Auxiliary Fuel Tank

[jimb]

After my first trip pulling a 10K lb trailer I find I'd like more fuel capacity for my '08 6.4. I went and looked at the Northern Tool 60 gallon in-bed tank and the install kit but I can't really figure out the hookup.

It appears that you cut the filler between the neck and the tank and insert the check valve piece into the line. The instructions indicate that the check valve should be installed in a vertical position but it doesn't appear that there's enough room between the filler neck and the bed to do that. Also it's not clear where along the filler that you should install the check valve.

Has anyone installed this kit that can give me some guidance?

Jim

[Dave]

Bumpin this up for ya man

[Ditty]

Your best bet would be something from TransferFlow. I too was looking at the NorthernTool tanks but I'm not smart enough to rig 'em up to work properly.

[jimb]

Originally Posted by Ditty

Your best bet would be something from TransferFlow. I too was looking at the NorthernTool tanks but I'm not smart enough to rig 'em up to work properly.

They look good but there doesn't appear to be any installers close. I've made the rounds talking to everyone I can think of about installing one but I've only found 2 places, both of which are very pricey ($1.5K - $2K). I may call the manufacturer of the tanks tomorrow and see if I can get any help from them.

Jim

[Pooods]

I know our 6.4 needs another tank! If we had a 60 gallon reserve we might be able to get 300 miles with it before fueling again. LOL

[jimb]

Originally Posted by Pooods

I know our 6.4 needs another tank! If we had a 60 gallon reserve we might be able to get 300 miles with it before fueling again. LOL

It's OK if I'm not towing. I get 16.5 driving to and from work (2/3 city) and close to 20 on the highway. Unfortunately that drops to under 10 towing and with the warning ding starting at 175 miles and the difficulty obtaining ULSD I need more capacity.

Jim

[Pooods]

Wish I could say we got 16.5! You're right about it being a pain to find ULSD. I took a trip to Mississippi 2 weeks back and stopped at 3 exits looking for fuel before being able to find one with the new fuel. I learned to start looking at 3/8 of a tank to insure not running dry. It really sucks that our gov. makes companies build vehicles to run off of a certain fuel and then not require retail outlets to sell it!

[Dave]

I wish i had your problem Poods ive only found LSD at 1 station within 100 miles of here everyones got what you need here

[Pooods]

Originally Posted by quadracer1014

I wish i had your problem Poods ive only found LSD at 1 station within 100 miles of here everyones got what you need here

Well one positive is that I have 2 older 7.3's that love the old fuel. They just don't get driven as much as the 08.

[jimb]

Sorry this such a long post but since others obviously have an interest in this...

I've contacted several different companies. Many of which told me that the Northern Tools tank and it's associated gravity feed is not DOT compliant. I looked up the regulations and here are two of the relevant sections:

__________________________________________________ __________
TITLE 49--TRANSPORTATION

CHAPTER III--FEDERAL MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY ADMINISTRATION,
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Sec. 393.65 All fuel systems.


(d) Gravity or syphon feed prohibited. A fuel system must not supply
fuel by gravity or syphon feed directly to the carburetor or injector.


(f) Fuel lines. A fuel line which is not completely enclosed in a
protective housing must not extend more than 2 inches below the fuel
tank or its sump. Diesel fuel crossover, return, and withdrawal lines
which extend below the bottom of the tank or sump must be protected
against damage from impact. Every fuel line must be--
(1) Long enough and flexible enough to accommodate normal movements
of the parts to which it is attached without incurring damage; and
(2) Secured against chafing, kinking, or other causes of mechanical
damage.
__________________________________________________ __________



Since the gravity feed is NOT going to the carb or injector is it compliant.

However, the kit provides a piece of rubber tubing to connect to the existing fuel filler via a splice. To me it's debatable as to whether the rubber tubing would be compliant referencing section (f). A more substantial connection from the tank would probably be required to be compliant. It could be argued that the rubber hose flexes enough (as long as it's protected via a grommet and clamps) to be compliant.

In short I don't think I'll go with the Northern Tools kit but will opt for one of the significantly more expensive dealer installed options.

Jim