L/R, fuel tanks

We travel from Perth to Tasmania every year to watch our son in the Targa Tasmania car race.

We have found large savings by having 1000klms (even better with 1500klms) range to get from one reasonable price diesel outlet to the next.

Not sure how long it takes to save the $1000.00 - $1300.00 it costs for the install of the long range tank, but do know it sure beats the hassle of decanting Jerrys, and it is a great peace of mind knowing you get across Oz on three tanks full.

Try "Longranger"they seem to have tanks for just about all the makes.

Steve and Carol.

Depending on the size of your tank and the 475k's from a tank full I would think it is not much. Exactly how big is the tank OR what fuel was used for the 475km.
This will give a basis on what to comment on more accurately.

However, presuming it is an 80 litre tank and you are using 75 of them in the 475km.
That is only 6.33 km/litre or 17 to 18 mpg. You must be towing a big heavy caravan too, you didn't mention that if you are.
My old HJ61 turbo LC gave 7.3 or 21 mpg towing/moving an all up weight of 4 ton under similar circumstances.
Always quote fuel used and distance because "tank full" doesn't say much really.

For the occasional times when you use/need the extra fuel it would be possible to have a portable plastic diesel tank of a suitable size and configuration, fitted with an external 12v electric car type pump and use this to deliver the fuel into the Pathy tank when required.
There are lots of options for plastic tanks and car pumps these days.

Far far cheaper than a long range tank and no extra weight when you don't need to use it and a lot lighter too.

Regards

Ross M

Gday Broodie,

We done a 6 month lap around the island in 09 and i had the same thoughts.

I settled on a couple of 20Ltr gerry cans.

Other than a bit of inconvenience of having to pour them into the main talk and storage could be a problem, a lot cheaper than L/R tank.

Cheers
Dan

Easy:

http://thelongranger.com.au/navaralongrangefueltank.html

G,Day Brodie
Have just fitted a Ironman -145ltr long range tank to my new Navara 550, which I think is a ute version of your TI.----I think the under carriage on both is identical, and the Ironman tank is made to suit the Navara/Pathfinder.---pull the 80 ltr out, and the 145ltr fits straight in, neat as a pin-----Cost was $1000 fitted with warranty
Hope this helps,,,,,, Sapper D

Double check the undercarriage - although based on similar architecture, one is leaf and one coil-sprung so there will be differences that may affect the fit.

The link I posted is for AUSTRALIAN MADE tanks, made by The Long Ranger in Newcastle

i made my own long range tank, 102ltrs with dints!!
its heavy and the extra weight isnt welcome when i dont need it, 2h slugger! hj47 tray.

i too would next time go down the plastic tank in the tray, quick disconnect, 12vlt transfer pump, and remove when not required, but being plastic it could stay on the vehicle as not much weight to carry around.
i dont have much room to play with on my gvm, soo weight is critical.
cost wise id be in front with the plastic tank too, time making template, cut, folding, tacking up, install and welding takes TIME.
then if it leaks you got to pull it out and grind weld, and re weld it.


aluminium isnt an option either, as the weld pool is full of porous holes, and to repair a leak would be a nightmare, as the diesel would soak into the material.

if weight isnt an issue, long range it, if it is then go the plastic route.

my main is only 60, soo i had to make a long range tank, one day i want to make a bigger main tank, and get a plastic tank as 2nd tank.

Here are some leads:

Brown Davis - 130 litres -Longrange Automotive -120 litres.

Note there are 2 companies, Longrange Automotive and The Long Ranger, don't get them mixed.

Any good 4WD mob should be able to source them for you (maybe except for an ARB dealer as ARB is connected with The Long Ranger.) The catch with the R51 is that the replacement tank displaces the spare tyre and you have to relocate it. You can however have an extra 40 or 50 litres of fuel carried safely.