Carrying additional fuel in your vehicle can be unsafe and messy without the right equipment. Having access to more fuel however is a necessity for 4×4 drivers in particular, with those remote rural and desert trails not known for their networks of fuel stations!
Whilst taking steps to save fuel when driving your 4×4 is an option, adding an additional fuel tank to your vehicle will provide the extra reassurance you need when taking on those longer-range adventures.
Read on to discover the benefits that can be unlocked with an additional fuel tank and how to choose the right fuel tank for your 4×4 make and model.
What is a long or extended-range fuel tank?
A long or extended-range fuel tank is just that. This 4×4 upgrade provides access to the additional fuel you need to enjoy long-distance travel both on and off the road. With capacities of up to 180 litres, the best additional fuel tanks provide constructions that are highly impact-resistant and vital sources of fuel in the most hostile environments.
What are the benefits of additional fuel tanks?
Additional fuel tanks offer a safe and convenient method for carrying more fuel in your vehicle. Most designs are vehicle-specific to ensure seamless integration and a hardy addition to your 4×4.
By opting for an additional, auxiliary fuel tank rather than an all-out replacement, you can benefit from a simple upgrade that delivers the extra fuel you require without the need for additional plumbing and pumps for fuel transfer. Auxiliary fuel tanks also have their own fuel gauges, which means they won’t throw off the fuel tank gauge fitted as standard in your 4×4.
Thanks to these many benefits and their innovative designs, long-range fuel tanks have become touring upgrade musts for off-road enthusiasts looking to keep their 4×4 moving without limitations.
How do additional fuel tanks compare to jerry cans?
Traditionally, it was the jerry can that provided the additional fuel needed to keep an off-road adventure on track. Whilst cheap, convenient and easy to carry with an exterior holder installed, the smaller capacities and safety fears (jerry cans need to be positioned well away from ignition sources) associated with jerry can use make long-range fuel tanks the real winners.
The fuel transfer process is also made easier with an extended-range fuel tank in tow as Practical Motoring explains:
“Unlike jerrycans, the fuel-transfer process from an auxiliary tank to the vehicle’s main fuel tank is a simple and mess-free affair. When the main tank drops to about ¼-full, the driver simply turns on a pump via a dash-mounted switch to transfer the fuel. With some set-ups, the pump will switch off automatically, but with some older designs the driver must remember to manually turn off the pump.”
How can I choose the right additional fuel tank for my 4×4?
When adding a long-range fuel tank to your vehicle, there are several considerations. How your chosen product affects the ground clearance of your 4×4 and the extra weight it could add to your vehicle are just two factors that should be weighed up before investing in an additional fuel tank.
Your spare wheel may have to be relocated to make room for an additional fuel tank with a larger capacity.
When selecting the right additional fuel tank for you, quality matters. You should choose a fuel tank that is manufactured from tough, impact-resistant and puncture-proof materials, like steel, to ensure the strength and durability required to withstand heavy off-road use.
You can find the best quality additional fuel tanks from the world’s most respected brands right here and unlock the many advantages of carrying extra fuel when driving off-road.
