I replaced my OEM tank in my F-250 short bed not too long
after getting my CR fiver. Two reasons for doing so is the convenience and not
getting caught in a remote area and/or the chance of running out of fuel due to
non-availability. I had this happen twice. My original tank was 26 gals which would
give me approx. 225 miles max before a fuel stop.<?: prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com
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The Big Bend Nat’l Park area in far west TX is very remote
and over a 100 miles from the closest town of any size. Yes, there is fuel in the
park but it’s very expensive and sometimes it’s contaminated with water. Other
times it’s simply not available. Study Butte to the west, has the same problem.
Last time I bought fuel in either place it was 50to 75 cents a gal
more.
After a lot of research, I found that Transfer Flow was the
only supplier of after-market tanks that were EPA certified, especially CARB,
in CA. Northern Tool has or had a disclaimer on their website stating their
tanks were not available in CA. Other states such as IL, NY and MI that have
OBDII emissions testing do allow these tanks due to the interruptions of fuel emission
control of the fuel system. In other words, replacing the OEM tanks with a
non-approved tank causes a “Check Engine� light to come on and stay on, thus
the vehicle won’t pass an inspection in specific states.
Other issues that were brought up is, will the </span>tanks meet or exceed crash test standards in
the event of an accident where </span>the tank
is punctured causing a fuel spill, which becomes an EPA issue. Another issue was
with the insurance companies and liability. Third and most important is with
new or trucks that are still in warranty. Most of the Big 3 has statements in
the owner’s manual that void warranty if the EPA emissions control is tampered
with. All the fuel systems in vehicles since the late 90’s have sealed or vacuum
type flow. Most of the gravity flow tanks require “T-ing� into the main flow line.
Gravity flow tanks will not allow fuel to flow into the main tank due to the vacuum
lock.
I found in doing my research that any tank </span>that isn’t sealed, especially those that
depend on gravity feed do not and will not meet the necessary requirements of
EPA OBD II states, and or the mfger’s warranty requirements.
Also, I haven’t seen any appreciable decrease in fuel
mileage due the extra weight. Yes, there is some but it’s not enough to fret
over. I get almost the same towing or not. On the cost recovery factor, probably
won’t see it unless you are full timing. On the issue of inconvenience and getting
caught or being able to make it further than 225 miles, that becomes a personal
issue. I currently live in an area where diesel fuel is 18 to
20 cents higher than most places. I can fuel at a Wally’s about 30 miles
away, with my Wally’s card and save that 20 cents per gal – plus 10 cents
a gal discount for using their card. That’s 30 cents a gal less – and that
makes a big difference in the long run.
There are several other issues for consideration, but this
will give you something to mull over for now.