It looks like for my FG camper design to work I'm going to need to make or buy a different, larger fuel tank. Anybody have any links to custom fuel tank suppliers, or info on how to build one? Is a simple mild steel tank okay in terms of not affecting the diesel fuel? I know I would need to include a baffle or two in the tank, and it's probably a good idea to round the corners...anything else to keep in mind? How thick should the wall material be?
Fuel tanks
- Thread starter Jacob7963
- Start date
ntsqd
Heretic Car Camper
One source would be to search for large truck wrecking yards. See about buying a tank from a wreck that happens to fit the way that you need it to.
If nothing else, note the thickness of tanks of the capacity that you desire. I would expect that the thickness will vary with capacity.
If nothing else, note the thickness of tanks of the capacity that you desire. I would expect that the thickness will vary with capacity.
adventureduo
Dave Druck [KI6LBB]
I don't know where you are located but here in CA we have..
http://www.transferflow.com/ They do all the gas/diesel tanks for Sportsmobile.
Stay away from Aero Tanks in CA... they don't deserve any business.
http://www.transferflow.com/ They do all the gas/diesel tanks for Sportsmobile.
Stay away from Aero Tanks in CA... they don't deserve any business.
I like 2 small tanks instead of 1 large tank.
I used some 3 way valves instead connecting them together at the bottom like most semi's do.
If something breaks or you get some bad fuel you might end up with some useable fuel in the other tank.
I bought a used round 33 gal Fuso/ Isuzu tank identical to my factory tank from a truck salvage yard I found in the Truck Trader. It came with the J brackets and straps.
I mounted it with stock Fuso tank brackets.
I used some 3 way valves instead connecting them together at the bottom like most semi's do.
If something breaks or you get some bad fuel you might end up with some useable fuel in the other tank.
I bought a used round 33 gal Fuso/ Isuzu tank identical to my factory tank from a truck salvage yard I found in the Truck Trader. It came with the J brackets and straps.
I mounted it with stock Fuso tank brackets.
DontPanic42
Adventurer
I had an extra 33 gallon tank made for my FG at a local welding shop. Find a shop that does lots of large truck work. It isn't a pressure vessel so constuction is straight forward. Mine is plumbed like FusoFG describes.
whatcharterboat
Supporting Sponsor, Overland Certified OC0018
Hi Tom, How ya been?
There are some proper 6 port change over valves available for this (from the US too). So the fuel comes in from either tank and goes to the pump. Fuel returns from the pump and goes back to the source tank and both fuel gauge senders connect in and go to the fuel gauge. So as an example, you select tank "A" and fuel comes from that tank, the return line goes back to that same tank and the gauge only reads from that tank. Three functions in one valve. Controlled by a double pole / double throw switch on the dash.
John
Have you got a name or a lead on those valves? :drool:
Fine John, Thanks for asking.
I remember seeing mention of an electric 6 port valve. I think it was for a diesel pick up truck with factory dual tanks.
I didn't like the price, the non standard mounting requirements and the electric requirement. But I think it was mostly the price I didn't like.
I was used to the 3 port valves from my sailboat days and it seemed like a simple solution.
Tom
whatcharterboat
Supporting Sponsor, Overland Certified OC0018
Christian, PM sent.
TeriAnn
Explorer
F250 pickups of the late 80's & 90's have fuel injection and most if not all came with two fuel tanks and an electric 6 way fuel switch bolted to the frame.
A run to your local wrecking yard should get you one within your budget. I prefer to use common factory parts of whatever to aftermarket whenever I need something non-stock for my truck. Usually better quality and cheaper at the wrecking yard.
michaelgroves
Explorer
whatcharterboat
Supporting Sponsor, Overland Certified OC0018
Hey Michael.
Ah, I'll just post it here. This reseller is in the UK I think too.
http://www.oilybits.com/fuel-select-valves/cat_307.html
Ah, I'll just post it here. This reseller is in the UK I think too.
http://www.oilybits.com/fuel-select-valves/cat_307.html
I'm leaning towards the wrecking yard idea now...it seems this fuel tank for an International truck should fit pretty well:
Link
It's $450 which I guess is reasonable? The issue is that i need a short tank, since the camper drops down into the rear part of the factory tank.
This tank is 55 gallons...I think I'll also want a second tank eventually, but I'll hold off on that for now.
I've been finding a lot of good used tanks (and other truck parts) here:
http://www.trucker.com/
Link
It's $450 which I guess is reasonable? The issue is that i need a short tank, since the camper drops down into the rear part of the factory tank.
This tank is 55 gallons...I think I'll also want a second tank eventually, but I'll hold off on that for now.
I've been finding a lot of good used tanks (and other truck parts) here:
http://www.trucker.com/
I had a local shop that does a lot of commercial truck work build a 53 gal tank for my '95 Dodge. It fits aft of the rear axle and tapers from mid axle to rear bumper height. It pumps thru a filter/water trap into the main tank. I connected the vent lines of the two tanks so if I over pump the main tank it just returns the fuel to the aux tank via the vent line. It's 14 gauge steel and has been fine for several years. I sprayed it with epoxy primer before I installed it.
I ended up getting a 40 gallon fuel tank from a local truck salvage operation (Miller Truck Salvage in Portland OR). It was only $150 which seemed pretty good to me. 40 gallons isn't a lot of capacity but I can always add a second tank. There isn't a lot of room on the frame rail anyway.
The tank was originally on a Mack truck and had inch size SAE 45º fittings. I had to get some stainless steel adapters from McMaster that have a basic barb-type end. Then I used regular inch size fuel hose (1/2" and 3/8" for supply and return lines). Since the tubing on the truck is all metric I had to really tighten up the hose clamps to get a good fit but it works fine now.
Initially I had some air bubbles in the fuel lines and the truck wouldn't run but tightening up the hose clamps did the trick.
http://iandraz.com/post/260293355
The tank was originally on a Mack truck and had inch size SAE 45º fittings. I had to get some stainless steel adapters from McMaster that have a basic barb-type end. Then I used regular inch size fuel hose (1/2" and 3/8" for supply and return lines). Since the tubing on the truck is all metric I had to really tighten up the hose clamps to get a good fit but it works fine now.
Initially I had some air bubbles in the fuel lines and the truck wouldn't run but tightening up the hose clamps did the trick.
http://iandraz.com/post/260293355