Thread: Long Range Fuel Tank

I have a sill tank under along the rail on the drivers side and I don't know who made it but it looks a lot like Longranger. There is a second fill point drilled through the body just before the rear wheel arch. Maybe I'm misunderstanding but when people say the filler is under the drivers seat that sounds to me like a p.i.t.a and a loss of very useful spare parts storage.

I know they are expensive but I love having a full size auxillary tank. It enables you to bypass the expensive fuel prices between major centres when on a long run. And while this has never been an issue I always switch tanks when i have another 100 at least left in case I pick up dirty fuel somewhere or something goes wrong with one tank.

They are a luxury because on my trips to the interior i travel with a Defender without the auxillary tank and they manage OK. A 22 litre jerry of diesel is their spare and on economic terms it's hard to argue. It's a rare sight for me to see them need to stop and top up out of the jerry even out whoop whoop. Generally fuel is within 800km. They have a truck cab though the jerry is not in the cab with them and they DO look longingly at me as I park under a tree and wait for them to fuel up at some horror cost while I fill up in Broome, Kunnie, Canarvon etc at the best prices.

If you can afford it, get one (I'm glad mine was already on because frankly I can't afford one) but if you can't or have other priorities don't stress about it, little bit more planning on fuel stops and you'll be fine.

I did a trip recently in a 300 tdi defender to the red centre and oodnadatta track, dalhousie etc. Towing a tent trailer. averaged about 450 - 500 km from a tank, around 17L/100. Always seemed to be stopping for fuel. Don't know how anyone gets 10-12 L/100 touring - must all drive at 70km/h in fifth (I used the cruise control a bit - foot to the boards 90-110km/h depending on terrain). Best I seem to get running local (around town and a hilly drive to a major town close by) is 12 L/100. I'll definately be fitting a long range tank before my next outback trip. We travelled with a Patrol (180L capacity) which only filled every second time - and got the cheaper fuel stops! Got about the same economy though.
I have a long range tank in my work Ford Ranger (130L) and get about 950 -1000 km from a tank. Very Handy when driving around the countryside (and even handier that they're paying to fill it up!)

So in summing up - if you just do short trips and round town, the normal tank'll do (doesn't cost as much in one hit to fill) - if you plan to do some longer trips and otback touring, get the long range tank, cause you're gotta spend the money on fuel anyway so you may as well be able to pick and choose where to buy it a bit without having to stuff around handling and carrying jerry cans (I lost the hose out of mine while filling at one stage and covered myself and some of our gear with diesel - took days to get the smell out of me!!)

I wonder if diesel would explode with static electricity when filling up a jerry can like the lady did when filling one at a Sydney Servo last week.

I have heard of a 60 series burnt out at the cape because the guy was filling up from a jerry can and had a 3 way fridge just around the corner from the filler, pilot light

But it was probly a petrol

I have a 45L one under the rear right wheel up under the guard. Purchased from OL. I love the extra range, and you save time by not filling up as often around town which is an added bonus of saving time. I did not want the hassle of pumps with the sill type sub tanks and you do lose some departure angle by replacing the original take with a Long Ranger. Then there is the problem of the OE towbar is you have one or want one fitted.

I didn't fit them but I have the long ranger 127liter main tank and the the 39 liter side tank. Great when full but can be scarey to fill.

Originally Posted by allanj

I wonder if diesel would explode with static electricity when filling up a jerry can like the lady did when filling one at a Sydney Servo last week.

I don't think diesel can be ignited by a spark at normal temperatures.
I'm happy to be corrected on that.
I know petrol will, cause we use a piezoelectric gas gun to light the Coleman stove.

cheers

Originally Posted by Huwmungus

I did a trip recently in a 300 tdi defender to the red centre and oodnadatta track, dalhousie etc. Towing a tent trailer. averaged about 450 - 500 km from a tank, around 17L/100. Always seemed to be stopping for fuel. Don't know how anyone gets 10-12 L/100 touring - must all drive at 70km/h in fifth (I used the cruise control a bit - foot to the boards 90-110km/h depending on terrain). Best I seem to get running local (around town and a hilly drive to a major town close by) is 12 L/100. I'll definately be fitting a long range tank before my next outback trip. We travelled with a Patrol (180L capacity) which only filled every second time - and got the cheaper fuel stops! Got about the same economy though.
I have a long range tank in my work Ford Ranger (130L) and get about 950 -1000 km from a tank. Very Handy when driving around the countryside (and even handier that they're paying to fill it up!)

So in summing up - if you just do short trips and round town, the normal tank'll do (doesn't cost as much in one hit to fill) - if you plan to do some longer trips and otback touring, get the long range tank, cause you're gotta spend the money on fuel anyway so you may as well be able to pick and choose where to buy it a bit without having to stuff around handling and carrying jerry cans (I lost the hose out of mine while filling at one stage and covered myself and some of our gear with diesel - took days to get the smell out of me!!)

I get11.5 out of my TD5 loaded or empty. I love the range on the tanks for the daily run. Only have to fill it every 9 to 10 days. I choose to fill at the 1200km mark though so I know there is still a good reserve still.

Originally Posted by Huwmungus

I did a trip recently in a 300 tdi defender to the red centre and oodnadatta track, dalhousie etc. Towing a tent trailer. averaged about 450 - 500 km from a tank, around 17L/100. Always seemed to be stopping for fuel. Don't know how anyone gets 10-12 L/100 touring - must all drive at 70km/h in fifth (I used the cruise control a bit - foot to the boards 90-110km/h depending on terrain).

I got some high twelves and a low 13 once in my 300Tdi and looked underneath and saw moisture. Turned out it was the filler hose down to the (rear) tank. So I was leaking out the top of the tank and still managed to keep it under 14.

I have no experience with towing on long trips (I load it up though) so that is the only thing stopping me from adamantly telling you something is amiss. 17l/100 I'd want to be towing a gooseneck up the beach before I accepted that figure. And as for getting the same economy as a Patrol, mate, that is just cruel.