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New High Capacity Replacement Gas Tank?

36K views 41 replies 18 participants last post by  CRayFJ 
#1 · (Edited)
I noticed there is a online website called Outback Proven based in Las Vegas NV which is now selling a 115 liter replacement gas tank for the FJ Cruiser. 115 liters is about 30 gallons which would be a major upgrade in fuel capacity and range for the FJ. The tank manufacturer LRA (Long Range Automotive) sounds like it has a lot of experience building long range gas tanks for 4x4's. The FJ tank supposedly uses the factory sending unit and fittings so it would be a lot simpler to install than the alternative auxiliary rear tank because it doesn't need a special dual filler neck and a transfer pump.
Has anyone seen or installed this tank? Any Pictures of an installed one? If so how easy is it to install? The manufacturer says no loss of ground clearance-is that really the case? There are no pics of the replacement FJ tank or instructions on either website below.

Here is the link to the dealer's page:
Toyota FJ Cruiser 115 Liter Front Replacement Tank
Here is the link to the Australian Manufacturers page for the tank:
http://www.longrangeautomotive.com.au/home/36-fuel-tanks/91-fj-cruiser.html
 
#2 ·
welcome.

havent seen it maybe some of our Vegas friends know something.
 
#5 · (Edited)
There's actually a couple of threads on this tank. I don't know if anyone here has one or not as they just hit the U.S. dealers recently.

http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/foru...ng-ranger-aux-fuel-tank-fj-cruiser-ta71s.html

Old one with links that are current.

http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/forums/misc-technical-discussion/141471-arb-auxiliary-fuel-tank.html

New company started by forum members that has them in stock and is recent as of 1/14

http://endlesshorizonoutfitters.com/index.php/auxillery-fuel-tanks.html
 
#10 ·
Welcome aboard!

cheers,

dale
 
#11 · (Edited)
the key question when importing Australian fuel tanks is whether they can be fitted to US spec vehicles and still meet the LEVII fuel vapor requirements (to avoid throwing codes)


The AUS vapor recovery system is much smaller and simpler than what was used on the US vehicles. The tank itself ought to not make the LEVII system care one way or the other, just so long as the same connections can be made with the new one so the system can be kept intact.

An LRA 115L main tank (30g), in the OEM location would be perfect: weight distribution kept far better than it would be with a load hanging out in the tail by an aux tank, and the 30 gallons at 14mpg would give over 400 mile range. Nice.

Does the LRA use the stock fuel gauge? That would also be nice (no need for any changes in the dash), if the LRA sender unit would more accurately report fuel level than the stock one did in the stock tank, that is.


Norm "cash at the ready, when the right tank comes along"
 
#13 ·
Here's the thing though: although the cost of fitting any additional fuel capacity is large, the only cheap option is loose cans of fuel strapped on somewhere. Those need filling, and manual using.

Aux tanks seem like a good idea, but they locate the extra weight out behind the rear axle, leading to the need to also increase the suspension strength to deal with that. Also, adding complexity to the fuel system can create emissions system codes issues. One way around that is to build a separate filler neck and keep it "outside", but that leads to the manual filling and transfer pump operating.

Not exactly "mind numbing drudgery", but it would be nice to be able to avoid all of that. The Australian/Gulf States Aux tank was neat because it worked "seamlessly", but wasn't designed to work with our LEVII emissions system in the US.

So... My thinking is leading me towards fitting a new main tank. That costs a lot (a main tank has a lot to it), and is a lot of air to ship from somewhere far away (like, Australia), so the shipping will be pretty dear, but it would be seamless to use (OEM fuel gauge and filler neck).

Now discussing with the fine folks over at Long Range Automotive, in AUS about this.

It sure would be nice if there was a "group buy" which could share the shipping costs and bring that down.

Norm
 
#14 ·
I've been round in the same circles. I had some good information from Toyota specialists I use about code throwing and issues fitting aux tanks, including the OE aux to the US models and advised not to do so. Likewise a thread somewhere on here about LRA tank install and codes. Last thing I wanted ws to solve the range issue with more fuel and then be stranded in limp home!
 
#15 ·
Howdy,
after re-reading the thread about the one guy with the LRA main tank, he said he solved his code issue after correcting a leaking vapor line (installation mistake, no fault of LRA)

So, I am eagerly awaiting response from them now about buying one of their tanks. It is pretty expensive so there doesn't seem to be much chatter about it on the internets. Hoping to see photos of it installed on an FJ, confirmation it has the same number and kind of ports as the OE unit (for NA spec, rather than AUS), and review their install instructions so I can grasp what I'm getting myself in for.

I would love to be able to hear from a few people who already have them on their truck directly, but as far as I can tell, only that one guy did it (and that was back in 2014). I've asked them if they have any references like him.

They said they use the stock pump/sender/gauge, so the "too early low fuel light" will still come on too soon, but that will be after more than 350 miles distance (out of a 420 mile range) and not after only 200 like I get now.
 
#17 ·
fuel bladder has all of the same issues as gas cans or a separate aux tank: separate filling, weight carried in a poor location (behind rear axle), extra steps to use, store and carry

benefit is, of course, low cost

My goal is to add capacity without extra steps, separate filler, etc. But I know that is going to cost me (replace entire main tank with a larger one custom made in Australia).
 
#18 ·
fuel bladder has all of the same issues as gas cans or a separate aux tank: separate filling, weight carried in a poor location (behind rear axle), extra steps to use, store and carry]


toyota installs its oem aux tank in australian market FJs behind the rear axle with no issues. and helps with keeping center of gravity low and centered. Love my aux tank with 19 gallons behind the axle. it sits up nicely tucked between the frame that you do not even see it from behind. :rocker:
If anything adding a larger tank where the oem one is on drivers side middle will make the drivers side lean worse. But when you change/add anything its always a compromise at the best.
 
#21 ·
G'day.
I have done a bit of research into Aux tanks over the past few years... OE, LRA, Browne Davis, Long Ranger, Opposite Lock...etc....
There are actually 4 or 5 Aussie manufacturers of replacement tanks. Plus at least one out of South Africa.
To be honest the best Aux tank for the NA market is the unit designed by Leigh.
And for the price, it's the cheapest smartest option.
Let's hope he puts it into production.....

Cheers
Baz
:blueblob:
 
#23 ·
I need to go study that other thread again.

How much did Leigh's Aux tank cost you, and did you happen to measure its weight before installation?

His tank is way larger than what I need, but I don't have to fill it all of the way up every time. I didn't want to add additional gauge and switch and wiring but if that turns out to be the most straightforward way to get range then I'll stop whining about it and do it.

Norm "needs gas" Kerr
 
#27 ·
#24 ·
I have the Man a Fre aux tank and just passed CA smog check with no issues, never had a single dash light. I was very carful to make each hose connection tight.

It is spec'd as 19 gal, but goes to 23 gal if you slow fill to the cap. Total 42 gals (160L).

I wouldn't go to the expense and effort for only an addition 11 gals on the already overloaded side.
 
#25 ·
I have the Man-A-Fre aux tank also and like Thane said...as long as all the connecting hoses are tight you should be fine with not having any dash lights.

Here's a photo of my recent fill up. I could have squeezed in another gallon or two but the pump stops at $100 USD.



-B
 
#26 ·
Another thing I would consider while installing any aux tank is to have a timer circuit on the switch. I originally wired the switch to be hot at all times and one day I was filling the tank and went to the gym for 3 hours without shutting off the pump and totally forgot. This was the result.



It was a huge pain in the ass to drain and drop the tank to replace the pump.

-B
 
#28 ·
I just went back and re-read that entire 23 page thread (took an hour), and am amazed and converted. Leigh's Aux tank is the one I want.

I was planning to spend $2000 for a large main tank from AUS, so I've got a pretty healthy budget set aside for this!


Norm "not fuelin'" Kerr
 
#31 ·
Oops, I've been outed: all talk, no play.
After tons of research, and after Leigh chose not to go into production, I moved my sights over to LRA


But, I still haven't done it. Had to restore another car first (almost done). Maybe next year (to paraphrase Charlie Brown).

Norm
 
#32 ·
Oops, I've been outed: all talk, no play.
After tons of research, and after Leigh chose not to go into production, I moved my sights over to LRA


But, I still haven't done it. Had to restore another car first (almost done). Maybe next year (to paraphrase Charlie Brown).

Norm
😂 life happens
I’m thinking of doing it next summer. But I noticed on their website that you Can only use the Aux for the manual :(
 
#33 ·
" you Can only use the Aux for the manual"

on reading the Mosely website just now, I see the replacement main tank is only possible to use with the manual, I didn't see any restriction on the aux tank though (and the aux is what I would buy, as a 350 mile range would be enough for me).

Apparently there are 3 ways to buy an LRA tank: Direct from Australia (you pay shipping, and so on), or through Long Range America or through Mosely Motors (its their website that has that disclaimer about MT).

In any case, my plan is to spend a lot of time on the phone with whomever I go through, to make sure I understand all of the ins and outs first. For instance, in that long thread I posted above, LRA were experimenting with a very clever pump control switch but it hadn't worked out when OP posted his update about it, 9 months ago.
 
#40 ·
Hey, norm356,
Here's a pic of my switch (same install on both FJs)
View attachment 1144218
The install was done by a local FJ specialist, Duggy's Garage, here in Houston,
so I don't have the schematics/install instructions
I was told:
1). The switch should run for 2 min. after engine "off", &
2). Pump will recirculate fuel back into aux tank after main is full.
BUT
my experience is that:
1). pump turns off/ switch resets to "Off" when key off (will run when key turned to ACC), no delayed shut-off
This might be due to the way it was wired at install, but switch/pump on both FJs operate the same
2). pump continues running when main tank is full, & DOES appear to just recirculate back into aux tank;
again might be due to wiring config., but same on both FJs.
I don't find it a problem at all.
The pump is quite "audible" when turned on, quiets down a bit during operation, but you still know its on,
its not super fast but not glacially slow, either.
All in all I'm very pleased, so far.
HTH,
Darrell
 
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