Ordering Questions

[dzzz]

Couple of options I'm unsure about for a F550 09 Chassis Cab factory order.

Dual Fuel Tanks: Is that two 40 gallon tanks? Where are these located? How are these managed? The last time I had two tanks there was a simple switch to select the active tank.
There's also a 17 gal second tank option. But I want more capacity if possible.

Seat rails: Are these the same, regardless of seat choice? I want to install custom seats. Should I just order the cheapest bench seating?

Any diesel related items I should add? I will add the block heater and the heavy duty alternator.

[SmokeyWren]

Originally Posted by dzzz

Dual Fuel Tanks: Is that two 40 gallon tanks?

No. One 40-gallon tank, plus one 19-gallon tank.

Where are these located?

Inside the frame. The 40-gallon tank is behind the rear axle, and the 19-gallon tank is "midships", in front of the rear axle.

There's also a 17 gal second tank option. But I want more capacity if possible.

There is a 19-gallon tank optional. It can either replace the stock tank, or it is the second tank in the dual diesel option. Some trucks - such as roll-back wrecker/recovery trucks - cannot have a fuel tank behind the rear axle, so they order the optional 19-gallon tank. But some folks want more than 40-gallon capacity, so they order both tanks.

Before you order either truck or body, get with your body builder and be sure the body you want can accomodate both tanks.

Any diesel related items I should add?

Order the upfitter switches, then have your dealer hook them up to provide the SEIC (stationary elevated idle control, replaced the optional auxiliary idle controller (AIC) in 2005). The SEIC software is standard, but it requires a double-E major to hook it up without the upfitter switches. Even with the upfitter switches it's mind boggling

The engine block heater is standard, but the cord to plug it in is optional in most states. So order the engine block heater, which is really just the cord. If you live in certain cold states such as North Dakota, then the cord is included at no charge. But in the south half of the country you have to pay extra to get the cord.

[dzzz]

Thanks smokey.
I'm clear now on the fuel tanks. Any suggestions for larger aftermaket tanks? I want to be able to go 80 gallons. Looks like I will be using a three point pivot frame. There's definitely room for tanks (long CA), but I'll need to look at mountings that allow a lot of frame flex.

You saved me $35. I'm in the warm city of Chicago, so Ford doesn't supply the cord. But I don't need it. The engine block heater will be wired to a the shorepower plug.

I read your fast idle post. That will be helpful because I want to use a 24v belt driven alternator.

Any suggestions on a large switch panel? This is an offroad camper, so I will need many electrical control devices (one of the best reasons to build such a vehicle - switches!)

[SmokeyWren]

Originally Posted by dzzz

I'm clear now on the fuel tanks. Any suggestions for larger aftermaket tanks? I want to be able to go 80 gallons.

I'm a firm believer in going with the best aftermarkwet products. When it comes to fuel tanks, TransferFlow is the best. Expensive, but you get what you pay for.
Transfer Flow's Ford cab chassis tanks

You need to pencil-whip the numbers. Note that you can add an auxiliary 50-gallon tank for $1406 plus $200 for the filler tube if you don't order the dual-diesel option. But if you do order the dual diesel option, then replacing the 19-gallon tank with a 50-gallon tank costs $886.

You saved me $35. I'm in the warm city of Chicago, so Ford doesn't supply the cord. But I don't need it. The engine block heater will be wired to a the shorepower plug.

I sounds like you misunderstood something. The truck comes with the block heater. But not with the extension cord that goes from the block heater to the front bumper, where you'd plug it into shore power. If you plan to plug into shore power, then you want to order the block heater option to get that extension cord. It's a very special cord that you can't buy in a store - only from Ford or International. And Ford and International want a whole lot more than $35 for the cord if you don't order it as an option on the new truck.

Any suggestions on a large switch panel?

No, sorry. I flunked Automotive Electronics 101, and have no desire to take the course over. So I rely on my Ford dealer's tech for that stuff. Or my son, who was a Radio Shack manager in Boulder CO for over 10 years.