Propickup Digital Magazine
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/105105
BUYER'S GUIDE Combination units bolt into the bed of the pickup using weldedon brackets or anchor plates. Most boxes include mounting kits that contain all required hardware along with installation instructions. (Photo courtesy of Daws Manufacturing) 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 fifth-wheel and gooseneck trailer hitches. Some toolbox/fuel tank manufacturers offer custom units designed and built to meet unique bed or tool configurations. Some refuel designs place the filler neck and pump within the toolbox so that they are protected when the box is locked; other designs have the filler and pump outside the box for fulltime access. Some refuel tank designs place the neck and pump mechanism outside the box for fulltime access. Toolbox lid designs include single, double and special designs to accommodate other bed-mounted equipment. (Photo courtesy of RDS) NKS BUYE S UIDE E COMBO BOXES AND TANKS BUYERS GUIDE DELTA CONSOLIDATED INDUSTRIES Delta's combo transfer tank features a 74-gallon capacity built with .125 tread-plate aluminum and includes two center baffles for added strength. Two 2-inch NPT-reinforced bungs allow for reversing the lockable filler cap for access from either r side, and welded tie-down brackets secure the tank in the truck bed. The removable storage chest features a self-rising lid with two heavy-duty gas spring lifts and adjustable heavyduty lid strikers. deltastorage.com; 800-643-0084 BUYING TIPS Another item to look for when buying a tank of either type is it being designed with internal baffles, which are used to prevent fuel from sloshing excessively while cornering, preventing any adverse affect on your pickup's handling. This is especially helpful in tanks carrying more than 50 gallons. The fuel pickup location is also important. If the pickup point is not from the top of the tank, ensure that a lower point is fully protected from being accidentally dislodged, allowing the fuel to leak and creating environmental and safety hazards. It's also good to have fuel gauge in either FUEL TRANSPORT Diesel is not as volatile as gasoline, and its transport is not governed by Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations. However, state regulations vary, so it's best to consult your state's department of motor vehicles for the rules that dictate usage in your area just to be on the safe side of the law. For gasoline applications, the laws are much stricter. Tanks for the transportation of gasoline are governed by stringent guidelines and require a special DOT permit. 64 PROPICKUP June 2011 2012 Buyer's Guide HIGHWAY PRODUCTS Highway Products manufactures both standard and custom combination transfer tanks and toolboxes. The transfer tanks can be built into fifth wheel boxes, single-lid boxes or g gullwing boxes in 50-, 55-, 66-, 80- and 90-gallon capacities f for diesel fuel only. The lockable combo units feature 3/16-inch m marine-grade aluminum construction and are secured to the t truck bed with "J"-bolts. 800toolbox.com; 800-866-5269 KSH MARINE MARINE RINE KSH toolbox/tank combos come in standard sizes t lb /t k b i t d d i of 40-, 45-, 60-, 65- and 98-gallon capacities and are e designed to be bed height. The DOT-approved tanks s can be used as either an auxiliary diesel (or gas) fuel l tank or a fuel transfer tank. The tanks are made of .125-gauge mill finish aluminum. The toolbox sides are made of .063 aluminum diamond-plate with a lid id of .125 aluminum diamond plate. The aluminum fuel el tank is made with two baffles to control fuel sloshing ng and to provide added strength. The combo has a keyed yed double lock to secure items in the toolbox section and nd limit access to the fuel fill neck of the auxiliary tank. . kshmarine.com; 928-680-6610 RDS RDS manufactures both auxiliary and transfer tanks in combination with toolboxes. The fuel can gravity feed from the bottom of the tank or an optional diesel installation kit can be used to economically and easily connect the tank to the vehicle's OEM fuel tank. Gasoline auxiliary fueling is also possible if the fue is siphoned from the top of the tank using fuel an electric fuel pump. RDS transfer tanks have a structurally pu reinforced 2-inch FTP coup for installing a hand or electric fuel pump coupling and can also be set up for auxiliary fueling. rdsaluminum.com; 800-292-6898 auxilia