Quote:
Originally Posted by Backcountryguy
I agree, I think the extra tank will be a great comfort in more remote areas. My 4Runner TRD Pro has a range of just under 400 miles. In some parts of Eastern Washington and into Montana I've found myself sweating the next gas stop a bit. I think a range of closer to 600 miles with an aux tank will make us more comfortable.
|
400miles...I wish my Jeep Rubicon had that kind of range on or off pavement!
I've changed my vehicle builds to an overlanding perspective (journey, not necessarily destination) - And that means comfortable, stress free driving - increase driver enjoyment/reduce fatigue stress with things like: bigger brakes, more engine power, larger cooling system, better seats, no range anxiety, etc. After one trip, I was totally wiped out from the pavement pounding portion alone!
Trail driving ups fuel consumption...and 4LO makes for a thirsty machine... after having driven a manual Jeep for the last 8 yrs or so, I've found myself in 4LO far more than those that drive automatics. It is amazing the difference in control and reduced stress on driver/vehicle with 4LO. My avg speed in 4Lo is sometimes higher than when I'm in 4hi. Modern automatics and traction control have done a great job decoupling even experienced drivers from the trail/vehicle and don't give the driver cues about when to engage a locker or use 4lo.
On a recent trip, one FJ driver nearly cooked his tranny .... I think many folks don't realize they should be in 4LO for the 30% grade strewn with rocks & sand...
Anyhow, I digress.
Here is what I know.
Tank is aluminum, bare - just like the big rigs.
Aero makes the tank for Agile and others. Upscale gets theirs from somewhere else.
List of open questions for Aero
-Baffles and venting?
-Ability to increase the 14gal on passenger side without dropping tank floor? I prefer 20.
-Gauge mfr/type, overflow implications of main tank (return line present?)
-Ability to add aux tap for appliances/heaters( haven't thought this all the way through yet).
Aux tank skid plate:
I didnt note the thickness (10 gauge or thicker?) of the added metal plating Aero welds on for a few extra dollars. I do recall it being thick enough for the application. I do remember thinking that if a rock measurably dents/tears a hole in that thickness of added material (when combined with the existing tank), I've likely got other issues.
Rear spare tank from sprinter store:
I dismissed it as viable for our offroad focused build. My notes indicate it dropped too low / was set too far back to make it desirable (too much weight added to rear axle/removed from front axle). I noted the insane 14/20 hours install time. It suggests they don't really know what they are doing with a labor quote like that. That's like 3 days of productive time in the shop.
Mb Fill gauge:
Does not update until the key is cycled on/off.
Timer/pump
Aero uses a crude but effective timer. I'll be using something different - likely an electronic timer w/push button switch that will pump 5gal increments or something. Pump is an external 12v unit used on all their other systems.
Tank size /location
They make 3 sizes:
-driver side, midships 20 and 30
- passenger L shape, 14 gallon.
All should fit with VC stock fuel tank.
Linear Mode
