Transferflow - Larger fuel tank

I don't mind poor MPG, but need longer range for vacations and business trips. My 14 Tundra has a 26 gallon tank and I'd love an upgrade. From what I gather from the forum, Transferflow 46 gallon replacement tank is the way to go. For those familiar, I have a few questions:

Are these easy for basic mechanics to install or is it a specialized process (I'm not mechanically inclined)? Also, about how much can I expect for labor?

I read it comes with everything you need. Is this true or do I need to plan on add'l purchases?

How important is it to get the spray-on bed liner coating?

For those with them, does the low fuel light come on with 5-6 gallons in reserve as mine does now?

Is the additional weight of this tank a problem?

Aesthetically, does it change the truck? I can't find many pics but read it sits about an inch lower than anything else.

Anyone know of a reason one should not consider this upgrade?

Are there better options available. Would like at least 36 gallon capacity.


I'm new to the forum, and appreciate the help you guys provide!

 

Extended gas tank

Start with reading this

 

Seems to be some good info in this thread going on.

https://www.tundras.com/threads/extended-gas-tank.10644/


Edit: Joonbug got me - bet he's a lot younger and quicker with all this stuff....lol

 

Appreciate the link guys. Seems all positive on that link. Guess I'd plan on paying 3-4 hours of labor for a trained mechanic. Just got the wheels and tires. Slowly adding LED lighting inside and out. Bakflip and maybe this fuel tank coming soon!

 

Just remember, when your fuel reads 0 miles, you still have about 4 gallons. If you use quite a bit more, wait a bit before refueling. The fuel pump may be hot and the cold fuel can screw up your fuel pump.

 

Not sure where you're at, but if you go on the Transferflow website, at the top they have a search installer and you can probably find someone experienced around you to do it if you're not going to.

FWIW....I recently bought a 14' CM.....like the truck, absolutely can't stand the little tank. Did my wheels and tires already, and figured Bilsteins and a new sound system next - but I think this will be next as the range is already beyond annoying.

Keep us posted of your install.

 

Fly'n, I'm in Tulsa. Nearest installer on the Transferflow site is 90 miles down the road in OKC. I bet someone in Tulsa can do the install. I'd like to see pics of one on a Tundra and I'll keep lurking and waiting for someone to mention why the upgrade is a bad idea. Funny none of us complain about MPG, just that the tank is too small!

 

I checked with my local Toyota dealers and they would not do the install. The installer listed on the Transferflow site quoted me a relative high price. I had a local shop do the install and they charged $330. I would find a good automotive repair shop and get a quote. You can have the tank shipped direct to them. I love the larger tank. Normally I only fill it to about a half tank, unless I know I will need the extra range.

 

ATHiker, do you happen to have any pics that would help me see how it looks?

 

Sorry, not a great photo. You can see the Transferflow and the OEM tank.

 

There's two significant downsides, 1) only applies if you off road seriously, the bottom of the tank is flat and the corners square. Although the tank is thick steel and tough the rear corners could hit hard on rocks in reverse and do damage.
The other problem is weight. Between the tank plus the addition of 20 gallons you've putting a couple hundred lbs on the drivers side of the truck and will probably increase the infamous "tundra lean" . I'm glad I did it. Added Custom Alcan leafs and CB shims to keep her keel straight

 

I agree with comments about the extra weight (the 20 extra gallons equals about 120 lbs).

One other potential downside. The "miles to empty" readout on your dash will not be correct as there is no way to update the fuel tank size. This is not an issue with me as I never use that feature. I rely on the gas gauge. I tow a camper and the larger tank makes a huge difference with the added range and I can actually pick and choose when to refuel.

 

The weight of the gasoline is only part of it, the steel steel tank is about 100lb heavier than the little plastic POS.
I don't ever pay attention to the "miles to empty" anyhow. Never meant much in the real world.

 

I wonder how many gallons you could actually get out of it. Seems like alot of expense for just 8 gallons more than my 38.

 

It's for us poor 26 gallon folks.

 

Excellent pro & con discussion - thanks all! I'm still on the fence of getting a newer model with the factory 38 gallon tank or buying an older model and then upgrading to the Transferflow. I didn't realize addition of this tank could produce a "lean".

 

Most Tundras have a lean without the Transferflow. My 26 gallon has about a 1" lean with a full tank of gas. The Transferflow will be even worse.

 

I installed this tank on my '15 crewmax a couple of months ago. It has been a great upgrade from the 26 gal tank the truck came with. I had a bit of driver side lean when I first got the truck with the 26 gal tank but was able to correct the lean with a shim and some adjusting of my Toytec coilovers. Adding the 46 gal tank didn't create any new lean.

I'm not a professional mechanic, but did install my toytec lift and a few other mods. I installed the Transferflow tank myself and it took me about 4 hours start to finish including jacking up the truck and getting it on stands and everything. The hardest part is disconnecting/reconnecting the fuel lines which are on top of the sending unit on top of the tank. So it requires you to blindly reach above the tank to find and disconnect the fuel lines.

Feel free to pm me with any specific questions.

 

if you can find an oem 38 gal, it's better imo. You can add a gas tank skid plate underneath and also not sit 1" lower.
really applies for us tiny 26 Gal folks.

 

Here’s a couple thoughts,

1) My transfer flow is flush with the frame not lower
2) the 38gal Toyota tank will cost almost twice as much as the transfer flow tank

 

Joon, Matt, TheBeast & Ray - thanks for the info! It looks like I've got some more reading to do!

 

Mkay I’ve seen the underskirt of people that have the transfer flow,if you’re an off-roader don’t worry because the shock mounts are still the lowest point you’ll have to worry about. Unless you get high centered or brake over angle gets fucked then it touches the transfer flow, but line-x is pretty durable. I would be frustrated waiting at the Costco pump line with someone in front of me with a 46gal tank, on E!

 

I just read through this entire thread again and am still a bit confused about the lean. Is there a forum consensus on the best fix?

Thanks!

 

Would the DC Tundra gas tank fit in a CM Tundra?

 

Most Tundras lean with the passenger side about 1/2” higher than the drivers side. Measure the distance from the floor to the fender on both sides, what is the difference on your truck?

 

I’ve got a 38 gal I would let go for a decent price, since I’m probably going to a transfer flow.

 

transferflow is next on my mod list after suspension, from 26 to 48 would be sweet.
i am like the op, i don't mind the mpg, but having to stop and fill up every 2 days sucks.

 

Check it!
https://www.tundras.com/threads/transfer-flow-vs-lra-long-range-automotive-fuel-tank.22698/

 

The stock 38 sucks when it's on E but there is still 100 miles left! Not relevant but still sucks, lol