There are many kinds of 4×4 owner and then there are those that fall somewhere in-between. We have the school mums and their brand new Range Rovers on one hand and the true hobbyists on the other, then we have the long-distance tourers and towers too.
If you don’t fall into one of these latter categories then you’ve probably never really spared much thought to how far you can make it before having to refuel.
However, if you’re planning on taking your rig out into the unknown on a bold adventure, then the size of your fuel tank suddenly becomes a very important (even life or death) consideration.
This is particularly true if you’re carrying a lot of weight or are towing a caravan or trailer, which will significantly increase fuel consumption.
If your 4×4 has been modified from stock, chances are it will also be a lot heavier, which means there will be more energy required to move it, not to mention increased drag.
This all adds up and means you could be adding as much as 50% to your consumption. In this case, long-range fuel tanks start to seem like less of an accessory and more of a necessity, particularly if you don’t want to be carrying a load of jerry cans full of fuel.
Types of long-range fuel tank
There are two main types of long-range fuel tank – replacement and auxiliary. The former means you’ll have to remove your stock fuel tank and replace it with the new larger tank. While the latter refers to the addition of a secondary tank that’s emptied into the stock tank with an electric pump.
The one you opt for will depend on the design of your vehicle and what the space under your chassis allows for.
You also have to consider whether to go for a steel or an ABS plastic fuel tank. ABS fuel tank will generally be more affordable and is a lot lighter – but is not as durable as steel.
However, some ABS tanks can be just as durable as their steel counterparts, as long as you opt for a premium model. You also have multiple brands to choose from as well as tank sizes.
We’d always recommend going with a reliable brand such as the premium ARB Frontier range where possible and going for a size that will suit your needs. We are also one of the few UK suppliers that stock the industry leading Long Ranger fuel tanks.
The benefits and drawbacks of a long-range fuel tank
The most obvious benefit of installing a long-range fuel tank is the sheer freedom you’ll enjoy. Imagine the freedom of being able to set off on an off-roading adventure on a Friday evening and not having to worry about refuelling until after the weekend, no matter how many hours you’d been tearing up the dirt?
And the freedom of not having to strap a load of jerry cans to the back of your truck, cans which could always go missing or come loose in particularly rocky terrain.
As far as drawbacks are concerned, however, the primary concern for any 4×4 driver will undoubtedly be the ground clearance.
Some larger long-range fuel tanks will drop down lower than standard and could prove to be an issue if you’re a serious off-roader. The majority of fuel tanks won’t have a major impact on ground clearance, but it’s still something worth considering.
You may also have to relocate your spare wheel if it’s currently fitted on the underside of your vehicle.
Generally speaking though, the benefit of that freedom and peace of mind will always outweigh any lingering doubts. Once you’ve experienced that fuelling freedom, you’ll never go back.
Image: Victor Maschek / Shutterstock.com
