Rajan Wilcox
Ford trucks are well-known for their dual fuel tank feature, which was a common offering in older models. The F450 is one such truck that has dual fuel tanks, which operate independently and automatically. When the front fuel tank drops below three-quarters full, fuel is automatically transferred from the rear tank to the front, ensuring the front tank remains between half and three-quarters full. While dual fuel tanks are less common in modern trucks, they are still available in certain models and are valued for their continuous power supply, improved engine performance under load, and convenience in installation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Dual fuel tank system | Operates independently and automatically |
| Fuel delivery | Fuel pump in the front tank delivers fuel to the engine |
| Rear fuel tank usage | Fuel transfers from the rear tank to the front tank when the front tank drops below three-quarters full |
| Front fuel tank level | Maintained between half and three-quarters full when there is fuel in the rear tank |
| Restarting the engine | Requires adding fuel to the front tank |
| Filler access | Choose a body/bed that allows access to the filler without crawling under the truck |
| Chassis cab trucks | Typically have a rear-mounted tank but not a midships tank |
| Customization | Some custom hauler beds have filler doors for both filler tubes |
| Fuel gauge | Takes approximately 20 minutes to move from empty to full when switching tanks |
| Low fuel light | Turns off when switching tanks, but miles to empty does not reset until the truck is shut off |
| Spare tire placement | May be inconvenient with dual tanks |
| Fuel system complexity | Dual tanks add complexity |
| Refuelling | Requires filling up two separate tanks to reach full capacity |
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What You'll Learn
How does the dual-tank system work?
The dual-tank system in vehicles typically involves a main fuel tank and an auxiliary fuel tank, which work together to supply fuel to the engine. Each tank usually has its own filler port or pipe, allowing for flexible refuelling options. The system operates independently and automatically, ensuring a consistent fuel supply to the engine.
In a dual-tank arrangement, the fuel pump in the front or main fuel tank is responsible for delivering fuel to the engine. This pump operates in conjunction with a Venturi Jet Pump, which draws fuel from the tank and ensures an adequate supply during various vehicle maneuvers and low fuel levels. When the fuel level in the front tank drops below three-quarters full, the system automatically transfers fuel from the rear or auxiliary tank to the front tank. This maintains the fuel level in the front tank between half and three-quarters full, ensuring a steady fuel supply to the engine.
The dual-tank system also incorporates various components for proper functioning. These include a fill limiter tee, emissions control fuel vapor line, vent line, and fuel return line. The fill limiter tee controls the flow of fuel between the tanks, allowing for the transfer of fuel from the auxiliary tank to the main tank as needed. The emissions control fuel vapor line and vent line help manage fuel vapors and ventilation, while the fuel return line facilitates the return of unused fuel to the tanks.
Additionally, some dual-tank systems may feature a fuel tank selector solenoid, allowing for manual switching between tanks. This provides drivers with the ability to choose which tank is actively supplying fuel to the engine, offering flexibility and control over fuel usage. It is important to note that the specific design and components of dual-tank systems can vary across different vehicle models and manufacturers.
In terms of fuel gauge readings, the dual-tank system may have a single gauge that monitors the overall fuel level across both tanks. This can be managed by resetting the trip odometer each time the vehicle is refuelled, providing an accurate indication of the fuel levels in each tank. Alternatively, some systems may have individual gauges for each tank, offering a more precise understanding of the fuel levels.
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Filler tube access
When adding a second fuel tank to a truck, the filler setup is one of the most challenging aspects to address. The filler tube must be easily accessible for refuelling, and the setup should be aesthetically pleasing. In some cases, the filler tube may require a significant amount of fabrication work.
For instance, when mounting a second fuel tank on an F450 or F550 chassis cab truck, the body/bed chosen should allow access to both filler tubes without the need to crawl under the vehicle. This consideration ensures a more convenient refuelling process.
Additionally, the filler tube location can impact other components, such as the placement of the spare tire. The spare tire may need to be relocated to accommodate the filler tube, adding complexity to the installation process.
Furthermore, when installing dual fuel tanks, it is essential to consider the overall fuel system complexity. Dual fuel tanks require additional components such as valves and switches to manage the fuel transfer between tanks. This adds to the initial installation cost and maintenance requirements compared to a single fuel tank setup.
In summary, when equipping an F450 with dual fuel tanks, careful consideration should be given to filler tube access. The body style and bed type should be chosen to provide convenient and easy access to both filler tubes, enhancing the vehicle's functionality and the owner's experience.
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Fuel gauge behaviour
The Ford F450 is a super-duty pickup truck that offers a dual-fuel tank option. This feature is available in the XL and XLT models, providing two separate fuel tanks to supply continuous power to the engine. The dual-fuel tank system operates independently and automatically, ensuring the engine has a steady fuel supply.
The fuel gauge behaviour in the F450 with dual fuel tanks is designed to provide an accurate reading of the fuel level across both tanks. The front fuel tank, located closer to the engine, serves as the primary fuel source. The fuel pump in this tank delivers fuel directly to the engine to power the vehicle. When the fuel level in the front tank drops below three-quarters full, the system automatically transfers fuel from the rear tank to the front tank. This automatic transfer ensures the front tank remains between half and three-quarters full whenever there is fuel in the rear tank.
As a result, the fuel gauge will typically reflect the overall fuel level in both tanks combined, rather than indicating the levels of each tank independently. This design decision ensures that drivers have a clear understanding of the total fuel available and can plan their refuelling stops accordingly.
However, it is important to note that some F450 dual-tank configurations may have a single fuel gauge that corresponds to only the front tank. In such cases, drivers need to monitor their fuel usage and reset the trip odometer each time they fill up to accurately estimate the remaining fuel level. This manual process helps compensate for the lack of a dedicated gauge for the rear tank, ensuring drivers are aware of their overall fuel status.
Additionally, when the vehicle runs out of fuel, it is essential to add fuel to the front tank to restart the engine. This requirement is due to the front tank's direct connection to the engine's fuel system. Therefore, the fuel gauge behaviour is critical for preventing unexpected outages and ensuring the vehicle has sufficient fuel in the front tank to operate.
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Tank control from the driver's seat
The Ford F450 is a super-duty pickup truck that offers a dual-fuel tank option. This feature is available in the XL and XLT models, providing drivers with two fuel tanks that operate independently and automatically. While this feature enhances fuel capacity and weight distribution, it also introduces some complexities in the fuel system.
The dual-fuel tank system in the F450 operates seamlessly without requiring manual intervention from the driver. The front fuel tank is the primary source of fuel for the engine, and when its level drops below three-quarters full, the system automatically transfers fuel from the rear tank to maintain the front tank's level between half and three-quarters full. This automatic fuel transfer ensures a continuous fuel supply without the need for driver input.
However, some users have expressed a desire for more direct tank control from the driver's seat. In certain driving scenarios, such as uphill climbs, the ability to manually switch between tanks could be advantageous. Unfortunately, the F450's dual-tank system does not offer a switch for manual tank selection. The absence of a switch means that drivers cannot actively choose which tank to draw fuel from while on the road.
To address this, some F450 owners have explored aftermarket solutions. One option is to install a Pollak valve, which requires splicing into the supply and return lines and the sender wire. This valve setup enables the driver to manually switch between tanks by flipping the valve's polarity. Additionally, a Greasecar valve can be employed, which only requires supplying 12V when switching to the auxiliary tank, but it necessitates a two-pole switch for sender wire control. These modifications provide drivers with more direct control over their fuel tanks but require technical expertise and alterations to the fuel system.
While the F450's dual-tank system lacks manual tank selection from the driver's seat, it prioritises seamless and automatic fuel management. For drivers seeking greater control, aftermarket modifications can be explored, but they involve technical interventions and customisations beyond the standard offerings.
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Dual fuel tank advantages
The Ford F450 is a truck that can be equipped with dual fuel tanks. This feature is available in the XL and XLT models. A dual fuel tank delivery system offers several advantages over a single tank system.
One of the main advantages of a dual fuel tank system is the increased fuel capacity, which can be beneficial for various reasons. Firstly, it provides a longer driving range, reducing the need for frequent refuelling stops. This can be especially useful for long-distance trips, off-road adventures, or in areas where fuel stations are scarce. Secondly, in the event of a natural disaster or emergency, a larger fuel reserve can be crucial for evacuation or survival purposes.
Another advantage of a dual fuel tank system is the ability to switch between tanks seamlessly. The system operates independently and automatically. When the fuel level in the front tank drops below three-quarters full, fuel is automatically transferred from the rear tank to maintain the front tank's level between half and three-quarters full. This ensures a consistent fuel supply to the engine, preventing fuel starvation and maintaining optimal engine performance.
Additionally, having two tanks can provide redundancy and peace of mind. In the unlikely event of a fuel pump failure, the second tank can be utilized. This backup ensures that you're not left stranded and provides time to address any pump issues without compromising your mobility.
Finally, a dual fuel tank system can offer flexibility in fuel type usage. While this may not apply to all vehicles, some dual tank setups allow for the use of different fuels in each tank. This can be beneficial for vehicles that have the capability to run on multiple fuel types, such as gasoline and diesel, or even alternative fuels. This flexibility can provide cost savings or fuel availability advantages, depending on the region and fuel prices.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Ford F450 models from 2017 to 2022 have the option of dual fuel tanks.
The fuel pump in the front fuel tank delivers fuel to the engine. When the fuel in the front tank drops below three-quarters full, fuel automatically transfers from the rear tank to the front tank.
No, the dual fuel tank system operates independently and automatically. However, if your vehicle runs out of fuel, you must add fuel to the front tank to restart the engine.
The fuel gauge will measure both tanks as a whole. It takes about 20 minutes for the gauge to move from empty to full when switching tanks.
Yes, some new trucks still offer dual fuel tanks, including the Chevy Silverado HD Chassis Cab and GMC Sierra HD Chassis Cab. Dual fuel tanks were more common in older trucks, especially those used for towing, such as the Ford F-250 and Ford F-350 models.
