Welding a fuel tank into a HiLux pick-up
 

Hi

I'm looking at going overlanding in a pickup and want to add some substantial range by adding a fuel tank. Welding the fuel tank from a truck (say 200 litres) into the very front of the cargo bay (i.e. right behind the cabin) seems like a good way to do this cheaply.. how might I go about doing this?

I'm not bothered about any fancy connecting / pumping equipment - I'm looking to syphon it out with a long length of tubing kept permanently in the tank which I can pull out with my hand cupped on the end and fill straight into my main tank.

How would you fix the tank down?

Cheers

Dan

If you dont want to plumb it in (and I'm guessing that you are avoiding this step because you want the ability to remove it at some stage?) then I would bolt some hardwood battens longitudionally onto the floor of your pick-up (for the tank to sit on). I'd then install some ring bolts / cargo rails and fasten the tank down with a couple of ratchet straps.

No welds to break and you can get rid of the tank when you dont need it.

For a more permanent arrangement though I would plumb it in - far less hassle for you once you are on the road.

One final thought 200 litres is a lot of weight for a hilux do you need that much? What range are you aiming for?

[This message has been edited by ctc (edited 21 July 2004).]

If you aren't going to plumb it in then why not just use jerry cans. They are more flexible in that you can move the weight around in smaller amounts. Large fuel tank is great if you are going to plumb it in because it will be convenient. If you aren't going to then it will be just as easy to use Jerry cans.