Long range fuel tanks - problems?

"I have seen a long range tank split up at Cape York "

That's where mine cracked! The local mechanic at weipa said the locals don't use them.

Leroy

we have had long range tanks fitted to our work 4wds for a long time - seems to be a lack of quality control is the problem - identical vehicles - identical capacity tanks from the same providers - some split (varying distances travelled) and some don't. the 4wds all operate the same areas and the same conditions. have tried a number of different suppliers and all seem to be the same. they have all been quick however to either organise repairs or replacements but not much help when you are looking at a 100 litres disappear into the dirt halfway up the canning. we are now not bothering to fit l/r tanks and running 1 x 200l in the back - easy with a trayback but until we can actually find a product that will do what it claims and is fit for purpose then this is the best alternative. and no we haven't had a 200l drum split yet - something to do with simplicity in construction????? rgds

Lizzard,

I worked for Main Roads WA in Derby and Kununurra as a mechanic and we were constantly welding up leaks on the tanks that were fitted to our vehicles, Not sure of brands as they were fitted in Perth before the vehicle was sent up, Though i must admit these vehicles used to cop a fair flogging, Used to always crack along the seems and where the mounting brackets were welded on. Easy enough to weld up on the Diesels but id be a bit worried about trying on the petrols,

Lizzard,

I worked for Main Roads WA in Derby and Kununurra as a mechanic and we were constantly welding up leaks on the tanks that were fitted to our vehicles, Not sure of brands as they were fitted in Perth before the vehicle was sent up, Though i must admit these vehicles used to cop a fair flogging, Used to always crack along the seems and where the mounting brackets were welded on. Easy enough to weld up on the Diesels but id be a bit worried about trying on the petrols,
If i was after one i would be looking for the following,
*Material Thickness (Thicker the Better)
*Distance between baffles (Closer they are the sturdier the tank,helps stop any
flexing)
*Look for one with a basic shape,Have seen some that have been built up like a
pyramid to take advantage of any space available,Problem being you end up with
20,000 welds...More welds, more chances of leaks
*Pay attention to mounting brackets (Are they mounted in spots were there is flex
etc..)

Hope this helps,
If you find a good one,Let me know...I'll be chasing one towards the end of the year..
Regards,
Jolly..

I have reorganised the back of my truck to accommodate 6 steel jerry cans giving me a 210lt range in the 4.2 diesel GQ(I discount the 5 litres in the bottom of the tank) I know it is a pain to refill with jerries but I have become so used to it. The cost factor is another thing. Not much under $1000 to reorganise with long range tank/s and then you have the potential problem of them splitting