Has anyone installed a larger fuel tank?

[BSalty]

I am thinking this may be on the list of mods before summer. I have a good hook up on used parts so this may be a quick reality if I can get all the details.

After searching I found a thread from Aug. '10 where the police interceptor had the 25 gal tank. I was contemplating doing a swap from the EXT 25 gal tank to my truck but couldn't find any outside dimensions on it to make sure it would fit. Also whether the filler neck/fuel lines will even be compatable or if I am going to be doing some serious fabrication.

I have seen where Teebes and others have done aux. tanks, but wouldn't just swapping in the larger tank be easier? What would be the advantage of the aux tanks over a swap? Is it the mounting or the fill neck/fuel line location that is an issue?

[bartonmd]

So you've got the non-optional 16 gallon tank of the early SWB TBs?

Why not just swap in a 23 gallon tank from all the rest of the SWB TBs?

Mike

[BSalty]

Damn your fast. I found this on the OS right after I posted this. ( I never go there, my bad) http://forums.trailvoy.com/showthread.php?t=48969&highlight=fuel+tank+swap

Yeah I have the small one. My manual says it is a 15.5 gal. It says the 25 gal is option or on the EXT. That is what got me thinking about it. After that last trip I decided I SERIOUSLY need a larger tank.

[Mooseknuckle]

Great keep me posted I may want to do the same thing but with the gas prices to come might just ride a skateboard around..

[fishsticks]

I've been wrestling with the micro tank for a long time... <230 miles per tank sucks.

[wuntun]

"So you've got the non-optional 16 gallon tank of the early SWB TBs?
Why not just swap in a 23 gallon tank from all the rest of the SWB TBs?
Mike"
Hello. new to this site. Awesome rigs here. I have been debating doing this "upgrade" because even though the capacities as stated is 16 gal. However, usually I can put in 17.5 gal. ten miles after the low fuel indicator. (i have the swb-2002) But, still a pita because of frequent refuel on road trips, and i have to carry spare fuel on long backcountry wheelin'. I have been an owner since 2003, and did a search for larger fuel tank shortly after buying it. didn't find anything. Gave up and lived with it. ..................If what your saying is that later models had optional 23 gal. tank, what year(s) should i request from the salvage parts locator, and how can i (they) tell the difference? I cannot see any more room on mine as the tank runs from axle almost to the TC. Maybe i am reading into your statement too far, but please advise. Thanks, Brian

[rgraboske]

I've been wrestling with the micro tank for a long time... <230 miles per tank sucks.

X2

[bartonmd]

So you've got the non-optional 16 gallon tank of the early SWB TBs?
Why not just swap in a 23 gallon tank from all the rest of the SWB TBs?
Mike

Hello. new to this site. Awesome rigs here. I have been debating doing this "upgrade" because even though the capacities as stated is 16 gal. However, usually I can put in 17.5 gal. ten miles after the low fuel indicator. (i have the swb-2002) But, still a pita because of frequent refuel on road trips, and i have to carry spare fuel on long backcountry wheelin'. I have been an owner since 2003, and did a search for larger fuel tank shortly after buying it. didn't find anything. Gave up and lived with it. ..................If what your saying is that later models had optional 23 gal. tank, what year(s) should i request from the salvage parts locator, and how can i (they) tell the difference? I cannot see any more room on mine as the tank runs from axle almost to the TC. Maybe i am reading into your statement too far, but please advise. Thanks, Brian

Different sources say different things... Much like the link to the Trailvoy post on the swap, that CBRguy linked to in post #3 of this very thread says 18 gallon vs. 22 gallon (22 is right... It was my Caprice that had a 23 gallon tank)... Some sources say 15.5, like CBRguy's manual, and some say 18... I suspect actual capacity is 18, though.

I suspect the info you're looking for is in the thread that he linked too, on the other site, but I'll say that you'd have to get one of the 22 gallon tanks from an early Trailblazer, or I think '04+, they were all 22 gallon... You'd have to get one of the ones before they started going with the returnless fuel system, which IIRC, was 2005 or 2006...

Mike

[bgwolfpack]

Well said Mike-"but I'll say that you'd have to get one of the 22 gallon tanks from an early Trailblazer, or I think '04+, they were all 22 gallon... You'd have to get one of the ones before they started going with the returnless fuel system, which IIRC, was 2005 or 2006…"

I have an '04 LS with the 22 gallon tank and consistently reach 375 miles when the light comes on.

IIRC teebes was working on a secondary tank a year or so ago. This may be another option.

[BSalty]

Different sources say different things... Much like the link to the Trailvoy post on the swap, that CBRguy linked to in post #3 of this very thread says 18 gallon vs. 22 gallon (22 is right... It was my Caprice that had a 23 gallon tank)... Some sources say 15.5, like CBRguy's manual, and some say 18... I suspect actual capacity is 18, though.

I suspect the info you're looking for is in the thread that he linked too, on the other site, but I'll say that you'd have to get one of the 22 gallon tanks from an early Trailblazer, or I think '04+, they were all 22 gallon... You'd have to get one of the ones before they started going with the returnless fuel system, which IIRC, was 2005 or 2006...

Mike

Mike your right, after more research last night they did change the return lines and they will not work without swapping the fuel pump.

I have had my light come on a couple times and I have never stuffed even 16 gallons in my tank. I think its a 15.5 w 1/2 gal reserve so a 16 is probably the true capacity of my tank. My truck is an early '03 made in July of '03 IIRC. I found that they had a 15.5 (16), 18, 22, and a 25 gal tank so far.

But with $4 gal. just around the corner (or more is likely) just don't fill it up if thats what you need. I would rather have the option of the larger tank and not use it then not have it at all.

My friend with an '06 is going to let me crawl under his truck and that will give me a much better idea of what is involved.

Anyhow this is probably going to happen soon so I will keep you updated maybe do a write up for the site when I do it. The link I posted in the 3rd post of this thread is old and is not very detailed.

[Hatchet669]

my 03 has a 22 gal tank... think it came standard half way through 03 year...

i wish i was getting the mileage you guys are getting... plus would help if my computer was adjusted to bigger tires...

[fishsticks]

plus would help if my computer was adjusted to bigger tires...

It doesn't help....trust me.

[Philberto]

My 06 has a 22 gallon tank... just fyi. I wasn't aware there was an optional size for that year.

[BSalty]

Ok I looked under his '06 and I am going to have to do this on a lift I think. I have access to one though so it will not be too bad. The bracket in the middle of the tank is completely different and its welded to the frame. So I will need the newer bracket and the tank and the fuel lines looked to be longer on the larger tank. But the fuel filter is mounted in the same spot so I will just need the lines from the filter to the pump and should be GTG.

He is looking at his work to get me the tank from an '03/'04 and the bracket so I will let you know on pricing and such when I get word back from him.

[Hatchet669]

plus would help if my computer was adjusted to bigger tires...

It doesn't help....trust me.

it would be enough so i can know actually how many miles i'm going so i can figure out my MPG correctly... not adding the compensation percentage...

[bartonmd]

My 06 has a 22 gallon tank... just fyi. I wasn't aware there was an optional size for that year.

IIRC, '02/03 had the "standard" small tank, with a 22 gallon tank as "optional"... The 22 gallon tank was standard in the SWB '04+

Mike

[TangoBravo]

My 06 has a 22 gallon tank... just fyi. I wasn't aware there was an optional size for that year.

IIRC, '02/03 had the "standard" small tank, with a 22 gallon tank as "optional"... The 22 gallon tank was standard in the SWB '04+

Mike

I bought my 04 new and there was no tank option so I think your right it just became standard it being the 22 gal tank that is. Also I don't know what my reserve is but it does hold more then 22gal.

[That1Guy]

Well said Mike-"but I'll say that you'd have to get one of the 22 gallon tanks from an early Trailblazer, or I think '04+, they were all 22 gallon... You'd have to get one of the ones before they started going with the returnless fuel system, which IIRC, was 2005 or 2006…"

I have an '04 LS with the 22 gallon tank and consistently reach 375 miles when the light comes on.

IIRC teebes was working on a secondary tank a year or so ago. This may be another option.

Wow. Very jealous. Im lucky to get between 275 and 300 on my 22 gallon

[janesy86]

Wow. Very jealous. Im lucky to get between 275 and 300 on my 22 gallon

Same... but thats city driving for ya. Get 350+ on the highway for long trips, actually got 400 out of my tank down to TECORE.

[SteveTB03]

When i got my computer tuned it fixed my speedo and computer differences, but that was with a custom tune.