Howdy, folk.

Short version: Do I have a dual fuel tank? How do I switch between tanks?

Long version:

So, today, I bought a truck. It's a 1996 Ram 2500 V10.

Now the wrinkle: I bought it back from my cousin. This truck, this specific truck, was owned by my Dad before he died. My folks used it to drive their nomadic lifestyle, hauling a 5th wheel RV around America. After Dad died, my Mom sold it to my cousin for a pittance because he was starting a yard maintenance business, and needed a truck to haul equipment around. Fast forward nine years, and my cousin wasn't doing that anymore, and was looking to sell the truck, because he didn't need the capacity anymore, and the thing drinks fuel like it's going out of fashion.

So I talked to my cousin, and we worked out a deal where I paid him back the pittance he'd paid my mom, and I got the truck. I drove it over to the gas station, and Mom said, "Oh, this truck has a dual fuel tank." ... and then she couldn't remember how to switch between the tanks.

I've been searching and searching, but I can't find any mystery switches. I can't find a second fuel door. I don't find any mention of a second fuel tank in the user manual. But my mom put probably a hundred and fifty thousand miles on this truck (though admittedly, most of those as passenger rather than driver). So she must know what she's on about, yes?

So... do I actually have a second fuel tank? How do I switch between them? Are there any other factors which I need to keep in mind when driving a dual-tank system?

Thanks in advance for any help and / or pointers.

 

If no second tank in sight,its most likly a 35 gal stock tank for longbed 2500 V 10.Perhaps mom thought dual tanks.from taking so long too fuel at gas stations and cruz range at about 250-300 mi per tank.Just a thought.........................

 

Thanks, Cruzer. I thought that Mom might be mistaken, or remembering a different truck, or something. But when I filled the tank, it did take 35 gallons, and... yeah. I'll physically check underneath to be sure, but at this point I'm definitely leaning toward "No, there's only one tank."

 

If you had two tanks, there would be two tanks somewhere under it. The switch would either be an electric one on the dash somewhere or or a valve on the floor. I have seen dual draw tanks but not on a regular sized pickup. More than likely, like others have said, it only has one tank. Since this was your dad's truck, put a custom plate on the front that says "Dad's Truck" or something and fix it up, especially with a comfortable seat so she can ride along and remember the times she and your father had together. Maybe put a radio with a CD or USB player and slip some of the music your dad liked in when she rides with you.

Chrysler used up to 40 gallon tanks on some applications. I had a 40 gallon plastic tank on a '78 Trailduster I had once. When I was filling it, I began to look underneath to make sure it wasn't running out.

 

Update: Yeah, I went out and physically looked under, and there's only one tank.

ETA: Mystery solved. The truck came stock from the dealer with one 35 gallon fuel tank. My dad[1] installed a second, aftermarket tank. My cousin had to replace the transmission, and didn't need the extra range, 'cause he wasn't hauling a 5th wheel trailer over long distances... so he took the second tank out and never bothered putting it back in once he was done with the transmission replacement.

Thanks for the suggestions, Ol' Grouch. I'm certainly going to fix 'er up. 8)



1) My dad was a diesel engine mechanic in the Army during the Vietnam War. I was an enlisted navigation specialist in the Navy during Gulf Wars, Episode One. Of the two, being a diesel engine mechanic had more post-service utility. But I was far more suited to the second as a young fella. So....

 

My 2nd gen I added a second tank that automatically kicks in when the primary on is empty and fills up from the same neck as the factory one. You only have one which is good