Howdy -
Thanks for the OP question and for the supportive posts. As the co-founder/co-manager of this tank-based business, a few (somewhat) biased comments. First, some clickbait to get your attention at the top of a long post
Our new "show truck" - 1991 LJ 77 from Spain, getting some love at North West Toys in Monmouth, OR (near Salem). Yes, that's a 39.5 gallon LRA tank and a KAYMAR bar/carrier system:
OK, so are all Australian tanks created equally?
Before we entered this line of business we took a look at the basic WHAT, WHO, WHERE, WHY, HOW of replacement and add-in tanks with a whole bunch of questions related to vehicle fitment/compatibility, regulatory compliance, design/fabrication, suppliers, business issues, logistics, risks and the like.
Back in 2015-2017 we considered the issues above, along with North American demand and what it would take to build a safe, reliable product to support a profitable and service-focused business. My partner at the time, Georg Esterer (as Cruiser Brothers) had plenty of experience with Aussie fuel tanks having installed "classic" tank models in 40s, 60s and 80s. We had friends and customers like Mudrack, Slee, Mike Frisbee and others who shared their experiences with all of the Australian manufacturers. There are basically four such players and we looked at business and product issues related to each.
From our research, the ONLY Australian tank manufacturer with significant US experience was/is Long Range Automotive of Lilydale, Victoria State. Based upon guidance from our dealers, partners and friends, we approached Long Range Automotive and I first met co-owner Roger Beimers at the Melbourne Outdoor 4x4 Show in 2917. Our vision, objectives and commitments were well aligned and we became partners in common cause.
The other three AU suppliers have dabbled in US sales - shipping direct and via "group buys" but their products have never been specifically adapted to US standards and systems. Not a knock, but just an observation. LRA, on the other hand, has invested in differentiated kits to suit North American models, standards and emission systems. For a time, LRA supplied a dedicated US-based distributor/dealer, Outback Proven, which was co-owned by the principals of KAYMAR and Max Trax, managed by Benjamin Meddows. That firm did not prosper for reasons unrelated to product design or quality and Ben did a great job with heroic effort. Unfortunately, the business closed several years before we came on the scene.
With our first shipment in 2017, the tank offering from Long Range Automotive quickly took off. Georg led our development efforts in concert with the folks in Lilydale. He/we developed the 200 Series tanks (three sizes) to suit US emission systems, including the "notch" to clear the charcoal canister. This was followed by new and improved kits for Lexus GX/4 Runners, LC 100s and others. We also invested in detailed instruction documents to expand upon the Australian versions to suit North American needs/preferences.
Several years ago, Georg decided to focus on mechanical parts sales (WAT transmission components, SUMO Gear repair kits, etc.) while I wanted to focus on LRA tanks and KAYMAR rear bar/carrier systems. As a result, we had a friendly separation of interests, with Georg taking on sole ownership of Cruiser Brothers, while I launched Long Range America as the tank/bar business. I was soon joined by Khris Korell after moving my home and the business from Washington to Idaho.
Fast forward to 2021 and we have 8,500 of office/warehouse in Boise, monthly container arrivals and stock on the shelf, plus an old fart (me) answering service calls/product support questions, a warehouse/shipping manager (Michael) getting things moved and a sales/marketing guy (Khris) making sure the right gear gets ordered and sold properly.
We have invested the last four years in making and supporting products that work for our North American customers - in spite of COVID, screwed up logistics schedules and increased costs, etc. We are not perfect but we keep trying.
Roger and Anthony Beimers (owners of Long Range Automotive) continue to support us and our customers in spite of insane conditions due to COVID, shipping challenges, supply challenges and HUGE demand for their products. We could not ask for better partners and THEY are the reason we represent LRA tanks, not the other guys.
Georg and I are still close friends and his firm is our largest dealer. He is on retainer as a technical advisor and "gear guru" to our firm.
So if you need or want a tank for your Toyota, Lexus or Jeep - or a KAYMAR bar/carrier system, give us a call.
Or, if you have legacy products from "the old days" before we took on the lines, and need a part or accessory, give us a call. We are here to help.
On that note - There are lots of comments, issues, threads, posts about our products - installation, functional issues, maintenance, etc. I/we try to keep current and respond, but the last 12 months have made that hard. We are not always aware of what's going on at MUD Central, but we do care. If you have a question, comment or complaint, I/we want to know.
The best way to get to me is by email to
ward@longrangeamerica.com or a message to my direct line 209-636-0831. I am often on the phone or way from the desk, but emails always go to my iPhone and that is the most certain and immediate way to get a response. MUD PM works too, but it is not covered as diligently as I would like.
). The "under the car" solution is not ideal either. It's more of an out of site out of mind location, but I think many would say that when they've needed to access the spare under the car after many years of being out of site and mind, it's been fraught with rusty, stuck chains, sticky braces and let's face it, you're crawling under there. Everyone seems bound and determined to go with the 12 gallon tank to retain their under the car location of their spare and sacrifice range which to me is a little odd since range was the reason you were getting the aux tank in the first place.
