rear fuel tank

carringb · 11-05-2009, 03:20 PM

THis may be a long shot since most of your probably have RV stuff under the rear of your van...

I was wondering if anyone has mounted a rear fuel tank from a cutaway E-series? These are rear mount tanks. I saw one 35 gallon at a junkyard that would fit no problem, but I really want the 55 gallon from the E450. I would have to swap crossmembers (a transmission x-member flipped should work), but I think it may fit.

I don't want to upgrade the evap canister, so I'd just do a simple transfer setup, with a switch on the dash for transferring.

Any thoughts?

Any idea where to find wrecked E450s?

How do sportsmobiles fill both tanks from one fuel door?

If you are wondering why i want so much fuel... I'm planning a week-long rafting/kayaking trip into Copper Canyon Mexico. Very primitive dirt roads/trails and no Pemex stations so the only hope of fuel is buying out of barrels at convenience stores. I'd feel better having enough fuel to get back to a pemex.

charlie56 · 11-05-2009, 06:22 PM

For dual tanks, take a look at this post.
http://www.sportsmobileforum.com/vie...hp?f=13&t=2253

The SMB 4x4 system is a single 46 gallon tank.

John Kalmbach · 11-05-2009, 09:30 PM

Transfer Flow made a nice auxiliary fuel tank for the rear location with a fuel transfer pump and fill tube that fit at the factory fill location. Not sure if they still offer it, but worth checking. Also, SMB had a couple of these tanks years ago, you might check with them to see if they still have one too.

Good Luck!

John K.

carringb · 11-06-2009, 01:00 AM

The transfer flow rear tank can only be sold to mobility upfitters. Which I am not, so can't buy. Plus, I think it's only 22 or 28 gallons. Kinda spendy for the volume. Although if I ran across a wrecked van with the transferflow, i'd certainly go for it.

zippy · 11-06-2009, 12:31 PM

I believe the cab/chassis E series comes with the rear tank standard.

Christopher Thwaites · 11-06-2009, 12:42 PM

I would be interested since my van only has 35 gal. after the tank was modified for the transfer case. Does the aux tank mount where the spare would be?
Chris

Switchfoot · 11-06-2009, 01:56 PM

I too wanted to increase my fuel capacity and was bummed to learn that Transfer Flow (TF) no longer sells the 46-gallon midship or smaller rear fuel tank to the general public. SMB West still sells the 46-gallon TF tank but they have to install it too for around $2,200. Too expensive to me for an extra 16 gallons of fuel that I'd only really need infrequently.

I think the least expensive option is to buy an aftermarket replacement rear gas tank which I've seen online for less than $200. Problem with that approach is you have to source and buy all the various hardware, hangers, fill assembly, and either route the fill to the existing fuel door, custom fab something inside the rear fender (like the old pickup dual tanks), or cut a new fuel door in the body. None of which really appealed to me.

An Aluminess rear bumper and three 5-gallon Spectre-type cans is looking better and better.

Christopher Thwaites · 11-06-2009, 02:02 PM

That's doable for me. I'll check out the aftermarket stuff. Thanks.

carringb · 11-06-2009, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zippy

I believe the cab/chassis E series comes with the rear tank standard.

Yes, that's what gave me the idea. The 35 gallon rear tank on the E350 chassis would fit simply by flipping the cross member behind the differential around. I looks like the 55 gallon E450 tank would require a completely different crossmember.