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Bambi_Bandit · 12-04-2008, 11:29 AM

This past weekend I had an auxiliary diesel tank and toolbox / rolling cover combo installed on my F-250.

The tank is from American Tank in Frisco, TX. It is made of Marine Grade ALUMINUM (not Aulminized steel so there will never be any corrosion issues from the water in diesel), and feeds directly into my factory fuel lines. One of my Ford Up-fitter switches controls a valve which determines what tank the factory fuel pump pulls from.

By Dimensional measurements it holds approximately 40 gallons, but is under rated to 30. The designs with baffles and "bowl" by the feed and return lines really allows me to get as much fuel out of it, even when driving steep inclines. I've never run it to complete empty, but I think I should easily get 35+ gallons or more before it would even come close to sputtering for fuel.

I cannot say enough about Mike, the owner of American Tank. I spent hours on the phone with him comparing tank manufacturers and designs.
Mike always answered my questions even if it took an hour on the phone with him.

My challenge was to make this tank fit under a toolbox / roll cover from Truck Covers USA. Mike offered to contact the manufacturer to get dimensional specifics to ensure there would be no fitment issues.

He even installed it for me on a Saturday over Thanksgiving weekend. All the wiring was loomed and shrink wrapped. All holes drilled were coated with anti-corrosion treatment, and all hardware used to bolt the valve to the frame and tank to the bed were stainless. I should have no issues with any rust or corrosion should I decided to go north where there is salt on the roads.

Here are a few pics. Sorry for the resolution and sharpness - all I had was the camera phone at the time...

Bambi_Bandit · 12-04-2008, 11:43 AM

Here is a shot of the tank as it sits under the toolbox and cover, as well as the gap between the top of the tank and the bottom of the toolbox / cover.

The last shot shows the fuel lines (background) that feed into the truck bed wall down to the factory fuel lines. The tube in the foreground is the drain tube for the roll top cover canister.

Bambi_Bandit · 12-04-2008, 11:48 AM

Here is the roll top closed and opened. Note that the roll top tucks under the toolbox in a canister. The top can be drawn closed or opened all the way, or in 1 foot increments.

Thanks to Paul (62 Overlander) for his help on the Toolbox / roll top install. It is HEAVY!!!

Bambi_Bandit · 12-04-2008, 11:55 AM

Here are a few shots of the toolbox looking down from the bed.

Note that the front half (toward the cab) is deep, and (2) removable trays are provided that sit over this depth. The remainder area is shallow as the roll top canister sits underneath.

The wires you see are actuators that will control the locks on the the toolbox. I'll get that wired up with the LED toolbox lights and bed lights this weekend.