Propickup Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/150744
FUEL TANKS: REPLACEMENT Vehicle Safety Standards), VESC22 ( Vehicle Equipment Safety Commission), NFPA 1192, ANSI 119.2, RVIA (Recreational Vehicle Industry Association) regulations, CARB (California Air Resources Board), and EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) regulations. So verify with the tank manufacturer you are considering that their replacement tanks (and installations) meet state and federal regulations. BARRIER PROTECTION Keeping the replacement fuel tank protected from internal and external failure is also a key buying point. By nature they are located in a very vulnerable area that's exposed to everything from dent/ puncture damage to rust from salt and water exposure. Many aftermarket tanks are treated with anti-corrosion coatings when they're manufactured. Aero's tanks, for example, are made with aluminized steel, which will provide good protection from the elements for a long time. Transfer Flow goes one step further with their aluminized steel tanks, offering spray-on liner protection like that used in pickup beds. Titan's tanks are made from military grade cross-linked Most replacement tanks re-use the OE fuel pump/sender hardware. If the truck is an older model with higher miles, this might be a good time to replace the in-tank pump. PRODUCT SHOWCASE Secondary water/fuel filter kits, such as this F.A.S.S. unit on ProPickup's Big Red dually, can save downtime and expensive repairs. They are an easy upgrade when replacing the fuel tank. polyethylene (XLHDPE), so they wouldn't need extra external corrosion protection. But having a skid plate underneath would help protect against external damage. Reading the new fuel tank's warranty also speaks to the quality of the product. FILTER SCIENCE While the tank's being replaced, it's not a bad idea to consider a little extra protection from dirt and organisms in the fuel. In-line fuel/water separator & filters, like those from FASS (fass-fuel-pumps.com), Air Dog (pureflowairdog.com), Filter Solutions Technologies (www. fstperformance.com) and Racor cab save a big engine repair. Some pickups (Rams, for example) don't incorporate an inline fuel filter at all, so now's a good time to add this extra layer of protection. Remembering that lost time is lost money, taking the risk of losing a truck for a day or more due to bad fuel is not an option. An inline filter/water separator is an easy option to add, especially when the tank is out and being replaced with an extended-range unit. Extended-range fuel tanks may seem like simple accessories, but they're actually quite involved, from construction to warranty to installation. It pays to spend some extra time with research on these products. MTS Company MTS offers replacement polyethylene gas tanks that have no welds or seams and are guaranteed not to rust through for the life of your vehicle. With thickness of nearly a quarter inch, the insulating qualities of the polyethylene will also reduce condensation and, most importantly, will eliminate rust. MTS replacement tanks are designed in the same shape and size for direct replacement of the metal OEM tank. MTS tanks are easy to install, using the original mounting hardware. Limited lifetime warranty. www.mtscompany.com; (800)522-1622 Titan Fuel Tanks Titan offers a 60-gallon replacement tank for new 2013 Chevy trucks. These tanks are constructed of military grade cross-linked polyethylene (XLHDPE) and come complete with powder-coated or plated steel mounting strap set, Crew Cab Front Support Assembly, extruded rubber mounting bushings and accessories. Tank features include exclusive low-fuel trap design. Five-year limited warranty. www.titanfueltanks.com; (800)728-4982 Aero Tanks Aero's replacement aluminized-steel fuel tanks are available for 2000-up Chevy Duramax 2500 and 3500 pickups, extended and crew cab. Tanks are available in 52-, 62- or 65-gallon capacities depending on the truck. New tank uses factory pumps and valves, and the tanks bolt directly to the frame instead of using OE straps. All models carry a three-year or 50,000-mile warranty. www.aerotanks.com; (909) 388-0002 50 PROPICKUP Big Book 2013 ProPickup_2013BB_Fuel Tanks.indd 50 8/6/13 10:07 AM