Questions And Answers About Aftermarket Fuel Tanks

Posted on: 28 March 2016

The addition of an aftermarket fuel tank to your work vehicle can save you money in the long run. First and foremost, if you have fleet fuel services, you know your staff can stockpile fuel at stations with the fleet discount before heading to a worksite with minimal access to discounted fuel. These tanks also allow your workers to head into areas with no fuel service without having to carry excess fuel in jugs. The following will answer some of your questions about these aftermarket tanks so you can make the right decision on whether to install them.

Are there concerns with the safety of these tanks?

Generally, no. Steel tanks are the standard to look for because they will not delaminate or be damaged by the fuel stored inside. Steel is also a strong material, so it is less prone to puncture damage. Of course, the tanks will need to be installed properly by a mechanic familiar with the tanks to ensure safety.

Where are the tanks installed?

Usually the aftermarket tanks are placed into the bed of the trunk. The most common location is right behind the cab, where the tank may resemble a tool box. The hoses are tucked away inside casings that further protect them from damage, and the fill up valve is located in an easily accessible location near the top side of the tank, usually on the same side as the vehicle's standard gas valve.

Is there danger of movement?

No. Aftermarket tanks are strapped to the frame of your truck using heavy-duty metal straps. Once installed, they will have to be mechanically removed. There is no danger of movement or sliding around when the vehicle is in motion.

Do the tanks affect the fuel gauge in the truck?

The basic fuel gauge will read correctly because it reads off the float in your stock tank. The aftermarket tank flows into the stock tank, so the float is still going to provide an accurate gauge of the amount of gas in the combined tanks. If your truck has a computer that provides a readout on the amount of miles left due to gas levels, this may not show correctly since it is only figuring for the stock amount of gas your truck holds.

If you think an aftermarket fuel tank is a good option for your truck, contact a dealer in your area. They can help you find the right tank for your make and model of truck, along with pairing your with a skilled installation professional.

For aftermarket fuel tanks, contact a company such as SouthTowns Specialties, LLC.

Share