x2
Especially at this price point. Fooling around with cloth seat Tacos or 4Runners is one thing but these 200’s cost real $$$
ARCHIVE Long Range Fuel Tank Sale
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Especially at this price point. Fooling around with cloth seat Tacos or 4Runners is one thing but these 200’s cost real $$$
I wrestle with this too. 13.5gl using Rotopax (three 4.5gl plus mounts) costs about $400 but you have to do it. I’m looking at this like that leaves a nice chunk of change towards a real roof rack. The seamless functionality of the LRA 12.5 (11.5) is very attractive too.
It seems to me we should be able to just get by with stock capacity and the more efficient Aussie style dieselIt’s a tough call.
Here’s the thing though...
Using jerry cans is absolutely a pain. Your hands end up smelling like gas...and so instead of actually using the extra fuel you carry...it ends up sitting in the cans, usually having no effect on how frequently you stop for fuel.
Time passed and the fuel sits there.
With an AUX tank though?
-You USE it.
Like....all the time.
-No pulling over dealing with dirty, muddy, fiddly caps and spouts and fuel-fouled hands. You don’t even stop. You just push the pump button and boom. Onward. No filling, spilling and cursing at the dang spout reversal routine.
I agree that 11.5 gallons seems like it’s not as helpful, but believe me. It is SOOO nice to stop fiddling with everything that goes along with fuel cans.
Oh I believe you. My Depression Era grandfather was hugely influential in my life (overall a beautiful thing but not without some negatives). I just need to not be a cheap ass. I have no doubt you can Rotopax it and I have no doubt the LRA is the way to go. I just need to get my brain aligned. Hopefully that won’t include a Craigslist ad for slightly /never used Rotopax fuel cans
I agree 100%, my issue with the expense and quality of the product. If it is advertised as 12.5 why does it only hold 11.5 gallons? I could overlook this, it's plenty of gas but advertise truthfully. What i can't get past is dropping 2k on a kit where everything but the actual tank needs to be replaced. This is not excusable in my opinion. For the kind of $ these kits cost it should be top shelf components.
First off...this is the first I’ve heard of one particular shop using their own fill tubes. Mine are perfectly fine. I chose to try a faster pump, but the normal pump is fine. I just decided to try it...which complicated it, but is totally unnecessary. Most use the normal pump. I’m just impatient.
About capacity...
I don’t think that has anything to do with quality.
-Try getting every last tenth of an ounce out of a tube of toothpaste.
These tanks are top notch. It’s more likely an air bubble thing....or whether it happens to get *completely* emptied and *completely filled...” or the odd cutouts made for the US market’s evap canister.Tanks have weird shapes to them, and it’s very normal to have a practical fill amount vs. the every-cubic-inch count.
Have you ever stuffed exactly 24.6 gallons in your main tank ? I have, but only because I pushed it to empty, and then coaxed every last drop in.
Most will never actually pump 24.6 gallons into their main tank....ever...because either it wasn’t truly empty...or...air bubbles...or just real world use variables.
There have actually been threads here by people doubting whether we really have 24.6 gallon capacity in our main tank. The answer is... We do...but real world pumping experience and our ability to fully empty and fill is going to vary, and most will never pump in 24.6.
If that bothers you...man, don’t start measuring other stuff or it will drive you nutty!
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I don’t recall the exact pump they recommend/install, but I’m sure they could tell you over the phone. I’ll see if I have that info from when I had the work done.
I agree about the tank volume. They should be more clear. Should just be called an 11.5.
I do want to chime back in as this thread has gotten some traction and want make it clear that replacing components and pump was my choice. Other than the fuel pump failing, everything else seemed to hold up fine. I just wanted to get a better pump and then started to think about overhauling the install. I knew all the components used as I installed the tank initially. I knew things could be done better so I started talking to the guys at Slee as I know they had installed quite a few.
I don’t want to speak for everyone with a LRA tank. I would assume the majority of the people with a tank use the components that come with the kit and have had no issues. I don’t want to say components need to be replaced, I just felt better doing that. Ward and Georg were supportive when I had some missing components with my kit and when I had pump failures.
But, I agree that it’s disappointing that you drop big money and all components are not reflective of that cost.
The good news is...the pump itself is external and easy to get to. The same cannot be said for the Toyota main tank pump!
I understand about capacity, it's not a huge deal for me. I just mentioned it but it would not be a deal breaker.First off...this is the first I’ve heard of one particular shop using their own fill tubes. Mine are perfectly fine. I chose to try a faster pump, but the normal pump is fine. I just decided to try it...which complicated it, but is totally unnecessary. Most use the normal pump. I’m just impatient.
About capacity...
I don’t think that has anything to do with quality.
-Try getting every last tenth of an ounce out of a tube of toothpaste.
Tanks have weird shapes to them, and it’s very normal to have a practical fill amount vs. the every-cubic-inch count.
Have you ever stuffed exactly 24.6 gallons in your main tank ? I have, but only because I pushed it to empty, and then coaxed every last drop in.
Most will never actually pump 24.6 gallons into their main tank....ever...because either it wasn’t truly empty...or...air bubbles...or just real world use variables.
There have actually been threads here by people doubting whether we really have 24.6 gallon capacity in our main tank. The answer is... We do...but real world pumping experience and our ability to fully empty and fill is going to vary, and most will never pump in 24.6.
If that bothers you...man, don’t start measuring other stuff or it will drive you nutty!
But dropping big money on a tank with what seems like less than ideal components is frustrating. If it was an $800 kit I understand but for the money they ask for the kit everything should be top of the line. I am glad to hear the company stands behind their stuff.
RobW0
GOLD Star
This is the first I have seen of anyone complaining about the quality of the product. I was not there the first time my tank was filled up so I don't know if it took 12.5 or not. What I do know is that when I fill up it stops at 11.5 to 11.7 gallons. I asked the question of others on Mud that have the 12.5 tank and that seem to be what others also got. I don't have a problem with the 1 missing gallon, not a big difference in added range when I am only getting 13 to 14 mpg. With the LRA tank, I now have a 400 mile range on the interstate.
I am happy with the tank and would do it again. If or when I add a rear bumper, so I can relocate my spare tire, I will consider changing my 12.5 for the 24.
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- #30
THANKS FOR THE POSTS
Thanks for the comments on the tank, fitment kit components and capacity. As the exclusive North American agent for these products, Georg Esterer and I have spent the last two years dealing with the adaptation of Long Range Automotive products for vehicles in our markets. In that time, we have helped LRA adapt the tanks to suit vehicles with emission systems and components not seen in Australia, including development of tanks for 100 and 200 Series, GX and 4Runners, FJ Cruisers and even Jeep Wranglers and Mercedes Sprinters.
Some comments in response:
Happy Thanksgiving!
Ward and Georg @orangefj45
Thanks for the comments on the tank, fitment kit components and capacity. As the exclusive North American agent for these products, Georg Esterer and I have spent the last two years dealing with the adaptation of Long Range Automotive products for vehicles in our markets. In that time, we have helped LRA adapt the tanks to suit vehicles with emission systems and components not seen in Australia, including development of tanks for 100 and 200 Series, GX and 4Runners, FJ Cruisers and even Jeep Wranglers and Mercedes Sprinters.
Some comments in response:
- Our first major initiative was to convert the instructions provided by LRA into "US style" documents to support installation and operation. Not quick or easy, but we are just about done. See current edition for the 12.5 gallon "Baby" tank at the link below. Any input or suggestions are welcome to ward@longrangeamerica.com
- The listed capacities are assigned by LRA and we need to update capacities when documented as we have done with the Tacoma kit (33 gallons vs. 34 gallons). Will do the same for the Baby 200 kit.
- Fitment kits are designed, defined and delivered to us from LRA and they decide what goes in the box. We are aware of the issues regarding selection of components and completeness. We have raised these with LRA and are working to enhance and expand the components, including the provided transfer pump.
- We are a small firm that works closely with installing dealers, installing shops and end users. This effort is a team sport and we appreciate the enduring support from a number of respected firms that help us understand what needs to be done. Slee Offroad is a source of key information for us and we gratefully accept input / intel from all sources.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Ward and Georg @orangefj45
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This is a bit off-topic for the thread but you're not the only one. I've driven diesel 200s, 79s, 78s and 76s and don't get the appeal. Totally happy with gasoline and compared to the Hema 200 (fully built) twin turbo v8, I'd take my 5.7 from a power and fun standpoint. Fuel economy is a different story but that's why extended range tanks exist. I won't do one until my CPO warranty runs out but had them on my 80, 100 and Tundra and swear but the increased range.
@wardharris when will a California compliant LRA be available? I’d like to install it myself. Thanks-
SQRRRL
SILVER Star
It depends on the gas station you pump at. I’ve had 11gal to 12.5 gal fill ups. You may have fuel remaining in Aux tank from not being on level ground. I must say I’m very happy with my baby bear 12.5 tank. Try refueling with gas cans in a Sierra white out. I just push a button. BOOM : )
On that topic, there is a product for the gas hands issue.
Now you can touch your gashole with impunity.
RobW0
GOLD Star
I am glad you have been able to get 12.5 gallons in the tank. I am not saying it does not hold 12.5 gallons. I am saying for whatever reason I only get 11.6 gallons to transfer. I have averaged 11.641 gallons over the 9 times I have filled the Aux tank. Does not matter which gas station. The Aux tank is transferred while driving, so the level of the ground is always changing. I have tried turning the pump back on several time after it shows that the tank is empty with no noticeable increase in the amount transferred. The reason I am pointing this out is so that someone who just got the tank does not try to force more gas into it than it will take. As it says in the install instructions that Ward just posted, do not top off the tank after the auto shut off of the pump.
As I have said, I love the tank and would not hesitate getting it again.
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- #36
We are working on it with the help of professionals, but no ETA for the 200 Series.
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- #37
Really. Sorry.
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- #38
FAT, CLUMSY, KINDA DENSE
I am not a parent but I can relate to the experience a dad has when another parent at the Little League field or school spelling bee comments on his kid - not that bright, not good looking, overweight, athletically or intellectually challenged. As a customer of our firm (Long Range America) I am sorry the kit we sold failed to meet your needs.
In this case, a point of clarification is in order. Long Range America (previously Cruiser Brothers) is the distributor of the kits offered by Long Range Automotive (LRA) of Melbourne, Victoria State. We provide input to LRA on the design of their tanks and kit components, but they are not "our kids" and our input/influence on the fitment kit components are limited. That said, we do not disagree with your assessment of the pumps supplied, but more on that in a later post.
If you are a customer with repeated failures, it would help if you would send me a PM or email to document and discuss. As a warranty claim, you should have/would have been reimbursed. Did you contact me or Georg? We get better and so does the product through the participation and contribution of our customers, installing shops and dealers. It requires effort on all sides.
As for pricing.....like Toyota, LRA offers a kit to meet a broad range of needs. Statistically, the failure rate of the included transfer pump is quite low during first two years of use...low single digits and it is a low-draw component that does not require a relayed circuit to supply power. Less expensive, easier and faster to install. The kits on offer from LRA are priced to meet the market's needs as well as the vendor's. Sorry the kit as delivered at the current price did not work for you as delivered. We are working to find solutions that provide choice and value.
On that note, we are working on several solutions to enhance the current fitment kit and appreciate any/all input, even if you think our stuff is crappy.....really. Given that I do not follow all forums and all threads religiously, the only way you will know that we got your comments, suggestions, complaints, photos, drawings, etc. is by email to ward@longrangeamerica.com Georg and I are Long Range America and we will make it right.
More to follow and thanks for the opportunity to have the conversation.
Ward and Georg
Ok please update us when CA ready. Thank you, Ward.
- Thread starter
- #40
We will, stay tuned.
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