Outback Proven: long range fuel tank for tacoma

[cruiseroutfit]

Ouch, that is rough. I use my own shipping broker for incoming Aussie freight, he helps us navigate all the customs/bond process in order to save as much as possible. Fwiw, I've never dealt with a foreign frieght shipper that assumes liability for the customs and port fees, that is generally always understood to be assumed by the receiver.

 

[1 Bored Clerk]

I'm bummed that you're having issues with your install. I'm completely done with expecting aftermarket anything to fit even reasonably well. I've had to mod (from mild to wild) almost every aftermarket item I've ever put on any vehicle. My expectation of everything being a "custom" install has generally paid off in less disappointment since I would likely expect it to be worse than it actually turns out to be. Another month and I'll start digging into my install.

I was definitely caught off guard about the import fees as well but I chalked it up as a learning experience. I've never imported anything and now I have...and I won't likely do it again. Luckily, there is little reason for me to import anything for the Tacoma...it's pretty well supported here.

 

[1 Bored Clerk]

Glad you got it done! That's awesome. It sounds like you might have put in the level of effort that I have just come to expect with aftermarket stuff. Hopefully I'll be pleasantly surprised.

Regarding the gas eating the tank coating: gas is really hard on pretty much everything so I'm not surprised at your issue. Another way to think about it is that gas shouldn't really get on the outside of your tank if the tank is doing its job. So, it should cease to be an issue.

Did you read up on the bent line routing and sealing solutions that some others have mentioned? I think I linked those threads in ere somewhere. Or maybe in my own build thread...can't remember.

Anyway, I'm sure I'll appreciate you sharing your hard-earned knowledge when it comes time for my install. Thanks for taking the time!


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[1 Bored Clerk]

Can't wait to see the updated version. The raw data is already really helpful! I wish there was an easy/safer way to depressure the fuel system. I'm sure there is a procedure that mechanics use. You just did pulled the hoses off and let them spray, right?


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[1 Bored Clerk]

Okay, that's not bad.


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[1 Bored Clerk]

I had a very frustrating day trying to install the tank. After a ton of work, it became obvious that the supplied brackets to mount the tank weren't going to work at all. After a quick series of emails with LRA they mentioned that they used a DCSB to develop the tank and that they recently heard back from an ACLB truck who said the fitment wasn't easy. I have a solid plan for making new brackets. I'll deal with that this week then go for the install again next weekend. Bummer because it was unexpected...and a huge bummer because it was a colossal amount of work to pull the factory tank, swap the fuel pump, test fit the new tank, then take it back out, swap the fuel pump to the old tank then put it all back together.

I will be sure to share my brackets with LRA to try to fix the issue for those of us with access cabs.


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[cwvandy]

Just sayin'

This probably isn't what anyone who has purchased one of the out-of-country tanks wants to hear right now, but Custom Exhaust is still able and willing to build tanks for you in the US of A. No duty, no shipping, no currency exchange, no customs, no parts-don't-fit, ****** issues and pretty darned close to the same price as the imported ones. Shane will install and undertake all the hassles and, most importantly, has stood behind every tank.
I have no interest one way or the other. I moved to a Tundra and the Transfer Flow tank is a US made, plug and play 46 gallon solution. If I went back to a Tacoma---and I may well some day---the first thing I would do is get a tank from Shane in Bend.

 

[1 Bored Clerk]

If the CES tank wasn't so big and didn't have fitment issues after it was mounted, (at the time I ordered my tank) I would have gone with that. The LRA tank "looks" like it will clear nicely all the components under the truck based on my test fit. The brackets are an issue. The brackets welded to the tank are in acceptable locations but the intermediate brackets that go from the truck to the tank are not correct for the AC. Assuming I don't have added issues beyond the brackets, I'll be happy. The tank looks to be well made and everything under the truck looks to clear nicely. The tank should be held quite solidly as well.

And, as I stated before, the CES tank appeared to have some teething issues that didn't show until a little while into ownership. I didn't hear the same issues with the LRA. There's not a lot of info either way on either tank so I Jason go with what looked to be the safest bet. I'm "okay" with a fitment issue that can be remedied at install as long as I feel like I won't have any surprises later...in the middle of nowhere.

No hate on CES, just had to take what seemed like the best option, long term.




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[cwvandy]

I have no doubt that the Outback tank is a good piece of equipment and really the only viable choice besides CES. And you are right, the CES tank is big. But the fit is perfect and it does not hang down below other components. I had a skid plate built and the tank is still in service today and working perfectly. This first tank built by CES now has 100K VERY hard miles on it and no significant issues (early on the filter clogged and I later had the tank removed and the internals coated as a precaution) and is still going strong. And it was the first one....and there were indeed, teething problems...including brackets and rare internal rust---but all of which have been worked out. Today if the owner brought in this first tank with an issue it would be corrected. No questions asked.
Both tanks are good choices. The reality is this is a somewhat complicated after market addition with a huge number of variables and a huge number of potential issues. Having someone in a 541 area code who stands behind the product without all the time, costs and hassles of importation is an important consideration. No hate on the Outback Proven tank from this end either. If I had not found CES there is little doubt I would be ordering one of these myself. Good luck with the rest of the install. I can never own another truck without having a larger tank. Whoever makes it.

 

[1 Bored Clerk]

I'll try to be somewhat careful in monitoring the fuel amount. Its a little harder because I'm going to start with whatever happens to be remaining in my factory tank.

In the instructions for the tank they mention that the filler vent cannot have a low area and that you need to disconnect the factory metal vent tube from the bracket that holds the factory fill tube in the front of the wheelwell. Did you do that? Also, did you loop your charcoal tube up to the fuel filler area in the fender before running it back to the charcoal filter?

FYI, the tank was sold to me as 129liters. So, 34 gallons.


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[1 Bored Clerk]

And, regarding the fuel squirting back out when full, my dads old 87 F350 did that when topping it off. No burping when filling but it would gush the last bit of fuel out the filler when you got near the top. Frustrating but not bad when you got to know it. I hope I can figure out how to avoid that!


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[1 Bored Clerk]

Man, this tank install is just one gut kick after another. After making two new brackets (one still to go...but need the tank installed to properly design it) and enlarging one mount hole on the tank (it was 1/8" too far forward), I got the tank all hooked up and in place only to find that the full tube was kinked in two places. The filler stub on the tank is much too tall and forces the filler tube into the bottom of the bed. So, now I get to pull it completely out of the truck again (5th time or so) and cut the filler neck down at least an inch. Im going to share my bracket design and all my notes with LRA so that the next person with an AC Tacoma may have a fighting chance of actually installing this in under 30 hours. I've been in email contact with LRA already...

Back at it tonight when I get off work. With any luck at all, ill have his wrapped up and working before midnight.


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[1 Bored Clerk]

Finished the install!! It took a bit over 33 gallons. It filled cleanly (on a stupid slow pump...ugh). I let the pump shut off on its own without topping off. Anyway, so far, so good. I'll get more detail of everything up here in the next few days while its fresh in my mind.


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[1 Bored Clerk]

Thanks! I just hope everything continues to work properly. I'll keep my factory tank for several fill ups just to make sure. What did you do with your stock tank?


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[1 Bored Clerk]

Cool. Mine is in the air out phase but it doesn't really smell anymore. Can't be too safe around gasoline! I'll probably sell mine after a few fill ups on the new tank.


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