Propickup Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/150744
PRODUCT SHOWCASE TOOL BOXES: COMBO TOOL/FUEL Toolboxes in combination units are reasonably roomy, with typical capacities ranging from about 5 to 10 cubic feet of storage. Some designs place the filler neck and pump mechanism within the toolbox so that it is protected when the box is locked. (Photo courtesy of Highway Products) monitors the tank that is currently in use. What you don't want to do is jerry-rig a transfer tank so it acts as an auxiliary fuel tank. Doing so creates your own business insurance and liability issues along with warranty issues with most fuel tank manufacturers. "We know customers do this, but if they do this with one of our tanks, it voids the warranty," warns Chris Schiphof, vice president of sales at Tradesman Truck Accessories, a builder of fuel transfer tanks and toolboxes since the early 1970s. "We can't be liable for any engines, and that is why we stress the customer to buy an auxiliary tank if that is what they need." CHOICES GALORE Tool/fuel combos are available in aluminum, steel or aluminizedsteel versions. Aluminum is lighter and won't rust; steel is generally heavier and stronger. Diamond-plate aluminum has become an extremely popular choice because of its strengthto-weight ratio and because the material retains its appearance longer than other types. Some tool/fuel combos are designed as a single unit, with the tank built as an integral part of the whole. Other units are built using an "L"-shaped fuel tank with a rectangular toolbox either welded to or sitting atop the foot of the "L." Standard fuel capacities for integrated toolbox/fuel tank combinations range from 30 to 60 gallons, while L-tanks typically provide 50 to 100 gallons. Both types serve the same purpose but the integrated units offer a seamless appearance, while the two-piece allows the option of changing the tool box or fuel tank at will. Toolboxes integrated with a fuel tank are reasonably roomy, with typical capacities ranging from about 5 to 10 cubic feet of storage. If maximum cargo capacity is a goal, look to the L-tank design because those toolboxes are standard capacity. A variety of combination designs allow for the toolbox section to open with a single lid, double lids (also called gullwing lids) and units to accommodate UWS Thule manufactures a variety of toolboxes, tanks and combination units under the UWS brand. The combination liquid transfer tank/tool box shown features an 85-gallon volume and measures 48-by-27-by-24 inches. The fully welded one-piece tub is fabricated from heavy-duty .125 aluminum alloy with a commercial-grade vented cap and mounting flanges and stainless-steel paddle handle lock. UWS offers 45- to 100-gallon transfer tanks for diesel fuel and nonpotable water in both aluminum and powder-coated steel. www.uwsta.com; (800) 561-0716 Transfer Flow Transfer Flow's in-bed auxiliary fuel tanks fit Dodge, Ford and GM pickups and come in 37-, 50-, 75- and 98-gallon capacities. Made from aluminized steel or aluminum diamond plate, they are fully baffled for added strength and to minimize sloshing. Some tanks can be used in with a retractable bed cover, tonneau cover or camper shell. All parts needed for a fully legal fuel system installation are included with each tank. www.transferflow.com; (800) 442-0056 Highway Products The "Fantom" hide-away fuel tank from Highway Products provides 75 gallons of fuel storage disguised as a bed-mounted tool box. The tank is invisible when the box lid is shut and there is space in the top compartment to store equipment and tools inside. Made of heli-arc welded 3/16-inch marine grade aluminum. Two internal baffles to keep fuel movement to a minimum. Limited lifetime warranty. www.800toolbox.com; (800) 866-5269 TRANSFER PUMPS Combination units bolt into the bed of the pickup using welded-on brackets or anchor plates. Most boxes include mounting kits that contain all required hardware along with installation instructions. (Photo courtesy of Daws Mfg.) Auxiliary tanks may use the truck's fuel pump or require a 12-volt electric pump, and transfer tanks require either an electric or a hand pump and are not usually included with the tank itself. Every tank manufacturer or retailer will be able to recommend a pump that provides sufficient flow and includes a hose of sufficient length to suit the application. Some are also available with flow gauges with which to keep track of the tank's fill level and how much fuel is dispensed. Automatic shut-off nozzles are a convenient feature and should definitely be considered, because they prevent overfilling and allow the user to attend to other chores while transferring fuel. The two best-known auxiliary fuel and transfer pump manufacturers are Great Plains Industries [www.gpi.net; (800) 835-0113] and Fill-Rite, a subsidiary of Tuthill [www.tuthill. com/us/en/brands/fill-rite.cfm; (800) 634-2695]. Both companies supply electric and hand pumps designed specifically for use with transfer and auxiliary tanks. Consult with your tank manufacturer or retailer for equipment recommendations that are compatible with the tank you purchase. 108 PROPICKUP Big Book 2013 ProPickup_2013BB_Tool Boxes Combo.indd 108 8/6/13 10:34 AM