Sylvie Willis
Semi trucks have had side-mounted fuel tanks since at least the 1940s. These tanks are located outboard of the truck's frame rails and below the driver/passenger cab. They typically carry 120 to 150 gallons of diesel fuel each, but standard tanks can hold 105 gallons. Some semi trucks have more than one fuel tank, and custom tanks can be made to hold 160, 260, or 400 gallons of fuel. The number and size of the tanks determine how far the truck can travel before refuelling.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location of fuel tank | Outboard of the truck's frame rails and below the driver/passenger cab |
| Usual fuel type | Diesel |
| Capacity of standard configuration semi-truck tank | 105 gallons of fuel |
| Capacity of custom-made semi-truck tank | 160 gallons, 260 gallons, or 400 gallons |
| Weight of a standard semi-truck tank when full | 735 pounds |
| Average gas mileage range of a semi-truck | 6.5 miles per fuel gallon |
| Distance travelled by semi-trucks with a capacity of 300 gallons before refuelling | 2,100 miles |
| Safety concerns | High risk of explosion and fire when side-mounted fuel tanks are ruptured |
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What You'll Learn
Semi-trucks have side-mounted fuel tanks
The side-mounted fuel tank design has been a standard feature of semi-trucks since the 1940s, and while it has remained largely unchanged, the tanks themselves have evolved to become lighter and more aerodynamic, improving fuel efficiency and reducing overall fuel consumption. This is particularly important for long-haul trucks that need to maximise their range.
Despite the advantages of side-mounted fuel tanks in terms of space optimisation and weight distribution, there have been concerns raised about the safety of this design. Evidence suggests that the manufacturers of semi-trucks have long been aware of the risks associated with fuel tank breaches, which can lead to explosions and fires, resulting in severe injuries or fatalities for truck occupants.
However, efforts to address these concerns have been met with resistance, and alternative designs have not been widely adopted. As a result, the side-mounted fuel tank configuration persists, and it remains a challenge to balance the need for fuel efficiency and space optimisation with the critical priority of ensuring the safety of truck drivers and occupants.
In conclusion, semi-trucks' side-mounted fuel tanks are a longstanding feature that has undergone some modernisation to enhance efficiency and safety. Yet, the industry continues to grapple with the challenge of mitigating the risks associated with fuel tank breaches and the potential for tragic consequences.
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The tanks are located outboard of the truck's frame rails
Semi-trucks, also known as Class 8 Tractors or Trucks, typically have fuel tanks located on either side of the truck, just below the driver/passenger cab. These tanks are positioned outboard of the truck's frame rails. This design has been standard for these large vehicles since at least the 1940s. Each of the side-mounted tanks can hold a substantial amount of diesel fuel, typically ranging from 120 to 150 gallons. This substantial fuel capacity allows semi-trucks to travel long distances without the need for frequent refuelling.
The location of the fuel tanks, positioned outboard of the frame rails, is a result of the trucking industry's focus on fuel tank efficiency and space optimisation. By placing the tanks on the sides, manufacturers can maximise fuel capacity while considering the truck's overall shape and weight distribution. This design choice is influenced by the need to cover long journeys with fewer refuelling stops.
However, the placement of these fuel tanks has come under scrutiny due to safety concerns. There are risks associated with side-mounted fuel tanks, including the potential for rupture and subsequent explosions or fires in the event of a crash. These safety hazards have been known for decades, yet the location of the fuel tanks has remained largely unchanged. This persistence of the side-mounted tank design can be attributed to a variety of factors, including industry inertia and the belief that there are no feasible alternative solutions.
Despite the safety concerns, the side-mounted fuel tank configuration continues to be prevalent in the heavy truck industry. The standard positioning of the tanks outboard of the frame rails has become a status quo, and any potential design modifications would need to carefully consider the balance between fuel efficiency and safety improvements. In recent years, there has been an increasing focus on sustainable materials and advanced monitoring systems for fuel tanks, indicating a potential direction for future innovations in the industry.
It is worth noting that some semi-trucks do feature custom-made fuel tanks with larger capacities, allowing them to travel even greater distances without frequent refuelling. These customised tanks can hold up to 160, 260, or even 400 gallons of fuel, catering to specific business needs that require extended travel capabilities.
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The standard tank size is 105 gallons
Semi-trucks or semi-trailer trucks are large trucks with a trailer that has a capacity of around 80,000 pounds. They have been manufactured with side-mounted diesel fuel tanks located outboard of the truck's frame rails and just below the driver/passenger cab since at least the 1940s. These fuel tanks are generally large and can carry 120 to 150 gallons of diesel fuel each.
However, the standard semi-truck fuel tank size is 105 gallons. A typical gallon of diesel fuel weighs approximately seven pounds, so a standard semi-truck tank, which may have multiple fuel tanks, can weigh roughly 735 pounds when full. On average, a semi-truck can travel about 6.5 miles using one gallon of fuel. This means that a semi-truck with a standard 105-gallon fuel tank can travel approximately 682.5 miles before needing to refuel.
If your business requires travelling longer distances without stopping frequently for refuelling, you can opt for a customised fuel tank. The usual sizes for customised tanks are 160 gallons, 260 gallons, or 400 gallons. With a larger fuel tank, the semi-truck can travel farther. For example, a semi-truck with a fuel capacity of 300 gallons can travel about 2,100 miles before needing to refuel.
Therefore, while the standard semi-truck fuel tank size is 105 gallons, the tank size can vary depending on the specific needs of the business.
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Custom tanks are available in sizes of 160, 260, or 400 gallons
Semi-trucks have had side-mounted diesel fuel tanks located outboard of the truck's frame rails and below the driver/passenger cab since at least the 1940s. These fuel tanks typically carry 120 to 150 gallons of diesel fuel each, although some variations exist. For instance, custom tanks are available in sizes of 160, 260, or 400 gallons.
Custom tanks are a great option for businesses that need to travel longer distances without stopping frequently for refuelling. With a larger fuel capacity, these trucks can go further between refuels. For example, a semi-truck with a fuel capacity of 300 gallons can travel approximately 2,100 miles before needing to refuel. This extended range can be a significant advantage for businesses operating over large areas or in remote locations.
The weight of the fuel and the fuel tank is also an important consideration. A typical gallon of diesel fuel weighs about seven pounds, so a full standard semi-truck tank can weigh around 735 pounds. Custom tanks, with their larger capacities, will naturally weigh more when full, which could be a factor in terms of fuel efficiency and overall truck performance.
While custom tanks offer benefits in terms of range, it's worth noting that the location of the fuel tanks on semi-trucks has been a safety concern. The side-mounted position of the tanks has been linked to a high risk of truck driver and occupant deaths due to explosion and fire when ruptured in a crash. Despite this known danger, the location of the fuel tanks has remained largely unchanged for decades. This is partly due to the trucking industry's resistance to change and the challenges of finding alternative solutions that balance safety and functionality.
Overall, custom fuel tanks for semi-trucks in sizes of 160, 260, or 400 gallons offer increased fuel capacity and the ability to travel longer distances without frequent refuelling stops. However, it's important to also consider the potential safety implications and weight-related factors that come with larger fuel tanks.
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Some semi-trucks have multiple fuel tanks
Semi-trucks, also known as Class 8 Tractors, have traditionally been manufactured with side-mounted diesel fuel tanks. These tanks are located outboard of the truck's frame rails, just below the driver/passenger cab. Each of these tanks can carry 120 to 150 gallons of diesel fuel. While this is the standard configuration, some semi-trucks are equipped with multiple fuel tanks.
Having multiple fuel tanks increases the overall fuel capacity of the truck, allowing it to travel longer distances without needing to refuel frequently. This is particularly advantageous for businesses that require extended travel without frequent stops. Custom-made semi-truck tanks are often larger, with capacities ranging from 160 gallons to 260 gallons, or even 400 gallons in some cases.
The presence of multiple fuel tanks in semi-trucks has been a topic of concern due to safety hazards. The side-mounted fuel tanks have been associated with a high risk of explosions and fires when ruptured in a crash. Despite evidence and awareness of these dangers, the location and protection of the fuel tanks have remained largely unchanged for decades.
While the standard configuration of a single fuel tank may be sufficient for some operations, certain businesses may require the extended range offered by multiple or larger custom-made fuel tanks. Ultimately, the decision to equip a semi-truck with multiple fuel tanks depends on the specific needs of the business and the distances the truck will need to travel without refuelling.
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Frequently asked questions
The fuel tank on a semi-truck is usually side-mounted outboard of the truck's frame rails and below the driver/passenger cab.
A standard semi-truck tank holds 105 gallons of fuel. Custom-made semi-truck tanks can hold 160 gallons, 260 gallons, or 400 gallons.
On average, a semi-truck can travel about 6.5 miles using one gallon of fuel. A semi-truck with a fuel capacity of 300 gallons can travel approximately 2,100 miles before needing to refuel.
Yes, there are safety concerns regarding the side-mounted fuel tanks of semi-trucks. Evidence suggests that truck manufacturers have known about the dangers associated with explosions and fires when the fuel tanks are ruptured in a crash. However, no significant changes have been made to the location or protection of these fuel tanks.
Companies like AlumiTank specialize in creating custom fuel tanks that comply with FMCSA guidelines and enhance the performance and safety of semi-trucks. The future of semi-truck fuel tanks includes a focus on sustainable materials, advanced monitoring systems, and upholding safety and regulatory standards.
