Increasing fuel capacity

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loper

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Stupid question time...

I am building a 2000 E350 4x4 van. The stock gas tank (mid-mount) has to be shortened to clear the transfer case, leaving about 30 gallons of capacity. With a V 10, that equals a pretty short range. The obvious answer is to hang some gas cans on the back, but I don't really want to do that.

I would like to add a rear tank, like the 37 or 55 gallon tanks used on cutaway vans (behind the axle). If possible, I would like to end up with a system like the Long Range America set-up. LRA sets their tanks up to fill both tanks from the original filler, and uses a transfer pump to move fuel back into the stock tank when needed. If this isn't feasible, I am OK with adding a filler door back by the rear tank.

My questions are: has anyone done this? (I don't want to reinvent the wheel), how did it work out?, are there any obvious pitfalls to watch for with the evaporative canister/ engine codes, etc.?

Thanks in advance!
 

510Steve

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Stupid question time...

I am building a 2000 E350 4x4 van. The stock gas tank (mid-mount) has to be shortened to clear the transfer case, leaving about 30 gallons of capacity. With a V 10, that equals a pretty short range. The obvious answer is to hang some gas cans on the back, but I don't really want to do that.

I would like to add a rear tank, like the 37 or 55 gallon tanks used on cutaway vans (behind the axle). If possible, I would like to end up with a system like the Long Range America set-up. LRA sets their tanks up to fill both tanks from the original filler, and uses a transfer pump to move fuel back into the stock tank when needed. If this isn't feasible, I am OK with adding a filler door back by the rear tank.

My questions are: has anyone done this? (I don't want to reinvent the wheel), how did it work out?, are there any obvious pitfalls to watch for with the evaporative canister/ engine codes, etc.?

Thanks in advance!
I personally haven't seen it done but just from basic mechanics of how the fuel system works, I don't think it would be a giant task, especially if the 2nd tank design already fits in the location you're choosing. I am assuming the 2nd tank would also have a drop in fuel pump, and if so hotwiring it to a switch to turn it on would be relatively simple using a relay. As far as throwing codes, I don't see that as a thing that would happen unless something went wrong and the vapor canister got overflowed with gasoline.
 

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Did a search on the Sportsmobile Forum and found a couple of threads that my help.

Another option is to contact Agile Offroad. They replaced the stock tank with a 45 gallon tank When they did my 4x4 conversion. Sprinter, E-Series & Transit - 4x4 Van Suspension & Parts - Agile Off Road
 
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loper

Rank VI
Launch Member

Creator III

3,386
Nampa, Idaho
First Name
Carl
Last Name
Hendricks
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24055

Did a search on the Sportsmobile Forum and found a couple of threads that my help.

Another option is to contact Agile Offroad. They replaced the stock tank with a 45 gallon tank When they did my 4x4 conversion. Sprinter, E-Series & Transit - 4x4 Van Suspension & Parts - Agile Off Road
Thanks for the leads!