Community Forums

RVnAggie · 05-08-2022, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kdauto

My auxiliary tank is a 40 U.S. gallon. The main tank is a 34 U.S. gallon. When on long hauls, I usually flip the switch on when the main tank gets to 1/4 remaining. Most of the time, it will slowly fill the main tank and attain anywhere from 75 to 100% full depending on truck consumption and road conditions.

One thing I caution is to not let the main tank just get filled and stay at the full mark for hours on end. Most if not all modern trucks will set a code for incorrect or stuck fuel sender, BTDT.

Thanks for the caution….I had read that from other sources as well; I wouldn’t have thought about possibly confusing the computer/sensors if hadn’t read about it first; would likely have earned the BTDT degree also.

varmonter · 05-11-2022, 10:52 PM

When i put my 53 gal aux tank in my truck(2017 ram 3500 drw. It was a pretty straight foward procedures. Lots of how2 out there. The hardest part was removing the filler tube. I used the existing rubber sleeve onvthe tank side and after getting the fillr
er tube out i cut it short 1/2 the length of the
Of the chk valve doohicky pipe.
Reinstal was ezpz. I put a solinoid switch in minexand wired it to one of my aux switches.
Whem i want fuel just push the button
And open the valve..works slick.on the fly.

varmonter · 06-08-2022, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RVnAggie

I see this thread is several months old, but a quick question for those who have installed an gravity fed aux tank with a solenoid valve….

I’m about to install a 60 gal RDS tank/toolbox (even though I probably can’t afford to fill it up

)

Any recommendations for a specific brand/model of NC solenoid valve you are pleased with or those to avoid that maybe didn’t work out well?

US Solid seems to be popular, but i’ve read a number of comments about how hot they get when switched on for a while; realizing of course all will heat up some due to the DC current doing it’s job. Also, some have indicated the 3/8” NPT version of this brand has a very small orfice that restricts the flow such that it doesn’t keep up with the fuel consumption rate. Ideally, I’m hoping to out run my ~10MPG burn rate enough to be able to open the valve via upfitter switch when stock tank is about 1/2 full and watch my fuel gauge rise a bit for maybe 30 minutes then shut off and repeat again later.

Currently considering the US Solid brand in 1/2” which has a larger opening than the fittings with my RDS install kit so the solenoid valve shouldn’t be the bottleneck.

Appreciate any feedback/recommendations for those who have done this already.

Thanks much in advance!

I used Us solid..this one.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/27476756971...mis&media=COPY
Its 3/8 and it fills slowly...I think if I had a 17mi up hill it may not keep up.. But it works and yes it gets very hot..I have it hooked to my aux switch and will leave it on for 15 min and off for 15. To let it cool..works no issues.
I also used the rollover valve..which is also 3/8.
So I'm not restricting anything. From tank to rollover is all 3/8.. It works but it's slow. Time is all I have driving down the road so no big deal..it does fill faster then the cummins consumes it..lol

RVnAggie · 06-08-2022, 10:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by varmonter

I used Us solid..this one.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/27476756971...mis&media=COPY
Its 3/8 and it fills slowly...I think if I had a 17mi up hill it may not keep up.. But it works and yes it gets very hot..I have it hooked to my aux switch and will leave it on for 15 min and off for 15. To let it cool..works no issues.
I also used the rollover valve..which is also 3/8.
So I'm not restricting anything. From tank to rollover is all 3/8.. It works but it's slow. Time is all I have driving down the road so no big deal..it does fill faster then the cummins consumes it..lol

Thanks Vermonter; appreciate the response. Your scenario describes my intent….to have enough flow to slightly outrun the consumption and turn on for 15-20 min at a time. I used a 3/8” US Solid as well. I’ve completed the plumbing, mounted the solenoid and installed the tank. Just need to run the solenoid wiring to the upfitter switch and give it a go.

darrellr · 06-08-2022, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chunker

Talked to the other outfit and for $193.66 OTD they will install the tank, put cushion strips between the tank and bed, replace one of the isolation mounts, and put the kit in. Couple weeks I'll take it to them. Me and my back figured that was a no brainer.

By the time I was done installing my RDS 60 gallon into my 21 Ram 3500, I would have gladly paid that to have had someone else put it in lol. Was def more of a labor of love than a love of labor.

darrellr · 06-08-2022, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RVnAggie

Thanks for the caution….I had read that from other sources as well; I wouldn’t have thought about possibly confusing the computer/sensors if hadn’t read about it first; would likely have earned the BTDT degree also.

Just a couple of data points, my 2021 Ram doesn't care if it stays on full. However, was talking to a guy who drives a 2020 Chevy and he said it does generate an error after a while.

xrated · 06-09-2022, 05:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kdauto

My auxiliary tank is a 40 U.S. gallon. The main tank is a 34 U.S. gallon. When on long hauls, I usually flip the switch on when the main tank gets to 1/4 remaining. Most of the time, it will slowly fill the main tank and attain anywhere from 75 to 100% full depending on truck consumption and road conditions.

One thing I caution is to not let the main tank just get filled and stay at the full mark for hours on end. Most if not all modern trucks will set a code for incorrect or stuck fuel sender, BTDT.

I can disprove the "all" part of that statement. I have a 2016 F350 Diesel Dually and a 60 gallon RDS aux. tank in the bed. Between that tank and the truck tank (37 1/2 gallons), the start of my trips have approx. 95 gallons onboard. I start off with the aux. tank valve open and flowing, and my fuel gauge remains on full for several hundred miles until the aux. tank is empty, then the truck is running off of the onboard truck tank. I did this for over 5000 miles last Sept. and never had any issue whatsoever with a "code", a light, a anything. In fact, it was really nice to have driven 300+ miles and the fuel gauge was still pegged all the way at full.

kdauto · 06-09-2022, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xrated

I can disprove the "all" part of that statement. I have a 2016 F350 Diesel Dually and a 60 gallon RDS aux. tank in the bed. Between that tank and the truck tank (37 1/2 gallons), the start of my trips have approx. 95 gallons onboard. I start off with the aux. tank valve open and flowing, and my fuel gauge remains on full for several hundred miles until the aux. tank is empty, then the truck is running off of the onboard truck tank. I did this for over 5000 miles last Sept. and never had any issue whatsoever with a "code", a light, a anything. In fact, it was really nice to have driven 300+ miles and the fuel gauge was still pegged all the way at full.

I'm glad for you that your truck is an exception. I would,however, recommend being careful when doing it that way. Depending on how your setup is plumbed in, if something went awry yo could be setting yourself up for a massive spill. Should be less of an issue on a diesel as there's a lot less fuel system emission components, but you never know when a vent tube or rollover valve gets stuck or breaks.

I always recommend filling only when the main tank gets low, and stopping when it hits full. JMHO

GBB · 06-09-2022, 08:49 AM

2021 Ram 3500 here…leave my fill valve open on my 108 gallon tank no codes.

PulNSerenity · 06-13-2022, 12:36 PM

Never done this before. What exactly is the solenoid valve for? Just so you don't have to go to the bed of your truck & flip a manual switch?

RVnAggie · 06-13-2022, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PulNSerenity

Never done this before. What exactly is the solenoid valve for? Just so you don't have to go to the bed of your truck & flip a manual switch?

Yes sir, exactly. Solenoid valve will allow you to start/stop the gravity feed at will without having to stop and open/close the manual valve at the tank outlet.

varmonter · 06-14-2022, 08:05 AM

I guess for me the aux switch is one more added device incase the rollover valve gets stuck and wont stop the feed.
Most folks just plumb straight in and depend
On the rollover.. but I've read issues of
Main tanks leaking at the top when they get
Over filled...I've had no issues with mine as of yet . But it's only been installed for about 4 months. It works as designed and let's me pick tsd stations. I also have a shutoff (ball valve)between the tank and the solinoid..
We will be leaving our volunteer position in aug and taking a leisurely stroll across coast to coast to visit family.
It will have a good workout
then.