Rajan Wilcox
Fuel tanks are often moved to the truck bed to increase fuel capacity and save money on fuel by buying it at lower prices. They are usually constructed of aluminum or steel and are often used by construction companies, farmers, and farmworkers to transport fuel to the job site and fill up equipment in the field. This eliminates the need to trailer equipment to fuel stations, saving time and transportation costs. The process of installing a fuel tank in a truck bed involves deciding on the tank's position, marking holes, drilling, and securing the tank with bolts, washers, and nuts.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To fill up equipment in the field, saving the time and cost of driving to a fuel station |
| Usage | Popular with construction workers, farmers, contractors, and RV diesel haulers |
| Installation | Temporary or permanent; hardware and instructions usually provided |
| Materials | Steel or aluminum |
| Size | 20–100+ gallons; consider truck bed size and payload rating if hauling other cargo |
| Safety | Secure the tank with ratchet straps or bolts to prevent movement in an accident |
| Maintenance | Avoid moisture and rust; use rubber mat and stainless or aluminum alloy fasteners |
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What You'll Learn
Increased fuel capacity
Moving a fuel tank to the truck bed can increase fuel capacity, which is useful for those who need to fuel their vehicles and equipment while out in the field. This is particularly relevant for farmers, construction workers, and contractors. For example, a farmer may need to fuel their tractor, car, and other equipment in the field, and a truck bed fuel tank can provide the extra capacity to do so.
Truck bed fuel tanks, also called transfer tanks, are designed to hold fuel and fit in your truck bed. They are usually constructed of aluminum or steel and can hold a range of fuel capacities. The storage capacity of a truck bed fuel tank generally starts at about 20 gallons and can go up to 100 gallons or more. The size of the tank will impact how much fuel you can haul, so it's important to consider the size of your truck bed and the payload rating if you'll be hauling other items.
For instance, one person with a semi reported carrying a tank in their pickup truck to fuel their semi when they were out in the field and needed extra diesel. They could fill up at a cheap price and save money on fuel. Another person with a 100-gallon tank/toolbox combo mounted in their truck bed reported using it like a mobile fueling station for their tractor, car, and friends' trucks.
In addition to increasing fuel capacity, truck bed fuel tanks can also be used to transport fuel to a job site. This is especially useful for construction companies and farm workers who need fuel for their equipment and machinery. Furthermore, in areas with high and low gas price variations, truck bed fuel tanks can help drivers save money on fuel by allowing them to buy fuel at lower prices and bypass higher-cost fuel stations.
Overall, moving a fuel tank to the truck bed can provide increased fuel capacity, which is beneficial for those who need to fuel their vehicles and equipment while on the go or in remote locations.
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Convenience and time-saving
Moving a fuel tank to the truck bed can be a convenient and time-saving option for several reasons. Firstly, it eliminates the need to trailer equipment to a fuel station, as individuals can fill up their vehicles and equipment directly from the fuel tank in the truck bed. This is especially useful for construction workers, farmers, and individuals with large equipment that cannot be easily transported to a fuel station.
Additionally, having a fuel tank in the truck bed can help save money on fuel. Individuals can fill up their tanks at cheaper prices and bypass the higher costs of fuel at regular fuel stations. This is particularly beneficial for those who drive long distances or between areas with varying fuel prices. The increased fuel capacity provided by the auxiliary tank also reduces the frequency of fuel stops, saving time and money.
For those who own a farm or have equipment that needs to be fuelled up, an auxiliary fuel tank in the truck bed can be extremely convenient. It allows for easy refuelling of equipment in remote locations, eliminating the need to transport equipment to a fuel station. This is especially useful during emergencies or natural disasters when fuel may be required for emergency generators.
The process of installing a fuel tank in a truck bed can also be convenient and time-saving. Most transfer tank users opt for a temporary installation method, which is easier and quicker than a permanent installation. The temporary installation typically requires only a ratchet strap set and can be completed within an hour. This flexibility allows individuals to remove and reinstall the fuel tank as needed, providing convenience and adaptability.
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Cost-effectiveness
Moving a fuel tank to the truck bed can be a cost-effective solution for several reasons. Firstly, it allows for the transportation of fuel to remote job sites or fields, eliminating the need to trailer equipment to a fuel station. This saves significant time and money, especially for large equipment that incurs high transportation costs.
Additionally, having a fuel tank in the truck bed can help bypass higher-cost fuel options. Individuals can fill up their tanks at cheaper prices and extend their range, reducing the frequency of fuel stops. This is particularly advantageous for those who drive long distances or between areas with varying fuel prices.
For those with farms or equipment that requires regular fuelling, a truck bed fuel tank is a convenient and economical solution. It negates the need to frequently drive to a fuel station, saving both time and money on fuel.
Furthermore, truck bed fuel tanks can be a cost-effective solution for those who experienced fuel shortages or lived in areas with limited fuel access. During the Texas freeze, for example, having an extra fuel tank provided a backup supply, ensuring individuals could still commute to work.
While the initial cost of purchasing and installing a truck bed fuel tank may be significant, the long-term savings on fuel and transportation can make it a cost-effective option for many individuals and businesses, particularly those in construction, farming, or independent contracting.
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Safety and security
First and foremost, ensuring the fuel tank is securely installed in the truck bed is essential. Proper installation can prevent the tank from moving during transport, reducing the risk of fuel leaks and potential accidents. Some recommend using ratchet straps to secure the tank, while others suggest bolting the tank to the bed with stainless steel or aluminum alloys to prevent corrosion.
The weight of the fuel tank and its contents is another critical safety factor. A full tank can weigh several hundred pounds, and improper placement can affect the truck's balance and handling, leading to unsafe driving conditions. It is crucial to consider the payload rating of the truck bed and ensure it can handle the weight of the fuel tank and any other cargo being hauled.
In addition, the type of fuel and the tank's compatibility are vital considerations. Some fuel tanks are designed specifically for diesel, while others may be intended for gas or other non-flammable liquids. Using the wrong type of fuel in a tank not designed for it can be dangerous.
Fuel tank maintenance and inspection are also essential for safety and security. Regularly checking for leaks, moisture, and rust can help prevent accidents and fuel loss. Proper maintenance includes keeping the tank clean and free of contaminants, such as water or dirt, which can affect fuel quality and engine performance.
Finally, when transporting a fuel tank in a truck bed, it is crucial to consider the impact on the truck's mileage and fuel efficiency. Hauling a heavy fuel tank and dead weight can reduce mileage and increase fuel consumption. This is especially relevant for long-distance travel or frequent driving between areas with varying fuel prices.
Overall, moving a fuel tank to a truck bed requires careful consideration of safety and security measures. Proper installation, weight distribution, fuel compatibility, maintenance, and awareness of mileage impact are critical factors to ensure a safe and secure setup.
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Ease of installation
Installing a fuel tank in the truck bed is a straightforward process that can be done in a few simple steps. The first step is to decide on the desired position of the tank in the truck bed, typically right behind the truck cab. This ensures easy access to the tank lid from the ground.
Next, mark the holes for the bolts that will secure the tank in place. Use a nail punch and a hammer to make the marks through the holes in the tabs attached to the fuel tank's base. Once the markings are done, move the tank aside and carefully drill the holes through the truck bed, being cautious to avoid any electrical wires or other important components.
After drilling the holes, place the tank back into position and insert the bolts. Secure the tank by attaching washers, bushings, and nuts to the bolts. It is recommended to use stainless steel or aluminum alloy fasteners to prevent corrosion. Additionally, consider using washers on both sides of the bolt holes for extra support, especially if the truck bed is made of aluminum.
For added convenience and a cleaner appearance, you can opt to use riv-nuts instead of traditional bolts. Make sure to use 6061 aluminum or 316 stainless steel riv-nuts and treat the bare aluminum with primer, paint, and a urethane sealant.
By following these steps, you can easily install a fuel tank in your truck bed, providing additional fuel capacity and flexibility for your vehicle.
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Frequently asked questions
Moving a fuel tank to the truck bed can be useful if you have a farm or equipment that needs to be fuelled up.
Truck bed fuel tanks can save you a lot of money on fuel by allowing you to buy fuel at low prices, bypassing higher-cost fuel.
Some drawbacks of moving a fuel tank to the truck bed include the risk of leaks and water contamination.
To install a fuel tank in your truck bed, you will need to decide on the location of the tank, mark the holes for drilling, drill the holes, and then secure the tank with bolts, washers, bushings, and nuts.
When installing a fuel tank in the truck bed, it is important to ensure that the tank is mounted securely and solidly in the bed. This will help prevent the tank from moving in the event of an accident.
