I'm playing with the thought to build an aux fuel tank since I'm a member on DieselBombers.
In the past I have seen a couple of build-ups.
Since this site is mostly trucks they are mounted either inside the bed or undercarriage.

I have a '99 Jeep Cherokee´- Diesel of course and yes there is an aux fuel tank available. But a couple of things are a no-go.
First the price: 1300€ plus shipping from australia for only 13 gal (51 Liters) of diesel
is bit expensive, just 130$ per gal???
Secondly, that thing is hanging 4 inches below the unibody frame. Being hocked on a stump is just a question of time.

There is also a steel replacement tank made by Brown Davis- just seven gals more than the standard tank are not worth the price.
So after thinking a while I thought it would be ok to have a tank inside the trunk? Mounting jerry cans outside is prohibited by law in germany. Using jerry cans are giving only 5 gal per can extra.
So I was thinking to build an inside aux tank instead of using the spare tire.
this should be volume enough for an extra fuel supply of 20 gal and I could cover it with the stock tire carpet cover.

Which material should I use? Have in mind I want to be able to remove that tank with ease when not in use.
I have organized a fuel pick up and quick disconnect made for military 5gal jerry cans. So hooking it up should easy.



I would like to have a capacity of 20 gals. Any tips and hints?
How can I build a fuel level switch- telling me when it is time to switch over to the main tank.
Shall I use to independent filters? What else should I have in mind?
Any hint or picture is welcome! THX

 

20 gallons is heavy. I don't think those securing rods will work. When building a fuel. Ell always weld inside seams first then install the top then seal weld al of the outside. Auto meter makes a good feel level Indicator and gauge. Make sure you do a top vent. I don't think a baffle will be necessary

 

Whit, your external aux tank made me droolin' for ages.
I want one! Diesel is now 40 to 50 cents cheaper per gal in danmark than in germany. This would give me some extra range and saving a bit?
I collected already a couple of parts, like a to two way valve or a second fuel filter- just in case...

I just looked at the tire mount, and yes, it does look a bit flimsy! That thing is barely enough to hold a full size spare tire...
but 20 gal of fuel- I don't know?

 

get a fuel cell for a race car it is designed to be inside. I would not feel safe with a home made fuel tank inside the jeep with me.

 

Thank you, that is a good input where to look at.
Luckily our safety inspection wants to see a certificate for the tank. It must be build by a certified welder and it must be pressure tested.

 

I have built several tanks over the years


steel is the easiest to do
have the main part bent in a U shape weld the ends in leave enough room to weld the outside also I would weld this with a mig wire feed do it in a single pass do not stop when finished the go over it with a tig then like wit says put the top on same thing wire feed then tig

when done pressure test it

 

Thanks for the advice!
After having another look around the Cherokee I found the emtpy space behind the rear seats.
The picture below gave me some inspiration. What do you all think about it?

Since we go with the relative harmless diesel, I don't fear the fuel inside. I like the low gravity the use of useless space and the appearance.
Any concerns I can't see? Please let me know!

 

Fuel inside the vehicle is legal in Germany? ....You arent going to vent the tank?


Is that your Cherokee? Doesnt look like mine looked.

 

- its a Landrover Defender
Sure, you can mount your fuel tank whereever you want- as long as the fuel neck is located outside. The neck in the picture is illegal.

I have had the idea of using an external plane fuel tank from an Alpha Jet.
Our safety inspection officer went ballistic as I arrived with that "thing" at the safety inspection. 350L or 92gal+fuel tank weight is too much load in his opinion for a standard roof rack...

But the aerodynamic shape is priceless- you don't hear any noise nor existent drag due to its shape.( I'm tinkering with the idea to convert it into a roof storage container...)


Maybe I should go back to use two 5gal jerry cans?

 

Thats looking like the best idea...or buy a truck and you can have a 100 gallong tank.