RDS Auxiliary Fuel Tank Install on ‘16 F250

Summary of installation of the 32 gallon RDS Auxiliary fuel tank

[@stretchmfe4913]

Nice, concise Vid on the install. Part of the reason I ordered one. I made the mistake of measuring once and thought I'd clear but she's just a bit too fat. '19 Chevy 2500, 6'7" box running a gooseneck and that's fine. The Companion 5th wheel slider hitch won't drop in with the tank in place. Just too deep by a few inches. Still going to run the tank for now since I don't have a 5th wheel yet, and it'll be easy enough to pull when needed. Thanks again. Great vid.

[@iconicstance2994]

Very informative, thank you sir.

[@shawnregan6301]

Thanks for the video.I have the same truck with the little 26 gallon tank and I really need to extend my range to save money. RIght now diesel is running $2.59 a gallon in Hereford TX where I work. But when I go to Houston where my family is the diesel is running about $3 between here and there.

[@randall5p22]

$2.59 a gallon for diesel. Must be nice. Can’t wait to move to TX from CA.

[@jamesryan5064]

Oh do I wish it was still 2.59$

[@corgily]

Thanks for sharing with us

[@steveclark4636]

Very nice and informative. Been looking for a way to add range to the rediculus 25 gallon F350 nightmare especially when pulling 43 foot Cyclone Toy Hauler!!! AND NOT COST 2000 BUCKS !!!

[@mikz86ta1]

Lol irony..... Tho I am looking to buy a slight different model (notched 40gal), we have a 2016 F350 in Ruby Red with a Roll n Lock. Haha 😂. So my measurements I figured it would tuck under the RnL with space but seeing your video, I see I have plenty of room!

[@opaandomascampingadventures]

I just installed the same tank. Did you put the springs in the correct place? My instructions showed on top of the tank tabs.

[@altitude0632]

Silly question but due to the “anti siphon” valve that is tapped into the filler neck I presume that fuel will not back up against the factory filler cap? And fuel level in stock tank should level off at the anti Siphon valve? So I theory if u opened factory cap fuel should not escape because the fuel level should be lower than cap…??

[@truthhurts7529]

How fast does the fuel drip into the system?

[@GaryBlankenship96b40]

What about some rubber bushings under the tank lips before bolts go through??

[@ZWATER1]

Ty

[@geoffdw]

Matt, I appreciate the video as it answers almost all my questions. The ones I have leftover are; 1) did you find it necessary to remove your hard-cover to install the tank? I have a Retrax rolling aluminum cover and I am thinking it will have to be uninstalled to facilitate installation. 2) the pictures and your video show the filler, the vent next to the filler, and on the opposite side, also on the top of the tank, another opening, not the one at the bottom for the fuel line. What is that opening for and how many inches does that stick up in total height or height above the tank surface? It is not mentioned in any literature from RDS. My tray for the rolling bed only give me about 9 1/2 inches of clearance. 3) the vent tubes from your rolling cover tray, did they clear the tank or did you have to make some adjustments? Again, thank you for the video, and Happy Father's Day!

[@mattrussell7271]

Geoff Wilford let me do my best to answer your questions. I have the Roll N Lock bed cover and it sits about 8&1/2 inches below the top of the bed. The values on the top are for ventilation and I assume an electric pump if that is what you want to install. They stick up about 1&1/2. The filler neck sticks up a good 3&1/2 inches above the top of the tank. It might be tight with your bed cover but you should be able to pull the back valve that is for the pump and replace it with a shorter cap. I did not have to move my bed cover drain tubes. There is ample clearance on either side of the tank to the side of the bed. Hope this helps.

[@geoffdw]

@@mattrussell7271 Matt, thnk you for getting back to me. I appreciate your answers and the video.

[@sweetpapalapa376]

Geoff, did you get this set up to work with your retrax? I have same issue I would like to resolve before ordering the tank. I think the vent and whatever the other bung near the back is will fit, but the fuel gauge may be an issue

[@Nostradamus_Order33]

Glue a mirror above the gauge. The image will be right side up.

[@markhendrickson8674]

Mr. Russell, so after 2 years, has there been any wear issued that you mentioned in your video? Curious about the filler neck valve sitting right under the bed and touching. Also, how has the bolting held up? I am curious since the bed is just sheet metal, if the holes have wallerd out any.

[@mattrussell7271]

I have not had any issues with wear. Everything seems to be holding up well.

[@iwantosavemoney]

The aluminum vs the steel will the aluminum last forever???

[@philiphuffines5966]

Noticed that you have it installed under a hard bed cover. I was thinking about doing to same with my truck but was wondering if you always have a diesel smell when the hard cover is closed.

[@mattrussell7271]

Philip Huffines I do get a little from time to time if I get sloppy when filling but that is rare and not ever enough to keep me from putting luggage or groceries in the bed.

[@Zimeftw]

@@mattrussell7271 Needed to hear this. Looking about putting the same setup in my truck.

[@brucewerther1022]

How wide and long is the tank itself (without the install tabs). I think they state 19”, but did not know if that includes the tabs. Nice video thanks.

[@stretchmfe4913]

They say 20", but I measure closer to 21-1/4". 22-1/2" at the flange (tab) in the front center.

[@davidreisman5280]

Looking to do the same tank install in my 2011 f250, but my rear roll-top bed cover only has 8” clearance between roll-top & bed. How tall is this tank? How much space did you have between bed & you roll top cover canister?

[@mattrussell7271]

David, the tank itself is 9 & 1/2" tall. I have the Roll N Lock bed cover and it sits about 8&1/2 inches below the top of the bed. The values on the top are for ventilation and I assume an electric pump. They stick up about 1&1/2. The filler neck sticks up a good 3&1/2 inches above the top of the tank. The tank might not fit with your bed cover with only 8" below the lowest point of the canister.

[@randall5p22]

Great video and I’m interested in getting the same tank. I just need to research whether it will work with our Superglide sliding 5th wheel hitch.

[@mattrussell7271]

Interestingly enough, I just installed a superglide hitch. It is close but it fits. Full disclosure, I did mount my hitch right over the axle and not the 1 to 2" in front of the axle that some recommend. If you really wanted to mount it forward of the axle you could cut the excess square tubing off the superglide on the front and mount more forward. I plan to do a video on the hitch soon.

[@mattrussell7271]

Here is a link to a pic of the tank and hitch. docs.google.com/document/d/135CVkjuCHBIODwoM3xqk-jPpuDuo9vseYp5UMwpkvb8/edit?usp=sharing

[@randall5p22]

Matt Russell, thanks again for the video. I pulled the trigger and installed the RDS 63 gallon tank #71783 along with install kit. This tank is designed for 5th wheel applications. It mounted really easy and the hardest part for me was cutting the factory fill hose. I guess it would have been easier if I removed the rear left tire but I just contorted my body and used a pocket knife. A large hose cutter would have been great. Other than that it was smooth sailing.

[@m3rkinfiniteofwgkta]

I would get one for a s10 ls swap. The tank in a S10 is small

[@joshuakamber2383]

So my tank was finally installed. The installer didn't run a vent line from the pressure valvue to the outside of the truck.. It got pretty hot today and the pressure release valve spit fuel out onto my bed etc. Have you noticed any fuel being passed through the pressure valve line you have set up?

[@mattrussell7271]

I haven’t noticed any but I have the hose run up and out of the bed. If it is spitting any out it is minimal.

[@justman777texas2]

I've had this same issue from thermal expansion. If you live in South Texas or similar location where it gets hot, I recommend not filling up the tank all the way. You want to leave at least 2 inches of head space for the diesel to expand. You do lose some capacity, but you're not likely to miss it, and you'll avoid paying for diesel that's just going to be wasted by either going on the ground or creating a mess all over the bed of your truck.

[@ryangaynor9715]

What is the measurement from the bottom of the tank to the top of the vent valve? Trying to determine if it will fit under my toolbox.

[@mattrussell7271]

Ryan Gaynor it is 11” to the top of the vent valves. The full neck is about 12&1/2”. Hope this helps.

[@ryangaynor9715]

@@mattrussell7271 Thank you! Appreciate it!

[@dallaspowers6430]

Have you had any problems with the fuel gauge on your truck or any warning lights on the dash?

[@mattrussell7271]

Dallas Powers I have not had any issues. The fuel gauge stays on full until the auxiliary tank is empty or I turn off the valve.

[@dallaspowers6430]

Thank You, I was told by a couple of people in the business of installing tanks that I would have problems with this type install on the 2016 models.

[@extremerc76]

Your distance to empty calculation will be messed up, that should be it tho

[@justman777texas2]

I have a 2006 Silverado Duramax, and if I leave the aux tank open to gravity fill the main tank, the in-dash fuel gauge will error out and go to empty. Once the fuel tank sending unit senses a drop in fuel level, it'll go back up to full and work normally. Only way around it is to live with the fuel light being on, or close off the aux tank and open it back up when needed to fill the main tank.

[@matthewleete1423]

Really great informative video. I just got a new to me 350 Lariat and in my research missed the all important info that my truck only has a 26 gallon tank. What does the fuel computer say when the auxiliary tank is keeping the main tank full longer? I’m assuming it just stays at whatever it said when you filled up until you use enough fuel to sense the level dropping.

[@mattrussell7271]

You are correct. The truck shows full until the aux tank is empty.

[@michaelcastro5339]

They have reprogramming kits that let you change your computer value for your tank size, if you do that your computer will show the correct value

[@joshuakamber2383]

I just got the 60 gallon tank installed. If you leave the valve open have you ever had an issue of your tank overflowing?

[@mattrussell7271]

I leave it open all the time and have never had any issues with that. You should be able to drive for days with 60 additional gallons!

[@joshuakamber2383]

@@mattrussell7271 Thanks for the reply! I am going from 36 gallons to 96 haha. I hope I can drive for weeks.. Thanks again.

[@MLS7012]

Do you know if a small filter is needed? I would be worried trash inside tank. I mean if it's new should not be dirty. Just asking

[@mattrussell7271]

I have had this tank on for a number of years now and not had a need to add a filter. You could easily include one but I have not needed to.

[@blueoval6875]

Do you have to install the filler neck adapter vertically?

[@mattrussell7271]

BLUEOVAL68 if you are referring to the the valve that you put on the truck fill hose, then yes. It has a ball valve that stops the gravity flow from the auxiliary tank when the truck tank is full. Mine is on top and right up against the underside of the bed.

[@blueoval6875]

Thanks Matt. I'm going to get this tank soon.

[@superdutyohv3401]

Was this for gas or Diesel engine? There don’t seem to be too many options for the 6.2L Gas engine

[@mattrussell7271]

I don’t believe this is approved for gas.

[@strokedmule3838]

There are tanks that are approved for gas but are not allowed to be gravity flow, that have to have a pickup tube installed into the tank with a separate pump. I think a few companies like ATI and Taylor Wing make auxiliary tanks for gas, the rules are different with flammable liquids and transportation. Do your homework if you plan to install an auxiliary tank especially for gasoline.

[@jaybarton9764]

Hi Matt, hey just wondering if you could just strap down the tank instead of using the bolts to secure it? Say if you needed extra bed space when you're not towing?... or could a guy just unscrew the mounting bolts? Thanks!

[@mattrussell7271]

Jay Barton I suppose you could. You would have to do something with the fuel line coming out of the tank. It would be a bit of work to take it out each time.

[@jaybarton9764]

@@mattrussell7271 Ok thanks...was just curious.

[@riduandunia6591]

Is this application legal for California?

[@mattrussell7271]

Riduan Dunia I do not know the answer to that.

[@justinpendergraft5912]

When you cut the filler neck hose did you have to remove a section of it or just cut and spliced it in?

[@mattrussell7271]

I had to remove a small section.

[@Foster123abc123]

Do you remember what size the hose was

[@mattrussell7271]

Conner Foster I don’t remember exactly but the tank install kit came with the hose to connect it. I added the other hose on top. Might be 1/2”?

[@mikz86ta1]

I'm considering using a pump or at least an electronic valve to open with the Upfitter switches while in motion.

[@mattrussell7271]

Your call but I will tell you I have not had any issues with it filling the truck tank while in motion.

[@mikz86ta1]

@@mattrussell7271 you just leave the valve open and let it gravity feed the entire time? Won't backup in the filler neck?

[@mattrussell7271]

@@mikz86ta1 I do. I haven’t had any issues with backing up in the filler neck. I have never taken the truck fuel cap off while it is filling to see the fuel level but no issues with spillage.

[@thunderpop20]

I want one

[@chaseallen2440]

Any problems with it ever over filling or pushing it out the vent on main tank? Looking at doing this exact set-up under my bed cover and over filling is my only concern

[@mattrussell7271]

I have not had any issues.

[@bradoliver3916]

Can you get the full 32 gallons in it?

[@mattrussell7271]

Yes. It will actually take a little bit more than 32 gallons.

[@travelinthru9519]

Does it fill factory tank slow or fast ?

[@mattrussell7271]

Travelin Thru it fills it slowly but fast enough that it can keep up with the demand even when towing.

[@michaelfontenot7259]

And while valve open when both tanks are full what keeps it from over filling the factory tank just wondering because I just got one for my 03 f350

[@jeremycooper2209]

How long does it take to fill up your factory tank

[@mattrussell7271]

Jeremy Cooper the gravity feed will keep the factory tank full as long as it has fuel in it but if I were to shut off the valve and let the factory tank run out it would take the auxiliary tank about 20-30 minutes to fill the factory tank back up.

[@thunderpop20]

Sola

[@truckcampertraveler7369]

There customers service is LESS THEN 0 stars !! Buy any other brand!

[@mattrussell7271]

NATE DOGG Sorry to hear that. Thankfully I have not had any issues or any reason to deal with their customer service.