Long range tank feeler

[cruiser_guy]

I have an old 50? gallon tank from "Pighead" that I want to install in my truck. I had indicated earlier that I might make a run of long range tanks but now that I have one myself there is not a real urge on my part to do that.

IF folks want a long range tank I can ask about the cost to copy this one before it goes under the truck (probably a month or two out as a diesel piggy is quite good on fuel especially since it's not driven every day). IF there are enough who are interested BEFORE it goes under my truck I'll get some prices. At that point I would need prepayment from anyone who wanted a tank BEFORE making the fabrication run. There will be one run ONLY (and only if there is sufficient interest) so if you snooze, you loose!! Let all piggy owners know if you want this to happen. A single person to receive the tanks stateside (and then ship out from there) would probably make shipping cheaper too.

Post up if you're interested. Also post up if there are any changes or special needs that folks might want. Pighead had suggested that perhaps an integral skid plate (extra thick bottom) might be an idea. A mod I'd like to see is mounting to the OEM bolt locations or the frame to carry the weight as I don't like suspending that weight off the sheet metal cargo floor.

We won't be making custom tanks so if you need an "in tank" pump or other special item you'd be doing your own modifications once you get the tank. This should not be a problem since they will be unused at that point so a shop stateside shouldn't have a problem doing work on it.

[n2666s]

very interested.............need an idea of cost + shipping?



Lou

[cruiser_guy]

Originally Posted by n2666s

very interested.............need an idea of cost + shipping?



Lou

We'll work out shipping/fabbing costs once I know there is sufficient potential interest. I'm not going to hold anyone accountable until we start the run and at that point everyone will already have paid.

[cruiser_guy]

Just reading some of the other long range tank posts and it seems most folks would rather a little smaller than 50 gallons.

It would not be a big deal to tell them to make the tank shallower if that was what everyone wanted.

[inkpot]

Howdy! I'm interested. I would prefer something in the 30-40 gallon size, just for ground clearance and reduced weight when full. IPOR sounded like they might do something in this area a while back, but so far there has been no recent activity on this. Thanks. John

[snailwagon]

I used to have a 53g tank but removed it. While I don't need anything that size again, my gripes were 1.) that many hang below the frame rails and 2) Factory mounting tabs on the body probably are not made to support that much weight even though I doubt any one has heard of one ripping out on its own.

[hicruise55]

Originally Posted by inkpot

I would prefer something in the 30-40 gallon size, just for ground clearance and reduced weight when full. IPOR sounded like they might do something in this area a while back, but so far there has been no recent activity on this.

This comes up every few months and there is LOTS of intrest, at least in the 30 gallon range. Personally I think it is a bad idea to have your fuel tank hang way down below the framerails... unless you want to be a HEEP? My ground clearance is way to valuable to me!

Come on everybody! Chime in once agian, maybe someone can get it done

[RHINO]

interest seems to screetch to a halt when numbers are mentioned,,,, i am all set up to have tanks made that would be flush with the frame, about 35'ish gallons, last i talked to the shop it was gonna run about $400, steel has gone up since that quote and i would wager its every bit of $600 now,,, so,,, whats the price for everyone? is it worth my time to even go back to the shop and get it going again?

i can see $800 easy for these tanks once they are complete and delivered.

i put this on the backburner when i did the diesel swap cause i have about an 800 mile range now.

[cruiser_guy]

Originally Posted by RHINO

interest seems to screetch to a halt when numbers are mentioned,,,, i am all set up to have tanks made that would be flush with the frame, about 35'ish gallons, last i talked to the shop it was gonna run about $400, steel has gone up since that quote and i would wager its every bit of $600 now,,, so,,, whats the price for everyone? is it worth my time to even go back to the shop and get it going again?

i can see $800 easy for these tanks once they are complete and delivered.

i put this on the backburner when i did the diesel swap cause i have about an 800 mile range now.

I don't mind if you want to pursue this. The labor cost here in Central America is no doubt less than stateside but the shipping will of course be more. I would simply measure the 50 gallon tank I have and see how much to reduce the depth by to get the tank inside the frame rails.

[OffRoad Rage]

Originally Posted by snailwagon

2) Factory mounting tabs on the body probably are not made to support that much weight even though I doubt any one has heard of one ripping out on its own.

The later model Pig tanks bolt to the frame using simple brackets that would be easy to copy. The trick would be geting the holes drilled in the frame to accommodate the brackets. Bolt up would better than fab up for most I'm guessing.

Yes on the Mid 30 gal tank.

[hicruise55]

I never heard any numbers? As expressed in previous posts, I am more interested in a tank that is properly designed (baffles and such) rather than just a huge tank/can in the back. I called IPOR back when they were mentioned, left my number and expressed major intrest-never heard back???

[n2666s]

Charles; anymore on the LR tanks?

Lou

[cruiser_guy]

There's about 5 folks who've expressed and interest and Rhino had PM'd me that he was thinking about doing this as well. If Rhino decides not to proceed I'll see about getting some prices on a tank of a smaller volume than the one I have as most folks do not want a 50 gallon monster but rather one that is up flush with the frame rails but larger than stock.

I'd also like to get a long range tank made up for the '60 as well.

[n2666s]

Charles, count me in on the the one for the FJ60.......... DD....lots of people have looked in to this in the past.......sent some cash in a few years ago to help Jim C who was doing some research on long range tanks but haven't heard anything on that for several years now; it isn't the fact that it is long range I consider it bringing the vehicle up to what I consider a normal range between fuel stops.......say like about 350 miles; with the fuel burn on the 2F and F motors have to refuel about every 250 miles which is a royal PITA.........yes, I realize the added weight will cut down on MPG but I believe the trade off is worth it..just my 0.02

Lou

[n2666s]

BTW....hate jerry cans..........in a pinch ; OK!.......... but to lug them around instead of a bigger tank just not safe IMO;

Lou

[Luke111]

The company that did the scuff plates are huge and have serious equipment, lasers, brakes, rolling etc... I have talked to them about making tanks. The only consideration maybe Federal Guide Lines regarding gas tank production. They are looking into that and I can send them the tank design for pricing and may do that just to see if the price is right.


Lou

[cruiserbrett]

Gas tank? Just tell them its a water tank...

[Luke111]

, LOL, I don't think we'll have a problem.

Lou

[cruiser_guy]

So, is Rhino or Luke111 going to proceed on this? I'm not going to do it if others already are. There simply are not enough '55's out there to have lots of folks making the same thing, besides I've already got the big tank that I want/need.

[Luke111]

Charles , I am simply investigating for pricing and thats it. I don't know how many here are ready to spend the money. Based on the size of the company and the equipment they have, I think the price would be pretty good and they could ship them direct. It won't cost me a dime to get a price and thats as far as I'll go for now.


Lou

[RHINO]

i am doing what luke is doing,, working with my local shop for a price and stuff, why dont you do the same down there to see what the price would be. i think there is plenty of room for all of us to check into a price to get a tank built, then we can have the best shop/price do them.

[cruiser_guy]

Originally Posted by RHINO

i think there is plenty of room for all of us to check into a price to get a tank built, then we can have the best shop/price do them.

We'll need to discuss to ensure we are all asking for pricing on the same thing. If you have a fully baffled 30 gallon tank, Luke has a tank with a heavy gage skid plate and I copy the 50 gallon tank I have we'll have three different prices on three different items. We need to know what we want a price on and then all get a price on the same item.

[Luke111]

I plan on getting a price on the tank that IPOR made for my 55, 33 gal above the frame rail, its a simple rectangle design and does not have a skid plate. It does have straps and tabs that bolt into the frame and has factory stye vent tubes and filler neck.
I don't think it really matters what style the tank is as long as the price is right.
I don't want this to become a big deal about who does what or styles etc..., so I'll do the research and share the info with the group and you guys can decide what is best for the group.

Lou

[RHINO]

i hear ya guys,,, my tank will basically be a deeper version of the stock tank, just a simple box flush with the bottom of the frame rail,,, with stock type filler and vents, i'm only planning a baffle around the pick-up.

[hicruise55]

Originally Posted by RHINO

i'm only planning a baffle around the pick-up.

Would this be enough baffling? I can deal with the gas guage dancing all over the place (although annoying) but that could be a lot of weight sloshing around? Well 200lbs or so?

[Luke111]

Most have seen, But here are a few pic's of my tank

[Luke111]

More pic's

[Luke111]

A few more