Transfer Flow Replacement Fuel Tank Info

[PTHutch]

I recently had a Transfer Flow mid-ship replacement fuel tank installed in our GMC 2500HD tow vehicle and I thought I would share some information on the enhancement.

The installation was easy, dropped off the truck at the authorized Transfer Flow installer in the morning, picked it up in the afternoon when they were done. Never got my hands dirty

The Fuel tank capacity on our tow vehicle was increased from 25 gallons to 45 gallons.

This gives us an extra 220 towing miles (based on my average of 11mpg towing).
I’m guessing it added approximately 200 lbs of weight when the tank is full.
160 lbs of weight from fuel (based on 8lbs/gallon of diesel fuel & 20 extra gallons) and estimated 40 lbs extra weight of tank.

I have not towed the trailer since the tank was installed, but I’m looking forward to having the extended range.

I’m very happy that I did it and would recommend it to anyone who is considering it.

But there are impacts to the accuracy of gauges and information system that resulted from installing this larger replacement fuel tank including:

Fuel Gauge:
The fuel gauge readings aren’t vary accurate anymore. It seems as the fuel gauge goes lower, it’s less accurate. But the inaccuracy is on the positive side, there’s always more fuel in the tank then what the fuel gauge is indicating.

I've done some manual calibration so I have an idea on interpreting the fuel gauge including:
At ¾ full gauge indication – 12 gallons used with 33 gallons remaining.
At ½ full gauge indication – 19 gallons used with 26 gallons remaining.
At ¼ full gauge indication – 25 gallons used with 20 gallons remaining.
The low fuel light comes on with between 10 – 12 gallons remaining.


Vehicle's Information Center:

Fuel Used: This remains accurate to within 0.5 gallon, same as before the larger fuel tank was installed. I have transitions to using this information as the primary source of letting me know how much fuel I have left.

Range: The indication on the number of miles able to travel on the amount of fuel in the tank is always wrong. Calculations are still based on the original fuel tank size and I don’t believe there is any way to re-calibrate the system to the larger fuel tank size.

Mileage: This calculation remains accurate to within 0.5 mpg, same as before the new tank was installed.

Hope this information is helpful to anyone thinking about getting a Transfer Flow replacement tank.

Hutch

[JohnB]

Hi Hutch,

Thanks for the report. Did you get the total replacement tank (meaning bigger tank in the original location) or did you have an auxiliary tank that feeds the original main tank?

I'm thinking it sounds like the total replacement tank. The mid ship part is what sort of through me.

I have been contemplating this myself on the tank replacement. The extra weight in my case is not an issue and I have made it past thinking the lower tank height was a concern. I have been holding off not knowing what the gas price ordeal is going to do that and if they ever mandate the new 15% ethanol deal. My engine does not like ethanol at all. The truck itself is good for 100 to 150K more miles and fits all my towing needs other than the drink'in problem she has. If we keep it and start heading west, the bigger tank will float to the top of the want list.

Thanks

John

[PTHutch]

Hi John,

I got the total replacement. Replaced the OEM tank and fit into the same spot as where the old one was. "Mid Ship" is what I believe Transfer Flow commonly calls it.
This is the one I got
45 Gallon Pickup Midship Replacement Tank - Transfer Flow, Inc. - Aftermarket Fuel Tank Systems

It came with everything needed to install and used the original sending unit & other components. Not really sure how that worked since the tank is deeper than the OEM. But it does.

The new tank hangs down about 2" lower then the original one, but you really can't tell and I don't believe it will be a problem at all.

I also got the tank with plans for cross country trips. Hopefully in the near future. Plus one check-off on my wish list

Hope this helps. Let me know if you have any other questions. If you're thinking about buying one and want to chat before doing so, give me a call.

Happy camping
Hutch

[JohnB]

Thanks Hutch,

H'mm I followed your link to the TF site. Curious to what mine was up to cost wise. They now do not list a replacement tank for mine. They use too. They now only show in bed tanks for mine. Have to call them to see what the deal is. I know they had them before.

John

[Sunline Fan]

Interesting observations, Hutch. I don't blame you for going with a frame mount tank though, the in bed thing is a pain. On the other hand, it's like eating your vegetables. It gives you that full feeling for a long time, but once you lose it, watch out because it'll go quick.

I never understood why they put such small factory tanks under short bed trucks.

[pwb01]

Only once I let my 36 gal tank go below 1/8 before I filled it. Talk about pump shock! I too get about 11 mpg so I would go over 300 miles. Great convenience having 45 gal.