Regan Brown
Older Ford F-150s were fitted with dual fuel tanks due to a variety of reasons. Firstly, having two tanks ensures a continuous power supply, allowing engines to function better under load, especially during towing when more fuel is consumed. Additionally, dual tanks provide better weight distribution as fuel weighs about 6.3 pounds per gallon, and dividing the weight across two tanks improves vehicle balance. Furthermore, dual tanks serve as a backup fuel supply, providing peace of mind and enabling drivers to keep moving even if one tank experiences issues. While dual tanks add complexity to the fuel system and can make spare tire placement inconvenient, they were easier to install than a single large tank, which would require significant engineering modifications.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of fuel tanks | 2 |
| Reason for two tanks | Geometry, weight distribution, fuel efficiency, continuous power, backup fuel, ease of installation |
| Tank capacity | 2 x 19 gallons |
| Pros | Reserve supply of fuel, weight distribution, reliability |
| Cons | Complexity of fuel system, inconvenience with spare tire placement |
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What You'll Learn
Continuous power and better engine function
Older F-150s were fitted with dual fuel tanks to ensure continuous power and better engine function. Two fuel tanks provide a reserve supply of fuel, which was nearly a necessity when trucks were extremely inefficient. This reserve supply means that if one tank runs out, the other can be used to drive on, which is especially useful if the fuel pump in one tank dies or if you accidentally fill one tank with the wrong type of fuel.
Dual fuel tanks also provide better weight distribution. Fuel weighs about 6.3 pounds per gallon, so having two tanks divides the weight. This also makes it easier to fill up both tanks at the same time at a truck stop.
In addition, having two smaller tanks in two different locations evens out the weight of the gas on the truck. This is because, in the Ford F-series, the spare tire is under the tank, so the tank has to be smaller.
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Easier installation
One of the main reasons Ford opted for dual fuel tanks in its older F-150s was to make the installation process easier. Finding space for a single large tank that could hold the required amount of fuel would have posed significant engineering challenges. By splitting the fuel capacity across two tanks, Ford was able to overcome these challenges while ensuring that their trucks had sufficient fuel reserves.
The decision to use dual fuel tanks was also influenced by the inefficiencies of older trucks, which consumed more fuel, especially when towing. With two tanks, Ford could ensure continuous power delivery and better engine performance under load. Additionally, the dual-tank setup provided better weight distribution, as fuel weighs approximately 6.3 pounds per gallon, and two smaller tanks in different locations helped balance the weight of the fuel.
The dual-tank system also offered advantages in terms of reliability. If one tank or fuel pump malfunctioned, the other tank could be used as a backup, allowing drivers to keep their vehicles running until they could get the issue resolved. This redundancy provided peace of mind and helped prevent drivers from being stranded due to fuel pump failures or running out of fuel.
Furthermore, the dual-tank configuration provided flexibility during refuelling. With two tanks, drivers could refuel at regular gas stations without having to worry about finding a larger fuel capacity. This was especially advantageous when refuelling at truck stops, where both tanks could be filled simultaneously, saving time and ensuring the vehicle had sufficient range for longer trips.
While the dual-tank system offered benefits in terms of installation, weight distribution, reliability, and refuelling, it also introduced some complexities. The additional components, such as the selector valve, multiple floats, and switching electrics, could lead to increased maintenance requirements and potential issues with fuel transfer and cranking. However, with the advancements in electronics and reliability, these concerns became less significant over time.
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Reserve supply of fuel
Older Ford F-150s were fitted with dual fuel tanks as a reserve supply of fuel. This was especially useful for trucks that used to be extremely inefficient and needed continuous power, such as those used for towing. With two tanks, you can be assured of backup fuel and peace of mind.
Having two smaller tanks in two different locations also helps to even out the weight of the gas on the truck. Fuel weighs about 6.3 pounds per gallon, so having two tanks divides the weight. This is also advantageous when filling up at a truck stop, as both tanks can be filled at the same time.
The dual-tank system also has advantages in terms of reliability. If one tank gets damaged, the other tank can still be used to drive on. Additionally, if one tank is filled with the wrong type of fuel, the other tank can be used to get home.
While the dual-tank system provides a reserve supply of fuel, there are also some drawbacks. It adds complexity to the fuel system and can make spare tire placement inconvenient. There have also been some problems and recalls related to the dual-tank setup, such as tank crossover problems and switch issues.
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Better weight distribution
One of the reasons Ford opted for dual fuel tanks in its older F-150s was to achieve better weight distribution. Fuel weighs about 6.3 pounds per gallon, so having two smaller tanks instead of one large tank helps distribute the weight of the fuel more evenly across the truck. This design choice not only improves the overall weight distribution of the vehicle but also ensures that the weight of the fuel is balanced on both sides of the truck.
The even weight distribution provided by dual fuel tanks can enhance the stability and handling of the F-150s, especially when the vehicle is fully loaded or towing. By dividing the fuel weight between the two tanks, Ford was able to improve the overall weight distribution and handling characteristics of the truck.
Additionally, having two smaller tanks instead of one large tank can also provide benefits in terms of packaging and space utilisation within the vehicle's chassis. In some cases, it may be challenging to find sufficient space for a single large fuel tank, especially in light-duty trucks with specific chassis and body configurations. By opting for dual fuel tanks, Ford was able to work around these spatial constraints without compromising the fuel capacity or performance of the vehicle.
Furthermore, the dual fuel tank system offers redundancy and peace of mind. Should one tank experience a problem, such as a fuel pump failure or a crack, the other tank can serve as a backup, allowing the driver to continue their journey without being stranded. This redundancy can be especially valuable for those who frequently tow or use their vehicles for work, ensuring uninterrupted operation and reducing the likelihood of being stranded due to fuel-related issues.
While there are advantages to dual fuel tanks, it's worth noting that they also introduce some complexities to the fuel system, as mentioned in discussions about newer Ford models phasing out this feature. Some users have reported challenges with fuel transfer between tanks, fuel pump issues, and the inconvenience of having to fill up two separate tanks during refuelling stops. However, for older F-150s, the benefits of improved weight distribution, redundancy, and spatial considerations likely outweighed these potential drawbacks.
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Anti-theft benefits
The dual fuel tank system in older F-150s has been lauded for its anti-theft benefits. One user on a Ford forum noted that they kept one tank empty and used the switch to divert to the empty tank as an anti-theft device, assuming that thieves would be too nervous or ignorant to switch the tank. Indeed, the user reported that their truck was stolen and abandoned a few blocks away, likely due to this method.
The dual fuel tank system also provides peace of mind with some backup fuel. This reserve supply of fuel is especially useful when trucks were extremely inefficient, and two tanks were nearly a necessity.
Additionally, the weight of the fuel is distributed more evenly with two smaller tanks in two different locations, which some users have noted as a benefit. Fuel weighs about 6.3 pounds per gallon, so having two tanks divides the weight. This weight distribution can improve the handling and performance of the vehicle.
Furthermore, the dual fuel tank system can provide continuous power and better engine function under load, especially when towing, which requires more fuel. This feature ensures that the vehicle has a longer range and can keep operating without frequent refuelling, reducing the risk of being stranded in remote or unsafe areas.
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Frequently asked questions
Older Fords had dual fuel tanks because two smaller tanks were easier to install than one large tank. The dual-tank system also provided better weight distribution and served as a backup fuel supply.
The advantages of dual fuel tanks include better weight distribution, a reserve supply of fuel, and continuous power.
The disadvantages of dual fuel tanks include increased complexity of the fuel system and inconvenience with spare tire placement.
Dual fuel tanks have a pipe between them that balances the delivery of fuel. This pipe also serves as a safety measure when the vehicle is parked on an incline.
