Katerina Swanson
Auxiliary fuel tanks are a great way to extend your driving range and provide peace of mind when going on long trips. Installing an auxiliary fuel tank on a service truck requires careful planning and execution to ensure it is done properly and safely. There are several steps to follow, including marking the mounting locations, drilling holes, and bolting the tank into place. It is important to consider the placement of the tank to prevent potential damage and to determine how to run the fuel supply line. Additionally, it is crucial to be aware of any contaminants that may be present in the auxiliary tank and to take the necessary precautions.
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What You'll Learn
- Ensure the tank is installed away from the sides, front, and back of the bed
- Mark the holes for installation with a brightly coloured marking tool
- Drill holes with a small bit first, then a larger bit to match your bolts
- Determine the route for the rubber fuel supply line from the tank to the main tank
- Use a fuel pump mounted on top of the tank to avoid drawing water and sediment
Ensure the tank is installed away from the sides, front, and back of the bed
When installing an auxiliary fuel tank in your service truck, it is important to ensure that the tank is installed away from the sides, front, and back of the bed. This means leaving some space around the auxiliary fuel tank on all four sides. The purpose of this is to prevent the tank from rubbing or chafing against any part of the truck bed, which could cause potential damage to the tank and the bed lining.
To achieve this, you should plan out the desired placement of the tank before drilling any holes. Mark the mounting locations with a brightly coloured tool like a wax pen or chalk to avoid drilling mistakes. The mounting hardware you will need includes bolts, washers, and riv-nuts. If your truck bed is made of aluminium, use 6061 aluminium or 316 stainless steel fasteners to avoid galvanic corrosion. Treat the bare aluminium with a primer and paint, and use a urethane sealant if using riv-nuts.
When drilling the holes, start with a small bit to create a "pilot hole" before drilling the final hole with a bit that matches the size of your bolts. Before drilling, check the undercarriage of the truck bed to avoid drilling into other important components, such as the existing fuel tank. You can bolt the tank directly to the bed, but it is recommended to have additional support, especially with aluminium beds, which are prone to cracking.
By following these steps and ensuring that the auxiliary fuel tank is installed away from the sides, front, and back of the bed, you can achieve a secure and safe installation that prevents potential damage to your service truck and the fuel tank.
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Mark the holes for installation with a brightly coloured marking tool
When installing an auxiliary fuel tank, marking the holes for installation is a crucial step. This process ensures that you accurately identify where you will attach the fuel tank to the bed of your pickup truck. It is important to use a brightly coloured marking tool, such as a wax pen or chalk, to clearly indicate the mounting locations. This helps to avoid any confusion or mistakes during the drilling process.
First, locate the mounting tabs on your auxiliary fuel tank. These tabs are typically found on the bottom edges of the tank. For taller tanks that are more prone to tipping over, additional mounting tabs may be located on the taller back edges. Position the tank properly in the truck bed, ensuring that there is space on all four sides to prevent the tank from rubbing against the truck bed.
Once the tank is in the correct position, mark the holes where the mounting tabs will attach to the truck bed. Use your brightly coloured marking tool to make clear, visible marks. This colour distinction is essential to prevent any accidental drilling in the wrong places. Take your time during this step to ensure accuracy.
After marking the holes, remove the auxiliary fuel tank from the pickup bed. This step provides easier access to the marked locations and ensures that the tank is not in the way during the drilling process. It is now advisable to centre punch the marked locations. Centre punching creates a small indentation that guides your drill bit, helping to prevent it from straying from the desired location.
By following these steps and using a brightly coloured marking tool, you can confidently identify the exact locations for drilling and ensure a precise installation of your auxiliary fuel tank. This methodical approach will help you achieve a secure and safe mounting of the auxiliary fuel tank in your service truck.
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Drill holes with a small bit first, then a larger bit to match your bolts
When installing an auxiliary diesel fuel tank, it is important to follow the correct procedure to ensure the installation is done properly and safely. One of the critical steps is drilling the holes for mounting the tank.
First, mark the mounting locations for the tank on the truck bed. Use a brightly coloured marking tool such as a wax pen or chalk to clearly indicate the holes where you will attach the fuel tank. This ensures that you don't accidentally drill in the wrong place.
Once the locations are marked, remove the auxiliary diesel fuel tank from the pickup bed. Now, centre punch the marked locations to prevent the drill bit from straying. Start by drilling pilot holes with a small bit. This initial hole guides the larger bit you will use in the next step.
Finally, drill the holes with a bit that matches the size of your bolts. Before drilling, check the undercarriage of the truck bed to avoid drilling into any important components, such as the existing fuel tank. This step is crucial to prevent accidental damage to essential parts of your vehicle.
By following these steps, you can accurately and safely drill the holes necessary for mounting your auxiliary fuel tank. Remember to take your time and work carefully to ensure a secure and proper installation.
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Determine the route for the rubber fuel supply line from the tank to the main tank
When determining the route for the rubber fuel supply line from the auxiliary tank to the main tank, it is important to consider the location of the auxiliary tank and the mounting locations. The auxiliary fuel tank should be installed with some space on all four sides to prevent it from rubbing against the truck bed and causing potential damage. Mark the holes where the tank will be installed, using a brightly coloured marking tool such as a wax pen or chalk. Centre punch the locations of the holes to ensure a precise drill.
After marking the mounting locations, remove the auxiliary tank from the pickup bed. Before drilling, check the undercarriage of the truck bed to avoid drilling into the existing fuel tank or other important components. Drill holes with a small bit first, followed by a larger bit, and finally a bit that matches the size of the bolts you plan to use.
Now, you can determine the route for the rubber fuel supply line. Consider the location of the auxiliary tank and the main tank, and plan a route that is safe and secure. The fuel supply line should be a 3/8" rubber hose that runs from the auxiliary tank to the main tank. Ensure that the hose is long enough to reach between the two tanks and that it is securely connected to prevent leaks.
Additionally, consider the inclusion of a fuel pump in your setup. A fuel pump mounted on top of the auxiliary tank can help prevent contaminants and water from entering the main tank. The draw tube of the fuel pump should be positioned 2 to 3 inches short of the bottom of the tank to avoid delivering accumulated water and sediment.
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Use a fuel pump mounted on top of the tank to avoid drawing water and sediment
When installing an auxiliary fuel tank, it is important to consider the positioning of the tank and the fuel pump to ensure the system functions optimally and safely. One crucial aspect is to use a fuel pump mounted on top of the tank to avoid drawing water and sediment. This placement is designed to mitigate the issue of contamination in the fuel system.
Water and sediment accumulation in fuel tanks is a common issue, particularly with single-wall tanks that are more susceptible to condensation. Over time, water vapour can condense and form on the inside surfaces of the tank, eventually sinking to the bottom due to its higher density compared to diesel fuel. Additionally, dirt and other contaminants that are heavier than diesel can also settle at the bottom of the tank.
When fuel is drawn from the auxiliary tank, especially from the drain port, the contamination has a high chance of being transferred into the main tank and the fuel pump. This can lead to operational issues and damage to the fuel system. By mounting the fuel pump on top of the tank, it can draw fuel from the top, avoiding the water and sediment that has settled at the bottom.
To effectively implement this strategy, it is recommended to use a draw tube that stops 2 to 3 inches short of the bottom of the tank. This ensures that the fuel pump only extracts fuel from the top portion of the tank, further reducing the risk of drawing water and sediment. This approach is a standard practice for bed-mounted auxiliary fuel tanks to maintain fuel quality and protect the engine's fuel injection system.
It is worth noting that while this configuration helps mitigate the issue of water and sediment, it may not entirely eliminate the possibility of contamination. Regular maintenance, fuel filtration, and monitoring of fuel quality are still essential to ensure the optimal performance and longevity of the fuel system in service trucks. By combining proper installation techniques with ongoing maintenance, owners can maximise the benefits of their auxiliary fuel tanks and maintain the reliability of their vehicles.
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Frequently asked questions
An auxiliary fuel tank provides extra fuel in emergency situations and extends your driving range, giving peace of mind on long trips or in remote areas.
First, mark the mounting locations and remove the tank from the pickup bed. Center punch the locations of the holes to prevent the drill bit from straying, then drill the holes. Before you bolt the tank into place, determine how and where you will run the fuel supply line.
Install a fuel pump on top of the tank with a draw tube that stops 2 to 3 inches short of the bottom of the tank. This will prevent water and sediment from being delivered to your main tank.
There are a variety of auxiliary fuel tanks available for trucks, including portable tanks that screw into the side and floor of the truck bed, and in-bed auxiliary fuel tanks that seamlessly integrate with your pickup truck. You can also contact companies that provide custom-built fuel tanks to meet your specific needs.
