Long range fuel tanks

[VidereStudios]

Will this aux tank solution be able to feed the engine directly or just be able to transfer fuel to the main tank? I have the later and while it works fine, it can be a PITA to know exactly how much fuel you have in the aux tank. And running the pump dry isn't a good idea - ask me how I know.

It would be basically like your setup...a big 'fuel can' that would transfer to the main tank. I read your thread several times and decided to go a more robust route on the fuel pump, so the running dry issue shouldn't be an issue.

 

[VidereStudios]

One option, is maybe selling the plans for a weld yourself (get your own fabricator) kit like 4x4labs DIY bumper kit. It'd be cheaper to ship and maybe cut down on the price some.

Realistically, this is probably the way I am going to go. Doing all the research for insurance coverage, etc. for a small business to manufacture these has been a bit of a downer. I don't think I am ready for all that entails and the resulting costs.

I think I would rather just come up with some plans and sheet metal flat patterns that people could use to fab their own tanks. Plus a parts list of what to buy and where to buy it. We'll see though. I honestly had to put this on the back burner the last couple of weeks due to busyness at my jobs.

I did get the prototype installed this weekend. It needs a couple of adjustments that I will have the fabricator deal with this week as well as the final welds of the brackets. I will start working on a final parts list as well as installation instructions. Then I can make a final decision on how to proceed on the two smaller tanks.

 

[VidereStudios]

What I found interesting is the UZJ100's that did come with a subtank have a charcoal canister that appears smaller than the North American ones. If I ever need to replace mine, I might give the circular canister a shot. The unit is a lot cheaper... shipping, of course, more.

PN 77740-60400

I'm not sure about the OE set-up but with my subtank, the vapors pass freely between the two tanks via the dual filler tube. So, there is no direct hose connection between the aux tank to the charcoal canister.

That is interesting...I wonder if it is a more capable unit due to the volume of gasoline? I might have to see if I can track one down. Especially if I run into excessive fuel vapor during summer or high elevation changes...

 

[Kigiin]

It would be basically like your setup...a big 'fuel can' that would transfer to the main tank. I read your thread several times and decided to go a more robust route on the fuel pump, so the running dry issue shouldn't be an issue.

What fuel pump can be run dry?

 

[perrobravo]

Any updates on this project? Still interested in an aux tank for my '03.

 

[VidereStudios]

The project has gone into deep hibernation for awhile. I have one 45 gallon tank made up and I am thinking about sacrificing it for the drop test. I have recently spent some time trying to reconfigure the attachment method and hardware between the truck frame and the subtank. At this point, I am planning on moving the attachment points from a front/rear configuration to a front/side setup. This is due to the fact that people may have the rear cross member cut out or modified to accept an aftermarket bumper.

I had to put it on hold due to funding and R&D. I recently have been able to order a Slee rear and a BIOR rear and I want to make sure that the subtank would work with both of those before anything moved forward. With the cross member coming off, I need to reconfigure a couple of things to make it happen. The rear bumpers won't be here for a bit, but once they do and I get them installed, I can revisit the whole subtank project. I am also ordering up a second dual filler neck from Japan4x4 for additional R&D. I am also still working through the electrical side of things for the aftermarket fuel pump and the OEM Toyota subtank switch. Lots going on in the background, albeit at a snail's pace.

I am planning on resurrecting this project big-time during the fall. Hopefully I can get the final two prototype tanks built over the winter and have everything finalized for a 2015 release. I am also working on another product that I am hoping to release simultaneously. I would say that we are probably six to eight months out...

 

[00LX]

Please keep updating us!! I was interested in this before I bought a rig...

 

[VidereStudios]

Things are progressing...both the BIOR and Slee rears are now color matched and sitting in my garage, ready to install. I will start on that this weekend. Then back onto the sub-tank project. I am going to sacrifice the 45 gallon tank for the drop test...probably will do that mid-winter after I get the other tanks mocked up. I am planning on downsizing the number of sub-tanks and probably just focus on a 20-30 gallon tank...something that fits good and makes it worthwhile.

I will post some updates in the next month or so.

 

[gwatts]

Thanks for all the work @VidereStudios over the past year. I've got a BIOR on order, love to know if your sub tank will work and make it into production. Cheers!

 

[VidereStudios]

Thanks for all the work @VidereStudios over the past year. I've got a BIOR on order, love to know if your sub tank will work and make it into production. Cheers!

Thanks for the kind words gwatts! I just got back from five weeks out of the country over the holidays. I should be back on working on these projects in the next month or so. Got tons of stuff to do to catch up!

 

[OregonLC]

Any progress on the tank?

 

[VidereStudios]

Yeah, got some further developments on it. I was able to re-measure the charcoal canister and piping on a 2007 LC a couple of weekends ago. Confirmed my original measurements so that the new sub-tank can accommodate all that equipment on the 2003+ rigs.

I am going to finish the modified attachment method next weekend and then should be able to get a prototype started for the universal sub-tank that will work for 1998-2007 LC's. I would think that I would have major news in June...

 

[Kofoed]

Expected capacity ?

 

[crimsonaudio]

Just a curiosity I've had about extended range tanks - is there a way to program the trip computer to know how much fuel you're carrying or is ti stuck only measuring the main tank? I'd love to eventually add a sub tank and would love it even more if the nav system treats it as an extension of the existing tank.

I suspect it's not possible but figure it's worth asking...

 

[VidereStudios]

Expected capacity ?

Guessing right now about 20-30 gallons. Realistically, closer to 20. It's a bummer how much space that charcoal canister takes up in the later rigs...

Just a curiosity I've had about extended range tanks - is there a way to program the trip computer to know how much fuel you're carrying or is ti stuck only measuring the main tank? I'd love to eventually add a sub tank and would love it even more if the nav system treats it as an extension of the existing tank.

I suspect it's not possible but figure it's worth asking...

Unfortunately that route is an expensive proposition for US spec 100 series LC's. You have to get all the assorted bits to make the connections...it can be done, but you would have to find all the parts from an overseas LC (or Toyota dealer overseas). Spressomon has done it, but he said it wasn't worth the cost after the fact. The only thing this setup needs from overseas is the dual filler pipe, and I have a supplier for those.

This sub-tank setup will act as a big jerry can under the rig...it will connect in the OEM dual filler pipe and then route into the existing main tank with an external fuel pump and filter. All you need to do is flip a switch on the dash to transfer the fuel over...

 

[OregonLC]

20 gallons would be a welcome addition. That comes close to doubling our range.

 

[dosruedas]

been watching this one for a while... subscribed and still interested!

 

[crimsonaudio]

Any updates on this, @VidereStudios ?

 

[VidereStudios]

Nope, unfortunately. No change since my April post. But oh so close...I just need some time off to get the last couple of issues solved. Been a super long and delayed process. I am max'ed for the next month at my two jobs, so it probably won't be until Labor Day that I can finally get the issues wrapped up. Then I can get a final prototype in production that will work for 1998 to 2007 rigs. My guess is that I will have solid info, pricing, and write-ups by mid-fall.

 

[VidereStudios]

Hit a bit a roadblock on this...my fabrication guy is retiring. So now I need to source another outfit to make the tanks. That just shoved everything out.

Still working on this slowly in the background of my two jobs and trying to start a business...