Pickup trucks continue to be bigger, bummier and more powerful. The one thing that hasn’t changed over the years is that. The main fuel tank. Even the full-size trucks have a 26-36 gallon gas tank, and that’s a lot of tank until you’re 3 hours from the nearest gas station. The problem of the truck capability and the truck range is driving more truck owners to take the easy way out—aftermarket fuel tanks.
It’s not just the off roaders who are looking for distant trails anymore. This has become an issue for hunters, ranchers, road trippers and even weekend campers. They would like to travel farther, but not always have to stop for gas at a location that has one very few times a year.
The Range Problem Nobody Talks About
The problem with today’s trucks. When used with gear and/or a trailer, they can have poorer fuel economy and towing capacity than lighter vehicles. Though engines are more efficient, the actual range has not increased as much as consumers would like. A 500 mile rated truck can only do 300 miles when fully loaded and hauling it up the mountains.
That is a major concern for anyone entering the rural parts of Nevada, Montana’s back roads, or any other road with sparse towns. It’s not only about running low on fuel in those areas. Can be potentially dangerous if cell service is lost as well.
One straightforward solution that’s gaining traction is installing a truck bed fuel tank. These tanks can be installed in the bed instead of occupying cargo space within a toolbox or cab, and can be installed to provide between 40 and 100 gallons of extra capacity. That additional cushion can make all the difference between a relaxing or stressful run for the person who is traveling from one state to another or deep into the backcountry.
It’s Not Just About Off-Roading Anymore
Some years ago, auxiliary tanks were primarily made for the hardcore overlander and desert racer. That’s shifted. Many people, who tow horse trailers, run small farms or simply drive long distances for work are doing so now, and many regular truck owners are doing the same.
A larger part of that is due to the increase in the way people utilize their trucks. Many owners are converting pickups into travel rigs, be it for long road trips, to get to work from remote locations, or simply to explore on an ad hoc basis. This has encouraged some creative conversions from builders as well.
Some shops are transforming older pickups into scaled-down semi trucks through kits like those offered by Lil Big Rig, which shows just how far truck customization has come. That build, which is one of looks and past, serves the same concept. Truck owners are not satisfied with their vehicles as they are out of the showroom.
Fuel capacity is right in line with that frame of mind. It’s not necessarily a cosmetic change, but one that’s intended to bring the stock truck to its limits of usefulness.
What to Consider Before Adding a Tank
There are a few things to know before considering an auxiliary fuel tank. Bed space matters. The bigger the tank, the more cargo space is sacrificed; consider how much range you really need versus how often you will be using that bed space for cargo. Weight matters too. If you choose to go big, remember that 60 or 70 gallons of fuel comes with real pounds, so make sure you know your truck’s payload limit.
There are significant differences in the complexity of the installation among the products. Other configurations are almost plug-and-play, and some are more complicated fuel-line installations. If you don’t feel like doing it yourself, a truck fuel system shop is worth the additional expense.
It’s also a good idea to consider realistically how often you’ll actually need the added range. A person towing a camper across the country a couple times a year is going to have different requirements than a person driving round and round rural areas without many gas stations.
Real Trips, Real Numbers
Long-distance travelers in the overlanding community have been documenting this firsthand for years. Builds compared across grand tour overlanding rigs have shown that even strong factory tanks often fall short once a truck is loaded for travel, which is part of why a 36-gallon fuel tank providing roughly 432 highway miles is considered impressive in that world rather than ordinary. Numbers like that explain why so many people end up adding capacity instead of just hoping for the best.
The Bottom Line
Fuel range has not always matched up with the capabilities of the trucks. An auxiliary tank is more than an optional accessory – it’s a necessity for those who rely on frequent long-distance journeys for work, play, or both.
This upgrade isn’t flashy. No one will stop to gawk at it in a car park. It could be one of the most beneficial features that truck owners add for those who have to plan their gas stops before each drive.
