Installing RDS Transfer Fuel Tank
Joan and I are looking forward to more travel this year. One challenge we faced recently was the continued increase in diesel fuel prices. We have recently experienced fuel swings as much as $1.00 within a 3 day time span. Adding to the cost of fuel has been the time frame required to fuel the truck while towing our 42 foot 5th wheel.
While we appreciate access to the truck stop fueling lanes, both the cost of fuel and the time to fuel impacts our travel time. It was time to add a transfer fuel tank to make travel less costly and more convenient and a RDS Transfer Fuel Tank was perfect for our needs.
Selecting RDS Transfer Fuel Tank
We were able to locate a fuel tank to fit our needs at our local Northern Tool. In addition to the fuel tank, we were able to purchase the conversion kit to connect the tank to our fuel filler neck and a second filler cap for the front of the tank.
We also wanted to ensure the tank would fit under the tonneau cover. We found the 55 gallon RDS Transfer Fuel Tank to be a perfect fit for our needs. The tank was well made, came with all the parts to install on the back of the truck, and the height was perfect with the top of the fuel fill falling a inch below our tonneau cover.
The second part of the installation required a connection to our F-350 Super Duty fuel filler neck. As seen in the video below, we were able to purchase the RDS Auxiliary Conversion Kit for Diesel Transfer Tanks. This kit simplified the install providing the filler neck hose adapter, hoses, clamps and fittings.
Installing the RDS Transfer Fuel Tank
We found installing the RDS Fuel Transfer Tank required simple tools and basic skills. Important to the installation is the measurements and inspection of existing hoses, cables, and wiring prior to drilling any holes in the truck bed. Two holes were required to bolt the tank to the truck bed and a second hole to route the transfer tank fuel line.
Last task was to install the filler neck hose adapter and connect the tank. The F-350 filler next hose is fiber reinforced and difficult to cut. We used a saber saw blade to ease the task. Again, measurements are key. Leave ample length on the filler hose to cover the adapter prevents leaks. Using the provided camps, we tightened and the task was complete.
It took about two hours to install the tank and filler hose adapter. The empty tank was light enough to put in place by myself. I did have Joan assist holding the fuel tank mounting bolts in place while I tightened under the truck bed.
Using the RDS Transfer Fuel Tank
Since the install, we have use on our first trip. When the F-350 truck fuel tank reached 50%, we opened the transfer tank fuel valve to complete the trip. This is a gravity feed application, and found the slow drain from the tank matched the remaining trip mileage.
We’re very pleased with the RDS Transfer Fuel Tank and adapter kit. All are well made and fit well. Finally is payback. With this years travel plans, we should be able to break even this year on the cost of the tank with our ability to purchase lower cost fuel over what we would typically found along the interstate highways as well as skipping fuel purchases in higher priced states. Adding the convenience of skipping the truck stop fuel lanes, the RDS Transfer Fuel Tank is perfect for our travel needs.
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