Ameer Randolph
Chevy dual fuel tanks are designed to increase the distance that can be travelled before refuelling. They are also useful for off-road driving, as if one tank is damaged, the entire fuel load won't be lost. Each tank has its own fuel pump and sending unit. When the truck is turned on, the computer activates the pumps in both tanks and equalizes the pressure between them. The rear tank is controlled by a computer that senses the level of both tanks (rear and side). When it senses a certain level in the side (main) tank, it turns on a transfer pump, which pumps fuel to the side tank.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of tanks | 2 |
| Type of tanks | Double-walled |
| Functionality | One primary and one secondary tank |
| Tank capacity | 23.5 gallons (for one of the tanks in the latest T1-generation Chevy Silverado HD Chassis Cab) |
| Fuel transfer | Uses a transfer pump to move fuel between the tanks |
| Fuel pump | Each tank has its own fuel pump |
| Sending unit | Each tank has its own sending unit |
| Computer control | The computer activates the pumps and equalizes pressure when the truck is turned on |
| Rear tank control | Computer-controlled based on the level of both tanks |
| Side tank | Operates without a lift pump to move fuel to the engine |
| Purpose | Ensure even usage of both tanks and maintain sufficient fuel pressure for the engine |
| Additional features | Some models have a small 12-volt pump or are gravity-fed; most have a shut-off valve |
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What You'll Learn
Dual fuel tanks have their own pumps and sending units
Chevy dual fuel tanks are designed to ensure that both tanks are used evenly and that there is always enough fuel pressure for the engine. Each tank has its own fuel pump and sending unit. When the truck is turned on, the computer activates the pumps in both tanks and equalizes the pressure between them.
The rear tank is controlled by a computer that senses the level of both tanks (rear and side). When it senses a certain level in the side (main) tank, it turns on a transfer pump, which pumps fuel to the side tank. The side tank operates like any other fuel system, without a lift pump to move fuel to the engine. The transfer pump helps maintain fuel balance between the tanks.
Dual fuel tanks are a great feature for off-road driving, as if one tank is damaged, the entire fuel load is not lost. They also offer a better range than single tanks. However, they are more complex and use many more parts, which can make them more costly.
Some Chevy models with dual fuel tanks include the Chevy C3500HD, Chevy Silverado HD Chassis Cab (3500), and GMC Sierra HD Chassis Cab (3500). These vehicles offer a seamless design that allows for the utilisation of both fuel sources, providing optimal performance and efficiency.
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The computer activates pumps and equalizes pressure
When the truck is turned on, the computer activates the pumps in both tanks and equalizes the pressure between them. This process is made possible by a transfer pump that moves fuel between the tanks to maintain the balance. Each tank has its own fuel pump and sending unit. The rear tank is controlled by a computer that senses the level of both tanks. When the computer detects a certain level in the side (main) tank, it activates a transfer pump to pump fuel to the side tank.
The side tank, on the other hand, functions like a typical fuel system, without the need for a lift pump to deliver fuel to the engine. This ensures that the engine always has sufficient fuel pressure. The dual fuel tanks in Chevy trucks are designed to promote even usage of both tanks and maintain the required fuel pressure for optimal engine performance.
The Chevy Silverado HD Chassis Cab (3500) and GMC Sierra HD Chassis Cab (3500) from the T1 generation (2020 and 2021 models) are equipped with dual fuel tanks. One tank is mounted in the front with a capacity of 23.5 gallons, while the other is positioned at the rear. These dual fuel engines rely on diesel for ignition, and running out of diesel can cause the vehicle to stop running.
Dual fuel systems offer several advantages. Firstly, they provide increased capacity, reducing the need to refuel frequently. Secondly, in the event that one tank is damaged or "holed," the other tank serves as a backup, preventing the complete loss of fuel. Additionally, dual fuel systems can maximize efficiency in heating and cooling applications, such as in vehicles or homes.
It's worth noting that Chevy dual fuel tanks utilize a computer system to manage the fuel transfer process and maintain the necessary pressure balance between the tanks. This automated system ensures the efficient utilization of fuel from both tanks.
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The rear tank is controlled by a computer that senses levels
The rear tank in a Chevy dual-fuel tank system is controlled by a computer that constantly senses the fuel levels in both the rear and side (main) tanks. This computerised system ensures that the fuel levels in both tanks are evenly maintained and that there is always sufficient fuel pressure for the engine. When the computer senses that the level in the side tank has dropped to a certain point, it activates a transfer pump, which pumps fuel from the rear tank to the side tank. This transfer pump helps maintain the correct fuel balance between the two tanks.
The Chevy dual-fuel tank system offers several advantages. Firstly, it maximises the vehicle's range by utilising two tanks, which is particularly beneficial for off-road driving. Secondly, in the event that one tank is damaged, the entire fuel load is not lost, as it is contained within the double-walled tank design. This design also has environmental benefits, as it prevents fuel leaks by capturing any leaking fuel within the interstitial space between the two walls of the tank.
The dual-fuel tank system in Chevy trucks is designed to work seamlessly with both fuel sources, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency. The computerised control system simplifies the process by automatically managing the fuel levels and transfer between tanks. This eliminates the need for a manual switch to choose between tanks, as found in some other dual-tank systems. Instead, the Chevy system utilises level sensors and a PCM (Powertrain Control Module) to average out the fuel levels and display the average on a single fuel gauge.
The rear tank's computerised control is a key component of the Chevy dual-fuel tank system, ensuring the efficient utilisation of fuel and providing peace of mind for drivers. This system demonstrates Chevy's commitment to innovation and practicality, offering a reliable solution for various driving conditions and situations. By utilising both tanks evenly, drivers can extend their range and have the assurance of a backup fuel source should one tank encounter issues. This feature enhances the overall functionality and reliability of Chevy vehicles equipped with dual-fuel tanks.
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The transfer pump helps maintain fuel balance
Chevy dual fuel tanks work using a transfer pump to move fuel between the tanks. Each tank has its own fuel pump and sending unit. When the truck is turned on, the computer activates the pumps in both tanks and equalizes the pressure between them. The rear tank is controlled by a computer that senses the level of both tanks. When it senses a certain level in the side (main) tank, it turns on a transfer pump, which pumps fuel to the side tank. The transfer pump helps maintain fuel balance between the tanks.
The side tank operates like any other fuel system, without a lift pump to move fuel to the engine. The dual fuel tanks in Chevy trucks are designed to ensure that both tanks are being used evenly and that there is always enough fuel pressure for the engine. This means that if one tank gets damaged and loses fuel, the entire fuel load won't be lost.
Some Chevy models with dual fuel tanks have a small 12-volt pump, while others are gravity-fed. Most types come with a shut-off valve to stop the tank from feeding the main tank if needed, for example, if a leak is suspected.
The Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra models with dual fuel tanks do not have a switch to choose between tanks. Instead, they have two level sensors, and the PCM averages out the fuel and displays the average on one gauge.
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Dual fuel tanks prevent fuel loss if one tank is damaged
Chevy dual fuel tanks are designed to prevent fuel loss in the event of damage to one of the tanks. This is achieved through a dual fuel system, which combines an electric heat pump and a gas furnace, allowing the vehicle to take advantage of two fuel sources. This redundancy ensures that even if one tank is compromised, the other can continue to supply fuel to the engine, minimising the risk of fuel loss and keeping the vehicle operational.
Each tank in the dual fuel system has its own fuel pump and sending unit. When the truck is turned on, the computer activates the pumps in both tanks, equalising the pressure. The rear tank is controlled by a computer that monitors the levels in both the rear and side tanks. When a certain level is reached in the side (main) tank, the computer activates a transfer pump to move fuel to the side tank.
The dual fuel tank system ensures that both tanks are used evenly and that there is always sufficient fuel pressure for the engine. This balance is maintained by the transfer pump, which moves fuel between the tanks as needed. This design not only prevents fuel loss in the event of damage but also improves the vehicle's range and fuel efficiency.
Additionally, Chevy's dual fuel tanks feature a double-walled design, which provides an extra layer of protection against fuel loss. This design consists of a tank within a tank, where the inner tank holds the fuel, and the outer tank, or "interstitial space," serves as a secondary containment system. If the inner tank leaks, the outer tank contains the fuel, preventing it from escaping into the environment.
The dual fuel tank setup is particularly advantageous for off-road use or situations where fuel loss could be a safety concern. With two tanks, drivers can rest assured that even if one tank is damaged, the other will serve as a backup, providing peace of mind and enhanced reliability.
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Frequently asked questions
A dual fuel system is a hybrid system that uses both an electric heat pump and a gas furnace. It allows you to take advantage of two fuel sources for optimal cooking conditions.
Chevy dual fuel tanks work by utilising a transfer pump to move fuel between the tanks. Each tank has its own fuel pump and sending unit. When the truck is turned on, the computer activates the pumps in both tanks and equalises the pressure. The rear tank is controlled by a computer that senses the level of both tanks. When it senses a certain level in the side (main) tank, it turns on a transfer pump, which pumps fuel to the side tank.
Dual fuel tanks ensure that both tanks are being used evenly and that there is always enough fuel pressure for the engine. They also prevent fuel leaks by containing leaking fuel in the "interstitial space" between the two walls of the tank.
There is no switch to choose between tanks. Chevy dual fuel tanks have a primary and a secondary fuel tank, each with its own level sensor. The PCM averages out the fuel and displays it on one gauge, so what you see is the average between both tanks.
When fuelling up, you should fill the rear tank first.
