Auxiliary Tank Install - It is great !! - Diesel Forum

DRDON · 09-29-2009, 07:24 PM

I just installed a 45 gallon, under cover, tank and it is fantastic. Total capacity now 83 gallons. I will no longer be held hostage by the fuel gauge. I can pick and choose where I get fuel. Do not have to worry whether or not my 5th wheel will fit under the gas station roof.
The tank is an ATTA (Aluminum Tank & Truck Accessories) diamond plate tank, L-shaped, that fits under the cannister for the Retrax cover. I mounted the pump behind the tank, in the bed, to keep it out of the weather, etc. Simple install, just put a T into the factory return line and then tapped into the factory sending unit wire. When the factory tank gets to half full the auxiliary tank pump comes on and pumps into the factory tank. You always have true reading on the factory fuel gauge and the miles to empty reading is accurate. Really cool. I mounted the fuel gauge for the auxiliary tank under the dash. You always know how much fuel you have.
I did put a few pictures into my Webshots. I would recommend to anyone who tows to get an auxiliary tank. Costs a little for a lot of piece of mind.

DRDON

**ford4me2** · 09-29-2009, 08:26 PM

Nice job on the install, looks good. How much did the whole thing run? Been looking at either getting the replacement tank under the bed or going with something like this.
Steve

TonkaThunder · 09-29-2009, 08:43 PM

I second the interest

BlueMuleTrucking · 09-30-2009, 01:54 AM

Nice install. Just wondering where you ran the Coax for the CB Antenna. I have an 03 and looking to do bed mounted CB Antennas.

DRDON · 09-30-2009, 07:30 AM

BlueMuleTrucking

Thanks. I ran the coax down the stake pocket into the bed then went through the rubber grommet in the bed and then the rubber grommet in the cab. I then went under the carpet, under the driver seat and then out by the CB Radio. You will have to take off the plastic piece (whatever it is called) next to the driver seat that hold down the carpet.

Have fun. Thanks,

DRDON

DRDON · 09-30-2009, 07:34 AM

Thanks. Forgot the costs. Sorry about that. The tank cost $1050 with everything I mentioned. The killer is the shipping. The company is located in Texas and shipped to my house in Maryland was $400.

The reason I picked an in-bed tank is that when I get a new truck down the road it will be a SuperDuty and there is a good chance that this tank will fit that truck.

Good Luck,

DRDON

BlueMuleTrucking · 09-30-2009, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DRDON

BlueMuleTrucking

Thanks. I ran the coax down the stake pocket into the bed then went through the rubber grommet in the bed and then the rubber grommet in the cab. I then went under the carpet, under the driver seat and then out by the CB Radio. You will have to take off the plastic piece (whatever it is called) next to the driver seat that hold down the carpet.

Have fun. Thanks,

DRDON

Thanks. I'll have to go up to the roof since I have a console and that's where the CB is mounted. Wheres the grommet for the cab?

fulltimer50 · 09-30-2009, 11:11 PM

So I guess you have loaded up with fuel and your hitch and everything else you have on board when you tow your trailer and gotten the whole thing weighed?

wingnut60 · 10-01-2009, 12:04 AM

If interested: 2009 F450 4x4: with 60gal tank/toolbox, B&W/companion hitch, loaded for vacation--10,300lbs. 9450lbs without fuel and running solo. GCW: 27,300.

BLOWINSMOKE99STROKE · 10-01-2009, 06:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlueMuleTrucking

Thanks. I'll have to go up to the roof since I have a console and that's where the CB is mounted. Wheres the grommet for the cab?

Blue: if you lay under the truck and look basically under the drivers seat there are rubber grommets there, just poke a hole big enough to fit the wire through, then feed it under the carpet to the pillar and up to the roof. I ran mine the same way the OP did, and it worked great!

BlueMuleTrucking · 10-01-2009, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BLOWINSMOKE99STROKE

Blue: if you lay under the truck and look basically under the drivers seat there are rubber grommets there, just poke a hole big enough to fit the wire through, then feed it under the carpet to the pillar and up to the roof. I ran mine the same way the OP did, and it worked great!

Thanks Blowin. I think I'm going to wait till spring for this one.

Jerryc · 10-11-2009, 09:18 PM

Just one question. When you buy a new tank like that, does a new butt come with it? My butt won't last as long as my standard 38 gal tank as it is.

JC

MichaelPatrick · 10-12-2009, 07:26 AM

I've got a 91-gallon RDS aluminum tank for my 96 for $500 from Northern Tools. I use it to refuel a diesel tractor and RTV in the field, so I installed a pump and nozzle for that, and refuel the F250 that way too.

Relative to butt behavior, I like to rest it in rest areas and not running around truck stops dodging cars and etc. It sure is nice being able to pick your refueling stop every few days while on the road rather than every day.