Adding a fuel transfer tank

Whirlwind · 09-18-2009, 10:17 PM

I am thinking about adding a diesel fuel transfer tank to my 2008 f450. I have been looking at a 90 gallon diamond aluminum tank with a tool box storage compartment on top. I know they make a 60 gallon one but the tool box is pretty shallow compared to the 90' and the 90 is only 50 bucks more. It has a 12-volt pump with a button mounted in the dash that you press to fill your stock tank manually when you want to add fuel to it. Fills thru the filler neck.My question is has anyone added this to their rig and if so what are your comments? I priced it locally at a pickup accessory store today,with installation it came to $1200.00. Some on the internet are priced near $2000.00. Any comments would be appreciated.

Motor31 · 09-19-2009, 09:39 AM

Don't forget to subtract the weight of the tank, equipment and fuel from the towing capacity. Everything you add to the truck as cargo or accessories also takes away from the load it can carry / tow. If you are already marginal on the towing capacity it may put you over.

Having "longer tow legs" is nice as it gives you more options to look for the cheaper fuel in the areas you are traveling through.

hitchup · 09-20-2009, 05:31 PM

My David added a 60 gal tool box from Northern Tool. That gives us 98 gals total. But it goes fast when we hauling the 5er, but eliminates multiple stops. We picked up one they had at one of their locations in Richmond to save shipping. He chose it because of a much lower price, he could install himself and it was low enough to fit under his tonneau cover.

It's a gravity feed and he can't leave the switch in the open position 24/7 or it will leak.

He bought a different tonneau cover earlier this year and had to remove the top of the box. So now we carry the top in the basement of our 5er. But it's definitely come in handy since we travel 11-12 hrs in one day without the RV.

**wingnut60** · 10-01-2009, 08:43 AM

Hitchup...
There is also a check valve that Northern Tool sells that will automatically stop the gravity fuel flow when the fuel is up to the filler neck. I have this valve in my setup and it never overflows/overfills. Pretty simple device, sells for $70. I have used this valve on 2 different trucks and it has never overflowed. Item # 3490901 or 02, depending on brand of truck.
Joe

RGordon · 10-05-2009, 10:24 AM

I went with the 60 gallon fuel/toolbox combination solely for the reason I wanted it below the bedrail. I added a fold-a-cover topper for a clean look. Mine is the RDS model from Northern Tool and used their gravity feed kit. I have never had any fuel leaking out the regular tank and only leave my manual valve open just long enough to fill the main tank. My F350 will throw a code and check engine light will come on if you leave the manual valve open all the time. It senses a fuel level sensor issue. The 98 gallons surely eliminated numerous fuel stops and finding fuel stations that I can fit into are far and in between. This setup has been one of the better modifications that I have tried.

**wingnut60** · 10-05-2009, 11:26 AM

Ron,
This is the setup I had on my '07 350 and put on my 450. The '07 threw codes that I cleared up with a tuner--the '09 450 in 13000 miles has not shown a code. It is indeed helpful to have the storage capacity, and the ability to pick/choose where to buy fuel.
Joe