LRA 12.5? (1 Viewer)

[devilzdriver]

Aloha Everyone,

I am in the final phases of getting a LRA tank for my 200. I think the 12.5 is going to be the one to get. I had some general questions for those that have one installed.

- Read posts about moisture in the rear where the 12.5 gallon tank sits. Have you had that issue?
- Is it worth getting the upgraded pump installed? (I imagine it refills at a reasonable speed?)
- Have you had any evap codes/issues and or reliability issues?
- Roughly how much did your total install cost. (I am looking at getting quotes next month but two shops made it sound insanely expensive and "a lot of custom work to get them to fit" which seemed odd).
- Anything that might be good to know before jumping into the deep end or things to consider?

I appreciate any input from the group. Also if you have any shop recommendations on the east coast (DMV) would love to hear them.

 

[gasman4u]

LRA aux tank is one of the best mods for the 200 series. With that said, some rigs seemingly are sensitive snowflakes regarding EVAP issues which the computer senses when running cycles of the valves, etc.

Lots of threads on the LRA tanks, p0441, p2420 codes on here.

The shops you have called likely don’t know what they’re doing or haven’t done a lot of these particular tanks. LRA support is really good post and pre purchase. Check out their website for installers near you.

 

[Sandroad]

I don’t have a LRA tank yet because my truck is still under warranty. When it comes time to get one, I will find a place experienced with the install and knows the pitfalls that might make codes more likely. I’ll be willing to travel to get it done right because time spent on that will hopefully save headaches later.

 

[achris44]

Highly recommend going with the 24 gallon over the 12.5 so that you essentially double your range. I’ve never wished my 24 was smaller. Then either put the spare inside or get a hitch mounted spare carrier that you can use on trips.
AAC in Atlanta installed mine and took basically one day per truck. Cost was $4,108 including parts and labor.
Which tank is in stock may also be a factor. I would have gone with the 40 gallon if they would have been available at the time but there were not any in the US and shipping from Australia was a month or two out. I likely would have rarely filled the 40 to capacity but would be nice the couple of times each year that we make long runs and don’t want stops dictated by fuel range.
Also, I recall reading many threads of people having issues with pumps, squeaking, vapors, etc and they seem to always be talking about the 12.5 gallon tanks. That didn’t factor into my decision but perhaps there’s a design difference with that size that leads to more problems (or confirmation bias in my head has me off track).
Truly best LC upgrade ever. Should be there from the factory.

 

[Gazziza]

I've had my 12.5G LRA tank since 2022. Here are my general thoughts.

• I don't have a swing out rear tire carrier and don't want one either. I wanted to keep my spare in the stock location so the 12.5G was my only option. I believe it drops your spare down maybe 1-1.5". Clearance has not been an issue for me. I've taken it on Top of the World, banged the spare a few times but otherwise no big deal.
• I haven't had any evap code issues. It's worked like it should and hasn't failed on me (yet). The only issue I have which is kind of intermittent is that when I make right turns sometimes I can hear some sort of creaking/groaning noise. It's probably rubbing somewhere on the body but it doesn't happen all the time so I haven't really addressed it.
• Haven't noticed any issues with condensation around the tank.
• I live in a snow state so they do salt the roads with some chemical here. I have noticed some rusting on the tank itself. If you live in a salt or snow state I would check to see if LRA has an approved coating they recommend. It may be worth having some sort of extra coating or even an upgraded powder coat to the tank.
• IMO the pump is totally fine. If you want to upgrade fittings, hoses, connectors that's up to you but I found the pump to be perfectly adequate. Most of the time I get about a 1/2 tank refill when I use it. So when I see that I'm about 1/4 tank on the main then I transfer over from the aux tank and then voila I have 3/4 tank on the main. I have been in situations where the main tank was on "E" and transferred over from the aux tank and never felt like "oh crap I'm out of gas and can't get gas fast enough". Unless you're upgrading the pump for reliability issues which I haven't had any but I don't think its worth upgrading for speed.
• I live local to Long Range America and had Khris and Aiden install my tank. I think it was about $900 for the install. I bought the tank during one of the BF sales and it was 30% off. I'd contact LRA to see who they recommend on the east coast.

It's a great mod IMO. If you plan to keep your spare in the stock location the 12.5g is your only option. If you have a swing out carrier or plan to then get the 24g or 40g. I use it all the time and it's great for road trips and around town.

 

[TeCKis300]

I've had my 12.5G LRA tank since 2022. Here are my general thoughts.

• I don't have a swing out rear tire carrier and don't want one either. I wanted to keep my spare in the stock location so the 12.5G was my only option. I believe it drops your spare down maybe 1-1.5". Clearance has not been an issue for me. I've taken it on Top of the World, banged the spare a few times but otherwise no big deal.
• I haven't had any evap code issues. It's worked like it should and hasn't failed on me (yet). The only issue I have which is kind of intermittent is that when I make right turns sometimes I can hear some sort of creaking/groaning noise. It's probably rubbing somewhere on the body but it doesn't happen all the time so I haven't really addressed it.
• Haven't noticed any issues with condensation around the tank.
• I live in a snow state so they do salt the roads with some chemical here. I have noticed some rusting on the tank itself. If you live in a salt or snow state I would check to see if LRA has an approved coating they recommend. It may be worth having some sort of extra coating or even an upgraded powder coat to the tank.
• IMO the pump is totally fine. If you want to upgrade fittings, hoses, connectors that's up to you but I found the pump to be perfectly adequate. Most of the time I get about a 1/2 tank refill when I use it. So when I see that I'm about 1/4 tank on the main then I transfer over from the aux tank and then voila I have 3/4 tank on the main. I have been in situations where the main tank was on "E" and transferred over from the aux tank and never felt like "oh crap I'm out of gas and can't get gas fast enough". Unless you're upgrading the pump for reliability issues which I haven't had any but I don't think its worth upgrading for speed.
• I live local to Long Range America and had Khris and Aiden install my tank. I think it was about $900 for the install. I bought the tank during one of the BF sales and it was 30% off. I'd contact LRA to see who they recommend on the east coast.

It's a great mod IMO. If you plan to keep your spare in the stock location the 12.5g is your only option. If you have a swing out carrier or plan to then get the 24g or 40g. I use it all the time and it's great for road trips and around town.

^This.

I've had the LRA 12.5 as one of the early adopters and I have no desire for more capacity. Moving the spare to another spot is no small thing, in weight and other usability compromises. 500 miles of leash solved all the range issues I've had due to A/T tires, mods, and heavy towing. Range beyond is not necessarily solving range problems any longer but is more a luxury, at the cost of other significant trades and lost payload.

 

[7000ft]

I opted for the 12.5 LRA tank because I had no interest in spending another $4-5k for a rear swing bumper system with the spare tire on back. . I wanted to keep the rear looking as stock as possible. I had the tank installed on my 2020 LC200 HE (does not affect factory warranty as someone here stated) by Cruiser Outfitters in UT. The basic labor cost was $800.00. I had them upgrade the hoses, clamps and fuel pump as they and others recommended. That was an additional $250.00. To date I have not had any codes thrown, issues with pump, squeaks, etc with this tank and its installation. We travel into UT, CO and Mexico frequently, so getting an additional 150-180 miles of fuel is worth the LRA tank cost. Plus for the occasional trip to Coronado Commiefornia, I don't have to pay the Newscum $6.00 per gallon for the entire roundtrip. The best modification to date on my LC200.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

Sold/installed dozens of the 12.5 (more like 11.5) on US spec LC200's and LX570's. Overall great results but as mentioned by @7000ft, we upgrade some of the components.

 

[Fisher23]

I would get the upgraded fuel pump if I was you ... as I've had the OEM fail.

 

[gasman4u]

I’ve got a Holley fuel pump I bought with ideations of having it installed instead of the LRA included one. I don’t for two reasons. First - the installer said the included one was fine (and I trust him), and second - the Holley would’ve needed a relay and higher amperage fuse essentially adding complexity to the system.

Does the posi-Flo pump go slow? Absolutely!! Does it NOT add another layer of complexity by needing a relay? NOPE!!!

If you’re dead set on Holley, I’ve said before and will say again (special price for you, my friend!) in my best souk voice.

 

[TeCKis300]

I used all the included parts and didn't upgrade anything. The weakness areas are not in the parts. It's in the install details like making sure there's enough clearance for the charcoal canister, high-looping the breather, and tying everything off so there is no chafing. Included pump works dandy. Agreed more complexity like a relay for a higher flow pump is in my mind not better.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

I used all the included parts and didn't upgrade anything. The weakness areas are not in the parts. It's in the install details like making sure there's enough clearance for the charcoal canister, high-looping the breather, and tying everything off so there is no chafing. Included pump works dandy. Agreed more complexity like a relay for a higher flow pump is in my mind not better.

Agree to disagree. We've been installing as well as repairing LRA tanks/components for 20+ years. Some components are worth upgrading for a long-term install. Let's touch bases in another 5-10 years and discuss. @sleeoffroad, I know share some similar opinions

 

[TeCKis300]

Agree to disagree. We've been installing as well as repairing LRA tanks/components for 20+ years. Some components are worth upgrading for a long-term install. Let's touch bases in another 5-10 years and discuss. @sleeoffroad, I know share some similar opinions

You got more experience here so I'll defer to you if you're open to sharing what specifics should be upgraded.

I can see the plunger/diaphragm low pressure pump failing as they aren't meant to be run under no load or unprimed, and that can happen when the tank is done transferring so that should really be avoided.

 

[2021 LC200]

I have a 12.5LRA on the shelf and have not found time yet to install. Been following the forum regarding issues and learnings.

These are two aspects I will do more work on/plan to do different:
1) Heat shielding - Per TeCKis300, although I am still between wrapping the exhaust or do otherwise. With high temp silicon coating to make the wrap waterproof that looks pretty good to me.
2) Charcoal vent routing - Get it setup such it routes to the filler neck area. This means adding a penetration to the body and at the filler neck rubber (12 o clock high side poition) and a hose between. Considering adding a coarse filter in a vertical or high position relative to the fillter neck vent. You will need to remove the passenger rear internal panel for that. Already been in there, not difficult to do.

Some ideas/parts gathered in a ppt for the same:

 

[Julian73]

Ive had my 12.5 gall LRA for about 1-1/2 years now. No issues, would do it again and get the same size.

I stayed with the supplied fuel pump and am happy although prior to install I did purchase a larger capacity Carter. I have purchased a spare just in case of failure in the wild.

Reason i went with the 12.5 is that in no way did I want the issues of swing out tire carrier, due to weight and convenience issues.

The 12.5 buys me enough safety range and transfer is reasonable quick in 12-15 minutes and can be quickly down after main tank drops below 1/4. My improvements to the supplied Kit were to run pump power from a larger wire direct from battery with the panel control triggering an underhand relay. No reason to run even a few amps through a dash switch with its issues of voltage drop and overheating risks. Additionally my drop in resistance - lower voltage drop makes my pump run faster. as to noise complaints my pump is mounted on rummier shock isolators and can hardly be heard in the cabin except when running dry.

No codes, knock on wood.the system always works.

Not body rubbing, Goode Offroad of Rowlett, TX did the install making such to cut of the interfering tab and installed my supplied neoprene sheets to prevent rubbing of metal on metal.

I did apply heat shielding on fuel tank in the region of the exhaust

 

[devilzdriver]

Agree to disagree. We've been installing as well as repairing LRA tanks/components for 20+ years. Some components are worth upgrading for a long-term install. Let's touch bases in another 5-10 years and discuss. @sleeoffroad, I know share some similar opinions

As an installer, how have the installs been? There is one local to me and they said that have had issues installing or come to "issues" and want to see the rig prior to quote (which i kind of get). The part that was odd is they keep referencing the tanks needing modifications or other "road blocks" due to the "complexity" of the install.

 

[devilzdriver]

Ive had my 12.5 gall LRA for about 1-1/2 years now. No issues, would do it again and get the same size.

I stayed with the supplied fuel pump and am happy although prior to install I did purchase a larger capacity Carter. I have purchased a spare just in case of failure in the wild.

Reason i went with the 12.5 is that in no way did I want the issues of swing out tire carrier, due to weight and convenience issues.

The 12.5 buys me enough safety range and transfer is reasonable quick in 12-15 minutes and can be quickly down after main tank drops below 1/4. My improvements to the supplied Kit were to run pump power from a larger wire direct from battery with the panel control triggering an underhand relay. No reason to run even a few amps through a dash switch with its issues of voltage drop and overheating risks. Additionally my drop in resistance - lower voltage drop makes my pump run faster. as to noise complaints my pump is mounted on rummier shock isolators and can hardly be heard in the cabin except when running dry.

No codes, knock on wood.the system always works.

Not body rubbing, Goode Offroad of Rowlett, TX did the install making such to cut of the interfering tab and installed my supplied neoprene sheets to prevent rubbing of metal on metal.

I did apply heat shielding on fuel tank in the region of the exhaust

This was great information thank you so much!

 

[devilzdriver]

I opted for the 12.5 LRA tank because I had no interest in spending another $4-5k for a rear swing bumper system with the spare tire on back. . I wanted to keep the rear looking as stock as possible. I had the tank installed on my 2020 LC200 HE (does not affect factory warranty as someone here stated) by Cruiser Outfitters in UT. The basic labor cost was $800.00. I had them upgrade the hoses, clamps and fuel pump as they and others recommended. That was an additional $250.00. To date I have not had any codes thrown, issues with pump, squeaks, etc with this tank and its installation. We travel into UT, CO and Mexico frequently, so getting an additional 150-180 miles of fuel is worth the LRA tank cost. Plus for the occasional trip to Coronado Commiefornia, I don't have to pay the Newscum $6.00 per gallon for the entire roundtrip. The best modification to date on my LC200.

I had a swing out on my 80 and it was nice, but i honestly think the 12.5 will be perfect for 95% of what we do. This was also very helpful so thank you for that! I also do some trips where there are some notable price gouging and its nice to have spare fuel that isn't strapped to the truck, or in it.

 

[gasman4u]

I’ll be the lonely voice vouching for the 40. I have a reduction in clearance for sure. But hey - fat
Bottomed girls make the rockin world go round!!!

Aside from the GD evap codes I’m trying to finger right now, this thing is a game changer. We should have gotten the factory aux tank as standard imo given the high trim we had as a “choice.”

I thought I ordered the 24 gallon initially, but apparently the supplier pushed ahead with the 40. I’m good with what I’ve got.

 

[devilzdriver]

I’ll be the lonely voice vouching for the 40. I have a reduction in clearance for sure. But hey - fat
Bottomed girls make the rockin world go round!!!

Aside from the GD evap codes I’m trying to finger right now, this thing is a game changer. We should have gotten the factory aux tank as standard imo given the high trim we had as a “choice.”

I thought I ordered the 24 gallon initially, but apparently the supplier pushed ahead with the 40. I’m good with what I’ve got.

I did think about it, but again im over a swing out. The amount of times i'd need that kind of range, is just not practical. I do know a few people that do need that kind of range as they go VERY remote places. So i can see the appeal.