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For The Long Haul: Installing a Titan 52-Gallon Fuel Tank

Those of us who tow large, long trailers know the problems that fueling stations can present. Sometimes there just isn’t enough room to move in and around the pumps at the station. Sometimes the canopy over the pumps that seems high when in the family car just barely clears the roof of your toy hauler, or maybe not. Even if all your fuel stops are planned for the local truck stop, you could be one of us who dislikes having to stop and get fuel. We all know that when towing, mileage is down and fuel stops are up. This makes your trips longer and takes away relaxation and fun time at your destination.

Titan Fuel Tanks has the answer to more road miles between fuel stops. Their line of extra-capacity fuel cells, or tanks, can put the “long” into your long-haul plans. We had the chance to cover the install of a Titan tank as it went into a new 2015 Chevy Silverado HD 2500 Crew Cab. This Duramax diesel-equipped truck comes from the factory with a 36-gallon tank, up from the paltry 26 of a few years ago. However, Titan offers even more fuel capacity.

The Titan tank installed here (PN# 7010211) holds a whopping 57 gallons. That’s 21 gallons more, or better than 58 percent more fuel. At an average of 15 miles per gallon when towing, this equates to putting you and your rig another 315 miles down the road. The best part is that it fits right where the stock tank used to be. With very little modifications, the Titan simply goes into the same space that the EOM unit rides in while adding more fuel.

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1. Constructed of military-grade cross-linked polyethylene, this 57-gallon fuel tank fits right where the stock tank used to sit.
1. Constructed of military-grade cross-linked polyethylene, this 57-gallon fuel tank fits right where the stock tank used to sit.
2. The stock tank resides just inside of the frame rail and right up against the driveshaft. To get the stock tank out, the driveshaft needs to be removed.
2. The stock tank resides just inside of the frame rail and right up against the driveshaft. To get the stock tank out, the driveshaft needs to be removed.
3. The job begins with the removal of the driveshaft. Take care to not dent this aluminum shaft. A dented shaft can vibrate and fail.
3. The job begins with the removal of the driveshaft. Take care to not dent this aluminum shaft. A dented shaft can vibrate and fail.

Made from military-grade cross-linked polyethylene (XLHDPE), Titan fuel tanks are tough. They also come complete with either a powder-coated or plated-steel mounting strap set, extruded rubber mounting bushings and accessories.

Another plus is that it features an exclusive low fuel trap design. It grabs all the fuel available, within reason. While being very similar in appearance to the OEM tank, this new Titan tank hangs only about 1.5 inches below the bottom of the stock tank shield. Titan also offers a tank shield, made from the same tough military-grade cross-linked polyethylene that’s formed to fit to the bottom of their tanks. We felt that this is a good option for all to consider and a must if you plan to head off the pavement.

4. A tool dolly is placed beneath the tank and the truck is raised slightly on the lift. This allows access to the pump/sending unit and lines, where the electrical connections and the tank lines connect. These are disconnected and the tank is ready to be removed.
4. A tool dolly is placed beneath the tank and the truck is raised slightly on the lift. This allows access to the pump/sending unit and lines, where the electrical connections and the tank lines connect. These are disconnected and the tank is ready to be removed.
5. The truck is raised on the lift and the stock tank is removed.
5. The truck is raised on the lift and the stock tank is removed.
6. With the tank on the ground, a few of the lines will be removed from the pump/sending unit using a small, flat-bladed screwdriver on the retaining clips.
6. With the tank on the ground, a few of the lines will be removed from the pump/sending unit using a small, flat-bladed screwdriver on the retaining clips.
7. Any fuel remaining in the lines is dumped out. Always use a container and disposes of it properly. Do not reuse this fuel.
7. Any fuel remaining in the lines is dumped out. Always use a container and disposes of it properly. Do not reuse this fuel.
8. A hold-down ring holds the pump/sending unit to the stock tank. It’s removed using a hammer and chisel, and by gently tapping the retaining ring counter-clockwise.
8. A hold-down ring holds the pump/sending unit to the stock tank. It’s removed using a hammer and chisel, and by gently tapping the retaining ring counter-clockwise.

The crew at SoCal SuperTrucks in San Bernardino, California, were adding a host of cool new products to this 2105 Silverado HD 2500 Duramax, one of which is the Titan. We were able to follow along with camera in hand to bring you the details. The installation is similar for most modern trucks, with minor differences for brand and model year.

It’s been said that you can never be too rich or too thin, and we think the same can be said for never having too much fuel. While some think that less is more, when it comes to fuel capacity, more is more. When you add a 52-gallon Titan Fuel Tank to your Duramax, it will have the legs to get you a long way down the road to whatever you have planned. And that’s something we can all agree is a good thing.

9. The pump/sending unit is gently removed from the stock tank.
9. The pump/sending unit is gently removed from the stock tank.
10. Titan uses an aluminum ring to secure the pump/sending unit in place. Now’s the time to thoroughly rinse out the tank with water to ensure that there is no debris left over from the manufacturing process.
10. Titan uses an aluminum ring to secure the pump/sending unit in place. Now’s the time to thoroughly rinse out the tank with water to ensure that there is no debris left over from the manufacturing process.
11. When the tank is cleaned and dry inside, the pump/sending unit is dropped into place and “clocked” to the same approximate position the stock tank resided.
11. When the tank is cleaned and dry inside, the pump/sending unit is dropped into place and “clocked” to the same approximate position the stock tank resided.
12. The fuel lines are snapped onto the pump/sending unit and run in place on the Titan fuel tank.
12. The fuel lines are snapped onto the pump/sending unit and run in place on the Titan fuel tank.
13. A metal bracket, which is used to mark the leading edge of the stock tank, is cut off using a reciprocating saw.
13. A metal bracket, which is used to mark the leading edge of the stock tank, is cut off using a reciprocating saw.
14. A grinder is used to clean the edge of any burrs.
14. A grinder is used to clean the edge of any burrs.
15. A few spritzes of black paint will keep rust away.
15. A few spritzes of black paint will keep rust away.
16. The Titan tank is lifted into place. Although not as heavy as a steel aftermarket tank, it’s still best for two people to do this task.
16. The Titan tank is lifted into place. Although not as heavy as a steel aftermarket tank, it’s still best for two people to do this task.
17. The tank straps are installed, but know that the longer one goes to the rear while the shorter one goes up front.
17. The tank straps are installed, but know that the longer one goes to the rear while the shorter one goes up front.
18. A set of shims goes between the strap end and the frame.
18. A set of shims goes between the strap end and the frame.
19. With the straps tightened, the job is done. Now all that’s left is to feed the beast and hit the road.
19. With the straps tightened, the job is done. Now all that’s left is to feed the beast and hit the road.

EDITOR’S NOTE:

If you’re installing a replacement fuel tank, or are having one installed, be sure to start with a tank that’s near empty. Fuel is heavy; almost 8 pounds of weight for each gallon. DW

SOURCES:

Titan Fuel Tanks

800.728.4982

TitanFuelTanks.com

SoCal SuperTrucks

909.383.5454

SoCalSuperTrucks.com

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