New member and some fuel questions.

[Benjisan]

Hello all,

I'm glad I found this forum as I am a new LJ Rubicon owner who is more interested in exploring/expedition stuff rather than rock crawling. Though I'll probably run some rough trails at Moab and the Rubicon with some friends every once in a while, that won't be my primary focus.

My first question is about fuel tanks. I know there are a few companies that make larger fuel tanks that hold about 5-6 more gallons of fuel. I'm curious if a 30 gallon tank is even possible on an LJ and if so, do you guys think it would stick out too much and get hung up on rocks? The fuel tanks on the TJ/LJ seem pretty low to begin with so I worry about putting a giant rock catcher under there.

Thanks in advance.

 

[goodtimes]

Welcome to the site! You have found a great resource for information regarding overland travel (non-rock crawling stuff), and outfitting your jeep for said use.

A 30 gallon tank is going to be pretty big for any wrangler (LJ or not). There simply isn't much room underneath them as so much *stuff* already hangs so far below the frame. All of the aftermarket fuel tanks I have seen are very expensive for what you get. IIRC, Currie charges around $1500 for their 24 gallon TJ tank (which should be the same as your LJ tank---but I will admit I have not crawled around under a LJ to check). You might consider adding one or two smaller auxillary tanks instead. There is usually some room right in front of the rear axle inbetween the frame rails. You will want to leave ample room for the driveshaft as the suspension compresses, and be sure to add some protection from the rocks (even though you are not planning on rock crawling---wranglers sit pretty low).

 

[Benjisan]

Thanks you for the response. I didn't even think about fitting auxilliary tanks in other nooks and crannies. I'm going to have to look under there and see where I can squeeze it in. Maybe I can combine a 24gallon tank with a smaller auxilliary. The stock tank is only 19.6, even on an LJ. If I could get 30 gallons plus a couple of jerry cans I'd be looking at about a 500 mile range. Man I wish I had a diesel engine...

Actually, this brings up another fuel question. I wonder at what point does adding more fuel to the vehicle cease adding range? Does this make sense? I ask because I know if you increase the vehicle weight, it becomes less fuel efficient. There must be a conversion for weight to mileage. For all you guys that go on remote trips, does bringing too much fuel add too much weight and equal reduced range? Man, I might be able to make a mathematical formula for this but its probably already been done.

 

[86cj]

Bigger LJ tank

I have thought about a bigger tank for my LJ also. The frame is 5" longer than a TJ behind the axle, with a crossmember added to mount a stock TJ tank and skidplate. But the end of the frame crossmember 5" further back is the same for mounting.

If you made a 5" longer tank with an indent for LJ crossmember and mounted it on the last crossmember, (the same as a TJ) what would be the capacity??......I know some tanks require a 1" body lift, a good idea I have one..

It would kill departure angle (LJ suffers already) and have to be more angled on bottom than stock skid. But how much do you angle it in comparison to tank capacity trade offs?.......(Hopefully there is a prototype running around somewhere figuring this out)

I would not mind A loud banging and scraping noise from time to time if I could carry 30 gallons in one tank and gain a little room for my track bar. How often have you not "made it" because of poor departure angle? Usually it is just a loud bang with scraping and spinning tires.


The LJ frame is 10" longer in front of rear tires and pretty good size aux tank would fit on drivers side without hanging down to bad. I just dont want to deal with fuel system and emissions issues (legal or imagined) involved.....

.

 

[RunninRubicon]

large can for your can

I would suggest you wheel awhile off-road ...esp in MOAB and you'll begin to understand that the thought of removing clearance from under you Jeep is simply not a good idea. LJ's have a greater tendancy to drag both their belly and the butts over the same trail then do standard TJs. If you feel you need more fuel add a gerry can to your rear bumper/tire-carrier combo. One or two 5-gallon cans can really save your day! Much less expensive and removable.

 

[86cj]

ARB longranger aux tank

I don't think you will get one here, that is to bad. A LJ would add another 10" to the aux tank in the photos.


http://www.thelongranger.com.au/wranglerlongrangefueltank.html

 

[pnwadventurer]

Before I sold my YJ, I found a company that makes larger capacity fuel tanks for different Jeep vehicles. Seemed to be reasonably priced.

The URL is http://www.aerotanks.com/veh/jeep.htm

I hope this helps in your search.

Steve