Need a Bigger Fuel Tank?

[E.S.P.]

To all you fellow short bed GM truck owners, I was curious if many of you find the 26 gal fuel tank to be too small for traveling?

I love my truck, but the only compaint I have is that you can't tow very far without always keeping your eyes out for fuel stations. The fuel economy isn't bad, it's just that when you buy a HD truck meant for towing, isn't it obvious that the truck will be on the road a lot and should have an adequate fuel tank to keep it moving. Last year I resorted to keeping an extra 5 gal storage tank inside the bed to get a few extra miles when needed, but this was inconvenient and impractical.

I'm seriously considering upgrading the stock tank with a much larger one. I've been looking at the Titan tanks (holy crap are they expensive). Does anyone have similar complaints or suggestions. Thanks!

[kvtaylor]

WE have the Transfer Flow 45 gal replacement tank (transferflow.com) on our 2005 GMC 2500HD crew cab truck with the standard bed (not 8'). We used it when we were towing the 5th wheel. It uses your existing gage float. Since we now are not towing anymore because we have a motor home. i have the truck up for sale. i would even sell the tank if someone wants one and pays for the exchange for the standard 28 gal tank.

[midnightpumpkin]

Transfer Flow!

[Big bird]

I have been considering the same idea with my 09 F250, but a 45 gal tank adds a lot of weight and you like me are getting to the high side of safety.


Big Bird

[KyDan]

At my age the 26 gallon tank lasts longer than I do most of
the time!

[rockwood06]

I check in to a bigger tank for my GM 2008, now I am talking about replacing the stock tank with one that is larger and I can't do it. The way the frame is design I am stuck with the 26 gallon and that is It. The only way I can add another tank is to put on in the bed of the truck and I am not crazy about that. I know what you mean about a small tank, I had a 1997 GMC Suburban with a 46 gallon tank and I could go almost twice the distance, but filling It back up was a killer.

[MtnGuy]

Originally Posted by KyDan

At my age the 26 gallon tank lasts longer than I do most of
the time!

I know that feeling. After 4 hours on the road, it is time for a pit-stop !!

[rockwood06]

Originally Posted by mtnguy

I know that feeling. After 4 hours on the road, it is time for a pit-stop !!

I am a little slow this morning, mtnguy you are right my tank fills faster then my gas tank empties........ so a pit-stop is in order.

[powerboatr]

Originally Posted by KyDan

At my age the 26 gallon tank lasts longer than I do most of
the time!

x3

[E.S.P.]

Originally Posted by rockwood06

I check in to a bigger tank for my GM 2008, now I am talking about replacing the stock tank with one that is larger and I can't do it. The way the frame is design I am stuck with the 26 gallon and that is It. The only way I can add another tank is to put on in the bed of the truck and I am not crazy about that. I know what you mean about a small tank, I had a 1997 GMC Suburban with a 46 gallon tank and I could go almost twice the distance, but filling It back up was a killer.

Did you research the Titan tanks at all? They have direct replacement systems of the OEM tank that just utilize a larger footprint. You get to reuse the sending unit and lines, comes with additional support rails to carry the extra load, and all required hardware. I'm pretty certain they have one for your model year. For me, though, I am finding it difficult to swallow the $1000+ price tag and then doing the installation. Is it worth the convenience? I suppose the larger tank would add some resale value to the truck, but you certainly would not get all your money back.

And as far as pit stops, sure you have stop every so often, but I'd much rather not stop and fuel up everytime. Besides, you can always pull over, use your own facilities in the camper, and then keep on going.

[acadianbob]

There sure are times when I wish my F150 had more than 26 gallon capacity. I remember passing up a fuel stop in Utah because I was over 1/2 tank. AFTER, the exit is a sign saying 110 miles to next service. Oh, Oh, . . well we made it but sweated it out. Sure would be nice to have the extra capacity. So now it is "Jerry Can City" for peace of mind.

[KyDan]

Originally Posted by acadianbob

I remember passing up a fuel stop in Utah because I was over 1/2 tank. AFTER, the exit is a sign saying 110 miles to next service.

Dang, you sure gotta admire their sense of humor!
I'll keep this in mind as we are going to Utah next
month.

[MtnGuy]

Originally Posted by acadianbob

There sure are times when I wish my F150 had more than 26 gallon capacity.

Bob, I thought we had the about the same truck specs. My manual lists a SuperCab with a 6.5' box as having a 27 gallon tank.

But that extra gallon is only good for about 11 miles.

There was an optional 35.7 gal. tank available. If I ever get another truck, it will have the biggest tank that they can squeeze under there.

[drrodder]

Having a older truck ('86), I found a 40 gal. factory style tank and did the switch. Took a long weekend, but the cost was closer to $400. Of course this was on a Suburban, so I don't have a short box issue like you.
These are good comments as my next truck would have the same issue and talking with GM sales, the new ones ('11) just don't come with a big tank option. Not even in the HD's.

[acadianbob]

MtnGuy, I think you are right, it is 27 gallons. The sad thing is that the 35 gallon tank was all of $100 as an option. Cheap. Retro-fitting is not so cheap unfortunately.

[blake2727]

I have a 30 Gal Transfer Flow tank that goes in the bed of the truck and pumps gas automatically into your stock tank. Its sitting in my shed right now cause I sold the truck it was in. Its a nice tank but they are expensive plus about 300 to get it installed unless you do it yourself. I need to put it up for sale since it does no good on a tahoe haha. Check out the transfer flow though because they make tanks for the bed and factory replacement tanks but like I said they are expensive.

[MtnGuy]

Keeping some extra gas in the bed of the truck probably isn't the safest, but I might start doing that on a regular basis on long trips.

On a recent trip down the Blue Ridge Parkway, I figured my gas tank would be maxed out on a close to 270 mile trip....and that included Charlottesville, VA. city driving during morning rush hour, as well as a long pull on I-64 up Afton Mountain just to get on the Parkway. There are no gas stations on this section of the Parkway, and the roads off are not RV friendly. So I topped off the tank with close to 4 gallons of gas when I got the top of the mountain, and had another 5 gallon tank.....just in case. We made the 267 miles to our campsite in Galax with almost 7 gallons to spare......but that would have been only 3 without topping the tank earlier. Overall, I was pleased with the gas mileage at 11.1 mpg with all of the steep climbs.....I think the 45 mph speed limit really helped.

[blake2727]

The tanks I am talking about are DOT approved and are made of steel and stretch from one side of the bed to the other. They are made specifically for this purpose.

[MtnGuy]

Originally Posted by blake2727

The tanks I am talking about are DOT approved and are made of steel and stretch from one side of the bed to the other. They are made specifically for this purpose.

Yes, I realize that. I was just referring to the extra storage tanks in the bed of the truck as a alternative........but granted, not as safe as a mounted bed or frame rail tank.

Plus, you still have to stop somewhere and add the gas.

[blake2727]

Sorry I thought you were confused on my post so I was explaining. I guess I was confused haha. I agree with you about the tanks being dangerous. If nothing else you can at least buy the five gallon metal cans and they will be a little bit safer.