Fuel tank location

[MajorDirty]

I am getting ready to install an auxillary fuel tank in my enclosed trailer(under the deck) and am wondering what is the best location....over the axles, in the back or under the V nose? I would like to put it under V nose so the fill would be close to the man door. Anyone have any ideas? Are there any issues with weight distribution. I will also have 3 sleds inside. Thanks.

 

[sandorsnow]

How many gallons is the tank?
How long is the trailer?
What truck are you pulling with?

 

[MajorDirty]

Tank will be 75 gallons. Trailer is 21'(16' box with 5' V). Truck is F350 powerstroke. The weight won't be a problem, just want to make sure I put the weight in the right spot. I usually load all 3 sleds from the front V nose. Thanks.

 

[sandorsnow]

try to put it under the front axle or as close as you can get. that way you're a little front heavy. when it's only half full and starts sloshing around you're going to feel it, it's a delayed reaction so drive around town a little bit to get a feel for it. good luck

 

[MajorDirty]

Sandorsnow, what do you think of putting it under the V nose? Would it be too nose heavy? I am also planning on putting some baffles inside to minimize the sloshing. Thanks for your input.

 

[sandorsnow]

Baffles would be a great way to go. The only other concern is the weight. I don't know for sure but gas weighs around 6-7 lbs per gallon (high side to be safe), thats around 500 lbs in gas plus the weight of the tank, thats a lot of tounge weight. Will your tounge jack handle the weight?

It can be done but pay attention to how you load your trailer, you'll want to load sleds and gear toward the back to help compinsate, depending on how much fuel is in the tank, each time will be a little different. Another thing to consider is your trailer frame in that area, is it heavy duty enough, not just short term but think a few years down the road, Ive modded my trailers quite a bit and learned to "over build".

As for your truck, good choice, I also have a f350. If you don't have air bags on the rear, get some. I have the FIRESTONE.

Lastly, your hitch, spend a little extra $ and get a solid hitch. My trucks have a UNI-MOUNT, it's adjustable, has 2" and 2 5/16" ball and is rated at 14,000lbs.

 

[MajorDirty]

The tongue jack is a good point, I'll check the rating on it. I normally load all three sleds from the front....two nosed up to the rear door and one between them mid trailer. I think the tank would be comparable to one more sled in the front ( plus a couple extra pounds). I do have the firestone ride rites in the rear of my truck, and they are awesome. I guess best place would really be over the axles, but I don't like that location just for the placement of the filler neck. I looked at my father in laws featherlite, which has a 90 gallon tank mounted underneath in the very back. It works and seems to handle fine, but I would have thought the back would be the worst place to put it, more prone to fish tailing. Thanks again for your input.

John

 

[sandorsnow]

I personally wouldn't mount it in the back, not just for fishtailing, but you'll FEEL every bump in the road as it would cause a "bucking" effect. But that's my personal preference.

Other than that it sounds like you're good to go.

Good luck to ya!!

 

[McLovin]

Gas is a little bit heavier than water and water is 8.3 pounds per gallon. As far as baffles go i dont think you need to bother. My 100 gallon tank in my pickup is always full and the "slosh" feel is very minimal. You are basically looking at 800-1000 lbs with the tank mounted and full. As long as your axles are up for it do it and dont look back. Remember a little bit tongue heavy is always better than a little bit *** heavy.

 

[sandorsnow]

Gas is a little bit heavier than water and water is 8.3 pounds per gallon. As far as baffles go i dont think you need to bother. My 100 gallon tank in my pickup is always full and the "slosh" feel is very minimal. You are basically looking at 800-1000 lbs with the tank mounted and full. As long as your axles are up for it do it and dont look back. Remember a little bit tongue heavy is always better than a little bit *** heavy.

Thanks for the weight info. I also have 110 gal aux. tank on my trucks and at half full, although minimal, you can still feel the slosh. Put that in a trailer and you can definately feel it. Not trying to argue, just trying to get him as much info as I can from my experiences.

 

[MajorDirty]

Gas is actually lighter than water by about 2 pounds per gallon. I am building the tank from 1/8" aluminum plate, so I will be putting some baffles in to not only stop the sloshing, but also to keep the energy of the fluid from stressing the metal. I agree that I would rather be heavy towards the front than the rear. Thanks again guys for your input.

 

[McLovin]

Looky here, i have been proved wrong and not even afraid to admit it haha Im not in the business of weighing gas or diesel but would have never guessed it weighs less than water. Also didnt know you were using aluminum to build your tank, the more support the better. Pictures man let me know how it works. What kind of pump are you thinking about?

 

[JEN4]

Pump

Did you order the pump you where looking at the other day and did you deside were to mount it.

 

[MajorDirty]

I bought a pump from a local logging supply business. It is the same pump you see on the pickup bed tanks for transferring fuel to equipment. I am mounting it in the V nose, inside. It is tucked out of the way, and will be better protected from road salt and chemicals. I just got the tank layed out last night. I am mounting it under the V nose and bolting to the main frame rails of the trailer. Should be about 80 gallons. Total weight of the tank, without fuel, should be around 70 pounds. I will post some pics when I get the tank built. Thanks for the responses.

John

 

[MajorDirty]

New tank pics

Here are some pics of the fuel tank I am building. As stated in my earlier posts, it will be mounted under the V nose. The pump and the filter assembly will be mounted underneath trailer, and the hose will be coiled and hung on inside wall. I will be using hose to make connections from tank to pump and from pump to filter. Will have a coupling mounted in the floor to connect fueling hose to filter under trailer. Tank is fully baffled, and has connections for sending unit, filler, vent,drain, and pump suction (hard piped to bottom of tank). I will post install pics