I am going to add an auxiliary fuel system to my truck. I have searched the web and seen a couple of tanks locally.<br> I came across saddle tanks that mount under the bed on the outside of the frame. They are made of the same material as the OEM fuel tank. They are 18 gal each so 36 gal total if put them on both sides. The two tanks run around $400 plus tax. That does not include any of the plumbing to hook it up to the truck.<br> I have not found any threads that have discussed this type of system. Has anyone had any experience with this type of set up?<br> All the threads I find discuss the in the bed style of tank. I have no idea the pros and con's of the two different types. My thought was I like the idea of keeping the auxiliary fuel tank out of the bed and putting it under the truck.<br> The only drawback I can see is having to pump fuel under the wheel well on each side of the truck.<br>Thanks Randy

 

Randy,<br>I had the same concerns. Really get hard nosed about how much fuel at one time you REALLY need. Maybe you could get by with only one extra tank. Gives you a 50% increase in distance to empty. <br><br>I went with the inbed tank because I wanted the extra capacity for towing and needed a tool box as well. I am happy with my setup. I carry a 41 gallon in bed tank.

 

Randy, with a 2003 model, I don't think saddle tanks are useable. I was looking underneath mine the other night, and noticed the exhaust system runs inside the frame rail on the passenger side. The driver's side has the fuel tank there, so if you wanted another one like it on the passenger side you would have to re-route the exhaust to prevent exposure of that tank to the exhaust system heat. I think the in-bed like FiverBob has is the best bet with these trucks. Just an observation on my part.

 

Thanks for the replies so far.<br> The saddle tanks go on the outside of the frame between the bed and frame. I will go out and double check what it looks like under there.<br> One more note on the tanks, one tank is $250 and two are $400 so an extra $150 gets both tanks. Makes you wonder how much they make on the first one.<br> I realize the in bed tank seems to be the most popular choice. It just seemed appealing to me to put them underneath out of the way. I just wonder if the in the bed is more popular for a reason or if the saddle tanks are just as good of a choice?<br> Thanks Randy

 

Years ago I had a gasser 1 ton SRW GMC with saddle tanks that were factory mounted. I liked them, but most places won't do them because of the lawsuits a few years back. If you mount them outside the frame you have no side impact protection for the tanks, which is a fire risk if you get side impacted. That was the major lawsuit problem years ago. Notice that the factory tank is mounted INSIDE the frame for just this reason. Just my $.02

 

Yes I remember the Chevy's catching on fire. <br> I do know there are different rules for gas tanks and diesel tanks on trucks. They will not mount these saddle tanks on trucks that use gas.

 

Big rig tanks are mounted on the outside right in the open.<br>Right under the cab even.<br><br>Must be different rules for Diesel and Gasoline.<br><br>There is a company that makes an underbed tank that takes the place of the spare, can't remember names of course, but you might want to look into that option.<br><br>phox

 

Randy, I used to have two saddle tanks mounted outside the frame and ran a length of pvc up and across the frame to fill both of them on the same side. Used radiator hose for the bends. Worked out pretty good.

 

The lawsuit I beleive was just for the gasers. Gas is explosive, diesel is flamable. Just like the big rigs can get by with mounting on the outside of the frame. I would like to find the saddle tanks myself, let me know where you got them. Plumbing them in would be a pice of cake as you can just use gravity flow from the bottom of the tank into the main tank. Good luck, let me know how it works out.<br>Heath

 

Would be interested. Where did you find the tanks and do they included all mounting hardware, or do you have to fabricate mounting brackets?<br>

 

Pogodually,<br> Here is a link to were I found them. They happen to be about 30 miles from my house. I am going to go over next week and take a look at them. If you are interested I will let you know what I think about them. Also the person I talked to sold a kit for them that hooked them up to the fuel system. You could select the main tank or either of the saddle tanks to run on. The factory fuel gauge would show the fuel level of whichever tank you selected to use. The only thing I did not like about the kit he mentioned was that it was another $250 to the price. But I guess it will be one of those things you only regret buying when you pay for it. From then on you enjoy it.<br>Randy <br>http://www.auxiliarytruck.com/ecatal...?a=/5/367/1100

 

Look at www.aerotanks.com. I bought a 63 gallon replacement tank from them last year, and it was around $850.00 - installed &amp; guaranteed. I am totally spoiled by the thing, and would never go back. The longest day on the road doesn't even come close to emptying it, so I just fill it up in the evening when I'm ready to camp, and go the next day. Around town between trips, I go for weeks between fill-ups. Love it ! ! ! Big Lar.

 

Here is the website for another option. It replaces the stock tank with a bigger one. 54 gallons, and up. I am not sure what they have available for the 2003.<br><br>www.Transfer Flow.com

 

Well I called the tank place up to make sure they had everything in stock for the saddle tanks on the 2003. Luckily I got hold of someone who knew what he was talking about. <br> Come to find out the saddle tanks will not fit a 2003, there is not enough room to put them in. I went out and looked under my truck. The only thing I could come up with was the placement of the leaf springs.