
The Ford Transit van has a fuel tank capacity of 25 gallons or 31 gallons. The 31-gallon tank is an upgrade that can be purchased for an additional cost. However, there have been reports of discrepancies between the expected and actual fuel tank capacity of the Ford Transit van. Some owners of the van with the upgraded 31-gallon tank have reported that they were only able to fill up 25 gallons or less. There are also concerns about the space between the gas tank and the spare tire, as well as the accuracy of the range estimator.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel tank capacity | 25 gallons, 31 gallons, 45 gallons |
| Fuel tank range | 350-400 miles, 386 miles, 500 miles |
| Fuel tank size | 16" longer than the 25-gallon tank |
| Fuel tank cost | $864 for 31-gallon tank, $1,500 for rear door rack |
| Fuel tank gauge | Inaccurate, may show more miles to empty than actual |
| Fuel tank warning light | Comes on at ~35 miles to empty |
| Fuel tank filling | Some gas pumps trip before the tank is full |
| Fuel tank extension | 6-gallon "spare" fuel tank available |
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What You'll Learn

Ford Transit fuel tank capacity options: 25 gal vs 31 gal
The Ford Transit van has two fuel tank capacity options: 25 gallons and 31 gallons. The 25-gallon tank is the standard option, while the 31-gallon tank is an upgraded version that offers a greater fuel range.
There have been some reports of confusion among Ford Transit owners regarding the actual fuel tank capacity of their vehicles. Some owners with the upgraded 31-gallon tank have reported that they were only able to fill up 25 gallons of fuel during their first fill-up, despite their window sticker indicating the larger tank option. This has led to speculation that Ford may have accidentally installed the wrong fuel tank in some cases.
One way to differentiate between the two fuel tank capacities is to refer to the vehicle's fuel gauge and miles-to-empty indicator. The miles-to-empty indicator may not always be accurate, as it can be influenced by various factors such as driving conditions and habits. However, by manually calculating the fuel mileage, owners can get a better understanding of their vehicle's fuel tank capacity.
Another method to distinguish the fuel tank capacity is to visually inspect the fuel tank. By crawling under the van and referring to the diagrams on pages 45 and 46 of the BEMM, owners can determine whether their fuel tank stops before reaching the muffler (indicating a 25-gallon tank) or if it extends to the middle of the muffler (indicating a 31-gallon tank).
The decision between the 25-gallon and 31-gallon fuel tank options depends on various factors, including driving habits, desired fuel range, and space considerations. The larger 31-gallon tank provides a greater fuel capacity, which can be advantageous for those who frequently travel long distances or have limited access to gas stations. However, it also takes up 16" more space in the rear of the vehicle, which may impact storage and spare tire arrangements.
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The 31-gal tank provides a range of 386-500 miles
The 31-gallon tank is an upgraded option for the Ford Transit van, which typically comes with a 25-gallon tank. The larger tank provides a range of 386-500 miles, depending on various factors such as driving conditions, speed, and load. This range is a significant improvement over the standard tank, which offers a range of around 350-400 miles.
The 31-gallon tank is particularly attractive for those seeking extended range and peace of mind when travelling long distances. It provides a safety buffer, allowing drivers to reach their destinations without worrying about refuelling frequently. This is especially beneficial in rural areas or during emergencies when gas stations may not be easily accessible.
However, some users have reported discrepancies between the expected and actual mileage on their 31-gallon tanks. The range estimator on the Ford computer system is known to be inaccurate at times, providing generous or inconsistent estimates. This can be influenced by factors such as driving behaviour, with aggressive driving or high speeds resulting in lower mileage.
Additionally, there are considerations beyond mileage. The larger tank takes up more space in the van, which may be a concern for some owners. It also adds weight, potentially impacting fuel efficiency and overall vehicle performance.
While the 31-gallon tank offers increased range, it is important to weigh this benefit against other factors. Some owners opt for the standard tank and carry extra fuel cans for emergencies, striking a balance between range and flexibility. Ultimately, the decision depends on individual needs and usage patterns.
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The 25-gal tank provides a range of 350-400 miles
The 25-gallon fuel tank in the Ford Transit van provides a range of 350-400 miles. This range can be influenced by several factors, including driving conditions, speed, and fuel efficiency.
For example, one user reported that their van displayed approximately 386 miles till empty when they picked it up from the dealer, while another user's van showed 452 miles to empty after filling up. These variations in range estimates can be attributed to differences in driving habits and conditions, such as towing a trailer, driving at different speeds, or navigating mountainous terrain.
The fuel efficiency of the Ford Transit van also plays a role in the range that can be achieved with a 25-gallon tank. Users have reported varying miles per gallon (MPG) figures, with some claiming 17-19 MPG, while others mention lower figures, such as 14.4 MPG or even 11-12 MPG in certain conditions.
Additionally, it is worth noting that some users have opted for larger fuel tanks, such as the 31-gallon or 45-gallon options, to extend the range of their Ford Transit vans. These larger tanks can provide a range of up to 500 miles or more, depending on driving conditions and fuel efficiency.
While the 25-gallon tank offers a substantial range, some users choose to carry additional fuel cans or opt for larger tanks to suit their specific needs, especially for longer trips or rural deliveries where gas stations may be less accessible. Ultimately, the decision between a larger fuel tank and the standard 25-gallon tank depends on individual usage patterns and preferences for range and fuel capacity.
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The 31-gal tank takes up 16 more space than the 25-gal tank
The 31-gallon tank takes up 16" more space than the 25-gallon tank. This difference in space can be crucial in determining whether there is enough room to mount an undercarriage generator.
The larger tank provides more fuel capacity, which can be advantageous for longer trips or when operating in remote areas without easy access to gas stations. However, the trade-off is the reduced space available for other components or cargo.
Some users have expressed a preference for the larger tank, citing the increased range it offers. They appreciate the peace of mind that comes with having a larger fuel reserve, especially in emergency situations or during natural disasters like hurricane season.
On the other hand, the 25-gallon tank may be more suitable for those who prefer to keep their fuel levels above half. Operating with a half-full tank or higher can have benefits, such as reduced condensation and less strain on the fuel pump.
It's worth noting that fuel gauges and "miles to empty" indicators can be unreliable. Some vehicles may display a higher number of miles left than is actually the case, leading to unexpected empty tanks. This inconsistency can be frustrating for drivers and makes accurate fuel readings challenging.
Ultimately, the decision between the 25-gallon and 31-gallon tank depends on individual needs and preferences. The 31-gallon tank offers increased fuel capacity but takes up more space, while the 25-gallon tank provides slightly less capacity but leaves more room for other vehicle components or cargo.
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Ford Transit users' experiences with low fuel warnings and fuel efficiency
Ford Transit users have varying experiences with fuel efficiency, with some reporting average MPGs of 16.7, 13-14 around town, and 17 on the highway. Another user reported an average of 8 mpg. The 2019 Ford Transit Connect Passenger Wagon with a 2.0-liter gasoline engine has EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 24 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined. The 2015 Ford Transit low- and medium-roof regular-wheelbase wagons with a 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine have EPA-estimated ratings of 14 mpg city and 19 mpg highway.
Some users have reported issues with the low fuel warning, with one user stating that their low fuel warning light came on at around 35 miles to empty, but they were only able to fill up 26 gallons, indicating a discrepancy between the actual fuel level and the warning light. Another user shared a similar experience, stating that their van took 18 gallons despite the low fuel warning, and they had to slow down significantly to reach the nearest gas station.
There are also discussions around the fuel tank size, with some users questioning whether their van has the correct fuel tank size. One user shared their experience of having a window sticker indicating a 31-gallon fuel tank but only being able to fill up 25 gallons. Another user responded with a way to differentiate between the 25-gallon and 31-gallon tanks by checking the location of the tank relative to the muffler.
Overall, while some users have reported satisfactory fuel efficiency, others have experienced discrepancies with low fuel warnings and fuel tank size indications, leading to concerns about running out of fuel.
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Frequently asked questions
Ford Transit vans have fuel tank options of 25 gallons or 31 gallons. A 45-gallon fuel tank is also available, but it is expensive.
One way to check is to crawl under the van. If the tank stops before getting abeam the muffler, it is the 25-gallon tank. If it stops abeam around the middle of the muffler, it is the 31-gallon tank.
The range of the 31-gallon fuel tank is expected to be close to 500 miles on a full tank. However, the actual mileage may vary depending on driving conditions and other factors.
A larger fuel tank provides an increased range, allowing you to drive for a longer distance before needing to refuel. This can be particularly useful for long trips or in rural areas where gas stations may be scarce.
One potential disadvantage of having a larger fuel tank is the increased space it takes up in the vehicle. This may impact the storage capacity or layout of the van. Additionally, larger fuel tanks can be more expensive.











































