Taco Auxillary Tanks?

flyingwil

Supporting Sponsor - Sierra Expeditions
I am researching my options for increasing the fuel load, as my Taco will soon grow up, (just around the corner!). I have looked into the long ranger, but they do not offer it for the Taco. I think Downey creates a tank, but i seem to recall it not fitting a Dub Cab :mad: .
AT-9.jpg


I guess I should fill you in on my plans to get a more valuable response. I am planning on a Bent-Up rear bumper with the skids on the rear after trimming the rear panels. Similar to the below pictures:
drivers%20side%20almost%20smooth.JPG

P9060033.JPG

P9060035.JPG


So now that my options are narrowed to mostly custom, and a more creative approach. I do not want a tank that will reduce my ground clearance, so a copy of Scott's system is not an option, but maybe using a Civic gas tank might be. Another option I have been playing with is the tool box and fuel combo unit, but I was more opting for that for water solution since I want to be able to put my secondary battery in the box, to keep it safe. I am thinking going custom and designing a system that will be able to incorporate an Aux fuel tank, tool box and water storage. Knock out a few birds with one stone! I am thinking of a over the rail box, that would fill all areas, but am limited to size and prefer an all water tank there. (See Attached Image) So my options are getting limited and I am lacking in the creative aspects and turning to you all. What's your input?
 

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The BN Guy

Expedition Leader
That is a slick bumper! Ohhh, great, now I'm drooling!

Seems like a fairly easy one to build. Just interested in how the quarter panel pieces attach to the bumper. Time to email.
 
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flyingwil

Supporting Sponsor - Sierra Expeditions
The BN Guy said:
Seems like a fairly easy one to build. Just interested in how the quarter panel pieces attach to the bumper.

There is a complete write up of that bumper, but I am going for all one (not bolt on)HERE.
 

Suty

Adventurer
Wil, You might want to check out NWMP Northwest Metal Products (if you already have then disregard) They advertise a tank for Taco's for $577. It's 15 gal and comes with a transfer pump (I Think) . They also have a ebay store with a In Bed Tank that is 16 Gallons. I hope this helps, Let me know . Tu Compa, Suty
 

flyingwil

Supporting Sponsor - Sierra Expeditions
expeditionswest said:
Dont forget the sidekick tanks. 15 gallons and no loss of GC. They also have a built in fuel pump.

Scott- What are you refering to? A Suzuki Sidekick tank, or the tanks in bed that go on the sides?

WIL
 

Scott Brady

Founder
A Suzuki Sidekick tank. Take a look at one. They are a perfect fit, have a factory skid plate, in-tank pump, the same fuel level ohms as Toyota, etc.

You would just need to custom fab some brackets.
 

flyingwil

Supporting Sponsor - Sierra Expeditions
expeditionswest said:
A Suzuki Sidekick tank. Take a look at one. They are a perfect fit, have a factory skid plate, in-tank pump, the same fuel level ohms as Toyota, etc.

You would just need to custom fab some brackets.


Hmmm... good point there! I might have to look into this a bit more. I would like to keep my fuel as far away from the battery as possible. I found a great company here in AZ that can fab up a tank for a decent price, I have played with the fuel cell idea, and also custom tanks.

Depending on the location of the mounting position would the rear frame need to reinforced, or maybe boxed in?
 

brittan

Adventurer
This is/was my solution...
http://www.fuelsafe.com/offroad.htm
They have a cell that is 34"LX17.5"WX9.5"H. That just fits where my spare is. The plan is to put the spare on top of the rack. They have cool pumps that are the size of your thumb that don't pump that fast but save on space and weight. When I speck'd it out it was going to run me under a grand for the entire solution, which is more than you'd spend on finding a jeep tank or the like. I'd need to do some skid plate protection but I'd have done that for any solution I went with.
My other idea was to do what you are suggesting and put the tank in the bed and fill from a filler installed on the shell. I think that is the easier install...
 

Scott Brady

Founder
flyingwil said:
Depending on the location of the mounting position would the rear frame need to reinforced, or maybe boxed in?

I would say that if you are running the fuel tank aft of the rear axle AND a heavy rear bumper, then you should reinforce the frame. One or the other is ok IMO.
 

jeffryscott

2006 Rally Course Champion: Expedition Trophy
zuki tanks

flyingwil said:
Scott- What are you refering to? A Suzuki Sidekick tank, or the tanks in bed that go on the sides?

WIL

Wil,

I recently saw a Tracker tank on ebay, brand new, that went for .99 cents (shipping was about $40). I was going to buy it just because, but forgot to bid before it ended ....

In other words, Suzuki parts can be had cheap on ebay, so if you go that route, keep an eye out.

Jeff
 

BajaTaco

Swashbuckler
Wil, what are you plans for the spare tire? I am of the opinion that if you can keep that fuel storage low, and between the frame rails, you will be better off. But the question of tire storage comes into play.
 

flyingwil

Supporting Sponsor - Sierra Expeditions
Plans are for the spare to go on a rear bumper, and also an air tank under the bed, I was thinking 1 or 2 (yet to be determined) 3 gal tubes similar to the ones from wheelers, and an aux tank installed __________.

I am trying to get a good game plan / blueprint prior to starting my creation. That way I just need to make small modifications to make everything work. I hope to start a complete build-up in January, after a trip to Austraillia for parts (of course). I am able to get round trip tickets for $98.00, and think it might be worth the money to get somethings different than everyone else, but still high quality and Aussie designed.

Now, I just need to get some sweet deals like Scott does and I am set! LOL.

But for the tanks, I have no clue on what or where to put them. For tanks I want:
  • Aux Fuel
  • Water
  • Air

Now it is just figuring out what and where!

Wil
 

BajaTaco

Swashbuckler
The tickets to Australia are definitely nice :) I imagine shipping costs will be an eye opener if it is anything that you can't bring back on the plane with you. :Wow1:

Since you are going to put the tire on the bumper, I would definitely get the frame reinforcement like Scott has.

Is there any particular reason you need 3 to 6 gallons of air storage? That is a lot of weight and bulk to add.

OK, before you decide on the tanks - what are your other plans for the bed area of the truck? Are you doing a tent? Fiberglass topper? Rack?
 

Suty

Adventurer
flyingwil said:
Plans are for the spare to go on a rear bumper, and also an air tank under the bed, I was thinking 1 or 2 (yet to be determined) 3 gal tubes similar to the ones from wheelers, and an aux tank installed __________.

I am trying to get a good game plan / blueprint prior to starting my creation. That way I just need to make small modifications to make everything work. I hope to start a complete build-up in January, after a trip to Austraillia for parts (of course). I am able to get round trip tickets for $98.00, and think it might be worth the money to get somethings different than everyone else, but still high quality and Aussie designed.

Now, I just need to get some sweet deals like Scott does and I am set! LOL.

But for the tanks, I have no clue on what or where to put them. For tanks I want:
  • Aux Fuel
  • Water
  • Air

Now it is just figuring out what and where!

Wil
Will, I will be changing my Air Tank out shortly for a 5 Gal model , Mine is a 2.5 and I will not be needing it . So, let me know if you want it? Tu Compa, Suty
 

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