Aux Tank Experience? (1 Viewer)

[TeCKis300]

The cruising range won't reset or increase in range. Until a refuel from a gas pump is performed. Not sure what triggers it to reset then.

I always initiate my transfer when my main tank is roughly at just above half tank. Then my remaining range can be somewhat useful down at the 1/4 and below as it slows it's countdown to 0 until the main tank float catches up.

You have a 24 gallon aux tank so you might need to devise a different strategy? Or ignore the range completely?

Would be interesting if we figured out a way for the ECU to reset remaining range upon transfer.

 

[RobW0]

My range will reset on my 2019 after I transfer my 12.5gal Aux tank. It does not do it right away but if I look back at it, after a few miles, it will have increased to about where it should be. Not sure if it is because mine is newer or it is an LC.

 

[radman]

My range will reset on my 2019 after I transfer my 12.5gal Aux tank. It does not do it right away but if I look back at it, after a few miles, it will have increased to about where it should be. Not sure if it is because mine is newer or it is an LC.

I suspect it has something to do with the flow rate. The ECU doesn't recognize gas Slowly creeping into the tank, but a gas station pump triggers a "big event".
@RobW0, do you have the LRA pump or "upgraded" one?

 

[RobW0]

I suspect it has something to do with the flow rate. The ECU doesn't recognize gas Slowly creeping into the tank, but a gas station pump triggers a "big event".
@RobW0, do you have the LRA pump or "upgraded" one?

I started with the original slower pump, which I had for about 8 months. I only upgraded to the faster pump in March of this year. It has reset the range with both pumps.

 

[NDizzle]

I’m scheduled for a 24 gal install at Valley Hybrids early next month. Can’t wait!

 

[Madtiger]

I know that i asked this before but have not gotten an answer. Is anyone concern about safety from a rear end collision??

My LC can barely get 320 miles per tank with wind behind its back going downhill. So, an extra tank will be great. But at same time, i don’t want to turn my LC into a fireball in a rear end collision.

 

[SQRRRL]

I know that i asked this before but have not gotten an answer. Is anyone concern about safety from a rear end collision??

My LC can barely get 320 miles per tank with wind behind its back going downhill. So, an extra tank will be great. But at same time, i don’t want to turn my LC into a fireball in a rear end collision.

Check out Long Range America. They manufacture the tanks.

 

[Madtiger]

Check out Long Range America. They manufacture the tanks.

I checked their site a while back...but did not see any mention of it nor crash testing data.

 

[SQRRRL]

I checked their site a while back...but did not see any mention of it nor crash testing data.

Contact Vally Hybrids in Stockton Ca.

 

[brasskey]

I know that i asked this before but have not gotten an answer. Is anyone concern about safety from a rear end collision??

My LC can barely get 320 miles per tank with wind behind its back going downhill. So, an extra tank will be great. But at same time, i don’t want to turn my LC into a fireball in a rear end collision.

I would say those of us that have them aren't too worried. If you are worried or can't get answers that you feel are adequate to address your concerns, then I wouldn't buy one. Given the small amount of LRA tanks in the US, they haven't done any aftermarket DOT approved crash testing. Just as many smaller business bumper and slider fabricators haven't crash tested their products. This is never going to happen on small volume products. It's not worth the money. I don't think AU even requires testing on these as there's no mention of it on the LRA website. So, you probably won't get the answers you need. If this is a high priority concern for you, then I'd just walk away.

There are other companies that manufacture external fuel systems and do invest in crash testing. Transfer Flow is an example. They make tanks for Tundras, but not for the LC.

 

[Madtiger]

I would say those of us that have them aren't too worried. If you are worried or can't get answers that you feel are adequate to address your concerns, then I wouldn't buy one. Given the small amount of LRA tanks in the US, they haven't done any aftermarket DOT approved crash testing. Just as many smaller business bumper and slider fabricators haven't crash tested their products. This is never going to happen on small volume products. It's not worth the money. I don't think AU even requires testing on these as there's no mention of it on the LRA website. So, you probably won't get the answers you need. If this is a high priority concern for you, then I'd just walk away.

There are other companies that manufacture external fuel systems and do invest in crash testing. Transfer Flow is an example. They make tanks for Tundras, but not for the LC.

Thank you. From looking at Transfer Flow, the tanks are mounted inside frame rails and midship (same space as stock tank) i think. LRA mounts behind the rear axle just inside the rear bumper...thus, my concern. But yeah, you're right...i will probably skip this...but damn, LC 200 stock range sucks.

 

[brasskey]

Thank you. From looking at Transfer Flow, the tanks are mounted inside frame rails and midship (same space as stock tank) i think. LRA mounts behind the rear axle just inside the rear bumper...thus, my concern. But yeah, you're right...i will probably skip this...but damn, LC 200 stock range sucks.

I agree. Fuel economy is terrible, especially after modifications (lift, tires, bumpers, etc.). My 15 year old SUV gets better gas mileage than my 2016 LC.

 

[grinchy]

Thank you. From looking at Transfer Flow, the tanks are mounted inside frame rails and midship (same space as stock tank) i think. LRA mounts behind the rear axle just inside the rear bumper...thus, my concern. But yeah, you're right...i will probably skip this...but damn, LC 200 stock range sucks.

The rear crossmember (where the hitch is at) Is nothing to trifle with. Not a pinto situation. . . Better than stock setup in many many unibody suvs where tank is mounted rearward. Grand Cherokee comes to mind

 

[Madtiger]

The rear crossmember (where the hitch is at) Is nothing to trifle with. Not a pinto situation. . . Better than stock setup in many many unibody suvs where tank is mounted rearward. Grand Cherokee comes to mind

Two more recent vehicles have made the change. Jeep JK i think had fuel tank behind rear bumper. Mercedes G500/550 had it there behind rear bumper and for a while Mercedes refused to put a hitch back there.

Now, both of these Jeep and MB newer models have moved the gas tank to midship. Basically, you cannot find any current cars/SUVs that have fuel tank behind rear bumper. None. That worries me about LRA position.

 

[TeCKis300]

While ideally midships...

I'm with @grinchy . The rear bumper is not really just a bumper. It's a integral frame rail and tow hitch that is exceedingly strong. I've gotten hit in the rear with my 100-series before that had a lesser design. Punched a nice hitch shaped plug in the lady's front end. No damage to the cruiser. I get there's always the possibility of a severe enough accident, but it's a measured risk.

It's worth noting that the OEM design of the 200-series has the aux tank located in the same place as the LRA tank.

Where I would be a bit concerned is with the larger capacity tanks. Specifically the 40 gallon. It doesn't hang low enough to be generally an issue off-road, but it does hang low enough and then combined with a lift, that a punt in the rear from a lower profile passenger car, could surely impact the tank and rupture it where it hangs below the frame rail. Add to that the copious amount of fuel potentially being carried...

 

[kcruiser200]

While ideally midships...

I'm with @grinchy . The rear bumper is not really just a bumper. It's a integral frame rail and tow hitch that is exceedingly strong. I've gotten hit in the rear with my 100-series before that had a lesser design. Punched a nice hitch shaped plug in the lady's front end. No damage to the cruiser. I get there's always the possibility of a severe enough accident, but it's a measured risk.

It's worth noting that the OEM design of the 200-series has the aux tank located in the same place as the LRA tank.

Where I would be a bit concerned is with the larger capacity tanks. Specifically the 40 gallon. It doesn't hang low enough to be generally an issue off-road, but it does hang low enough and then combined with a lift, that a punt in the rear from a lower profile passenger car, could surely impact the tank and rupture it where it hangs below the frame rail.

This is a very interesting thought. Although I don't have a LC yet, I've been drooling over possible mods if and when I get one!! LRA was one of the top mods on my possible list, but this brings up a good perspective on safety. The way I think about it,

1. 12.5 gallon - possibly the safest, not just in an up and out of the way position, but you can have the spare mounted over it (under the car) which would possibly add another layer of protection if you were to be rear ended.

2. 24 gallon - good middle of the way capacity versus weight/safety compromise in that no protection from the spare but at least tucked away to offer less risk of puncture in a rear collision. hopefully a rear bumper like slee or ARB may add another layer of protection.

3. 40 gallon - possibly the most exposed to risk due to downward hang of the larger tank.

Again... just ramblings on my part. I am by no means a collision dynamics / safety expert and maybe completely wrong here.

 

[tabraha]

It's worth noting that the OEM design of the 200-series has the aux tank located in the same place as the LRA tank.

This to me is the main thing that makes me feel ok with the placement and why I still plan to do this down the road on my 200. I feel certain that Toyota would've really had to feel ridiculously confident to make this a factory option in that position. Them and Honda are so reticent to do anything that gives them exposure down the road that an aux tank from the factory would have a massive amount of scrutiny.

 

[kcruiser200]

This to me is the main thing that makes me feel ok with the placement and why I still plan to do this down the road on my 200. I feel certain that Toyota would've really had to feel ridiculously confident to make this a factory option in that position. Them and Honda are so reticent to do anything that gives them exposure down the road that an aux tank from the factory would have a massive amount of scrutiny.

the OEM toyota aux tank that you get in australia, isnt that more in line with the 12.5 gallon LRA tank in size and capacity??

 

[tabraha]

the OEM toyota aux tank that you get in australia, isnt that more in line with the 12.5 gallon LRA tank in size and capacity??

It was for the 80's etc. (13gal)

 

[Madtiger]

I am confused. What TeCkis said about “OEM design of the 200-series”.......is that for Australian LC200? So, in Australia, Toyota offers Aux fuel tank for LC200 (not LC80) in the spare tire location?