Rajan Wilcox
Adding an auxiliary fuel tank to a car can be a great way to extend your driving capability and provide peace of mind during emergencies. This process is often done by diesel truck owners who want to ensure they have enough fuel to get them where they need to go. While it may seem like a daunting task, installing an auxiliary fuel tank can be done safely and securely by following the proper steps. This includes ensuring you have enough space to work, marking the mounting locations, drilling holes, and connecting the fuel supply line.
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Clearing space and preparing your car
When preparing to add an auxiliary fuel tank to your car, it is important to ensure you have a clear and spacious work area. Most accidents and injuries occur when people are cramped for space, so it is crucial to make room to move freely around the car. Start by removing any items inside the bed of the truck, such as a bed mat or any other objects that might be in the way. If you need to lift the truck to access the undercarriage, use a jack with a high enough rating to safely lift the vehicle.
Next, decide on the placement of the auxiliary fuel tank. It is recommended to install the tank away from the sides, front, and back of the bed, leaving some space on all four sides of the tank. This spacing will prevent the tank from rubbing against the truck bed and causing potential damage. Mark the mounting locations with a brightly coloured tool like a wax pen or chalk to indicate where you will install the tank.
At this stage, you should also consider how you will run the fuel supply line from the auxiliary tank to your existing factory fuel tank. Determine the most efficient and safe route for the fuel line before proceeding. Additionally, if you live in a place with strict regulations regarding fuel tanks, like California, ensure that your setup complies with local laws.
Now it's time to start preparing the car for the installation. Remove any remaining items from the truck bed and carefully lift the auxiliary fuel tank into place. Having an extra set of hands can be helpful during this step to lighten the load and prevent any scrapes or scratches to the finish of your truck. Once the tank is in position, use a centre punch on the marked locations of the holes to prevent the drill bit from straying.
Drilling the holes is the next critical step. Start by drilling small pilot holes, then gradually increase the size of the bit until you reach the final size that matches the bolts you plan to use. Before drilling each hole, check the undercarriage of the truck bed to ensure you don't accidentally drill into your existing fuel tank or any other important components. With the holes drilled, you're now ready to bolt your new auxiliary fuel tank into place.
Cleaning Car Fuel System Manifolds: What, Why, and How?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Placing the tank in the car
When placing the auxiliary fuel tank in your car, it is important to ensure that you have a spacious and safe working environment. Remove any items inside the bed of the truck, such as a bed mat, to create a clutter-free space. Having an extra pair of hands is beneficial when lifting the tank into the bed of your truck, making the process safer and easier.
Before securing the tank in place, determine the most suitable location for it. It is recommended to install the tank away from the sides, front, and back of the bed, leaving some space on all four sides of the tank. This spacing prevents the tank from rubbing against the truck bed, reducing the potential for damage.
Once you have identified the ideal location, mark the holes where you will install the tank. Use a brightly coloured marking tool, such as a wax pen or chalk, to clearly indicate the mounting locations. This step ensures that you drill holes in the correct places and avoid any mistakes. After marking the holes, remove the auxiliary fuel tank from the bed to prepare for drilling.
Now, you can drill the holes. Start by using a small drill bit to create a "pilot hole", and then use a larger bit to match the size of the bolts you plan to use. Before drilling, check the undercarriage of the truck bed to ensure there are no important components that might be damaged during the process. It is crucial to be cautious and thorough during this step to avoid any accidental damage to existing fuel tanks or other vital parts.
Finally, decide how you will run the fuel supply line from the auxiliary tank to your existing factory fuel tank. This step involves determining the path and method for connecting the two tanks to ensure a smooth fuel transfer. Some people opt for gravity-fed systems, while others prefer to use a separate fuel pump to transfer fuel between tanks.
Aging Car Fuel: How Long is Too Long?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Marking the holes for installation
When marking the holes for installation, the first thing to do is to ensure the placement of the auxiliary diesel fuel tank. It is important to place the tank with some space on all four sides to prevent it from rubbing against any part of the truck bed, which could cause potential damage to the tank. Once you are happy with the placement, use a brightly coloured marking tool, such as a wax pen or chalk, to visibly mark the holes where you will attach the tank to the bed of the pickup. This will ensure that you do not mistakenly drill in the wrong place. After you have marked the mounting locations, remove the tank from the pickup bed.
At this point, it is a good idea to centre punch the locations of the holes to prevent the drill bit from straying from the desired position. You should first drill the holes with a small bit, creating a "pilot hole" for the larger bit. The final hole should be drilled with a bit that matches the bolts you have chosen. Before drilling, check the undercarriage of the truck bed to ensure there are no other items under the hole locations that could be damaged. It is important to be cautious at this stage, as you do not want to accidentally drill into your existing fuel tank or another important component.
Fueling with the Car Running: Is It Safe?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Drilling the holes
Before you begin drilling, it is essential to ensure that you have placed the auxiliary fuel tank in the desired location. This will help you accurately mark and drill the holes. Make sure you have enough space around the tank on all sides to prevent it from rubbing against the truck bed and causing potential damage. Once you have the tank in position, use a brightly coloured marking tool, such as a wax pen or chalk, to visibly mark the holes where you will attach the tank.
Now, remove the auxiliary fuel tank from the truck bed. This will give you better access to the marked locations for drilling. Centre punch the marked locations to prevent the drill bit from straying. Start by drilling pilot holes with a small bit before moving on to the final hole size. It is crucial to check the undercarriage of the truck bed at this stage to ensure you don't accidentally drill into any essential components, such as your existing fuel tank.
After creating the pilot holes, it's time to drill the final holes. Choose a drill bit size that matches the bolts you plan to use for securing the tank. Carefully drill the holes, ensuring they are straight and aligned correctly. Once the final holes are drilled, you can proceed to bolt the auxiliary fuel tank into place.
Before bolting the tank down, consider how you will run the fuel supply line from the auxiliary tank to your existing factory fuel tank. Some people prefer to manually fill the OEM tank from the auxiliary tank as needed, while others may opt for a gravity-fed system or a separate fuel pump. Ensure that your setup complies with local laws and regulations regarding auxiliary fuel tanks.
Additionally, if you're working with a hatchback or concerned about fumes, consider installing a rubber mat between the auxiliary tank and the battery pack. This can help minimise the amount of fumes in the vehicle.
Smart Driving: Reducing Fuel Consumption in Your Car
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Running the fuel supply line
Once you have marked the mounting locations and removed the auxiliary diesel fuel tank from the pickup bed, it is time to run the fuel supply line. This is the 3/8" rubber fuel supply line that will connect the auxiliary tank to the existing factory fuel tank.
Before you begin, it is important to determine the exact route the fuel supply line will take. This will depend on the specific make and model of your car, as well as the placement of your auxiliary fuel tank. Ideally, the fuel supply line should be as short and direct as possible, with minimal bends or obstructions.
When running the fuel supply line, it is crucial to use the correct type of tubing that is compatible with the type of fuel you will be using. For example, diesel fuel requires a different type of tubing than gasoline. It is also important to use fuel-resistant hoses and fittings to prevent leaks and ensure safety. Make sure to securely clamp the hoses to prevent them from coming loose.
In some cases, you may need to drill holes or modify the vehicle's body to accommodate the fuel supply line. This should be done with extreme caution, as drilling into fuel tanks or other critical components can be dangerous. It is always a good idea to consult a professional or a mechanic if you are unsure about any aspect of the installation.
Finally, once the fuel supply line is in place, be sure to test for leaks before filling the auxiliary tank with fuel. A leak can be dangerous and should be addressed immediately.
The Future of Refueling: Quick Fuel Cell Car Refills
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Auxiliary fuel tanks can be useful for extended trips by providing extra fuel in emergency situations.
Ensure that you have plenty of space to work in and remove any items inside the bed of the truck. It is also recommended to have an extra set of hands to help lift the tank.
Check the undercarriage of the truck bed to make sure there are no items that might be hit by the drill. Use a brightly coloured marking tool to mark the holes where you will attach the fuel tank to the bed of the pickup.
Centre punch the locations of the holes to prevent the drill bit from straying. Drill the holes with a small bit first, then use a larger bit that matches the bolts you have chosen.
You can manually fill the OEM tank from the auxiliary tank or use a separate fuel pump. However, you should check your local laws regarding gravity-fed auxiliary fuel tanks.
