Propickup Digital Magazine
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/105105
L COMBO BOXES AND TANKS BUYERS GUIDE AMERICAN TANK DUALPURPOSE COMBO BOXES MAXIMIZE BED SPACE AND INCREASE UTILITY VALUE TRANSFER PUMPS Auxiliary tanks may use the truck's fuel pump or require a 12-volt electric pump, while transfer tanks require either an electric or a hand pump that's 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 (gpi.net; 800-835-0113) and Fill-Rite, a subsidiary of Tuthill (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. —S.C. fuel. They can also be used to carry liquid fertilizers, nonpotable water and the like. The second type of bed-mounted fuel tank available with toolbox combinations is the auxiliary tank. These tanks are generally plumbed into the vehicle's factory fuel system, essentially acting as a second tank for the vehicle. Some versions allow the option of an external pump, hose and nozzle for refueling of off-board equipment. Most auxiliary tanks include a dashmounted switch that allows the operator to select which tank the truck draws fuel from, and the factory in-dash fuel gauge 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 Combination toolbox and auxiliary fuel systems from American Tank feature secure and easy-tooperate handles, heavy-duty latches and locking systems, fully crested lids and heavy-duty gas lid d supports. The units are constructed of 1/8-inch 3003 marine-grade diamond-plate aluminum with a triple baffle in the fuel tank. This tool/fuel combination features a height of 19 inches so as not to neck interfere with fifth wheel or gooseneck 1 trailers. auxtank.com; 940-686-2391 BE BETTER BUILT Bet Better Built offers baffled 75-gallon combination transfer tanks/toolboxes for easy transportation of nonflammable liquids such as diesel fuel or water. Available in either .125-inch tread-plate aluminum or 12-gauge steel, the units offer lockable caps and couplers, and dual flush-mounted 2-inch reinforced bungs. The pump mounting location is reinforced, and a mounting kit is included for securing the unit to the truck bed with fully welded mounting brackets. daw dawsbetterbuilt.com; 800-366-8289 DEE ZEE Dee Zee's combo transfer tanks are available in either Brite-Tread aluminum or 14-gauge steel. The tanks feature three baffles, cap, drainage plug and coupler for venting. A radius curve design elimiinates key welded pressure points, and nd the utility chests offer stainless paddle dle handles, dampened gas shocks, closed-cell sed-cell foam gaskets and a double-V lid stiffener. ffener. Available in either uncoated or gloss black s powdercoat, and the steel varieties come in white or black powdercoat featuring NRT rustg inhibiting technology. deezee.com; 800-779-8222 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 '70s. "We can't be liable for any engines, and that is why we stress the customer buy an auxiliary tank if that is what they need." CHOICES GALORE Tool/fuel combos are available in aluminum, steel or aluminized-steel 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 strength-to-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 propickupmag.com PROPICKUP 63