Measuring for A Bed Mounted Transfer or Auxiliary Tank

Fuel Tanks are universal and will require drilling into your bed, truck frame or both. Tank manufacturers don’t build tanks to fit by truck model so mapping out the area you are designating for your Transfer or Auxiliary Tank is critical to its ease of use and your safety.

• Since nearly all bed mounted tanks are designed to fit between the bed rails that is the first measurement to take ("A" on the diagram). Allow a few inches on each side for access to the mounting plates. As an extra precaution, taking the same measurement on the bed floor ("A/B" on the diagram) will reveal if your bed tapers in at the sides as it meets the bulkhead.
• Next dimension is the distance from the bulkhead ("B" on the diagram) to the wheel wells. Again, at least 5" to 6" free space should be open between the bulkhead and the tank. You will need to be able to access the mounting plates, a transfer tank's fittings for drainage and, on auxiliary tanks, access to connecting hoses and shut-off valves.
• The distance from the bed floor to the top of your bed rail ("C" on the diagram) is critical if your intention is to keep the tank covered with a tonneau cover. When considering the height of your tank remember to add 2.5" for the cap and its mounting bung and 8"-10" for a transfer pump. Those dimensions must be added to the listed tank height.
• On shorter bed trucks, a tank with a notched or tapered bottom may be the best choice. If so, then the height of your wheel well needs to be considered ("D" on the diagram).
• If you are towing with a 5th wheel or gooseneck hitch, placement of the hitch and the potential arc of the trailer needs to be considered. Wedge and 'L' Shaped tanks are ideal for use with bed mounted hitches.

Shop our Transfer Tanks and Fuel Tank Toolbox Combos or Auxiliary Tanks and please contact us with any questions before ordering to avoid costly returns.