Thread: long range fuel tanks, good idea?

As a general rule I reckon aftermarket replacement fuel tanks are a waste of money, make the fuel system more prone to damage and have potential to ruin that 'perfect holiday'.

Over many years of outback and remote travel I've come across probably a dozen or so travelers/vehicles with fuel tank problems. With one exception, who'd managed to stake his tank with a star picket, ALL were non 'factory' tanks. Off these a couple were inappropriate or poorly fitted tanks but the majority were tanks made by the two main suppliers mentioned in this thread.

The common failure being split tanks or failed tank mounts, both IMO being caused by an excessive mass of fuel being thrown around in the tank(s) under off road/outback conditions.

Many travelers will do maybe one or two trips over the life of a vehicle where it is necessary to carry extra fuel. When the cost of buying and fitting additional fuel tank capacity can be several thousand dollars this doesn't strike me as a wise investment. Several 10 litre plastic jerry cans secured either inside the vehicle or on a roof rack, again IMO, gives a much better and cost effective solution. By carrying fuel in separate containers a potential leaking/empty tank can be repaired using epoxy putty (don't leave home without it) without total fuel loss and possible stranding.

As a previous poster noted there's very few places in Australia where a fuel range of over 1500 Km is necessary. Certainly not on the Gibb River Road or up to Kalumburu (less than 500 Km) nor on the Canning Stock Route (approx 1200 Km? Wiluna to Kunawaraji) or the Simpson Desert crossing (less than 700 Km Birdsville to Mt Dare) or the Anne Beadell Hwy (Coober Pedy or Laverton to Ilkurka store) or anywhere along the Great Central Road.

Though where possible, especially in the outback, it's a good idea to carry enough fuel to get to the next fuel point after the one you're aiming for, especially if there's only one fuel vendor. There are many reasons for fuel to be unavailable, a few we've struck are fuel trucks bogged/broken down, no power (to pump), pump(s) failure, forgotten/too lazy to order fuel so have run out, no phones so no eftpos so cash only, can't find key to pump(s) and several other variations. Though probably the best was a 'community store' vendor who refused to sell fuel to anyone until the 'local' miscreants who had stolen fuel and vandalised equipment 'fessed up.

So IMO save your money to spend on holiday and carry a few jerry cans.

Deano

I am a fan of long range tanks particularly in V8. I have had 3 Long Rangers now and never had a problem and boy have they seen some action.

The range of a V8 towing is pretty poor and even with 2 jerries it is only about 600km safe. I bought my first tank when I thought it was a good idea a week before a trip to clean the rust off the seam of my 77 RRC. Bad idea and the only tank I could get quickly was a long ranger. But that sold me on the idea.

I would venture to say that a reason Prados are so popular is their fuel capacity.
I think it is a major failing and arrogance of LR that they don't offer one,although they now do in the new RR.

With a td5'this changes but I was lucky to get a 155litre set for a very good price second hand and with 2 jerries if I ever use them I will have over 1500km.

The everyday extra cost is minimal as you don't have to fill it , so you are only carrying maybe 30kg extra. How much does a bullbar weigh, or arear step?

It gives you options. For example when crossing the Nullabor without the tank I debated whether to go south to the east of Esperence but didn't as I wasn't sure I would have enough without refilling at a hideously expensive roadhouse.
Regards Philip A

If you run in to bad weather a long way from your start point but near to where you want fuel again you have the option of returning.

Originally Posted by PhilipA

With a td5'this changes but I was lucky to get a 155litre set for a very good price second hand and with 2 jerries if I ever use them I will have over 1500km.

I've got a TD5 and 150 litre tank. It's the best thing ever and I would do it again. Just the convenience of not having to stop at the servo so regularly makes it worthwhile - the time and bother it saves. Not only does it reduce the need to carry jerry cans in the cabin when touring, it also makes life easy when driving long distances, especially at night when fuel isn't always available.

The other thing is that with some trips, I have had the long range tank and also Jerry cans. There is a limit to what will fit in the vehicle but this makes it so much better - there isn't always space for Jerry cans. It also means that we can all pack into the Disco and visit places (eg Fraser Island) and not get ravaged by fuel prices.

Anyway, I'm a big fan of them. I've also got a new 50 litre sill tank which I've been threatening to install for the last 10 years.

A long range tank would be nice, but 4 jerries is a hell of a lot cheaper.

Putting 4 jerries in an empty tank also gives you a nice break on a long trip as well as a little bending and stretching after a long stint behind the wheel. It does me just fine anyway.

In a TD5 towing a loaded 8x5 cage trailer, a full tank + 4 jerries gives me a range of about 1200 km. If it was just the vehicle with no trailer, it would be out to 1850 km plus.

Cheers,

Jason

Where do you put the Jerry cans mate.?

I always pondered on in my D2's...but never pulled the trigger, making do with Jerry cans carried, normally on the camper trailer.

However, now I have one in the D4....i am converted. As Slunnie said the extra convenience and range is fantastic.

Originally Posted by Jason789

A long range tank would be nice, but 4 jerries is a hell of a lot cheaper.

Putting 4 jerries in an empty tank also gives you a nice break on a long trip as well as a little bending and stretching after a long stint behind the wheel. It does me just fine anyway.

In a TD5 towing a loaded 8x5 cage trailer, a full tank + 4 jerries gives me a range of about 1200 km. If it was just the vehicle with no trailer, it would be out to 1850 km plus.

Cheers,

Jason

Kinda depends on what you are doing, and where you are going. If you are just going from one place to another then jerries are fine, If you want to drive around without encountering civilisation for awhile then a tank is good as well. I think the thing to remember is that it's not an either/or situation. No reason why you can't do both.
Haven't been out in the desert for a hell of a long time, but if it was me, I'd fit the tank and keep the jerries for water.

Diesel and Petrol is not a good thing to go inside the vehicle. It stinks. It's a very potential danger in an accident. It can vent harmful fumes if not totally sealed. It is illegal to carry on the rear. Trailers either can not go or are not allowed to go everywhere off road. So that leaves the roof where as we know off road LR Max roof weight including rack is 30kg and 50kg on road... So it's clear why long range tanks under the vehicle are a good idea to extend range.

Cheers