Ameer Randolph
While dual fuel tanks were once a common feature on trucks, with some older Ford trucks offering dual fuel tanks on both gasoline and diesel models, they have become less popular in modern trucks. Today, only one modern diesel truck offers two fuel tanks, and a few models provide the option of choosing between a single large tank or two smaller tanks. The Chevy Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD, for instance, offered dual fuel tanks as standard on their 2020 and 2021 models, with a combined capacity of 63.5 gallons. The 2025 Ram Chassis Cab also offers three fuel tank options, including a dual fuel tank capacity of 74 gallons.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of modern trucks with dual fuel tanks | 1 |
| Examples of trucks with dual fuel tanks | Chevy Silverado HD Chassis Cab, GMC Sierra HD Chassis Cab, Ram Chassis Cab, GM Chassis Cab |
| Examples of trucks with single fuel tanks | 2025 Ram Chassis Cab, GM Chassis Cab |
| Capacity of dual fuel tanks in Chevy Silverado HD Chassis Cab and GMC Sierra HD Chassis Cab | 63.5 gallons |
| Capacity of rear fuel tank in Chevy Silverado HD Chassis Cab and GMC Sierra HD Chassis Cab | 40 gallons |
| Capacity of front fuel tank in Chevy Silverado HD Chassis Cab and GMC Sierra HD Chassis Cab | 23.5 gallons |
| Capacity of single fuel tank in 2025 Ram Chassis Cab | 52 gallons |
| Capacity of single fuel tank in GM Chassis Cab | 40 gallons |
| Capacity of dual fuel tanks in Ford trucks | 60 gallons |
| Capacity of single fuel tank in 1978 F150 regular cab short box step side | 26 gallons |
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What You'll Learn
The Chevy Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD have dual fuel tanks
The Chevy Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD are the exceptions to the rule when it comes to modern trucks with dual fuel tanks. These trucks received a complete overhaul for the 2020 model year, with updates to their exterior styling, interior, underlying platform, and features list.
The latest T1-generation (2020 and 2021 models) of the Chevy Silverado HD Chassis Cab (3500) and GMC Sierra HD Chassis Cab (3500) come with dual fuel tanks as standard. One tank is mounted at the front and has a capacity of 23.5 gallons, while the other is mounted at the rear, with a capacity of 40 gallons, bringing the total fuel capacity to 63.5 gallons.
Customers can also opt for just one tank, either the front or the rear, with a total of three fuel tank options available. The rear fuel tank is required for the Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) tank relocation, which moves the DEF tank inside the frame rails and comes with a DEF tank relocation mounting kit.
The Chevy Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD are the only modern diesel trucks with dual fuel tanks. Older model Ford trucks, for example, typically had two fuel tanks for gasoline and diesel models.
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Ram Chassis Cab trucks have three fuel tank options
The Ram Chassis Cab trucks offer three fuel tank options, allowing you to choose the right way to fuel up according to your needs. The standard option is a single 52-gallon rear-mounted fuel tank. Alternatively, you can opt for a 22-gallon midship fuel tank. For those who need to stay on the job longer, there is a 74-gallon dual fuel tank combination, which consists of a 52-gallon tank and a 22-gallon midship fuel tank.
The Ram Chassis Cab trucks are highly versatile, with multiple configurations and capabilities. They offer two cab types, four cab axle lengths, and nine wheelbases. The cab, or cabin, refers to the driving compartment of the truck, which contains the vehicle controls and seating. The Ram Chassis Cab trucks can accommodate up to six passengers with two rows of seating in the Quad Cab, Crew Cab, and Mega Cab options.
In terms of fuel efficiency, gasoline tends to be cheaper than diesel fuel and is more readily available at fuel stations in the United States. However, diesel fuel typically yields better mileage, especially when driving on highways. The Ram Chassis Cab trucks provide various engine options, including the powerful 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 engine, which offers excellent towing capabilities of up to 37,090 pounds.
When it comes to modern trucks with dual fuel tanks, there are limited options available. Only one modern diesel truck, the Ram Chassis Cab diesel truck, offers a dual-tank setup. Older model trucks, such as Ford trucks, often featured two fuel tanks to balance out the weight from front to back. However, with advancements in truck design, most modern trucks have transitioned to a single fuel tank setup.
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Older Ford trucks had dual fuel tanks
While most modern trucks have a single fuel tank, older Ford trucks, both gasoline and diesel models, typically had dual fuel tanks. These trucks had two tanks to balance out the weight from front to back. In most cases, these two tanks were the same size. Older Ford trucks used a series and parallel system, with one fuel pump pushing fuel from both tanks through a Y-connector.
Ford trucks with dual fuel tanks had their tanks mounted front and rear of the axle, inside the frame rails. This design came under scrutiny after 2020, as it was found that in a side-impact collision, the tanks could be punctured and leak. This design flaw could also result in a fire if flammable materials were stored in the vicinity of the tanks.
A user on the Ford Trucks forum recalled their experience with a 1979 Ford truck with dual fuel tanks, which had a mid-ship frame and a rear tank between the frame rails. The tanks could be switched using a lever on the dashboard, which also changed the gas gauge reading. Another user shared their experience with a 1995 Ford Flare Side XLT Step Side, which also had dual fuel tanks with a switch on the dashboard.
While dual fuel tanks were once a common feature on older Ford trucks, the design has fallen out of favour due to safety concerns and the preference for more efficient single-tank systems in modern trucks.
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GM's side-saddle tanks are vulnerable to punctures
While some modern trucks do have dual fuel tanks, the focus of this discussion is on the vulnerability of GM's side-saddle fuel tanks to punctures and the associated safety concerns.
GM's side-saddle fuel tank design, installed in over 10 million trucks from 1973 to 1987, has been the subject of safety concerns and controversies. The tanks are mounted outside the frame rails, which makes them more susceptible to rupture and puncture by sharp objects during crashes. This vulnerability has been a major issue, with over 2,000 people killed in fire crashes involving these trucks from 1973 to 2009, according to data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
In the 1970s, GM engineers raised concerns about the safety of the side-saddle fuel tank design, recommending that occupants should be protected from the hazards of post-collision fuel fires. However, their concerns were overridden by management's focus on sales and the desire to install a 40-gallon capacity to achieve a greater driving range. Despite the known risks, GM management chose to place the tanks outside the frame, and the engineers then suggested installing shields around the tanks for protection.
The battle over the recall of these pickup trucks began in 1992 when the Center for Auto Safety and Public Citizen filed a recall petition, citing serious fire hazards. GM initially resisted, claiming that the fuel tank did not pose an unreasonable safety risk and submitting documents to support their argument. However, in 1993, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) called on GM to voluntarily recall the affected vehicles, and this recall request was followed by an initial defect determination by the Transportation Secretary in 1994. Despite these requests, GM refused to initiate a recall, leading to widespread criticism and legal challenges.
The vulnerability of the side-saddle fuel tanks to punctures and the resulting fire hazards have been well-documented. The location of the tanks outside the frame rails increases the risk of rupture and puncture during collisions, which can lead to fuel leaks and fires. This issue has resulted in tragic consequences, with a significant number of fatalities and serious safety concerns for drivers and passengers alike.
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Dual fuel tanks are unpopular
The Chevy Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD offered dual fuel tanks as standard for their 2020 and 2021 models, but this was an exception to the trend. The dual fuel tank setup was also available for the Ram Chassis Cab diesel truck and the GM pair, but these trucks used a single pump to run fuel from both tanks to the engine, rather than the older model trucks that used two separate pumps.
The unpopularity of dual fuel tanks may also be due to the increased space they require. One user on a Ford Truck Enthusiasts forum noted that there was no room for another tank in their truck, as the single tank took up all the available space. Another user on the same forum commented that they had seen older models with dual fuel tanks and selector switches, but they believed that this option may have been discontinued due to its unpopularity.
The benefits of opting for a single tank setup include increased fuel capacity and improved engine performance. For example, the 40-gallon rear fuel tank option for the Chevy Silverado HD comes with a turbodiesel engine that delivers 445 horsepower and 910 lb-ft of torque. This is a significant improvement over the dual-tank setup, which offers 401 horsepower and 464 lb-ft of torque.
Overall, while dual fuel tanks may have been common in older truck models, they are now unpopular due to safety concerns, space constraints, and the improved performance offered by single tank setups.
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Frequently asked questions
Only one modern diesel truck offers two fuel tanks. The 2020 and 2021 Chevy Silverado HD Chassis Cab and GMC Sierra HD Chassis Cab come with dual fuel tanks, one mounted in the front and the other in the rear, with a total capacity of 63.5 gallons.
Dual fuel tanks can help balance out the weight of the truck from front to back. They also increase the total fuel capacity of the vehicle, allowing for longer trips without needing to refill.
One potential disadvantage of dual fuel tanks is that they can take up a significant amount of space in the vehicle. Additionally, in the past, Ford's dual tank design has received criticism for being vulnerable to punctures and leaks in side-impact collisions.
For trucks with a single fuel tank, there are often different tank sizes available, such as a standard 40-gallon tank or a larger 52-gallon tank. Some trucks also offer the option of a midship fuel tank in addition to the rear-mounted tank, increasing the overall fuel capacity.
