Passenger side fuel tank installation

[bshupejr]

Good afternoon -

Im wanting to install a passenger side fuel tank on my M1008. It looks like LMC has all the parts I could need to do it but there are several options/variations and they dont seem to be able to help or know what I would need since I dont have that set up now. I was looking for some help from those who may have done this already.

Switching valve?
Dual signal, single fuel gauge? Two gauges?

Maybe it would be better/simpler to just put a transfer pump and move fuel from the aux to the main tank when the main gets low?

Thanks for your any input on this.

 

[antennaclimber]

I added a passenger side tank to my M1008. Most of the parts came from LMC and worked well.

I added an electric fuel pump to transfer the fuel from right to left tank and added a second fuel gauge for monitoring the right side tank.
Also kept the return line from the IP to the drivers side tank.

This way you end up with a 20 gallon fuel can that will allow you transfer fuel to the main tank with an electric pump. Use a momentary switch so you don't turn on the fuel pump and forget to turn it off.

 

[bshupejr]

I added a passenger side tank to my M1008. Most of the parts came from LMC and worked well.

I added an electric fuel pump to transfer the fuel from right to left tank and added a second fuel gauge for monitoring the right side tank.
Also kept the return line from the IP to the drivers side tank.

This way you end up with a 20 gallon fuel can that will allow you transfer fuel to the main tank with an electric pump. Use a momentary switch so you don't turn on the fuel pump and forget to turn it off.

Hey, thank you for that affirmation.

What pump did you use, source? How long does it take to move the fuel from one to the other.

 

[antennaclimber]

I do not remember what brand it was, I think I bought it at Pep Boys some time ago and simply used what I had on hand at the time .

It's not fast but it does do the job, I simply run it for a few minutes and just keep transferring fuel from time to time as I drive down the road.
It most likely is in the 1-2 gallons per minute rate.

 

[WillWagner]

My 85 1ton gasser had dual tanks, I don't see why someone couldn't add the factory stuff....from aftermarket like LMC...and have both tanks. For a mod I did to mine, since I towed with it, is I made a T from copper plumbing, IIRC it was 1 1/4 inch, that let me fill both tanks from either side. All that was needed was to crack the opposite tank from where you were filling, and as soon as fuel started to come out, close that side and the filling side would fill.

 

[bshupejr]

My 85 1ton gasser had dual tanks, I don't see why someone couldn't add the factory stuff....from aftermarket like LMC...and have both tanks. For a mod I did to mine, since I towed with it, is I made a T from copper plumbing, IIRC it was 1 1/4 inch, that let me fill both tanks from either side. All that was needed was to crack the opposite tank from where you were filling, and as soon as fuel started to come out, close that side and the filling side would fill.

LMC has gas and diesel specific tanks for both sides so I’m confident all the parts are available. Question really comes down to the chore of making a system work within a system not designed for it and sort of volatile where wiring is concerned.

 

[WillWagner]

Diesel isn't volatile until atomized, even an open/shorted wire in the fuel causes no issued, the liquid will not let it burn. The other question, how far/long do you really drive it? Towing with the '85 I was good for 400 miles = or -, depending on hills.

 

[bshupejr]

Diesel isn't volatile until atomized, even an open/shorted wire in the fuel causes no issued, the liquid will not let it burn. The other question, how far/long do you really drive it? Towing with the '85 I was good for 400 miles = or -, depending on hills.

Thanks, I’m more interested in time not necessarily distance and/or back country off road driving and not worrying too much about fuel. This would be a much better solution than jerry cans in my opinion.

 

[antennaclimber]

That's why I added a second tank. I wanted to have more fuel utilizing the empty space under the bed. No fuel cans for someone to see and possibly steal.

The downside is that you need to fill up twice, once on the left and once on the right when both tanks need filled.

 

[bshupejr]

That's why I added a second tank. I wanted to have more fuel utilizing the empty space under the bed. No fuel cans for someone to see and possibly steal.

The downside is that you need to fill up twice, once on the left and once on the right when both tanks need filled.

Agreed. I think filling up two tanks is less friction than managing cans and protecting them from damage, theft, leaking etc. Also, I can use the passenger side as a true aux tank and only use it periodically. Might even toss in a bit of stabilizer.

 

[Csm Davis]

Diesel doesn't need stabilization like gas but might want to add algaecide.
I am adding the extra tank to my USMC 1028, already have the dual tank bed on the truck. But I think I will use the 5 ton dual tank valve and just let the stock switch change which tank the gauge is reading.

 

[bshupejr]

Diesel doesn't need stabilization like gas but might want to add algaecide.
I am adding the extra tank to my USMC 1028, already have the dual tank bed on the truck. But I think I will use the 5 ton dual tank valve and just let the stock switch change which tank the gauge is reading.

Thanks for that.

Do you have any documentation on the switch and valve set up?

My truck is actually a 1031 and I turned the box into a trailer and put a civi 454 bed on it with the passenger side fuel door.

 

[cruzer747]

this is on my eventual to-do list as well. Just throwing this out there for the fuel level monitoring end.... if you have a few extra bucks and the tank isnt in yet tou could ditch the float assembly that comes on the pickup (just not use it) and install a fuel cell style level sender. Would need to drill another hole in the top but the design is likely more accurate than the stock style. Reviews I have read have been pretty good across the board.

to be clear just search for "floatless fuel sender" and then you would need a 0-90 ohm version and I believe the length down from where you would drill the hole. I also am pretty sure if you order a 12" it will actually be 11" in tank leaving some necessary clearance.

 

[WillWagner]

That's why I added a second tank. I wanted to have more fuel utilizing the empty space under the bed. No fuel cans for someone to see and possibly steal.

The downside is that you need to fill up twice, once on the left and once on the right when both tanks need filled.

No, install a cross over for fill. I used copper piping....well, first I used black PVC pipe, but the heat from the 454 melted it!....Make a "T" for each tank filler neck, use two pieces and join them in the middle with fuel resistant hose. When you start fueling either side, go crack the cap on the opposite side, wait there and when you see fuel start coming out, close the cap. The pump will shut off when the tank is full on the fueling side.

Want a drawing?

 

[Matt S]

Want a drawing?

Yes, please. I think I understand what you are saying but I'm not quite sure. So I think you can fill from either side with your system to fill both tanks, right?

 

[bshupejr]

Yes, please. I think I understand what you are saying but I'm not quite sure. So I think you can fill from either side with your system to fill both tanks, right?

A basic plumbing and wiring drawing would be great, thanks.

 

[WillWagner]

I'll get it a bit....a little busy with a wee one

 

[Rutjes]

You might want to have a look at this fuel tank. No more rust. I'm ditching the saddle tank and got the 31 gallon Blazer tank.

 

[bshupejr]

You might want to have a look at this fuel tank. No more rust. I'm ditching the saddle tank and got the 31 gallon Blazer tank.

Could that Blazer tank fit between the frame rails in the stock spare tire location? 71 gallons total capacity?

 

[Rutjes]

Could that Blazer tank fit between the frame rails in the stock spare tire location? 71 gallons total capacity?

That's what I'm doing, plenty of people have done it, you actually re-use the spare tire carrier bracket. Easiest would be to have a filler in the bed, not sure how you'd plumb and wire it as a 3rd tank though.