Auxiliary fuel tank on roof rack-need advise

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chukarhiker

chukarhiker

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We often travel well beyond gas stations during bird season/camping and are tired of the POS gas cans we have and are looking for an alternative to smelling like gas when we refuel.

We have a Stout roof rack that has enuf space behind the second spare for this tank (looking at "C"):

http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog.TextId?hvarTextId=30045&hvarTarget=search

and would like to get some input as to weather anyone has used these Tempo tanks and what they think. Cabelas also has a Moeller tank for about the same price:

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/t...all&Nty=1&Ntt=FUEL&noImage=0&_requestid=63799

Anyone use these tanks or have any better ideas--we like the roof rack location with the idea to drain the tank into the main one ASAP (to reduce overhead weight) and free up space the Jerry cans were taking before in storage areas down below.

Thanx, Jim
 
I do not think that these are DOT legal for road use. An option, albeit expensive, is to fit an aux tank under the truck.

M
 
I wouldn't put an active fuel tank up there, fuel cans definitely, but that much plumbing could be a PITA. Especially considering that there will be a fuel pressure increases due to column height.

Though if you are just looking to use that for storeage and then use a siphon to refuel the main tank, it should work nicely.
 
Thanx for the comments guys.

I was planning on using a siphon and draining the gas into the main tank as soon as it had room (does not take long with the SC and towing a tent trailer).

I like the idea of the lower profile tanks vs. the Jerry Cans as they would be tucked in behind my spare and have less wind resistance but if they are not DOT legal (I will check with Bass Pro and Cabela's) that shoots down my idea.

The Aux Aussie tank will not work as I need 2 spares for the rocky areas we hunt(dont want a tire carrier on the rear bumper either as had a 4-rnnr with one for years and I much prefer the easy access of the LC).

Ben-- I need at least 12 gallons in reserve and agree with you on the Quad tanks being great (a buddy has one on his Quad and actually rolled over on it with no damage to the tank) but they are a little expensive for my needs.

Jim
 
I'm a chukar hunter, too...

I have the same issues and problems. I have the MAF aux tank - 26 gallons. This provides about 675 mile range. Plenty for most of my hunting. I do not like rear tire carriers either, but am willing to put up with it for the extra range. As for the extra spare, my OR trailer uses the same tires/wheels and carries a spare on the tongue.

The rear of my 80 is my gun/dog drawer system with wire crates for the setters. This set-up works well for long or short trips, never leaves me stranded, and is a decent camp in all but the nastiest weather.

Mike S

413081.jpg
 
Just me but I wouldn't want to put fuel on the roof of my truck. I don't even like the NATO cans up there that some use. But thats just me. If an aux were used you could still carry two tires with a dual pivot rear bumper such as the TJM or Kaymar. Also alot easier to transfer to the main. Just 02.
 
I checked with basspro and cabela's and neither one of the tanks is DOT approved so they are out. I have not been able to find a "freestanding" tank that carries more than 6 gallons that is DOT compliant. We now carry the POS walmart cans now on the Tent Trailer in the Quad rack and had hoped to free up a little space by moving above.

If we cant find anything else I guess we will go with the NATO cans and siphon as mbb recommended.

As stated we dont want to hassle with the rear tire carrier everytime we let the dog in or out or need to access the refer(been there)--dont know if I could do it if I wanted to anyway as the tire swing would probably hit my trailer before I could get the tailgate down.

Thanx again for the input.

Jim
 
Jim, I think your fuel issue already has an answer as has been pointed out and the question for you is how to deal with spare tires not fuel storage. You are much, much better off with an aux tank that transfers fuel to your main tank than any other option as long as the money for the tank and install are not an issue. Further, the OEM 13.5-gal tank sits above the spare tire carrier and still allows you to have your spare mounted there. The particulars have all been well sorted out for installing this to your NA-spec truck as well. And in my opinion even if you couldn't source the OEM tank and went with a larger tank that eliminated your spare under the truck you'd still be much much better off dealing with relocating spare tires than fuel.

Good luck with your solution whatever you choose.
 
I don't think that I'd be thrilled at tanks on the roof.

I talked with Steve at Man-A-Fre and they have some 26 gallon auxiliary tanks left.:D
 
I'd just pull another trailer...or buy a diesel 3/4 pickup and pull all your other stuff on a trailer...

Seriously though, Wedco jerry cans look to be your only legitimate option - www.expeditionexchange.com/wedco/

I think I saw your 80 on Hwy 50 in Dayton last year, is it tan with a CHKRHNTR license or something like that? It was a 40th edition also, looked pretty sweet.
 
Sorry about the delat in responding!

Hi Mike-- I have done the "raise the spare" mod and doubt that the 13 gal. would still fit--I agree that I may be offering a "catch 22" here. The wife says she saw that DOT does not allow anything over 5 gals (why are my Wally tanks 6 gals then?) but now can not find where she saw it.

Hey Hay! The Jerry Can is the way I am leaning now(NON-carb-compliant)--thanx for the link; I never knew the Jerry can history--very interesting. Yes you saw my "Sage" colored "40" in Dayton on hiway 50 last year. I also spent quite a bit of time on 50 in your neck of the woods last year in Kobeh Valley, Nevada surveying the BobCat Ranch.

Thanx for all the help. Looks like the Jerry Cans will be the way I go and just set them on the AO drawers to gravity into the main tank as soon as the SC makes room for the fuel(I have room on the Tent Trailer Quad Rack for 2 of them and will bracket them to the frame).

Jim
 
Fuelsafe.com...
Lots of different sizes that fit under the LC in place of the spare. Had I not done the group buy on the Long Ranger tank I would have gone this direction. Of the options discussed I like the fuel cell best.
My $.02
 
2mbb said:
get some nato style gas cans--they don't leak. And use a super siphon.
Click to expand...

X2. I don't even take my cans off the roof rack to refuel

Alvaro
 
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