Rajan Wilcox
Installing a truck bed fuel tank, also known as a transfer tank, is a straightforward process that can be done in two ways: permanently or temporarily. The permanent installation method involves drilling holes in the truck bed and securing the tank with bolts, washers, and nuts, while the temporary method uses ratchet straps to secure the tank in place. Before beginning the installation, it is important to ensure that the truck is lifted safely and that there is enough space to work. Additionally, the placement of the tank should be carefully considered to prevent damage to the truck bed and to ensure easy access to the lid and battery.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of fuel tank | Diesel auxiliary fuel tank, transfer tank |
| Materials | Steel, aluminum |
| Installation type | Permanent, temporary |
| Installation time | 3 minutes to 1 hour |
| Installation tools | Jack, jack stands, ratchet strap set, nail punch, hammer, drill, bolts, washers, bushings, nuts, rubber fuel supply line, transfer tank pump |
| Fuel capacity | 100 gallons or 450L, 200 gallons |
| Fuel type | Gas, diesel, aviation fuel |
| Safety | Ensure no one gets under the vehicle when it is only supported by the jack, maintain a log book, avoid unsecured fuel cylinders |
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What You'll Learn
Prepare the truck bed
Preparing the truck bed is a crucial step in installing a truck bed fuel tank. Here is a detailed guide to help you through the process:
Firstly, decide whether you want the fuel tank to be a permanent fixture or a temporary installation. This decision will determine the specific steps and tools required for the installation process. If you choose a permanent installation, it will take longer, usually about an hour. On the other hand, a temporary installation is quicker and can often be done in just a few minutes.
Next, ensure you have a spacious and safe working area. Remove any items inside the truck bed, such as a bed mat or any other objects that might hinder your work. It is also important to make sure the truck is securely supported, especially if you need to get underneath it during the installation. Use appropriately sized jack stands and place them on flat portions of the vehicle's frame.
Now it's time to determine the ideal location for your fuel tank. Place the tank in the truck bed and decide where you want it installed. It is recommended to position the tank behind the truck cab, ensuring there is some space on all four sides of the tank to prevent it from rubbing against the truck bed. This spacing will also help you access the tank's lid easily.
Once you've decided on the location, mark the mounting holes. Use the mounting tabs on the fuel tank as a guide. If the tank has tabs on the taller back edges, this indicates it is prone to tipping over, so be sure to use those tabs for your markings. You can use a nail punch and a hammer to mark the spots where you will drill the holes. Remove the fuel tank from the truck bed before drilling to avoid any accidental damage.
Before you start drilling, use a centre punch on the marked locations to prevent the drill bit from straying. Begin drilling with a small bit to create a "pilot hole," then use a larger bit for the final hole size, ensuring it matches the bolts you plan to use. Check the undercarriage of the truck bed to avoid drilling into any important components, such as electrical wires or your existing fuel tank.
After drilling the holes, you can now place the fuel tank back into its designated position in the truck bed. Push the bolts through the holes and secure them with washers, bushings, and nuts. Ensure you have chosen the appropriate bolts, washers, and nuts that are made of stainless steel or aluminum alloys to prevent corrosion.
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Position the tank
Positioning the tank is a crucial step in the installation process. Firstly, decide whether you want the tank to be a permanent fixture or a temporary installation. This will help determine the exact placement and the tools required. Most tank owners opt for a temporary installation, which is quicker and easier to secure.
Next, decide on the specific location of the tank in the truck bed. It is recommended to place the tank away from the sides, front, and back of the bed, leaving space on all four sides to prevent the tank from rubbing against the truck bed and causing potential damage. Typically, the tank is positioned right behind the truck cab, with the lid facing the side of the truck bed for easier access.
Before marking the mounting locations, ensure you have enough space to work and consider removing any items inside the bed of the truck, such as a bed mat. It is also important to have an extra set of hands to help lift and position the tank.
Once you are satisfied with the tank's position, use a nail punch and a hammer to mark the spots for drilling. Remove the tank and drill holes through the truck bed, being cautious not to hit any important components such as electrical wires.
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Mark and drill holes
When installing a truck bed fuel tank, marking and drilling holes is a crucial step that requires precision and attention to detail. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you through the process:
Positioning the Tank: Before marking and drilling holes, it's essential to determine the desired location of the fuel tank in the truck bed. Place the fuel tank in the chosen position, ensuring it is away from the sides, front, and back of the bed. This spacing is crucial to prevent the tank from rubbing against the truck bed and causing potential damage.
Marking the Holes: Once you've positioned the fuel tank, it's time to mark the holes for drilling. Most fuel tanks come with mounting tabs located on the bottom edges or, in the case of taller tanks, on the bottom and taller back edges. Use these tabs as a guide to mark the spots where you will drill the holes. A nail punch and a hammer can be used to create clear indentations on the truck bed. These marks will indicate where the bolts will go to secure the fuel tank in place.
Creating a Pilot Hole: After marking the holes, remove the fuel tank temporarily. This step is important to ensure that you don't accidentally drill through any vital components. Use a center punch on the marked locations to create a small indentation, also known as a "pilot hole." This helps guide the drill bit and prevents it from wandering off the desired path.
Drilling the Holes: Start by drilling the pilot holes with a small drill bit. This initial hole will guide the larger bit and ensure the final hole is accurately placed. Before drilling the final hole, check the undercarriage of the truck bed to avoid drilling through any essential components, such as electrical wires or the existing fuel tank. Choose a drill bit size that matches the bolts you plan to use for securing the fuel tank.
Finalizing the Holes: Once the holes are drilled, carefully inspect them to ensure they are clear of any debris or shavings. Use a small brush or compressed air to clean the holes if needed. It's important to have clear and unobstructed holes to ensure a secure fit for the bolts.
By following these steps, you can confidently mark and drill holes for your truck bed fuel tank installation. Remember to take your time, work in a spacious area, and always prioritize safety when working with power tools and drilling into your vehicle.
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Insert bolts and washers
When installing a truck bed fuel tank, it's important to ensure you have the correct tools and take the necessary safety precautions. Before inserting bolts and washers, you must first decide on the location of the tank in the truck bed. It is recommended to place the tank behind the truck cab, with the lid facing the side of the truck bed for easy access. Once you've marked the mounting locations with a nail punch and hammer, remove the tank from the bed. This is when you can drill holes, but be sure to check the undercarriage to avoid drilling into anything important.
Now, you can insert the bolts. Place washers on your bolts and insert them through the bottom of your truck bed into the diesel transfer tank inserts. It is important to note that the bolts should match the size of the holes you drilled. At this stage, having an extra pair of hands can be helpful to hold the nuts or bolts in place as you tighten them. Ensure that the bolts are secure and consider using stainless steel or aluminum alloy fasteners to prevent corrosion.
If you are installing a permanent fuel tank, you may need to take additional steps, such as running a rubber fuel supply line from the tank to your existing factory fuel tank. For a temporary installation, you may opt for a ratchet strap set to secure the tank, which is a quicker and easier method.
Remember to always refer to the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer of your truck bed fuel tank and exercise caution when working with vehicles and fuel-related components.
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$1179.99
Secure the tank
Securing a truck bed fuel tank is a simple process that can be done in two ways: permanently or temporarily. The permanent installation method involves drilling holes in the truck bed and bolting the tank in place, while the temporary method uses ratchet straps to secure the tank without drilling.
If you opt for the permanent installation, start by marking the mounting locations on the truck bed. Use a nail punch and a hammer to mark the spots through the holes of the tabs attached to the fuel tank's base. Remove the tank and drill holes through the marked spots, being cautious not to hit any electrical wires or other important components. Place the tank back in position and push the bolts through the holes, securing them with washers, bushings, and nuts. Ensure that the fasteners are made of stainless steel or aluminum alloys to prevent corrosion.
The temporary installation method is quicker and more popular. It involves using ratchet straps to secure the tank. Place the tank in the desired position in the truck bed, typically right behind the truck cab, with the lid facing the side of the truck bed. Use ratchet straps rated for the weight of the tank and fuel to tie down the tank securely. This method avoids drilling holes in the truck bed and provides a solid and safe way to secure the tank.
Additionally, consider using a rubber mat or a truck bed liner to place the tank on. This will prevent the tank from sliding and protect the truck bed from scratches or damage.
Remember, whether you choose a permanent or temporary installation, ensure that the tank is securely fastened to comply with safety regulations and avoid fines for unsecured fuel cylinders.
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Frequently asked questions
There are two types of installation procedures: permanent and temporary. For a permanent fixture, you will need to drill holes in your truck bed and secure the tank with bolts, washers, and nuts. For a temporary fixture, you can use ratchet straps to tie the tank down using secure tie-down points on your truck.
It is recommended to position the tank behind the truck cab with some space on all four sides to prevent the tank from rubbing against the truck bed. You should also ensure that the lid faces the side of the truck bed for easy access.
For a permanent installation, you will need a drill, bolts, washers, nuts, and a hammer. For a temporary installation, you will need ratchet straps that are rated for the weight of the tank and fuel.
Always ensure you have plenty of space to work and remove any items from the truck bed. Do not get under the vehicle when it is only supported by a jack. All vehicles must be supported by appropriately sized jack stands.
You will need a transfer tank pump, which works like the pumps at gas stations. These pumps are installed on the mouth of the fuel tank and pump fuel through a hose to a nozzle that you can insert into your vehicle's fuel tank.
