Thread: long range fuel tanks, good idea?

ive done it. using long range automotive
replaced my 90l main with a 150l
and added two side tanks of 51l (you can have one fuel tank either side as long as the vehicle doesn't have factory air suspension or ACE)

total 252l
total cost was 4.1k
it was installed by my local TJM

issues:
on my first major trip away the main tank developed 2 hairline fractures at about 7,000km. TJM fixed the tank no questions asked. was happy with their service

ive also had issues with the side tanks. kinks and/air bubbles in the lines. unable to transfer fuel to my main tank. TJM fixed it numerous times but we're unable to come up with a permanent fix.
i ended up fixing it myself using different lines and connectors.


the great thing about the size of the main tank is that each dash on the fuel gauge represents about 100km with the v8 engine. (about 18l/100km)


would i get them again?
i think so. expensive but necessary for areas of travel. i still carry 5 jerry cans but i can drive to pt hedland to alice springs without filling up ( i really hate stopping )

i also had to get the aftermarket side steps/rock sliders altered as they use common mounting points. cost was about $300 at a metal fabricator.

The tanks smdesign for the side slung tanks has known house routing issues that causes the stock fuel line to kink and collapse. the routing also creates p traps that prevent the tank from venting correctly if you have the setup that fills from the commonnfiller.

The solution is to use a more rigid nylon line and a modified routing of the breather lines.

Its been an intermittant issue since the D1 setup.

No issues at all with the Brown Davis 140 litre tank. For a one off situation it is easy enough to get four 20 litre jerry cans across the rear foot well. This is how i set up for fuel on the Canning several years back. I still have the false floor I used for this if you want to look at

The thing I don't like about a big rear tank is the extra weight behind the rear axle. The max rear axle weight isn't very high.

I'd be looking at twin sill tanks, extra weight between the axles, low down, plus you now have 3 seperate storage containers.

Bob

I put in a Brown Davis tank when I thought my original plastic tank had a leak. It didn't, but I'm quite pleased with the extra range none the less.

The BD is well made, although I think volume is down to about 120L after multiple rock impacts.

I still carry jerries on major trips.

With the gas injection system of 20 L propane I get quite a useful range from the car, although not enough to get from Port Hedland to Alice. Luckily there is fuel at Kunawarritji, Kiwirrkurra, and Kintore.

Bob

Originally Posted by Roberto

Luckily there is fuel at Kunawarritji, Kiwirrkurra, and Kintore.

Bob

for $3.15 per litre

I use a Long Ranger tank, 135 litre, no issues and seems strongly built, surviving several hard scrapes. At least 125 litre useable. Easy to fit, changing the pump is easier than with standard plastic unit due to locking ring design. As mentioned they do add to rear axle load when full.

Im in SA, so no roadworthy checks. How do others in states with vehicle inspection laws fare? I have heard NSW for example requires an engineer's certificate for aftermarket high capacity tanks.