Auxiliary vs Transfer Tank

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Gary & Misty
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Auxiliary vs Transfer Tank

Post by Gary & Misty »

I'm thinking I might like to have a few more gallons of diesel with me when we are out west.
Truck is 2014 Ram diesel dually crew cab standard bed.

If I've got this right an Auxiliary tank would sit in the bed and be plumbed to gravity feed fuel from the tank into the filler pipe. It would keep the truck tank full till the bed tank runs empty...then use the regular truck tank and show on the fuel gauge. The guys at Truck Works say it will be just under $500 for 55 Gal tank, installation, parts kit, and tax. Tank is a black steel cube 24"x24"x24". It will stick up about 3-4" above the side of the bed.

Where as a Transfer tank would also sit in bed but would have an electric (or manual) pump to "transfer" fuel to the truck tank when needed. Like a big gas can mounted in the bed. When the fuel gauge shows low you would stop somewhere and pump a tank of diesel from your own gas station in your truck bed. With same tank subtract about $80 for parts kit and add about $250-300 for 12v pump.

I'm thinking Auxiliary is the way to go...am I missing something?
Gary & Misty Batten
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Rob & Cathy

Re: Auxiliary vs Transfer Tank

Post by Rob & Cathy »

Have you considered a replacement tank as it won't take up any space in the bed of the truck?

Rob
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Re: Auxiliary vs Transfer Tank

Post by Gary & Misty »

Rob & Cathy wrote:Have you considered a replacement tank as it won't take up any space in the bed of the truck?

Rob
Would that be more expensive to get a total of 85-100 gallons on board?
Gary & Misty Batten
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http://batten54.blogspot.com/

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Rob & Cathy

Re: Auxiliary vs Transfer Tank

Post by Rob & Cathy »

I don't know of any that have that much capacity. You'll probably have to go to one of your in-bed options for that much additional fuel.

I thought you were looking for a few more gallons. =))

Rob
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Re: Auxiliary vs Transfer Tank

Post by BMullins46 »

Gary,
I've had both the replacement tank and the aux tank. The replacement tank set me back about $1700 installed, it was about $900, but the labor was more due to having to remove the factory tank. The replacement tank for my Dodge MegaCab gave me 52 gallon vs the 35 gallons for the factory tank.
When I got my current Ford I also needed an in the bed toolbox so I got a Transfer/Flow combination toolbox/fuel tank, it has a pump built in that transfers fuel to the factory tank at various times as the factory tank empties. This is a 40 gallon unit so I now start out with 75 gallons which is more than a days driving even pulling the trailer. This unit was just over $1700 installed. The best thing about this is I can transfer it if I ever trade trucks again. this unit is about 14"dx55"wx20"h so it goes from bed side to bed side and is right at level with the top of the bed and takes up about 18" of bed space.
The tanks that are plumbed straight to the filler of the factory tank and gravity feed technically don't meet DOT spec, but I'm sure lots of guys run them that way.
You might google Transfer/Flow and also Titan tanks for more info on this subject.
Whichever way you decide to go it sure is nice to be able to drive all day and get set up for the night without having to pull the trailer through a fuel station. I always try to fuel up after we're set up for the night, that way we are all set to leave in the morning.
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Re: Auxiliary vs Transfer Tank

Post by Gary & Misty »

I saw a blurb on the DOT thing somewhere...and I think you are OK as long as it's NOT a commercial vehicle. I'm thinking a 55 gal 24" cube or a 85 gal "L" tank. Gravity feed would be NO moving parts...I like that. I was reading a thread about someone going to FL. He got snowed on in MO...fought mainly one open lane for a day or so...phone app showed 3 stations so he pulled into one...screens on pumps out...got to second, they were replacing all pumps at same time...got to third, bags on pump handles. Detour on interstate around big wreck...back on road and into a stiff headwind...then the low fuel light came on! YES! I think I will get an aux. tank...with my luck I would be on side of the road.

What kind of mileage should I expect with the rig in my signature? I know it will change...but what "ballpark" area? That way I can have a little info to look at tank size.
Gary & Misty Batten
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2014 Ram 3500 Diesel Dually Longhorn

http://batten54.blogspot.com/

Nights Camping in 2014 : 103
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snoking

Re: Auxiliary vs Transfer Tank

Post by snoking »

Gary & Misty wrote:I saw a blurb on the DOT thing somewhere...and I think you are OK as long as it's NOT a commercial vehicle. I'm thinking a 55 gal 24" cube or a 85 gal "L" tank. Gravity feed would be NO moving parts...I like that. I was reading a thread about someone going to FL. He got snowed on in MO...fought mainly one open lane for a day or so...phone app showed 3 stations so he pulled into one...screens on pumps out...got to second, they were replacing all pumps at same time...got to third, bags on pump handles. Detour on interstate around big wreck...back on road and into a stiff headwind...then the low fuel light came on! YES! I think I will get an aux. tank...with my luck I would be on side of the road.

What kind of mileage should I expect with the rig in my signature? I know it will change...but what "ballpark" area? That way I can have a little info to look at tank size.
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Re: Auxiliary vs Transfer Tank

Post by Olbird »

Gary,
Take my advise and the get a reliable automatic aux.fuel tank system, you have $150,000 in equipment ,new truck and trailer.
Travel safe and trouble free.
George & Julie
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Re: Auxiliary vs Transfer Tank

Post by Susanna Clay »

This is Mike
I agree with George get a Transfer Flow or something similar. I have the 50 gallon in bed which sits below the rails. Around 1200.00 installed and it comes with a gauge that tells you what you have in your truck tank, extra tank and total. Here is a link to other talk about the tanks
viewtopic.php?f=54&t=6067&p=97146&hilit ... low#p97146
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Re: Auxiliary vs Transfer Tank

Post by jacknife »

Mike and George should be working on commison for Shur Flow. I checked them out a little pricy but they had the size l wanted for a short bed. On our way to Jackson we are going driver up to Chico we have an appt on the 27 at 11 to. get a 75 gal tank put on . Going to Alaska next year and l don't want to be spending the whole trip with one eye on the road ond the other on the fuel gauge :-o
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Re: Auxiliary vs Transfer Tank

Post by jacknife »

I meant Transflow. Suffering from CRS. :d
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Re: Auxiliary vs Transfer Tank

Post by Mike Clay »

Well I guess you get what you pay for. I love mine. God willing we will be at Durango RV park in Red Bluff the 25th & 26th. Give us a wave if you are in that area.
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Re: Auxiliary vs Transfer Tank

Post by Rob & Cathy »

Mike Clay wrote: God willing we will be at Durango RV park in Red Bluff the 25th & 26th.
We'll be there on the 27th.

Rob
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Re: Auxiliary vs Transfer Tank

Post by BMullins46 »

You getting a tank too Rob?
Bill & Debbie
06 31RKT, MorRyde LRE/4000; 2016 XLR 385AMP
2012 F350 DRW 4X2 Lariat, 6.7 Diesel, TransferFlow aux fuel tank
Fur babies, Betty and Cocoa
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Re: Auxiliary vs Transfer Tank

Post by Mike Clay »

I think he is saying he will be at Durango RV park. Rob I will sweep your spot for you before we pull out :^o
Mike, Susanna & Rudy
2016 3850RL Estate "Proto Grigio"
2019 Silverado 3500HD Dually D/A 4x4 LTZ
My dreams are too big for my wallet
Rallies attended - 32

Nights camping in 2013:159 2014:269 2015:Full Timers
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