Ameer Randolph
Installing an auxiliary fuel tank can be a great way to extend your vehicle's driving range and provide peace of mind during emergency situations. While the process may vary slightly depending on the type of vehicle and fuel tank, there are several key steps to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to ensure the safety of the installation by following proper procedures, such as lifting the vehicle with an appropriately rated jack and using jack stands. Additionally, consider the placement of the auxiliary fuel tank to prevent potential damage to the tank and the vehicle. Mark the mounting locations and drill holes with precision, seeking advice from professionals if needed. The process may also involve accessing the bottom side of the truck bed, inserting a rubber fuel line, and fastening the fuel tank securely with bolts, nuts, and washers. Taking these steps can help ensure a safe and effective installation of an auxiliary fuel tank.
How to Hook Up an Auxiliary Fuel Tank
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To increase fuel capacity and provide peace of mind during emergencies or long trips |
| Vehicle Type | Pickup trucks, hatchbacks, and cars |
| Fuel Type | Diesel or petrol |
| Installation Location | Truck bed, trunk, or behind the back seat |
| Safety Considerations | Use an additional enclosure, bladder and foam systems, or a rubber mat to reduce fumes and the risk of fuel tank damage |
| Installation Steps | Mark and drill holes, fasten the tank with bolts, nuts, and washers, prime the fuel filter if using an inline filter |
| Tools and Materials | Jack and jack stands, bolts, nuts, washers, rubber fuel line, fuel filter, drill, mounting tabs |
| Additional Tips | Ensure adequate ventilation, seek advice from race shops or experts, disguise the tank for subtlety |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Safety considerations for auxiliary fuel tanks
Safety should be a key consideration when installing an auxiliary fuel tank. Here are some important safety precautions to keep in mind:
Firstly, ensure you have assistance during the installation process. An extra set of hands can be invaluable for lifting the tank into position and holding nuts or bolts in place during fastening. This can help prevent accidental damage to your vehicle's finish and also improve safety during the lifting process.
Before beginning any installation work, it's crucial to use a jack to safely lift the vehicle. However, never get under the vehicle when it is only supported by the jack. Always use appropriately sized jack stands, placed on flat portions of the vehicle's frame, to provide stable support.
When marking and drilling holes for the fuel tank's mounting, take extra care not to drill into any fuel lines or other critical components. Use a brightly coloured marking tool, such as a wax pen or chalk, to clearly indicate the correct locations for drilling. Start with a small pilot hole before drilling the final hole with a bit that matches your chosen bolts.
Additionally, if your auxiliary fuel tank is tall and prone to tipping over, ensure you utilise the mounting tabs on the bottom and taller back edges for secure installation.
By following these safety considerations and carefully reviewing vehicle-specific instructions, you can help ensure the proper and safe installation of an auxiliary fuel tank.
Draining the Fuel Tank on a Ford F350: Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Lifting and placing the tank
Before lifting, determine the placement of the tank. It's important to install the tank away from the sides, front, and back of the bed, leaving space on all four sides. This prevents the tank from rubbing against the truck bed and potentially causing damage. Once you've decided on the location, mark the holes where the tank will be attached using a brightly coloured marking tool like a wax pen or chalk. This ensures you drill in the correct spots.
After marking the mounting locations, remove the tank from the pickup bed. Now, you can centre-punch the marked locations to prevent the drill bit from straying. Start by drilling small pilot holes, then use a larger bit to create holes matching the size of your chosen bolts.
If you need to lift your truck to access the underside for installation, use a high-rated jack to safely lift the vehicle. Remember, never get under the vehicle when it's only supported by the jack. Always use appropriately sized jack stands placed on flat portions of the vehicle's frame for support.
Draining the Fuel Tank of a Victory Cross Country
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Marking and drilling holes
Once you have chosen the location for your auxiliary fuel tank, it is time to mark and drill the holes. First, make sure that the tank is placed away from the sides, front, and back of the bed. This is to ensure that the tank has some space on all four sides to prevent it from rubbing against the truck bed and potentially causing damage.
Now, visibly mark the holes where you will attach the fuel tank to the bed of the pickup. It is important to use a brightly coloured marking tool such as a wax pen or chalk. This will help you avoid drilling the wrong hole. After marking, remove the auxiliary fuel tank from the pickup bed.
Next, centre punch the locations of the holes to prevent the drill bit from straying from the desired location. Start by drilling the holes with a small bit, creating a "pilot hole" for the larger bit. Finally, drill the holes with a bit that matches the bolts you have chosen to use.
If your truck bed has rubber plugs near the bottom of the stake pocket support posts, you can remove them and cut a hole in the centre to insert the rubber fuel line. Put the plug back in place and run the line down towards the factory fuel neck.
Determining Fuel Oil Tank Capacity: Methods and Techniques
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Using bolts, nuts and washers
Installing an auxiliary diesel fuel tank can be a great way to extend your driving capability and provide peace of mind during emergency situations. Here is a step-by-step guide on using bolts, nuts, and washers to install an auxiliary fuel tank:
First, ensure you have an extra set of hands to help lift and position the auxiliary fuel tank. You want to place the tank in the bed of your truck, ensuring there is some space on all four sides to prevent the tank from rubbing against the truck bed and causing potential damage. Mark the holes where you will install the tank onto the truck bed. Use a brightly coloured marking tool such as a wax pen or chalk to clearly indicate the mounting locations. Remove the auxiliary fuel tank from the truck bed and create pilot holes to guide your drilling. Use a small drill bit first, and then a larger bit to create the final hole, ensuring it matches the size of your chosen bolts.
Now, you can use bolts, nuts, and washers to fasten the fuel tank securely in place. Place the bolts and washers in the designated holes and tighten them with a wrench or ratchet, ensuring they are securely fastened. The nuts can be held in place by your helper as you tighten the bolts from either the bottom or top of the auxiliary fuel tank. Make sure all hardware is tightened securely to prevent any potential leaks or issues.
By following these steps and using bolts, nuts, and washers, you can safely and securely install an auxiliary fuel tank, ensuring it is fastened securely in place and ready for use. Remember always to take the necessary safety precautions when working with vehicles and fuel systems.
Draining the 2005 Subaru Legacy Fuel Tank: Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$1179.99
Adding an inline fuel filter
If your vehicle already has a fuel filter built into the fuel pump assembly or fuel tank sending unit/fuel pump module, an inline filter may not be needed. Adding an extra filter will not prevent deposits from forming on injectors due to the fuel itself, and it could shorten the life of the fuel pump by making it work harder.
On the other hand, if your vehicle does not have a built-in fuel filter or you are installing an auxiliary fuel tank without a filter, you may consider adding an inline fuel filter. One option recommended by some vehicle owners is the Amazon goldenrod fuel filter, a 10-micron, high-flow, large surface area filter suitable for gravity-fed systems.
To install an inline fuel filter, you may need tools such as a tubing cutter and flare tool, depending on your vehicle's setup. Fuel line repair kits, such as those available from Napa, can also be useful for splicing different types of fuel lines and adding inline filters. It is essential to consult a qualified technician or mechanic to ensure the proper installation and compatibility of the inline fuel filter with your vehicle's fuel system.
Overall, while adding an inline fuel filter to an auxiliary fuel tank can be beneficial in some cases, it is essential to consider your vehicle's specific fuel system and seek professional advice to make an informed decision.
Draining Fuel Tank on Polaris 570 Sportsman: Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
An auxiliary fuel tank is a self-contained and mountable fuel tank with its own safety and venting systems.
Installing an auxiliary fuel tank gives you extended driving capability and peace of mind, especially on long trips, as you will always have enough fuel to get you where you need to go.
Before installing an auxiliary fuel tank, it is important to plan its placement carefully. You should place the tank in the location where it will be installed, ensuring that there is some space on all four sides to prevent the tank from rubbing against the truck bed and causing potential damage.
To install an auxiliary fuel tank, you will need to mark and drill holes in the truck bed to attach the mounting tabs of the fuel tank. You may also need to lift the truck and remove rubber plugs to access the bottom side of the truck bed and insert a rubber fuel line. It is recommended to have an extra set of hands to help hold nuts and bolts in place.
When installing an auxiliary fuel tank, it is important to ensure that the vehicle is safely supported with appropriately sized jack stands placed on flat portions of the frame. Do not get under the vehicle when it is only supported by a jack. Additionally, consider using a second enclosure, a bladder and foam system, or a rubber mat between the battery pack and the auxiliary tank to minimise fumes.
