FJ Cruisers of Northern California

Auxiliary fuel tank

FYI for anyone interested:

- Don't try and make one on your own unless you are an accomplished fabricator. I've tried and failed. I'm sure it's possible but after I got my stuff together, I started thinking "I've got 17 gallons of fuel underneath me did I do this right?". Needless to say, it's not a good feeling.

- Man A Fre makes a good tank. It is made out of aluminum and I've spoken to a guy who totaled his FJ in a front end collision and the tank was fine. I'm not sure if I would take it on the rubicon but I wouldn't be surprised if someone has.

- There are other manufactures who have other aux. fuel systems out there but they are not "mass produced." However there are other manufactures who are working other systems and there are rumors that some are going through the CARB and crash tests which would make them 50 state legal. I guess we'll just have to wait and see when these get released and how much they'll cost.

I bought a used MAF tank and I had a modified filler neck and all other supplies to make it work. The electrical is done and I'm just waiting for some fittings to arrive and I'll have the tank installed. I've spent a lot of time and money on this and I would be happy to share what I know to anyone who's interested.

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by TOE 4X4 on September 17, 2009 at 5:59pm

Yes, NOT to carry fuel in the vehicle.

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Permalink Reply by Vaughn on September 13, 2009 at 2:52am

so the cool 2 red can days are way gone?

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Permalink Reply by TRD Black on September 15, 2009 at 8:52pm

I love the two red can idea, but don't always want to get out of the car to fill up. When it is really a pain is when I'm just traveling with the fj somewhere on the highway & burning gas. I'd settle for just 10 gallons...

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Permalink Reply by pkelly72 on September 15, 2009 at 9:08pm

I know what you mean. I've always felt that if someone made a 10 gallon system and sold it for $500 it would sell extreamly well. It would also have a smaller profile and be less suseptable to damage

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Permalink Reply by Bz on September 15, 2009 at 10:00pm

if you find it post up I'd love another 10 gallons

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Permalink Reply by manoweb on September 16, 2009 at 9:39am

Yes but I do not think a 10gal tank would cost much less than a 19 one, considering also the installation, wiring, etc

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Permalink Reply by pkelly72 on September 16, 2009 at 10:09am

Cost break down:

summit fuel pump-$79.95
fuel pump relay-$29.95
fittings and fuel line-$30-50, depending on what you want
modified filler neck- $129 with shipping
extra 12 gauge wire,connectors, etc-$25
all supplies -tank=~$350
so you are right $500 would be hard.

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Permalink Reply by TRD Black on September 16, 2009 at 6:33pm

True, but would there be better ground clearance? I'd settle for a complete tank replacement too... :-)

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Permalink Reply by Mike Kirsch on September 16, 2009 at 11:36pm

RadRod built one in his garage and it's sweet!!

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Permalink Reply by Mike Kirsch on September 16, 2009 at 11:38pm

and also removeable, he has it mounted reverse into the trailer hitch. I just think 35 dollar gas cans seem to be the most cost effective way.

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Permalink Reply by Sonof40 on September 17, 2009 at 7:07am

Did he document it? Is there a link?

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Permalink Reply by pkelly72 on September 17, 2009 at 8:00am

It's on the socal site.

My 2 cents: find a commecially available unit that fits, purchase from a salvage yard, fabricate some some mounting brackets/skid plate, then decide how you want to fill it. Option 1- have it go into existing filler tube. Opt. 2- have another fill tube (see PB's) link.