How far can our Land Cruiser REALLY go? Spoiler: farther than the snack box.
WE’RE HEADED FURTHER. Short drives are cozy, but family adventures demand confidence in fuel range. We want to avoid the panic circle of “Where’s the next gas station?” and the chorus of ‘Are we there yet?’
On long trips a little extra fuel buys peace of mind. We looked at big-capacity tanks and small portable bottles so our Land Cruiser can haul the kids, the cooler, and still make it through the long stretches between towns.
Top Picks
RDS 60-Gallon Auxiliary Transfer Tank
We consider this 60‑gallon transfer tank an excellent option for long-range auxiliary fueling and work trucks. It provides high capacity and practical installation hardware, though it requires space and some installation effort.
Purpose and ideal applications
We recommend this 60‑gallon RDS transfer tank when extended range, auxiliary diesel storage, or on‑truck work fueling is required. It’s designed for pickup beds and commercial use where run‑time and refill capability matter — ideal for long family road trips with towing, farm use, or contractors who need on‑site fueling.
Key features and what we like
For diesel users it can gravity-feed from the bottom and for gasoline it can be used with an electric pump and siphon setup. We appreciate that it arrives with bolts and straps to secure it, saving time compared with aftermarket fabrication.
Limitations and installation notes
If we’re planning extended remote trips or running equipment from a single vehicle, this tank is a practical, long-term investment that reduces refueling stops and keeps work and family trips running smoothly.
2L Universal Auxiliary Fuel Tank Kit
We recommend this 2L auxiliary tank when you need longer run times for tuning, synchronizing carburetors, or running small engines during maintenance. It strikes a good balance between capacity and portability while remaining easy to use.
Why choose a 2L auxiliary tank
We prefer the 2L version when we need more runtime for tasks like carburetor balancing, long idling tests, or extended bench runs. The extra capacity reduces interruptions and gives us a clearer picture of engine behavior over longer test periods.
Standout features
This tank is designed to hang or sit near the engine, and the clearer bottle makes it easier to measure precisely how much fuel is used during a test. For family outings we find it useful for keeping small campsite appliances or spare power equipment operational without draining vehicle tanks.
Practical notes and limitations
Overall, we find this 2L kit the best middle-ground auxiliary tank: ample capacity for meaningful tests while remaining lightweight and affordable.
2L Replacement Fuel Tank for Minibikes
We see this external-thread 2L tank as a practical replacement for minibikes and small motorized bicycles. It mounts easily and includes necessary hardware, though it’s a basic part rather than a high-end racing tank.
Purpose and fitment
We use this external-thread 2L fuel tank as a direct replacement when original engine-mounted tanks are damaged or when converting to a different mount style. It’s aimed at 49cc–80cc motorized bicycles and minibikes, providing a straightforward swap-in solution with hardware included.
What’s in the box and key benefits
Because it ships with mounting plates and fasteners, we often avoid sourcing brackets separately. The included petcock works well with gravity-fed small engines, and the tank’s capacity is well suited for short rides or project builds.
Practical considerations
For weekend builds, restoration projects, or getting a kid’s minibike back on the road, this tank provides a dependable and affordable solution that saves us fabricating custom mounts.
Universal 1L Auxiliary Gas Repair Kit
We find this 1L auxiliary tank a dependable temporary solution for small-engine repairs and short-term use. With proper hose selection and careful handling it performs reliably, though capacity remains limited for long tasks.
Compact emergency and repair use
We view this 1L auxiliary tank as a handy temporary repair tool for motorcycles, mowers, and other small engines. It’s designed to clip in quickly when the main tank is removed or being serviced and gives us a safe short-term fuel source for tuning and testing.
Notable features
When used with proper fuel-rated hose and clamps, it’s remarkably leak-free and cost-effective. We especially like it for quick troubleshooting on family gear like generators or kids’ bikes.
Tips and limitations
In our experience, pairing this unit with a good stainless worm clamp and a brief pre‑use leak check makes it a reliable addition to a roadside or home tool kit.
1L Ventilated Auxiliary Fuel Bottle
We like this compact auxiliary bottle for quick carburetor tuning and short diagnostic runs. It’s economical and lightweight, though users should be careful about fittings and clamps to avoid leaks.
Purpose and who it's for
We see this 1L ventilated auxiliary bottle as a low-cost, no‑frills tool for DIYers and backyard mechanics who need a temporary fuel source while tuning or diagnosing small engines. It’s designed to hang near a carburetor or sit in a workbench area while you test idle, mixture, and other settings.
Key features and benefits
We appreciate that the kit covers the basic needs for short test runs without risking stale fuel or rust from a main tank. For family trips where we want to keep a bike or generator ready, this performs well for short-term diagnostic tasks.
Limitations and practical tips
Practical insight: before relying on this on a trip, we recommend filling it and running a full bench test to confirm there are no leaks. For occasional tuning and winter storage keep‑alive runs, it’s a useful budget tool.
Final Thoughts
For serious long-range family trips, our top pick is the RDS 60-Gallon Auxiliary Transfer Tank. Its huge capacity and purpose-built hardware make it the clear choice when we need extended range between fill-ups—perfect for overlanding, remote campsites, and cross-country legs where fuel stops are sparse. Plan for professional or careful DIY installation and account for the added weight and space it requires.
If we want a lightweight, grab-and-go option to supplement range or serve as an emergency reserve, the 2L Universal Auxiliary Fuel Tank Kit is the best second pick. It’s portable, easy to store, and handy for topping off toys, running small camp engines, or bridging a short fuel gap without reconfiguring the vehicle.
Practical Guide to Choosing and Using Auxiliary Tanks on Family Trips
Choosing the right auxiliary setup comes down to three things: range needs, space/weight, and use case. We start by estimating how far we want to go between fuel stops. As a rule of thumb:
Sizing and range estimates
Fuel economy varies with load and terrain, but for planning we use conservative averages. If our Land Cruiser averages 15 mpg and we want an extra 300 miles of range, that’s roughly 20 gallons extra. The RDS 60-gallon tank covers multiple such legs and resists the anxiety of hunting stations in remote regions.
Installation and mounting tips
Safety and secure mounting are non-negotiable. When we install tanks we:
For the 60-gallon transfer tank: plan for professional help unless we have solid fabrication experience. For 1–2L bottles and the 2L Universal kits: store them upright in a lockable cargo box or secured crate.
Safety and legal checklist
We follow a simple checklist before every trip:
Daily use and maintenance
A small routine keeps things trouble-free. We drain and inspect portable tanks seasonally, replace inline filters every few thousand miles, and test transfer pumps before a long trip. When filling, we avoid topping off to leave room for thermal expansion.
Practical packing and family-first considerations
For family trips we prioritize safety and accessibility. The RDS 60-gallon is ideal when we want to cross long deserts or remote stretches—place heavy gear low and distribute weight to keep kids’ ride comfortable. Keep small fuel bottles for camp tasks and toys, but never in the passenger area. We also bring spare fuel lines, hose clamps, and a compact siphon or pump—those little items have saved more than one trip.
Comparison at a glance:
| Tank | Best for | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| RDS 60-Gallon Auxiliary Transfer Tank | Long overland legs | Massive range, purpose-built hardware | Weighty, needs space and careful install |
| 2L Universal Auxiliary Fuel Tank Kit | Portable emergencies & diagnostics | Lightweight, portable, easy to store | Limited capacity for extended driving |
| 2L Replacement for Minibikes | Motorized toys | Easy mounting, includes hardware | Basic design, not for heavy use |
| Universal 1L Auxiliary Gas Repair Kit | Short repairs/diagnostics | Simple and reliable | Very limited capacity |
| 1L Ventilated Auxiliary Fuel Bottle | Quick carb runs | Compact and economical | Watch fittings/clamps to prevent leaks |
We aim to pick gear that fits the trip, not the other way around. For long family runs we carry the RDS 60-Gallon as our backbone and a 2L kit or 1L bottle as a backup in the cargo area. That combination keeps us moving and the kids happy—no frantic detours required.
FAQ
Yes—many owners mount large transfer tanks in the bed or a secure underbody location. But we must check for fit, center of gravity, and secure mounting points. Reinforce the bed if necessary and follow the manufacturer’s hardware instructions.
It usually is, but rules vary by state and country. We should keep tanks approved for fuel transport, secure them from shifting, vent properly, and carry a fire extinguisher. Never store loose fuel containers in the passenger cabin.
It can. A filled 60-gallon tank adds significant weight (roughly 360–450 lbs depending on fuel density). We must subtract that weight from our payload budget for passengers, gear, and towing. We suggest weighing the vehicle and recalculating loads before a long trip.
Use clean funnels or fuel transfer pumps, keep caps closed, and fill from reputable stations. Install a quality fuel filter between tanks and the vehicle, and drain/inspect the tank periodically.
Absolutely. They’re cheap insurance for running a camp generator, jetting carburetors while tuning, or getting a short stretch to the next station. We treat them as emergency-only fuel and secure them upright.
Baffles in the tank help, as does low mounting and tight straps. For the 60-gallon option, professional tanks often include internal baffling. For portable bottles, keep them snug in a locked compartment.