Water Tank for GU Patrol 3.0l Turbo Diesel

Heard good reports on the flexi tanks that fit behind the rear seats or into the sides of the rear storage area (behind the panels).

Can get them in a variety of sizes.

Not sure on costs though.

Hi S Man,

I have had a 60 litre stainless tank made that fits inside and across my GU behind the 2nd row seats.

It is triangular in section and fits in the void caused by the angle of the seat back.

I had it made as part of a more extensive fit-out and it sits on a false floor which is the base of my drawer set-up.

I have also modified the cargo barrier to suit.

I have no photographs, but am happy to supply dimensions if you think you can use this.

Gordon

Whilst I can't comment on the availability of an under vehicle tank for the Patrol I do know that all such tanks are very expensive. I bought a 50 litre "plastic" caravan tank (they come in several shapes and sizes) which I've built into the back of the Cruiser. It feeds to the rear of the vehicle via irrigation pipe (black to prevent algae growth) and a tap like the ones on water coolers to get at the water. It's got a small breather and is filled through a rear window via a hole on top. That hole is sealed with a screw in plastic bung. Tank cost about $60 or $70. Company was Camec RV Equipment in Brisbane. Previously I used 2 20 litre plastic drums hooked up together and piped to the back similar to current setup but they took up a lot more room and held less water.

G'day S Man,
I think TJM make a SS tank for the GU and because it sits outside the chassis rail on the passenger's side, I don't think it should matter what engine you're running. However, I think it's only about 33 litres, fills via a pipe which is inside the truck and needs a hole cut through the floor to fit and was fairly expensive. If money is no object, I'd go for it anyway and carry other water in various containers. The Opposite Lock flexi tanks are supposed to be pretty good across the floor behind the drivers/front passenger's seat as long as you don't have other passengers (unless they are little kids who don't need the leg room.
I also looked at a tank made by the bloke in Cairns who makes the Outback _Affordable_Storage_Drawers.aspx. Trouble is all these options are bloody expensive.
I have the back of my 4.2lt T/D set up with one drawer from Department of Interior on the left, ARB 40 lt fridge on a slide on the floor on right side, with a plywood contraption over the top. That has left me room for 2 x 20lt gerry cans of water...one is mounted on a bracket above the right wheel arch beside the plywood upright. The other one is mounted in behind the fridge and is semi-permanently held by okky straps against the cargo barrier. Because it's hard to get to either of these, I have plumbed them up with bits of hose and cheap garden irrigation taps, ending with a male "o" ring fitting. That way, filling is as easy as connecting a garden hose to the outlet pipe, undoing the top cap and filling while they stay in the truck. In the case of the one behind the fridge, I can't even get to the lid without pulling the whole fridge out, so I've connected a piece of hose to the lid using a brass fitting. That bit of hose comes to near the back door (above the other gerry can) and also has one of the irrigation-type black taps to allow air in/out when I fill up or use the water.
It works well for me. Just remember not to put all your eggs (or water) in the one basket.
Cheers,
Roachie

OL have a bladder that lies in the foot well of the back seats. If you're not using the back seats while travelling, it sits in the void under the folded seat. Holds 55l and is easy to install and use. I've used one for a couple of years now.Get out there & have Fun!!!

I have an Opposite Lock bladder (holds 70 litres) and it works fine. Also Check out the Whitworth's catalogue (they are Ship chandlers). You can get a catalogue from http://www.whitworths.com.au. They have "deck tanks" which are bladders with eyelets to secure them to boat deck. They come in 50, 100, 150 and 200 litres.

Interestingly, they also have diesel bladders, and I've seen them used as long range tanks on fourbys. When they are empty you just roll them up and stow them. They can also take SERIOUS abuse - you can imaging what they would get dished out on the deck of a trawler!! Hope the helps

Steve from Armidale

Bladder idea is a winner for mine, but they ain't cheap.....and for safety's sake, the more individual containers you have the less likely a water disaster is to happen. Who wants to hole the main water tank in a skirmish of some sort with 100's of klicks to the next supply ?Drag me away from this keyboard.

I am using the flextank bladder - 55l - sits on back flooor. Really happy with it, flows well and no bad tastes. It costs a bit, but it was an impulse buy, with no regrets now. call me over concerned but I also carry a 5l drum as a reserve (in case one of my kids puts a hole in the bladder. It is also very useful for filling the bladder, rather then carrying a hose

Having one container is not such a good idea..

one small hole in it and your fubar.

The under car ones SS ones are good, but to me they seem as though theywould be prone to damage, bleep they are only few feet from the wheels and rocks, and trees and stuff.

Then the behind the drivers/passangers bladders also get in the way, I store stuff under the front and back seats..

One intergrated into the rear storage unit is another option....

they all have + and -

Take 4 x20lt plastic containers and don't wash for a week...easy :-)

Cheers,
Willem

Googs Lake camp

As Moose said 50L plastic caravan tank --- lays flat & smaller than 2 Jerry cans
hook up with some "food" grade hoses covered with black tape to keep out the light ( that way u wont get algee growing) & a vent fitted with a breather (fuel filter).
How much water you need will depend on how frugal you are with it

10 days at Easter(Vic Deserts, Border Track etc) wife & I only used 30 litres for cooking, tea & coffee etc
did the dishes once a day, had a sponge bath each evening using about a 1L
& I did not shave. ( 12 vehicles on that trip no showers etc and no one stank)
We also carried a 2litre bottle as spare or to top up the radiator & not used.
Next long trip We will take a 10 litre jerry as backup as I did not know how much was left in the black tank untill we got home.

There were times we could have got water but did not do so as part of the test
one single guy carried 100 litre & used about 20L

Also if only 2 people going you should be able to get all you need in the car which will save fuel with no roof rack

Cheers

PS 7Days 1 Vehicle & no water available what part of Oz are you going to ???Prado TD Auto

I'm with Willem for keeping it simple.

If you aren't using the back seat then the floor behind the front seats is the best place I have found in any vehicle for storing 3 or 4 20lt plastic jerrys of water. Easy to get at and the weight is down low + if one leaks you don't lose too much. Depend how many $ you have to spend in putting in custom tanks etc.

StevenLPlaydoe GXL TD Manual
It's on order, Delivery in April '04.
This pic will have to do till then. Can't wait!!!

Thanks to all that supplied thier comments and thoughts. It has made me realise that the best alternative is a number of containers so in the worst event you don't lose all your water.

For information I am heading to far west coast of SA fishing in the Great Austalian Bight. You are in the middle of nowhere and once on the beach there is no real opportunity to go back to the nearest roadhouse for supplies. Therefore we need to be fully self sufficient for all possible scenarios. The weather is pretty harsh and can get to the mid 40's during the day. Therefore we need as much water as possible but need to carry it efficiently.

We will be doing the trip in Jan 2005, I know it is a long way from here but the majority of the campsites are already booked (given there are only 12 sites max) and it is a trip that needs great prep work.

Thanks again to all for their input.

S Man

Happy Fishing!!