Fuel tank replacements

[Richard 34A]

There is a company in Chico, California called Transfer-Flow that makes (California emissions legal) larger replacement fuel tanks for pick-ups, pick-up beds and cab & chassis. I contacted them to see if they offered an over-the-counter replacement for the industry standard 75 gallon fuel tank and was told 'no'.

Does anyone have any experience in replacing the OEM fuel tank with a larger tank? While I'm sure it probably isn't inexpensive, I'd like to replace my 75 gallon tank with a 100 or 115 gallon tank, with the caveat that it meets emission standards, doesn't exceed the weight limitations of the GVWR or rear axle, etc.

Thanks in advance if anyone has some recommendations...

[Richard 34A]

There is a company in Chico, California called Transfer-Flow that makes (California emissions legal) larger replacement fuel tanks for pick-ups, pick-up beds and cab & chassis. I contacted them to see if they offered an over-the-counter replacement for the industry standard 75 gallon fuel tank and was told 'no'.

Does anyone have any experience in replacing the OEM fuel tank with a larger tank? While I'm sure it probably isn't inexpensive, I'd like to replace my 75 gallon tank with a 100 or 115 gallon tank, with the caveat that it meets emission standards, doesn't exceed the weight limitations of the GVWR or rear axle, etc.

Thanks in advance if anyone has some recommendations...

[Bob (WA0MQE)]

Not sure about a larger tank to replace the existing one, but I too would like to carry a bit more fuel. Seems like I'm always getting low at the most in-opportune times. Gas stations out west that are also Class-A easy-in and easy-out are far and few between.

So... I've been looking at adding a second tank. Since my rig doesn't have a spare tire in between the frame rails at the back I'm thinking the easiest setup would be to add an after market tank that will fit in this space. After checking around I've found a couple places that make either aluminum or poly tanks, about 15 to 20 gallons. I plan on using it to provide fuel for the generator, instead of the main, and at the same time set it up so I can pump fuel from this tank to the main tank. Helped a friend do this very thing for his pickup a couple years ago. Worked out real good.

[Richard 34A]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Bob (WA0MQE):
Not sure about a larger tank to replace the existing one, but I too would like to carry a bit more fuel. Seems like I'm always getting low at the most in-opportune times. Gas stations out west that are also Class-A easy-in and easy-out are far and few between.

So... I've been looking at adding a second tank. Since my rig doesn't have a spare tire in between the frame rails at the back I'm thinking the easiest setup would be to add an after market tank that will fit in this space. After checking around I've found a couple places that make either aluminum or poly tanks, about 15 to 20 gallons. I plan on using it to provide fuel for the generator, instead of the main, and at the same time set it up so I can pump fuel from this tank to the main tank. Helped a friend do this very thing for his pickup a couple years ago. Worked out real good. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Good idea there Bob; I'll email Transfer-Flow and see if they offer a second tank set-up, though they probably would have thrown out that suggestion to me if they did. The strange part is on their website, they have a section for RV's but maybe that's for diesel tanks only...

I'd like to be able to get to Los Angeles, and then back out, before having to refuel. The gas stations there really aren't designed for MH's; I frequently wait in line to fuel up but then a small car will cut in and I can't pull forward. As soon as either of the two vehicles that I'm waiting on pull out, another car will zip in and I'm still stuck waiting to pull forward. The main problem is the fuel fill is almost to the back, so I'm locked into trying to pull through and then forward to the last pump, but often times I can't do that because then I'm blocking access to/from the street.

I'm thinking two 75 gallon tanks! Actually, another idea was to install one of those metal fuel caddies with the pump in a cargo bay, but there isn't much safety protection in those cargo doors. If you even lean on them they dent, so I'd hate to see what happens under impact. As large and as imposing a MH looks, they are actually quite fragile physically. A fuel tank mounted underneath and between the frame rails would be the best solution.

[Bob (WA0MQE)]

My second option, certainly the easiest is, since I tow a pickup, carry two to four 5 gallon gas cans in it. Or maybe a larger tank like you see them put in Toy Haulers with a pump and hose. I'd just have to add to the hose so it could reach from the bed of the pickup to the motorhome. Since my moho filler is on the rear this shouldn't be too much of a problem.

Does Transfer-Flow have a web site?

[Richard 34A]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Bob (WA0MQE):
My second option, certainly the easiest is, since I tow a pickup, carry two to four 5 gallon gas cans in it. Or maybe a larger tank like you see them put in Toy Haulers with a pump and hose. I'd just have to add to the hose so it could reach from the bed of the pickup to the motorhome. Since my moho filler is on the rear this shouldn't be too much of a problem.

Does Transfer-Flow have a web site? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Your idea is like a fuel caddie; some have only a gravity-feed hose, the more expensive ones have a pump. That style is common on construction sites and in the farming industry.

Transfer-Flow is at transfer-flow.com and carries that style of tank, with and without a pump. (Without the pump, it's commonly used to extend the range of pick-ups pulling a fifth-wheel.) They have a nice website and you can request a full product catalog for free...

As far as a larger-sized replacement tank for a MH, looks like that isn't the norm, and doing a custom built tank in California is probably tough due to the emmission requirements and certification.