Fuel For The Road: Titan Fuel Tanks’ In-Bed Transfer Tank Toolbox

Running out of fuel is never a good thing whether it is on the side of the freeway or in the middle of the desert. Titan Fuel Tanks has created products to extend the range of diesel trucks as well as being able to refill other vehicles. For off-roaders, fuel is a lifeline for our toys and the trucks that get us there, being able to have a large amount of fuel on-hand at any given moment can wash away a bad situation.

About The Tank

We decided to go with the 90-gallon in-bed transfer tank with the black diamond aluminum toolbox (PN 5814090) and the transfer pump kit (PN 9901130). This tank would give use plenty of fuel and the ability to store any tools, straps, and extra gear safely and securely. Having a safe place to lock up items in the bed of the truck is always handy.

This combination adds a 9 cubic foot, aluminum utility box to the 90-gallon L-shaped liquid transfer tank. The transfer tank is constructed of super-durable 1/4-inch thick, military-grade, cross-linked polyethylene (XLHDPE) that can safely and conveniently transport combustible, or nonflammable liquids.

The cross-linked polymer tank is durable and does not crack like rigid tanks. The tank also comes with a locking gas cap to keep your fuel safe and is built in the USA.

“We make the only polymer transfer tank on the market,” Mike Deford from Titan Fuel Tanks explained. “Our cross-linked polymer does not rust, crack, corrode, break, or fracture like metal tanks do. Our tanks do cost a little more than a metal tank but the average lifespan of a metal tank is just a couple of years, our tanks last a lifetime and are backed by a lifetime warranty meaning that you will never have to buy another one.”

The transfer pump kit utilizes a 12-volt DC fuel pump that delivers approximately eight gallons per minute which is about the same rate that you would get at a standard gas station. It comes complete with power cord, manual nozzle, 10 feet of 5/8-inch hose and the motor is UL Listed to US and Canadian safety standards.

The hardware kit for the transfer pump kit (left) and the hardware kit to install the in-bed transfer tank.

The in-bed transfer tank is designed to fit most full-size pickup trucks and all the different models of trucks. Having a 60-inch length at the top, 48-inch length at the base, 32.5-inch total width, and a 26-inch height. The impressive part about the whole setup is that it only weighs 64 pounds without the box.

“You get what you pay for, as I stated earlier, our tanks do cost a little more than a metal tank but quality and craftsmanship are not cheap,” Deford explained. “We could make a cheaper tank but it would not be to our standards and we are a company that won’t let profits dictate quality.”

Having a toolbox in the bed is great for keeping extra parts or tools all while not having to worry about the safety of them. The toolbox is made from .056 diamond tread pattern aluminum, gas struts that promote ease of operation, a key-operated locking mechanism, and dual stainless steel latch handles that operate from either side of the box.

“The tank is intended for diesel use, but it works perfectly with gasoline as well,” Deford said. “We use it only off-road and in Mexico where they do not have the same EPA issues as the States. We know in other countries and in Baja with desert race teams, they use the 90 and 100-gallon set-ups to fuel race vehicles and prerunners. Most of the best teams are using our tanks in Mexico.”

Due to EPA regulations, the 90 and 100-gallon transfer tanks can not be used for gasoline due to the capacity. Titan Fuel Tanks does make a gasoline transfer tank called the SideKick which is 15 gallons. It is very popular with dirt bike, UTV, ATV, boat, and other recreational vehicle owners as well as construction, landscape and other businesses that rely on gasoline engines.

Assembly

With the knowledge of the tank, it was time to install and see for ourselves what the in-bed transfer tank was all about. The installation was pretty straightforward and with simple tools, anyone could do it.

We started by getting the tank mounted before moving on to mount and install the transfer pump. To mount the tank, Titan Fuel Tanks includes four Z brackets that need to be bolted to the truck bed. This keeps the tank from moving around and gives a place to attach the ground cable.

To find the location for each bracket we placed the tank in the bed of the truck and marked the holes with a marker. From there we drilled out each hole. One thing to note on drilling the holes is to be aware of what is below. Make sure time is taken to look below the truck in the general area where the hole is going to be drilled. If something is below you can place tape on the drill bit a particular depth to make sure it does not go too deep.

Installing the bolts on the brackets was easy since Titan Fuel Tanks utilizes carriage bolts which get captured in the bracket and do not spin. Getting the tank installed is a one-man job which makes it nice not having to have someone else help.

With all the bolts tightened down and secured we moved to install the transfer pump. The transfer pump could be installed on a bench in the garage or the tailgate as it does not need to be attached to the tank until the last step.

The transfer pump kit was pretty self-explanatory. We first installed the suction tube to the pump and then to the adapter to the tank. Everything was tightened with a large adjustable wrench or an open-ended wrench.

With the pump attached to the tank, we next attached the hose to the nozzle. We attached it to the nozzle first to allow the hose to spin freely as it was tightened, from there the hose was attached to the pump.

With everything connected, we ran the power and ground wire to the battery. Pulling the nozzle out of the holder and flipping the switch everything worked and we were good to go.

Final Thoughts

This is a great addition to anyone needing extra fuel and storage combination. An extra 90 gallons can go a long way when being away from gas stations. Even if the extra fuel isn’t needed having the ability to use the toolbox to secure items outside the cab of the truck is great.

“The most common applications are for people and companies that need to fuel equipment and their trucks,” Deford said. “The tanks are very popular with farmers, hotshot drivers, construction companies, railroad, and other service fleets.”

Our 1992 Chevrolet Silverado with the in-bed transfer tank installed.

The tanks quality and ease of installation make it a no brain addition to any truck that will see time with other vehicles or toys. For more information on Titan Fuel Tanks and its products be sure to visit their website. How could you use one of these tanks? Tell us in the comments below!

About the author

Steven Olsewski

Steven Olsewski grew up with a true passion for anything with a motor. He loves his wife and kids, and during the year can be found enjoying quality time together. They are a huge part of his life and their passion for God.
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