Mercedes Mullins
Ford F-150 trucks have long been a staple in the automotive world, and their fuel tank configuration has sparked curiosity among enthusiasts. While modern trucks typically have a single fuel tank, older models like the 1987-1996 Ford F-150 were known for their dual fuel tank setup. This feature, also seen in other Ford trucks and pickups from the past, raises the question of whether all 89 F150 Fords were designed with two fuel tanks. The answer lies in the unique characteristics and engineering choices behind these vehicles.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Do all 89 F150 Fords have 2 fuel tanks? | No, this feature is mostly found in old Ford models. |
| Why did old trucks have two fuel tanks? | Trucks used to have two fuel tanks out of necessity. Two tanks provided continuous power and helped engines function better under load, especially when towing. |
| Why did Ford switch to a single tank? | Filling up two different gas tanks is less convenient and makes more sense to have one large tank. |
| Are there any new trucks with two fuel tanks? | Yes, the Chevy Silverado HD Chassis Cab and GMC Sierra HD Chassis Cab offer two gas tanks. |
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What You'll Learn
The 1994 F150 XL has a dual tank system
While it is unclear whether all 89 F150 Fords have two fuel tanks, it is known that the 1994 F150 XL has a dual tank system. This feature was common in old Ford trucks and other manufacturers' pickups, but it is rare nowadays. The dual tank system in the 1994 F150 XL has two tanks of the same size, each with a capacity of 18 gallons, according to one source. Another source mentions that the front tank can hold 21 gallons, while the rear tank can hold 11 gallons.
The dual tank system provides several benefits, such as ensuring a reserve supply of fuel and enabling continuous power when towing. However, it can also present some challenges, as seen in a forum post where a user seeks advice on troubleshooting issues with their 1994 F150 XL's dual tank system. The user describes hearing a whirring noise when touching the connector to the positive terminal of the battery, and they are unsure of its source.
To operate the dual tank system in the 1994 F150 XL, there is a switch next to the headlight switch that allows the driver to change between the two tanks. Some users in the forum suggest that the front tank is the main tank, while others state that there is no main tank. It is recommended to keep the fuel level above half in both tanks to prevent inner rust.
The dual tank system in the 1994 F150 XL can provide advantages in terms of fuel capacity and reserve supply, but it may also require specific maintenance considerations, as indicated by the troubleshooting inquiry in the forum.
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Old Ford trucks had dual fuel tanks
Old Ford trucks, particularly the F-250 and F-350 models, were known for having dual fuel tanks. While not as common today, it was once a regular feature in pickup trucks across various manufacturers. The dual gas tank system was utilised out of necessity, especially when it came to towing, as it provided continuous power and better engine performance under load.
The dual fuel tank setup also offered better weight distribution and ensured a reserve supply of fuel. This was particularly important in the past when trucks were extremely inefficient. Additionally, having two smaller tanks was easier to install than finding space for one large tank, which would have required more complex engineering.
However, the dual fuel tank system also had its drawbacks. Filling up two separate tanks was less convenient and could make spare tire placement more challenging. As a result, Ford and other manufacturers eventually moved towards a single fuel tank design.
Today, dual fuel tanks are a rarity, but some new trucks still offer this setup, such as the Chevy Silverado HD Chassis Cab and GMC Sierra HD Chassis Cab, which both provide three different fuel tank options. For buyers who need a vehicle for serious work, the dual fuel tank feature can still be appealing.
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Dual gas tanks are rare today
Although dual gas tanks were once a common feature in pickup trucks, they are now a rarity. Older models of trucks, such as the Ford F-250 and Ford F-350, often came with two separate gas tanks. This feature was especially useful for trucks as it provided continuous power and improved engine performance under heavy loads, such as towing or hauling large equipment. Additionally, having two smaller tanks offered more flexibility in terms of installation compared to finding space for a single large tank.
However, dual gas tanks also presented several drawbacks, which have led to their decline in popularity. One significant issue was the inconvenience of refuelling, as drivers had to fill up two separate tanks. Problems with the valve system that allowed users to switch between tanks were also common, including shorting and uneven fuel distribution between the tanks.
One of the most critical concerns was the safety hazard posed by certain tank configurations. Chevy's side-saddle design, for example, placed the tanks outside the truck's frame, leaving them more vulnerable to puncture during collisions and increasing the risk of fire. According to the Center for Auto Safety, Chevy trucks with side-saddle fuel tanks were involved in over 2,000 fatal accidents involving fire between 1973 and 2009.
Advancements in fuel efficiency have also contributed to the decline of dual gas tanks. Modern trucks are more fuel-efficient, reducing the need for a secondary tank to provide a reserve supply of fuel. Additionally, the increasing dimensions of trucks have made dual tanks less necessary from a space perspective.
While dual gas tanks are now rare, there are still a few options available for those seeking this setup, such as the 2024 RAM 4500 Tradesman, which offers dual fuel tanks as an additional feature.
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Dual tanks help with towing
Although dual gas tanks in trucks are rare nowadays, they were once a common feature in old Ford trucks, such as the Ford F-250 and Ford F-350 models. The dual tank system provides several benefits, especially when it comes to towing.
Firstly, dual tanks ensure continuous power and improved engine performance under load. When towing, a truck consumes more fuel. With two gas tanks, you can be confident that you have a reserve supply of fuel, which is crucial when undertaking long journeys or towing heavy loads.
Additionally, dual tanks offer practical advantages in terms of installation. Installing two smaller tanks is often more straightforward than accommodating one large tank, which may require complex engineering solutions.
The dual-tank system typically operates through a low-pressure pump and sending unit in each tank, with a single high-pressure pump on the frame rail. A mechanically operated Dual Function Reservoir (DFR) sits between the two tanks and is controlled by the low-pressure pump. When a tank is selected, the fuel pressure moves a valve, allowing fuel to flow from the chosen tank while blocking the ports to the other tank.
While dual tanks offer benefits for towing, there are also considerations to keep in mind. Maintaining and filling two separate tanks can be more cumbersome and time-consuming than a single tank. However, for those who value the advantages of dual tanks, especially for towing, the extra effort may be well worth it.
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Two tanks are easier to install than one large tank
Although less common today, some Ford trucks, like the Ford F-250 and Ford F-350, were equipped with two fuel tanks. There are several reasons why two tanks are easier to install than one large tank. Firstly, finding the space for a single large tank can be challenging and may require significant engineering modifications. By opting for two smaller tanks, installation is more straightforward, and it provides the added benefit of a reserve fuel supply, which was crucial when older trucks were extremely inefficient.
Additionally, two smaller tanks offer greater flexibility in terms of placement within the vehicle, especially if a single large tank would be impractical or hinder the overall design. This was likely a consideration for Ford trucks, where towing capabilities and continuous power were essential. The dual-tank system ensured that engines could function optimally under load.
While filling up two tanks may be slightly more inconvenient, the benefits of having a backup fuel source and maintaining consistent power output likely outweighed this minor drawback for owners of these trucks. It's worth noting that some modern trucks, like the Chevy Silverado HD Chassis Cab and GMC Sierra HD Chassis Cab, still offer dual-tank setups, indicating that this system remains appealing to certain consumers.
When deciding between one large tank or two smaller ones, it ultimately depends on specific needs and preferences. For Ford trucks, the dual-tank system provided the necessary fuel capacity for their intended usage, making the installation of two tanks a more practical choice.
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Frequently asked questions
No, not all 89 F150 Fords have 2 fuel tanks. While some older Ford trucks did have dual fuel tanks, this feature is not as common today.
Older trucks from Ford and other manufacturers used dual fuel tanks out of necessity. Trucks with two fuel tanks have continuous power and engines that function better under load, which is useful when towing.
Yes, while it is rare, some new trucks do have two fuel tanks. For example, the Chevy Silverado HD Chassis Cab and GMC Sierra HD Chassis Cab both offer three different fuel tank options.
