ewillis
SILVER Star
Well...here we go! There are a number of these tanks in the wild on 40s, 60s, 100s, 200s, GXs, Taco's etc. There are also a few I've seen on the 80 series in the U.S., but only a couple threads here on Mud...so here's another for anyone considering adding a LRA tank. Musings below…
The why? Range...pure and simple for me. There's no way to significantly increase MPGs on a 1FZ-FE equipped 80 series, but you can significantly increase your MPJs (Miles Per Journey). I’m tired of the “range anxiety” when I’m out wheeling and need to cut an off-road trip short because I’m getting a bit low on fuel. I decided for certain on the LRA 24 Aux tank last year though during my trip to Sequoia/Kings Canyon NP. Was thinking all the way up the Sierras about how convenient it would be to be able to fill up two tanks at the bottom of the mountain and not have to pay the inflated prices at the top. We camped at Azalea campground, which is between Stoney Creek and Hume Lake. We cruised along and saw the typical sights. Morning came, and I had about 1/8 of a tank left and needed to fill up. There are 2 gas stations in this area...one at Stoney Creek and one at Hume lake, which are 45 minutes apart. Drove to Stoney Creek and sure as s***, the pumps were out of service! Plans for the day were scrapped and had to make a B-Line for Hume Lake as I knew everyone else would have to do the same. Rolled in on fumes and decided I'm getting an auxiliary tank ASAP!
The what? Long Range Automotive 24 gal auxiliary tank. I didn't want to go the jerry cans, funnels, and need for an extra swing arm on my bumper route. I definitely was not going to put gas cans in my truck or on my roof rack. LRA makes a main tank replacement and a couple of different aux tanks. I decided on the smaller 24 gallon aux as it provides nearly DOUBLE the range and tucks fairly neatly in the spare tire area. Push a button and your main tank fills while you drive. Freakin slick setup for what I do with my truck...mild-moderate off-road, camper, family explorer extraordinaire!
The who? Cruiser Brothers! Started with a PM to @wardharris which led to a phone call and he told me about the Long Range Automotive company. Ward explained how he and Georg formed a partnership in the Cruiser Brothers, which sells the tanks among many other cool parts including the Harrop locker, which I also have. I told Ward I wanted Georg to install the tank as I wanted someone who knows what they’re doing and was willing to make the 350 mile drive up to his shop to get it installed right. Ward ensured the tank was at Georg’s shop upon my arrival. Talked to Georg on the phone and set a date.
The where? Valley Hybrids in Stockton. Valley Hybrids? I thought this @orangefj45 guy was a Land Cruiser specialist…maybe he just works on Prius batteries as his main gig and LCs on the side I thought. Ummm…NO! The irony of the shop name set in as the bay doors opened at 8:00 AM and his crew started rolling out lifted, armored, and burbling Land Cruisers to make way for my truck on the lifts. Fully staffed shop that were very accommodating and easy to work with. In short, highly recommend going with Ward and Georg if you want the tank and want a smooth and hassle-free purchase and install.
The why? Range...pure and simple for me. There's no way to significantly increase MPGs on a 1FZ-FE equipped 80 series, but you can significantly increase your MPJs (Miles Per Journey). I’m tired of the “range anxiety” when I’m out wheeling and need to cut an off-road trip short because I’m getting a bit low on fuel. I decided for certain on the LRA 24 Aux tank last year though during my trip to Sequoia/Kings Canyon NP. Was thinking all the way up the Sierras about how convenient it would be to be able to fill up two tanks at the bottom of the mountain and not have to pay the inflated prices at the top. We camped at Azalea campground, which is between Stoney Creek and Hume Lake. We cruised along and saw the typical sights. Morning came, and I had about 1/8 of a tank left and needed to fill up. There are 2 gas stations in this area...one at Stoney Creek and one at Hume lake, which are 45 minutes apart. Drove to Stoney Creek and sure as s***, the pumps were out of service! Plans for the day were scrapped and had to make a B-Line for Hume Lake as I knew everyone else would have to do the same. Rolled in on fumes and decided I'm getting an auxiliary tank ASAP!
The what? Long Range Automotive 24 gal auxiliary tank. I didn't want to go the jerry cans, funnels, and need for an extra swing arm on my bumper route. I definitely was not going to put gas cans in my truck or on my roof rack. LRA makes a main tank replacement and a couple of different aux tanks. I decided on the smaller 24 gallon aux as it provides nearly DOUBLE the range and tucks fairly neatly in the spare tire area. Push a button and your main tank fills while you drive. Freakin slick setup for what I do with my truck...mild-moderate off-road, camper, family explorer extraordinaire!
The who? Cruiser Brothers! Started with a PM to @wardharris which led to a phone call and he told me about the Long Range Automotive company. Ward explained how he and Georg formed a partnership in the Cruiser Brothers, which sells the tanks among many other cool parts including the Harrop locker, which I also have. I told Ward I wanted Georg to install the tank as I wanted someone who knows what they’re doing and was willing to make the 350 mile drive up to his shop to get it installed right. Ward ensured the tank was at Georg’s shop upon my arrival. Talked to Georg on the phone and set a date.
The where? Valley Hybrids in Stockton. Valley Hybrids? I thought this @orangefj45 guy was a Land Cruiser specialist…maybe he just works on Prius batteries as his main gig and LCs on the side I thought. Ummm…NO! The irony of the shop name set in as the bay doors opened at 8:00 AM and his crew started rolling out lifted, armored, and burbling Land Cruisers to make way for my truck on the lifts. Fully staffed shop that were very accommodating and easy to work with. In short, highly recommend going with Ward and Georg if you want the tank and want a smooth and hassle-free purchase and install.
Tank kit:
Dual filler tube:
The Install: My truck has a DC Fabrications rear bumper, which is similar to the 4X4 Labs rear bumper.
Transfer pump and tank bracket installed:
Hoses routed:
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couldn't get a pic of total gallons as Costco only allows $100 per card. Had to break out two cards...
