Helivue Design 18 gal Auxiliary Fuel Tank

[tgrneal]

Gents,
Saw this on Facebook from a brand and user I’ve never heard of but, it doesn’t mean none of you haven’t.

I won’t bury the lead. Here’s the link:
https://helivuedesign.com/products/..._ENKl9NctEolPTkg0k_aem_594Z3WRiwBg99wIQpCP9qg

I know many of us are waiting for Long Range America. I’m sure we all have questions. They’re taking Preorders but i didn’t see anything on potential shipping date.

Anyone have any faith and confidence in this brand?

What do you think of the price?

Is an 18 gallon aux tank reasonable?

Any clue what size LRA might build?

Here’s the info from the site and photos:


“Helivue Design offers a no compromises approach to auxiliary fuel systems for the demands of the Commuter or hard core Overlander. This tank has been thoroughly beat, bashed, landed on and driven from 5,000-13,000 feet regularly without failure. A Lightweight, High clearance, Aluminum 18 gallon auxiliary fuel system that allows you to KEEP your KDSS, Factory Air Ride and your Class 4 receiver hitch. This system is almost completely invisible as it tucks above the bumper line and keeps all factory evap systems in place. The Helivue Design auxiliary fuel tank fills up through your factory filler neck and will simultaneously fill both tanks at once. When you need to transfer fuel we include a high quality programmable Fuel transfer switch/fuel level gauge, quality fuel pump, and stainless steel fuel level sender. Kit includes everything you need to install including quality stainless steel clamps, stainless steel hardware and bung.”

Details:
Tank Type Auxiliary
Weight Dry 25 Pounds
Weight Wet 133
Capacity 18 Gallons
Fill Point OEM Split
Fuel Type Gas
Relocate Spare Yes
Recommended Install Time 5 hours

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[maxx075]

This has been mentioned in at least 3 other threads here - definitely spendy. Kind of just a race to see who gets the first out though. You'd think after 2 years there would already be a solution.

 

[tgrneal]

I'm surprised I haven't seen a post about this. Sorry for the repost

 

[Will721]

I haven't seen a post directly about that specific aux tank, just several posts discussing the rather small factory tank and various solutions that are in the works.

Personally I'm not sure how I feel about the idea. An auxiliary tank adds quite a bit of complexity to the fuel system. Having dual tanks, pumps, wiring, switches, and tapping into the oem filler neck with proprietary hoses. All of that will inevitably culminate into higher maintenance and hard to find parts in the long term assuming the company will even still be around in 10+ years. Then there's the issue of ground clearance if you do off road. The tank replaces the spare tire, which we've already seen constantly drops onto rocks over obstacles. There isn't any information about a skid plate being available in the future either. It does appear to be a well thought out design and high quality though. But we used the twin tank design for decades with probably 90% of those trucks having a non functional system at this point, and most having parts no longer available.

What baffles me, is why Toyota chose to mount the tank on the opposite side of the filler neck then make the exhaust cross over:

That's likely what really limits the tanks fuel capacity. I'd have to do some measuring but I'd bet the best solution would be if a company built a high capacity tank that fits on the drivers side, used an extension harness and lines for the factory sender, and rerouted the exhaust to the passenger side where it belonged in the first place.

 

[Pappy]

I shared this last week. I've pre-ordered.

 

[Wife bought my 24 TRD]

Nice job with your post. I'm waiting for someone to build a rear bumper that wraps around to the fender well, before I pull the trigger on a auxiliary fuel tank.
Food for thought, besides the 25lbs of added weight you'll be carrying an added 108-111 pounds
All this, right at the ass end of the truck is going to affect your suspension performance, I already know what little it takes to change the way these trucks drive. I have already changed my rear springs and now I'm going from the Dobinsons 819s to 821s.
Something to think about.

 

[Wife bought my 24 TRD]

Nice job with your post. I'm waiting for someone to build a rear bumper that wraps around to the fender well, before I pull the trigger on a auxiliary fuel tank.
Food for thought, besides the 25lbs of added weight you'll be carrying an added 108-111 pounds
All this, right at the ass end of the truck is going to affect your suspension performance, I already know what little it takes to change the way these trucks drive. I have already changed my rear springs and now I'm going from the Dobinsons 819s to 821s.
Something to think about.

Holly Sh## I just looked at the link, 2k is
an awful lot of money for a jerry can that takes the place of your spare tire?

 

[Pappy]

Holly Sh## I just looked at the link, 2k is
an awful lot of money for a jerry can that takes the place of your spare tire?

That's 3+ jerry cans. I have a Gen1 4R with a 15gallon aux tank. For me, for the way I adventure, having the extra fuel is not an option. I don't care how much it costs. Plus, when you look at the cost of other modifications we make to our trucks the $2K is not out of line. It all comes down to priorities and needs vs. wants.

 

[Pappy]

I get that this tank isn't for everybody. But, some of us actually adventure where gas is not on every corner. See: https://www.tacoma4g.com/forum/threads/pappys-adventure-aurora-borealis.15887/

But we used the twin tank design for decades with probably 90% of those trucks having a non functional system at this point, and most having parts no longer available.

I've had a dual tank system in my Gen1 4R since 1989. How many years has that been? Parts? No problem, and the company has been out of business for 10+ years. So, nice try. Instead of conjecture how about some specific examples.

The tank replaces the spare tire, which we've already seen constantly drops onto rocks over obstacles. There isn't any information about a skid plate being available in the future either.

As best I can tell this tank sits up higher than the spare tire. By a long shot. I seem to recall a skid plate discussion on the company's website. You are correct. There is no skid. But like I already said, I have a spare tire aux tank on my Gen1 4R, and after 37 years I've never had a problem. I do wheel my truck, including trails in Moab and Canyonlands.

An auxiliary tank adds quite a bit of complexity to the fuel system. Having dual tanks, pumps, wiring, switches, and tapping into the oem filler neck with proprietary hoses. All of that will inevitably culminate into higher maintenance and hard to find parts in the long term assuming the company will even still be around in 10+ years.

I just read the install directions. I don't see a problem. All the hoses are standard size that can be acquired at any parts store. The only exception is the pump controller, and associated harness. I can, and probably will, do something different anyways.

An auxiliary tank adds quite a bit of complexity to the fuel system.

As opposed to your recommendation below which happens to be quite complex.

I'd have to do some measuring but I'd bet the best solution would be if a company built a high capacity tank that fits on the drivers side, used an extension harness and lines for the factory sender, and rerouted the exhaust to the passenger side where it belonged in the first place.

 

[Will721]

An extension harness and a few lines is far less complex and doesn't require extra electronics, switches, and controls. The only proprietary piece that may require future replacement in that scenario would be an exhaust pipe which if it were stainless also likely would be a forever part.

As far as specific examples, your 4runner is by far the least common dual tank example on the market. Domestic trucks all ran dual tanks for decades. Not just as a rare option, the vast majority of those trucks sold were dual tank standard cab long bed configuration. Due to the chicken tax and people's byass towards Domestic vehicles of that era means they also outsold the old 4 runners and pickups 600-1 just comparing to F150s. The vast majority of those remaining do not have functional dual tanks anymore and several either so not have or did not have part availability anymore. Fords specifically did not have availability for the fuel tank selector valves for years, although the aftermarket has picked up most of the slack since then.

If you would like more specifics, I am not going to sit here and look up parts diagrams and search availability for every single piece of every single produced system in trucks spanning 30 years I'm not.

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