to Fairfield at almost 40 cents less than non truck stop price in Fairfield and not again until we crossed the border into OR…which was cheaper than CA but not as good as Nevada was…there is no self service in OR so you have to pay for that $15 an hour minimum wage they voted in for the guy/gal that pumps your gas…although strangely enough you can pump your own diesel (but not gas) and you have to pump your own diesel or gas if it's in a bed aux tank…two different places told us that they weren't allowed to pump into aux tanks.
Barb and Frank said
01:53 PM Jul 10, 2019
Again, thanks for all of the suggestions. We ended up ordering an ATTA aux tank through Classy Chassis and will have it installed in our truck bed in a few short weeks. Tom Martin was very helpful and great to work with. Looking forward to not having to fill up at overpriced truck stops!
Bill and Linda said
03:28 PM Jul 10, 2019
Barb and Frank wrote:
Again, thanks for all of the suggestions. We ended up ordering an ATTA aux tank through Classy Chassis and will have it installed in our truck bed in a few short weeks. Tom Martin was very helpful and great to work with. Looking forward to not having to fill up at overpriced truck stops!
Can't say enough good things about Tom Martin and Classy.
A suggestion as you have a Ram: It costs a bit as it is a lot of labor - but - they can custom install the fuel gauge and on/off switch in the drivers door where the two cup holders are located. It eliminates anything on the dash or in the center compartment. Not a necessity but it looks really nice, is out of the way and the gauge lights work, etc. off the panel dimmers as well even with the door mount. If you want this I'd let him know ahead of time as it does take more time and he'll want to allow for that as will you.
I've had two ATTA tanks Tom installed on two trucks. It's a real nice installation IMO.
Bill
Barb and Frank said
10:05 AM Jul 12, 2019
Bill and Linda wrote:
Barb and Frank wrote:
Again, thanks for all of the suggestions. We ended up ordering an ATTA aux tank through Classy Chassis and will have it installed in our truck bed in a few short weeks. Tom Martin was very helpful and great to work with. Looking forward to not having to fill up at overpriced truck stops!
Can't say enough good things about Tom Martin and Classy.
A suggestion as you have a Ram: It costs a bit as it is a lot of labor - but - they can custom install the fuel gauge and on/off switch in the drivers door where the two cup holders are located. It eliminates anything on the dash or in the center compartment. Not a necessity but it looks really nice, is out of the way and the gauge lights work, etc. off the panel dimmers as well even with the door mount. If you want this I'd let him know ahead of time as it does take more time and he'll want to allow for that as will you.
I've had two ATTA tanks Tom installed on two trucks. It's a real nice installation IMO.
Bill
Thanks Bill - will talk to Tom about this.
Frank
Neil and Connie said
05:36 PM Jul 12, 2019
What Bill said about the switch and gauge. Tom does good work.
Terry and Jo said
08:51 AM Jul 13, 2019
Neil and Connie wrote:Second biggest reason is that it allowed me to buy no fuel during our recent pass through of the Democratic People's Republic of Californiastan…we filled up in Carson City before we went to Fairfield at almost 40 cents less than non truck stop price in Fairfield and not again until we crossed the border into OR…which was cheaper than CA but not as good as Nevada was…there is no self service in OR so you have to pay for that $15 an hour minimum wage they voted in for the guy/gal that pumps your gas…although strangely enough you can pump your own diesel (but not gas) and you have to pump your own diesel or gas if it's in a bed aux tank…two different places told us that they weren't allowed to pump into aux tanks.
The above in bold and underlined has changed. In Oregon counties with a population of less than 40,000 people, one can pump their own gas. Some folks that I know up there became concerned because in all their lives, they had never pumped their own fuel.
"Retailers in counties with a population of less than 40,000 are allowed to have self-service gas pumps. Drivers in 15 counties can now pump their own gas any time of day, while those in three other rural counties can do so after business hours, between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m."
I guess the key question is whether one is in one of those 15 counties. I think Oregon has something like 36 counties, so almost half the state allows pumping one's own gas.
Terry
Neil and Connie said
03:19 PM Jul 13, 2019
Didn't know the rules had changed…but at least in the 3 places we bought gas there was no self service.
We are looking to add an auxiliary fuel tank to the bed of our Ram 3500. Having read some older posts on this subject, it seems some tanks are better quality than others. We were looking at a Northern Tools 32 gallon tank that fits the dimensions of our bed under the rolling bed cover. Are there any other brands that we should explore? Also, any ideas about where to get an auxiliary tank installed? Any info is appreciated.
Frank
Frank:
The first criteria is: Does the tank meet DOT regulations in all the US and Canada. For example, if the tank is gravity fed to the main tank, as one key point, then it isn't legal for highway use.
ATA and Transfer-Flow tanks are "50 State Legal" - and safe. I don't know about the ones from Northern Tool / Tractor Supply, etc. one way or another. But some of those tanks are only "legal" off-road - i.e. on a farm for example.
Better quality, highway legal tanks are also baffled and pressure tested to meet DOT regulations. Likewise an important factor.
This is a big deal if you were ever in an accident. Not only as to safety but as to legal liability.
That said, make sure anything you install is DOT legal. They're probably more expensive - for a good reason.
Bill
Edited to add: Transfer Flow and others may still make a replacement tank for the OEM tank which could give you almost as much additional fuel as the 32 gallon aux tank you mentioned. However, if I were doing it, and I have 3 times, I'd go with at least a 50 gallon tank which should fit under the cover. Transfer Flow made one of those. Haven't looked recently. This isn't about how long one goes without stopping to use the rest room. It's a convenience thing allowing one not to have to fill up everyday, go to a truck stop or bypass expensive fuel while not having "range anxiety."
I am assuming in all this your truck is good GVWR / RAWR wise to carry any additional fuel with the 5er. While that shouldn't be an issue with the Landmark I'd just make sure.
-- Edited by Bill and Linda on Friday 9th of November 2018 01:38:13 PM
"IF" I were to do anything it would be the TITAN 55 gallon replacement tank. I would never want my bed compromised with a tank.
Frank: To answer this question which I should have done in the first place:
https://www.transferflow.com/installation
https://www.transferflow.com/shop/product/0800116625
Mine worked flawlessly for years. Totally worth the price in Alaska and Canada alone. Saved a bunch of money and a "long walk." 5 gallons, which would have added only about 40 miles of towing, wouldn't have worked. Not by a long shot. Naturally, YMMV. Get what works for you. Just make sure its legal.
Bill
Bill,
Thanks for the information - very helpful. I am happy to see there are so many places across the US to have an auxiliary tank installed. We will be sure to buy a DOT tank - I can see the importance of that. I am looking forward to not having to worry about filling up on travel days.
Thanks again,
Frank
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations 393.65 (d) prohibits a system from supplying fuel by gravity directly to the carburetor or injectors.
If the auxiliary tank supplies fuel to the OEM fill tube it is legal to use. The "Diesel Install Kit for Auxiliary Fuel Tank" from Northern Tool contains a check valve to prevent over filling and feeds into the fill tube. This makes it legal to use on the road.
Since we are also considering an Aux fuel tank option, we had originally thought as you have. Recently the TITAN tank as mentioned by Cummins12v98 came across our radar. Since we are considering at least two trips to Alaska over our planned lifestyle change that may begin as soon as next year this very flexible fuel option has now been budgeted. The TITAN 55 gal. tank is price competitive with the tanks also being mentioned by others. I like the idea of free bed space in the truck. Another "dreamer" on the this forum had the install done... he is very satisfied with it according to reports.
FWIW
Cummins,
Thanks for the info - I thought the pricing on a replacement tank would be much higher. This has opened up a new possibility. I like the idea of saving the space in the truck bed for other things. A 55 gallon tank should get us anywhere we want to go in a single day.
Frank
FWIW ... our travel days are typically 200 miles or less, so I rarely have to find fuel with the rig attached. I can see advantages to having extra capacity but for us, the expense and trouble just isn't worth it ... to us ... YMMV.
-- Edited by RonC on Saturday 10th of November 2018 02:35:41 PM
+ 1
We try hard to keep it betwpeen 200-250 miles. With a 36 gallon tank ( an average of 10.2 mpg over the last 10,000 miles) we have plenty for the days trip. The only advantage I can see is making a good buy on diesel. But then one needs to factor in the extra money for the tank and what that adds to the costs per mile. But again, each to their own.
-- Edited by Rickl on Saturday 10th of November 2018 05:38:04 PM
Frank:
Here's Rob's post with the link for the Titan 55 tank should it be helpful. He's been happy with this choice for his application in his new 3500HD Ram.
Bill
Bill, I replaced the OEM "Mid-Ship" 32 Gallon Fuel Tank with the Titan Products 55 Gallon "Mid-Ship" Fuel Tank http://titanfueltanks.com/products/mid-ship-fuel-tanks?find=2018-dodge-ram-3500-3389
Remove the OEM sending unit, filler and vent hoses from OEM Tank and install on new Titan Tank]
__________________
Robert & Sheryl
2014 Redwood 38FL MorRyde IS & MorRyde Pin Box
2018 RAM 3500 DRW Cummings H.O. / 4.10
Thanks to everyone for the great info - and to Bill for the pictures of the OEM replacement tank. Replacing the OEM tank seems ideal since we won’t be taking up space in the truck bed with an aux tank. Plus, it will give us just enough extra fuel to make it through a typical driving day. We like to stay under 250 miles per day - but there are times when traveling across country when this is not always possible. I look forward to the day when my wife and I (she drives as well) can go 350-400 miles without having to find a truck stop. I really, really despise truck stops!
Frank
I have the TransferFlow 40 Gal tank that sits in my RAM 3500 low enough for my roll top cover to close. I wish it was larger but it is what it is. it is DOT legal in all states even for gas
What Bill said on DOT certification. Concerning the recommendation to only carry a 5 gallon can…while that solves (maybe) the "I'm a little short on fuel" problem in the lower 48…even down here there are places where 40 more miles wouldn't really cut it.
The biggest. reason to have the aux tank IMO is cheaper fuel. Most 5vers who travel more than 225 miles or so in a day will not have sufficient range on a full tank for a complete travel day…which necessitates stopping for fuel…and since towing we're talking a truck stop (Loves, Pilot, etc) where you can take the rig around the back. Fuel at truck stops is way more per gallon…just this summer we've seen a 40 cent difference between big truck stops and what Gas Buddy found us in town that I could get the truck by itself into. When you're buying 70 gallons at a time…that's real money. Of course…some of the savings gets eaten up by driving the truck to the gas station…but what we typically do is figure out the optimum station to go to based on price and distance to maximize the savings then we just take the truck instead of the car on one of our trips out to the pub or something…then it's only the differential cost between the truck and car's cost per mile that's a factor.
Second biggest reason is that it allowed me to buy no fuel during our recent pass through of the Democratic People's Republic of Californiastan…we filled up in Carson City before we went to Fairfield at almost 40 cents less than non truck stop price in Fairfield and not again until we crossed the border into OR…which was cheaper than CA but not as good as Nevada was…there is no self service in OR so you have to pay for that $15 an hour minimum wage they voted in for the guy/gal that pumps your gas…although strangely enough you can pump your own diesel (but not gas) and you have to pump your own diesel or gas if it's in a bed aux tank…two different places told us that they weren't allowed to pump into aux tanks.
Again, thanks for all of the suggestions. We ended up ordering an ATTA aux tank through Classy Chassis and will have it installed in our truck bed in a few short weeks. Tom Martin was very helpful and great to work with. Looking forward to not having to fill up at overpriced truck stops!
Can't say enough good things about Tom Martin and Classy.
A suggestion as you have a Ram: It costs a bit as it is a lot of labor - but - they can custom install the fuel gauge and on/off switch in the drivers door where the two cup holders are located. It eliminates anything on the dash or in the center compartment. Not a necessity but it looks really nice, is out of the way and the gauge lights work, etc. off the panel dimmers as well even with the door mount. If you want this I'd let him know ahead of time as it does take more time and he'll want to allow for that as will you.
I've had two ATTA tanks Tom installed on two trucks. It's a real nice installation IMO.
Bill
Thanks Bill - will talk to Tom about this.
Frank
What Bill said about the switch and gauge. Tom does good work.
The above in bold and underlined has changed. In Oregon counties with a population of less than 40,000 people, one can pump their own gas. Some folks that I know up there became concerned because in all their lives, they had never pumped their own fuel.
"Retailers in counties with a population of less than 40,000 are allowed to have self-service gas pumps. Drivers in 15 counties can now pump their own gas any time of day, while those in three other rural counties can do so after business hours, between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m."
I guess the key question is whether one is in one of those 15 counties. I think Oregon has something like 36 counties, so almost half the state allows pumping one's own gas.
Terry
Didn't know the rules had changed…but at least in the 3 places we bought gas there was no self service.