Auxiliary tank recommendation for D4

[LRChris]

I am about to fit a rear wheel carrier to my D4 and would like to fit an aux. tank in the spare wheel space under the car. Any recommendations would be appreciated. Cheers

[mowog]

Something to be aware of there are 2 brands that sound very much the same so if you are shopping around for a price make sure you are comparing the same tank.

:: Long Range Fuel & Water Tanks (http://thelongranger.com.au/4wdfueltanks.html)

Long Range Fuel Tanks, auxiliary & replacement water tanks for 4WDs | LONGRANGE AUTOMOTIVE (http://www.longrangeautomotive.com.au/)

[Redback]

They are all pretty good, much of a muchness really, price would be the major decision in choosing one, and how many ltrs you want.

The Long Ranger tank is 104ltrs

LRA tank is 108ltrs

Outback Accessories tank is 92/95ltrs

Dolium tank is 80ltrs(stainless steel)

Brown Davis tank is 110ltrs

The Outback and Dolium tanks are available from Opposite Lock.

Baz.

[jimc]

I went The LongRanger. Brilliant bit of kit. Whatever you do fit, add some suitable sealant to the sender gasket (if fitted) or the tank may weep/leak fuel.

You should have heard my wife's choice of words when she saw our spanking new $1400 tank leaking!!

Had to wait some days to drain enough fuel from the main tank to pump the aux tank dry. But the final result is 1700KMs between refills!!

[Graeme]

Some tanks use gravity to transfer to the main tank whereas others use a pump. Having to pump has its advantages and disadvantages. I haven't decided yet what's more important to me and my vehicle's usage.

[Redback]

Some tanks use gravity to transfer to the main tank whereas others use a pump. Having to pump has its advantages and disadvantages. I haven't decided yet what's more important to me and my vehicle's usage.

We have the Outback accessories tank, it's gravity feed, been fine so far, I have heard that the pumps can be hit and miss in regards to failures/reliability, with this in mind we chose the gravity feed option, and 2 years on I think we made the correct choice.

Baz

[Geedublya]

Having had the Long Ranger previously and now the Outback Accessories (OA) tank, I don't think there is a lot of difference.
I did like having the extra fuel gauge on the Long Ranger, however the transfer pump can be a little painful (noisy and you have to remember to turn it on and off).
I had heard that the gravity feed tanks (OA) don't empty completely, however I seem to be getting all of the fuel out mine. I have put in over 170l on one fill and I calculate my capacity at approx. 175l.
Yesterday I put in over 160l which was $270 of premium unleaded.:eek2:

[TerryO]

Yesterday I put in over 160l which was $270 of premium unleaded.:eek2:


Well 160l of premium, that should last you at least 600 k's of city driving. ...:p

[stray dingo]

For whats its worth - I also had the stone guard fitted over the dolium tank. A few dollars more, and only a lightweight guard, it at least it gets damaged before the tank does.
I find the pump takes about 20 minutes to fully transfer.

[BobD]

I have the Brown Davis tank in my D4. Apart from forgetting to turn the pump off nearly every time and spilling a little bit of diesel from the filler cap as a result, the main issue with these is slightly reduced clearance at the back so the tank hits the ground first. Mine is dented a bit from the off road knocks but not leaking and appears to be very robust.

Bob

[Geedublya]

Well 160l of premium, that should last you at least 600 k's of city driving. ...:p

Come on Terry I get at least 625 k's for 160l, 600 is just ridiculous.:p

I forgot to add the OA tank was at least $600 cheaper fitted as well. Though I would gladly have paid the extra to have it fitted by competent mechanics instead of the monkeys that fitted mine.
I also had to replace the large breather that was supplied as it was not fuel compatible and was de-laminating. The monkeys also plumbed it into the vent for the charcoal filter instead of the tank breathers and I was getting fuel leaking and my fuel vapour recovery system was filled with fuel.

[~Rich~]

I have the Brown Davis tank in my D4. Apart from forgetting to turn the pump off nearly every time and spilling a little bit of diesel from the filler cap as a result, the main issue with these is slightly reduced clearance at the back so the tank hits the ground first. Mine is dented a bit from the off road knocks but not leaking and appears to be very robust.

Bob

Yeah I have the same Brown Davis tank, all good post installation.
I did have problems fitting the tank myself, no problem with the tank leaking just the fitting instructions leave a lot to be desired. I had to source some parts myself to have a A1 installation.
It's been very reliable.

BTW especially with the Brown Davis tank and probably less so with the smaller tanks I think if you drive over rock steps and the like that either LLAMS or Rods are a must for extra clearance.

[Redback]

Our OA Tank sits higher than the spare wheel did, but I have still dented it, when you look at the back of the car it appears to look like it sits lower but it only looks like it does, the Kaymar bar sits higher giving the appearance that the tank does, with the standard bumper on it looks better.

Baz

[go-disco4]

I have the Long Ranger tank (with fuel pump). It is supposed to have more clearance than the spare wheel..Nearly 3 years with trips to Vic high country, river crossing and recent Simpson crossing.

The pump has never failed. There are quite a few dents on the tank, but no puncture and no interference with its function.

I put in nearly 99 litres when it was empty.

Just recently I noticed some weeping around the drain plug, maybe it needs a new seal

Over happy

GD-4

[AnD3rew]

I also have the long ranger, other than the leaking problem many others are seeing and which I will have fixed at next service, I have been very happy, I like having the control of the pump and the extra fuel gauge. I regularly put 104 litres in it. Last week I put $250 worth of diesel in it, luckily I had a $16per L discount voucher and that saved me about $25

[Fred Nerk]

I chose another option that few others seem to use. I have a rear wheel carrier and keep another spare under the car in the normal place. I have purchased a 60L tank and mounted it on the roof rack. The tank is available from Opposite Lock. Product code FTU60P. I have fitted a breather kit too.

I mount it for trips and keep it filled (to prevent "sloshing") until I have room for the 60 litres in the OEM tank. It drains quickly and easily via simple fuel grade hose with a tap.

It is cheaper than a normal long range tank. It has a much smaller profile than a spare wheel on the roof and only a little heavier than a spare wheel when full. I have a total of 140 usable fuel and crossed the Simpson west to east with several north south excursions and had 30 litres remaining when we reached Birdsville.

[Redback]

I chose another option that few others seem to use. I have a rear wheel carrier and keep another spare under the car in the normal place. I have purchased a 60L tank and mounted it on the roof rack. The tank is available from Opposite Lock. Product code FTU60P. I have fitted a breather kit too.

I mount it for trips and keep it filled (to prevent "sloshing") until I have room for the 60 litres in the OEM tank. It drains quickly and easily via simple fuel grade hose with a tap.

It is cheaper than a normal long range tank. It has a much smaller profile than a spare wheel on the roof and only a little heavier than a spare wheel when full. I have a total of 140 usable fuel and crossed the Simpson west to east with several north south excursions and had 30 litres remaining when we reached Birdsville.

Seems a good alternative, not sure I'd want all that weight on the roof, but a 60l full tank weighing a little heavier than a spare tyre:confused: typo maybe or maybe a little heavier than 2 spare wheels;)

Baz.

[TerryO]

I chose another option that few others seem to use. I have a rear wheel carrier and keep another spare under the car in the normal place. I have purchased a 60L tank and mounted it on the roof rack. The tank is available from Opposite Lock. Product code FTU60P. I have fitted a breather kit too.

I mount it for trips and keep it filled (to prevent "sloshing") until I have room for the 60 litres in the OEM tank. It drains quickly and easily via simple fuel grade hose with a tap.

It is cheaper than a normal long range tank. It has a much smaller profile than a spare wheel on the roof and only a little heavier than a spare wheel when full. I have a total of 140 usable fuel and crossed the Simpson west to east with several north south excursions and had 30 litres remaining when we reached Birdsville.


Hi Fred Nerk, if you have any pictures of your set up it would be good to see them thanks.

[AnD3rew]

Seems a good alternative, not sure I'd want all that weight on the roof, but a 60l full tank weighing a little heavier than a spare tyre:confused: typo maybe or maybe a little heavier than 2 spare wheels;)

Baz.


Yes, at least double the weight of a spare wheel and a bit more. That's a lot of weight on the roof, that would be the maximum roof weight right there so you couldn't safely put anything else up there at all. Its definitely a cheaper option, but I prefer a wheel up top and an extra tank under. That leaves room for a gas bottle and a bag of light stuff up there as well.

[Graeme]

60L on the roof is only 60kg plus the weight of a small rack so not too bad and overall probably better than 3 jerries inside if one starts to leak. However 60L wouldn't be enough for a trip such as Madigans for a 3.0 D4 when my TD5 D2 used 4 out of the 5 jerries that I took. I'm hoping to get out next winter and whilst 60L would probably be enough for that trip, it may not be enough for longer trips. I also do enough long distance driving to make use of extra fuel but would not fit a roof rack on those occasions so hope to fit a permanent aux tank.

[AnD3rew]

60L on the roof is only 60kg plus the weight of a small rack so not too bad and overall probably better than 3 jerries inside if one starts to leak. However 60L wouldn't be enough for a trip such as Madigans for a 3.0 D4 when my TD5 D2 used 4 out of the 5 jerries that I took. I'm hoping to get out next winter and whilst 60L would probably be enough for that trip, it may not be enough for longer trips. I also do enough long distance driving to make use of extra fuel but would not fit a roof rack on those occasions so hope to fit a permanent aux tank.

That's fine if that's all you want up there, but max weight for the roof is just over 70kg, so 60kg of fuel plus weight of tank and racks will get you pretty close to that with nothing much left over.

[Fred Nerk]

I have hunted through the photos to find a few shots, but none are as good as one I should have taken from above the car. I hope you can get the idea.

It is a short Front Runner rack. A small awning. Two Maxtrax. A little gas bottle. And 60 litres of fuel.

Yes I'm a little over the limit. The load is compact and did not affect the handling as far as I could tell.

And yes; I was wrong about the weight of a wheel and tyre. Mine weigh 36kg.

The first picture shows the fuel hose draining into the tank. The other shots are of the car from various angles while we had fun in the desert.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/04/57.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/04/1215.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/04/105.jpg
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/08/539.jpg

[gghaggis]

I ran two Boabs under a false floor when doing the CSR. Comfortable 200 ltr +

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/11/1548.jpg

Cheers,

Gordon

[Fred Nerk]

That looks neat and tidy Gordon. It would be a good solution for when a longer range is required. How did you address the venting issue? My Boab tank had a short simple vent which I changed for the optional vent you can see in my pics.

There is a vent solution for internally placed Boabs that vents to the car fuel tank. Did you use that?

And.....Did you ever measure the actual volume of your Boab tanks? I find that the tank is full when the purchased volume of fuel is 55 or 56 litres. ???

[gghaggis]

As it was a manual fill (via a 12V boat pump), I didn't vent - just loosened the caps when filling (similar to a jerry can). I got 124 ltr into both tanks, according to the station pump.

The false floor was set at the same level as the lower lip of the upper rear hatch, so fairly easy to load in and out, and the tanks were out of sight.

Cheers,

Gordon

[Graeme]

Does anyone have a LRA 108L tank in their D3/4 and if so what are your thoughts?

[discojools]

Hi Graeme,
I have Long range automotive on my D4. No probs at all but I thought it was 104 litres.
I can just feel the extra weight when the tank s full. Only thing I will say that when filling main tank from aux tank I nearly always forget to turn the pump off when the aux tank s depleted. Could do with a buzzer to alert me.

Jools

[captcam68]

Recently fitted the long ranger and so far so good. Have filled and emptied 3 times so far just on intercity trips and around town to check for leaks / problems etc, so far none. The reliability of the pump shouldn't be a deciding factor as guess what, you have one under the bonnet and I'm sure most wouldn't be thinking of that as an issue. I have ordered a 2nd pump which I will carry in my spares bag if its ever required.
Gauge is good only got distracted the first time when I was transferring into a half full tank with a full aux tank and forgot it was going. Narrowly averted an Exxon Valdez! :wasntme:

[Graeme]

There seems to be quite a few Long Ranger fitted but a scarcity of LRA's. I'm favouring seperate fills along with a decent transfer pump so with the LRA effectively $150 less than the Brown Davis, I'd like to know more about it and any short-comings.

I'm still undecided on getting a tank because a small roof rack will then be required to carry a 2nd spare as on those occasions when extra fuel is mandatory, so is a 2nd spare. I need to research roof rack options further.

[Tombie]

Based on trip observation- Those carrying a 2nd spare often need it...

At most a carcass and fitting kit, keeps the weight lower.

As for the tank... The Long Ranger pump *was* a facet style unit, it's now supplied with a genuine Facet pump and a different, sealed style.

No problems at all...

[Tombie]

Gauge is good only got distracted the first time when I was transferring into a half full tank with a full aux tank and forgot it was going. Narrowly averted an Exxon Valdez! :wasntme:


Can't happen, it flows over and back into the rear tank via the filler!

[Owl]

Does anyone have a LRA 108L tank in their D3/4 and if so what are your thoughts?

I have the LRA tank - absolutely no problems at all. I can only get 100L into mine at the first click off at the fuel pump.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/01/1126.jpg (http://www.aulro.com/app/showphoto.php/photo/19702/title/aux-tank-guage-and-transfer-switch/cat/1129)



https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/01/1127.jpg (http://www.aulro.com/app/showphoto.php/photo/19703/title/aux-2c-tank/cat/1129)

[Graeme]

I have the LRA tank - absolutely no problems at all. I can only get 100L into mine at the first click off at the fuel pump.
Thanks. I assume you haven't kept filling to see if it takes any more.

Also thanks Tombie. I haven't asked the price of a Long Ranger having been put-off by the stories of the pump but will find out.

All I need now is to find out that my guess for the truck gearbox rebuild early next month is way too low!

[Owl]

Thanks. I assume you haven't kept filling to see if it takes any more.



When it's full - it's full. I can manage to squeeze in another litre maybe, but that's all.
One good thing is that it empties completely - the very first fill was also 100L
Ian

[Graeme]

That's not very good only fitting 100L when they advertise 108L. I wonder if they include the expansion area but 8L seems a lot for that.

[jimc]

The current long ranger is 104 liters. The rear subframe of a D4 had a different cross member and the Long Ranger guys modified the original D3 108 liter tank.

Found out all that when I got a cheap long ranger out of ARB and spoke to the fellow who designed the Disco tank.

[Graeme]

Perhaps LRA chopped out more capacity and haven't updated their resellers or their web-site.

[Wildrover]

Graeme do you have any details on the LRA tank I managed to get one cheap second hand but it is missing any filler and hoses. Float/ sender unit intact
What fuel pump does it come fitted with normally?
I am toying with the idea of making it a gravity feed tank

Any observations on this method appreciated

[ADMIRAL]

The current long ranger is 104 liters. The rear subframe of a D4 had a different cross member and the Long Ranger guys modified the original D3 108 liter tank.

Found out all that when I got a cheap long ranger out of ARB and spoke to the fellow who designed the Disco tank.

Something doesn't gel there. The tank was always 104 litre. I have an early D4 and purchased a LongRanger tank for a D3, with the arrangement to provide feedback or return the tank if it would not fit. Apart from a bit of cosmetic stuff around the filler neck ( the D4 has a slightly different neck due to the wrong fuel device ) there were no changes required. The tank bolted straight in ! The tank was listed as the TA62A 104 litre, suits all D3 models ! As there is bound to be a litre or two sloshing around the pump can't pick up, 104 litres is pretty accurate

[Graeme]

IIRC the original TA62 was 108L but it didn't fit later D3s.

[Graeme]

Graeme do you have any details on the LRA tankNo.

Where is the LRA transfer pump mounted?

[nat_89]

I have hunted through the photos to find a few shots, but none are as good as one I should have taken from above the car. I hope you can get the idea.

It is a short Front Runner rack. A small awning. Two Maxtrax. A little gas bottle. And 60 litres of fuel.

Yes I'm a little over the limit. The load is compact and did not affect the handling as far as I could tell.

And yes; I was wrong about the weight of a wheel and tyre. Mine weigh 36kg.

The first picture shows the fuel hose draining into the tank. The other shots are of the car from various angles while we had fun in the desert.




That's a really nice looking setup I know it's been possibly asked before but what brand is that spare wheeler carrier looks good!!

[nat_89]

Also does anyone know of any replacement tanks for the normal one i know it sounds stupid but I would just like an extra like 20 or 30 litres just to make it easier to drive the highway without stopping, fueling is a pain!

[captcam68]

Had a longranger fitted to my D4 and happy with it so far. Led gauge is handy
And transfer takes about 25 min, just got to remember to switch it off, nice if it beeped..... Will carry back up electric pump for big trips and at least if you forget to switch it off on my set up it fills the factory tank then overflows back into the longranger tank so no embarrassing Exxon Valdez in the street !

[Wildrover]

Red back what is the difference between LRA and long ranger automotive
I have just bought a second hand LRA tank but struggling to find info on it although the pics of the long range are almost identical except for where float mounts
Any have fitting instructions they can post on here?

Thanks

[Redback]

Red back what is the difference between LRA and long ranger automotive
I have just bought a second hand LRA tank but struggling to find info on it although the pics of the long range are almost identical except for where float mounts
Any have fitting instructions they can post on here?

Thanks

LRA is Long Range Automotive;)

Baz.

[rocmic]

That's a really nice looking setup I know it's been possibly asked before but what brand is that spare wheeler carrier looks good!!
From the photos it looks like it could be the Outback Accessories model available form Opposite Lock. But that said they all look pretty similar.
Cheers
Mike

[BMKal]

From the photos it looks like it could be the Outback Accessories model available form Opposite Lock. But that said they all look pretty similar.
Cheers
Mike

Don't think so. The Outback Accessories one has the wheel closer to the outside (RHS) of the vehicle and partially blocks the right tail light - and you have to have an extra tail light fitted with them to comply with the regs.

Steelwork is also quite different - the Outback Accessories one has basically one horizontal member across the bottom (just above the bumper) with a single vertical upright in the centre that the wheel attaches to. There are no diagonal braces / members.

Not the best photos - but you might be able to see the differences in these.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/04/1234.jpg https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/04/1235.jpg

This is an Outback Accessories wheel carrier.

[nat_89]

From the photos it looks like it could be the Outback Accessories model available form Opposite Lock. But that said they all look pretty similar.
Cheers
Mike

Thanks mate

[josh.huber]

I have hunted through the photos to find a few shots, but none are as good as one I should have taken from above the car. I hope you can get the idea.

It is a short Front Runner rack. A small awning. Two Maxtrax. A little gas bottle. And 60 litres of fuel.

Yes I'm a little over the limit. The load is compact and did not affect the handling as far as I could tell.

And yes; I was wrong about the weight of a wheel and tyre. Mine weigh 36kg.

The first picture shows the fuel hose draining into the tank. The other shots are of the car from various angles while we had fun in the desert.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/04/57.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/04/1215.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/04/105.jpg
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/08/539.jpg

Great work having a 4x4 of any brand is about making it work to suit you. If rather drain fuel off the roof then lift a spare up there. Nice photos too!

[NTDisco3]

Gents, an interesting read. I have just fitted an Opp Lock (Outback Accessories) 85l tank (siphon fill) - instructions woeful but got there in the end and no leaks so far...


Quick question however, does the trip computer (range) recalibrate itself or can it be reset to take into consideration the additional fuel? I did not fill fully as wanted to minimise draining if leaking, so the front tank showed 3/4 when I left the bowser. By the time I got home it was showing full (must have a one way valve) which suggests that the range may show full until the rear tank is drained and then reduce as normal when the OE tank runs down.


Thanks,


NT

[BMKal]

Fuel gauge will show full until you have emptied / drained the Outback Accessories tank, and trip meter will not allow for the extra fuel that you are now carrying.

I have the same tank on mine.

You might want to check the capacity though. I was told that mine was 85 litre when I bought it. It is closer to 100 litres.

Best thing about it has been the ability to get past some of the more expensive fuel stops in our travels. Got from Norseman to Port Augusta without stopping for fuel last time we went across that way. And that was with car loaded for trip to Tassie and tent / camping gear on the roofrack. Admittedly, we did have a pretty stiff tail wind most of the way across. :D

[Tombie]

Just keep in mind - if you hole a siphon based tank you'll lose all your fuel...

Pump transfer gives a couple of benefits:
1. Knowledge of exactly how much fuel you have
2. Redundancy - hole a tank the other still has fuel
3. Pre-filtering; I only fill the rear tank and then pump across through the additional filter when traveling. Helps catch water, mud and other contaminants before they hit the primary fuel system.

[wbowner]

May be a silly question but do people reckon getting an aux tank worth it.

I am on the verge of committing myself to one but was asked by the lovely wife if it was all worth it and would I use it.
She asked this just after I have spent the last few days building a false floor for the fridge slide. In doing this I have assumed the wheel would no longer be underneath the car😭

I tow a van and will hopefully hit the road for some extended trips soon.

Richard

[Tombie]

With Camper on the back and a head wind we made all of 380km before we needed fuel in the main tank...

So yes... Damn handy and pay back using cheaper fuel is quick.

[wbowner]

With Camper on the back and a head wind we made all of 380km before we needed fuel in the main tank...

So yes... Damn handy and pay back using cheaper fuel is quick.

Ta,
Good point. I also like your points about the benefit of pumping fuel across as opposed to gravity feed.

There is nothing worse than driving and worrying if you have enough fuel.

RIchard

[~Rich~]

It all depends on where you are driving, across the French Line / Simpson you can get by with just a couple of Jerry cans. ( In a diesel) I carried 260ltrs into the Geographical centre of the Simpson so anything less than a long range wasn't going to do it.

Another plus for a long range tank is that you can fill up in larger centre with cheaper fuel and drive further without the need for refilling.

A negative is off road damage done to it!

[shanegtr]

I got an LRA tank in my D3. I recently had to replace the transfer pump. The pump was mounted up on top and behind the rear diff and you can't get to it with the tank in place. It wasn't all that bad getting it out, but putting the tank back in was a pain. I also found some damage to my sender wiring, replacing that sorted out my dodgey aux tank level gauge reading? 100l exactly was required fill from dead empty.

[Tombie]

A negative is off road damage done to it!


Rather scuff and scrape the (made for it) tank, than the spare tyre :)

[Tombie]

Shane has a point and the Long Ranger (OOT4WD) tank has the pump in front, changing isn't too difficult at all.
They also upgraded to a stronger faucet pump which is far more resilient.

[NavyDiver]

Some tanks use gravity to transfer to the main tank whereas others use a pump. Having to pump has its advantages and disadvantages. I haven't decided yet what's more important to me and my vehicle's usage.

I went the gravity feed option several years ago on my D3. The KISS principle works for me. My AUX tank drains in the main tank. I did see a funny event on the very long very steep hill (mountain climb) with the fuel gauge getting lower at an alarming rate down to 1/4 as some fuel went back the the aux tank once. Not empty and it was about one hour at 40 degrees or so UP:D

I have no gauge on my aux but with the main tank give me 500-900 odd KM range with the gauge starts to move depending on Off/On road conditions I am not at all concerned about that. Mine was from Opposite Lock and they fitted it for me.

[RobA]

An interesting thread. The cost is not only the extra tank but the spare wheel carrier along the way so you need to include that in your cost unless you carry two spares on the roof.

We are taking a different approach. We will be fitting a Dolium tank to a custom build sliding platform in the rear only when we need the range. Combined with three JC on the roof that will give me around 190l and I can get almost anywhere with that whilst towing our Ultimate so no problems for us.

For fuel transfer we use a special 12v transfer pump with filters and everytime we refill in the outback we use a Mr Funnel aviation grade funnel as one more safety device and that has worked extremely well for the last five years

Regards

Rob

[wbowner]

So I take you guys are all in favor of one 😊

What you say has helped convince me that my initial thinking was correct.

Many thanks
Richard

[laughto]

We are taking a different approach. We will be fitting a Dolium tank to a custom build sliding platform in the rear only when we need the range. Combined with three JC on the roof that will give me around 190l and I can get almost anywhere with that whilst towing our Ultimate so no problems for us.

Do you have any photos of your setup? Still trying to come to grips with the need to put in an aux tank.

[RobA]

Do you have any photos of your setup? Still trying to come to grips with the need to put in an aux tank.

Howdy and not yet as we are still in the design phase but simply put it goes like this. Remove third row seats to store recovery gear, compressor and other, hopefully, low use items, put a carpeted panel cover over this, maybe. So at this point it looks like a five seater. Fixed to the tie-downs using turnbuckles will be two 2,000kg slides onto which will be a carpet covered platform with a heap of located tie down points. Platform slides out past the rear tailgate as it will be full length to rear of second row seats. What goes on this? Fridge is the most common item we carry all the time. So that leaves the rear carrying capacity very flexible. From there if no need for the Dolium tank then a space case goes in. Or the 58l diesel tank also lashed down on the platform. If we need more storage a
mesh cage over this so we can stack other boxes on top but extremely doubtful that will be required. Second spare on the roof platform.

We are taking the approach that we want as flexible a vehicle as possible to this is a highly modular approach. We don't need permanently fixed drawers and I have no desire to keep moving them in and out and the Ulti carries pretty much all else we need for outback touring

I hope that explains it. Once the cargo barrier goes in we will take the car to Tech Trek who will do the custom build for us. My understanding is that this will be a first of as pretty much everything else I have read up on is focussed on drawers which is OK if that is what you want but as I have said not on our radar.

Rob

[discotwinturbo]

After having a long ranger tank transfer pump fail on the csr.....was happy to have the option of gravity feed this time. I have an OL 95 litre rear tank, and it has a non return valve so fuel will not feed back to the rear tank.

3 1/2 years and very happy.

Brett......

[Tombie]

After having a long ranger tank transfer pump fail on the csr.....was happy to have the option of gravity feed this time. I have an OL 95 litre rear tank, and it has a non return valve so fuel will not feed back to the rear tank.

3 1/2 years and very happy.

Brett......


Yes, they had a few issues with pumps.

They now provide a fully sealed unit which has been faultless.

Luckily even with a failed pump you can get fuel out and into the main tank.

[kero]

Gentlemen while we are talking aux.tanks,I have a Brown Davis tank fitted and the cap that comes with it doesn't have the retaining strap attached, so I tried the fuel cap from my wife's 2012 Diesel i30 and it fits perfectly. So ordered a new cap with strap all good .Cost a bit over $35. Thanks. Kero

[Redback]

After having a long ranger tank transfer pump fail on the csr.....was happy to have the option of gravity feed this time. I have an OL 95 litre rear tank, and it has a non return valve so fuel will not feed back to the rear tank.

3 1/2 years and very happy.

Brett......

My OL tank is also going well after 3 1/2 yrs, although not 95ltrs anymore:cool:

Baz.

[plusnq]

Has anyone tried one of these at all?

https://ftaustore.com/products/100-litre-Dual-Layer-Diesel-Flexitank.html

Cheers

Shane

[BMKal]

Has anyone tried one of these at all?

https://ftaustore.com/products/100-litre-Dual-Layer-Diesel-Flexitank.html

Cheers

Shane

Nope.

Having 100 litres of fuel inside the cab with me in a plastic bag is not something I'd seriously consider. ;)

[~Rich~]

How to hold down that 100kgs of fuel would also worry me!

[plusnq]

How to hold down that 100kgs of fuel would also worry me!

That was my thought. There used to much, much bigger versions of these in use with the helicopters when I was in the Army thirty years ago. It's an interesting idea, but rollover issues might be a bit worrying for any fuel inside. I just wondered if anyone had used or seen them used in vehicle?

[RobA]

Flexitank make excellent products for marine, off road and on road systems and it remains on our list. We have been using their footwell water tanks for around 15 years along with hundreds of other 4WD owners with no problems. Restraining 100kg is something a seatbelt does simply and easily and can be done with a decent ratchet strap with no issues. We use them to restrain 60kg of fuel on the roof all the time and have done over 20 Simpson crossings using that concept so I personally have a great deal of experience with it and am very happy with the flexibility it offers. I see accredited fire units, a ute with 200l of water and a pump all held down with a couple of straps and that concerns me a touch.

Carrying diesel fuel internally with proper seals and containers is not an issue the only time it becomes a problem is if you spill it and the flexi tank has a great catch system around the filler and we use Mr Funnel as part of the tank fill process so never had a problem

Rob

[plusnq]

An interesting thread. The cost is not only the extra tank but the spare wheel carrier along the way so you need to include that in your cost unless you carry two spares on the roof.

We are taking a different approach. We will be fitting a Dolium tank to a custom build sliding platform in the rear only when we need the range. Combined with three JC on the roof that will give me around 190l and I can get almost anywhere with that whilst towing our Ultimate so no problems for us.

For fuel transfer we use a special 12v transfer pump with filters and everytime we refill in the outback we use a Mr Funnel aviation grade funnel as one more safety device and that has worked extremely well for the last five years

Regards

Rob

Hi Rob, thank you. Could you elaborate on the details of the fuel transfer pump at all please?

Cheers

Shane

[LandyAndy]

For those towing camper trailers,look into a generic plastic tank fitted to the camper trailer,plausible due to weight restrictions.A caravan would be over the weight ratings.
Andrew

[RobA]

Hi Rob, thank you. Could you elaborate on the details of the fuel transfer pump at all please?

Cheers

Shane

Shane thanks there is actually plenty of choice but the one we use is from Alemlube and is a 5200 diesel pump transfer kit. We don't like toy parts due to poor design and lack of reliability. This is Italian made by Puisi in Italy and a well sorted kit. Around 50l per minute so ruddy quick and at times we think perhaps too quick but you deal with that when you are transferring fuel. A slow trigger finger is all you need. Not exactly the cheapest thing around and you can get lots of lower cost versions which most likely work well and from places like Repco and similar automotive outlets but this is the one we settled on. As well the Puisi is fully repairable which is something else we like. The design of our internal sliding storage system will be taking all this into account. We have purchased all the gear to go onto the ground floor of the slide first. From there we custom build the slide and first floor storage system. This is not a process you take on lightly as it aint that cheap but it is considerably less expensive than a underbody tank and the rear bar spare wheel carrier and offers us a lot more flexibility and less weight to carry. All of which are key aspects of what we personally want from this project

Regards

Rob

[plusnq]

Thank you very much Rob!

[LRHybrid100]

Anyone have the fitting instructions for the LRA tank?

[Tombie]

Anyone have the fitting instructions for the LRA tank?


Tomorrow I will send you a message..

Anything specific you want to know?

[LRHybrid100]

Thanks Mike,

I just want to ensure I have all the right parts before I start the install of a second hand tank!

Cheers Mate!!!

[Tombie]

Thanks Mike,

I just want to ensure I have all the right parts before I start the install of a second hand tank!

Cheers Mate!!!

Just confirming..

Long Range Automotive
or
Long Ranger?

[LRHybrid100]

LRA (Long Range Automotive) think the model code is LD3A

[TheLowRanger]

Just picked myself up a D3 with (amongst other things) a Kaymar rear bar and Outback LR fuel tank. The vehicle is supposed to have an 82L tank and (as far as I have found out) the Outback tank to suit the wheel carrier is 92L. By my calculations that comes to a grand total of 174L. I filled up for the first time today, with the fuel warning light on and distance to empty at 50k's, and slotted 184.5L in before the pump clicked off. Seems to me that the fuel tank is bigger than listed.


Either that or the fuel pumps aren't calibrated very well and they are making a tidy little profit off me!

[wbowner]

Just picked myself up a D3 with (amongst other things) a Kaymar rear bar and Outback LR fuel tank. The vehicle is supposed to have an 82L tank and (as far as I have found out) the Outback tank to suit the wheel carrier is 92L. By my calculations that comes to a grand total of 174L. I filled up for the first time today, with the fuel warning light on and distance to empty at 50k's, and slotted 184.5L in before the pump clicked off. Seems to me that the fuel tank is bigger than listed.


Either that or the fuel pumps aren't calibrated very well and they are making a tidy little profit off me!

i had ARB install at the cayman bar and and AUX tank.

I thought they only did the long ranger tank which is 104 litres. Check if there is a sticker or something on it to say which tank you have.

Richard

[BMKal]

If you have an "Outback Accessories" fuel tank, they are definitely bigger than 82L. ;)

When I bought mine, I was told it was "about 80L capacity". Immediately after having it installed, I fuelled it up and we put the car back up on the hoist to check for any leaks etc. I put in way more fuel than I was expecting to on that occasion, and have since estimated the capacity to be somewhere around 100L. I have put in more than 170 litres on many occasions - and have never run the main tank low enough to bring up the fuel warning light. :D

[Meken]

I have been down to 30km range with the gauge at 0 and it only took 71l (I have been down to <50km range several times and all about full volume) - no long range tank - so if you put 184 in then long range tank would be more than 100l - remember you would get a couple of litres in the filler neck & connections between the tanks

[Geedublya]

Mine seems right at about 90l. The most I have ever put in was 172l.

[DIS4]

They are all pretty good, much of a muchness really, price would be the major decision in choosing one, and how many ltrs you want.

The Long Ranger tank is 104ltrs

LRA tank is 108ltrs

Outback Accessories tank is 92/95ltrs

Dolium tank is 80ltrs(stainless steel)

Brown Davis tank is 110ltrs

The Outback and Dolium tanks are available from Opposite Lock.

Baz.


Hi, Baz. Which one you recommend if my priority is reliable in off-roading?i will prefer gravity feed with one way valve, extra fuel gauge to monitor aux tank. Can LR monitor the fuel when aux constantly feed in? Then I can deal with the risk of lose fuel when offroad with fuel tank guard. Even though I only have few times a year more than 600km trips, it would be worthwhile plus benefit to get spare easily on RWC. I got from OL seems price was ok. Any opinions to share? Thanks, mate.

[Redback]

Hi, Baz. Which one you recommend if my priority is reliable in off-roading?i will prefer gravity feed with one way valve, extra fuel gauge to monitor aux tank. Can LR monitor the fuel when aux constantly feed in? Then I can deal with the risk of lose fuel when offroad with fuel tank guard. Even though I only have few times a year more than 600km trips, it would be worthwhile plus benefit to get spare easily on RWC. I got from OL seems price was ok. Any opinions to share? Thanks, mate.

I can only recommend what I have and that's the Outback accessories gravity feed tank, it's been good for the 6 years it's been in the car, never had an issue, I only have the standard fuel guage to monitor fuel, it stays full until the second tank is empty, then it moves as it would normally, I'm happy with the way it is.

It's pretty strongly built, I have landed on it a couple of times when offroad and mine doesn't have a guard, something I never got around to fitting, I might have to look at fitting one I guess.

I forgot to mention I had the LRA tank in our D2, it was good also, no pump in that as I didn't fit the 45ltr auxillary tank, just replaced the standard tank with the LRA 110ltr main tank, I prefer to keep things simple.

[rocket rod]

x2 for the Outback Accessories tank. I've applied the KISS principle and opted for a tank that doesn't have a pump. Don't have to carry a spare. I'm not too sure as to whether you can have a one way valve fitted but if you split your main tank you're still in the manure but with some fuel I guess.

[Chops]

I've got the Outback Accessories tank as well, and the only problem I see after having just completed a 5K trip, is not being able to see how much fuel is in the OA tank at any given time.
You could of course be anal about keeping track of Klms done on the way, but I'm not like that [bighmmm],,, I'd much rather just look at a gauge and "know".
Not sure how I'll go about it, but I'll look at getting a gauge fitted at some point,,,, maybe [bigwhistle]

[shanegtr]

The gauge on my LRA tank shows as constantly empty so its next to useless. I just remember how many transfers I've made into the main tank and I have a rough idea in my head of how much fuel in is there

[BMKal]

I never worry how much fuel is in the Outback Accessories tank on mine. I look at the gauge, and if it is showing full, I know that I still have at least something like 800km range. If it is not showing full, then it is no different to driving a standard vehicle and you re-fill when the gauge tells you it is necessary to.

On long trips, I fill both tanks up and know that I will get somewhere approaching 1,000km before the fuel gauge starts to move - has always worked exactly as I expect it to. [biggrin]

[AGRO]

I have used a OA long range tank for 7 years without any issues. I always reset the trip meter when filling the tanks. Generally I have found that about 900km is covered before the main tank gauge begins to move. This range seems to be similar to other users.

When running the vehicle for many hours/kms the gravity feed between tanks may be slightly slower than the draw from the main tank and the gauge will begin to drop prematurely (wrt the expected kms). Stop for lunch or drive down hill and gravity will do its job.

I believe that as the "Head Pressure" in the auxillary tank decreases the transfer rate decreases. Maybe the hydraulic engineers out there can correct me!!

This was really disconcerting the first time it happened because I thought there must be a leak in the system. Just something to be aware of.