Saw This on a Diesel Heater Forum

[Third From Texas]

What could possible go wrong?

Seriously, I was amazed how many people thought this was just a brilliant idea.

The guy was poo-poo'ing any suggestions to add any puncture protection.

 

[flyfishtrailer]

Assuming a fuel tank?

 

[Third From Texas]

Assuming a fuel tank?

Yep

 

[TomTime]

Wow, great idea, just what I need for my build, thanks for sharing, I always wanted to go out with a Bang.

 

[cattlerepairman]

Wow, the base frame is made from impact-resistant super strong steel while the shock-absorbent hangers allow flex in case of ground contact. The tank body is a tough polymer that resists rock chips. And we all know that impacts happen at the bumper and not underneath the truck. Should, against all odds, the tank be punctured it will safely drain to the ground and not make a mess inside the truck or a compartment. It's all good!

 

[coachgeo]

Wow, great idea, just what I need for my build, thanks for sharing, I always wanted to go out with a Bang.

diesel would not go bang.... it is harder to ignite via spark.

only way I can think of (if they owner has a brain) that he feels this is not as huge an issue as folk are making it..... is if above the tank is either a floating trap door w/nothing above it or its inside a cupboard with nothing above it..... so if it gets hit down there... it mostly just pushes the tank up. In theory.

 

[ckouba]

I'll ask the dumb question: how do you even fill it?

 

[TomTime]

From a remote filler tube!?

 

[ckouba]

From a remote filler tube!?

Agreed, but seeing the execution of the tank, I shudder to think of what adding a remote fill option would look like in this scenario. Any pics of that?

 

[coachgeo]

Agreed, but seeing the execution of the tank, I shudder to think of what adding a remote fill option would look like in this scenario. Any pics of that?

this is what lends me to believe the space above it is open and tank can be lifted out for filling. but hard to say. close inspection of pic looks like on right side there is a latch. Wonder if that spot was formerly an undercarriage spare tire area... hence why not so concerned if it hangs no lower than spare use too???

 

[serpico760]

Looking at the suspension I'm guessing this is the underside of a Ram NoviceMaster (a terribly designed vehicle that should have stayed in Europe with the rest of the ugly Fiat fleet!)

 

[Third From Texas]

I'll ask the dumb question: how do you even fill it?

One side unlatches and tilts down.

 

[Third From Texas]

Plastic tanks are used in more vehicles than people suspect.

I remember the first time I pulled a tank Jeep to install a new fuel pump. Just a plastic tank with a plastic shield.

But this application just seems far too vulnerable to puncture for my tastes.

ymmv

 

[cattlerepairman]

So if you added remote unlatching, you could even use this to shake off pursuing vehicles. Genius!

 

[serpico760]

One side unlatches and tilts down.

View attachment 887922

I mean at least cover the sucker with the skid plate that tapers down from the front!

 

[wheelspinner]

What could possible go wrong?

Seriously, I was amazed how many people thought this was just a brilliant idea.

The guy was poo-poo'ing any suggestions to add any puncture protection.



View attachment 887898

The same ones cheering them on are the ones giving out participation trophies to everyone……

 

[cbrTodd]

The same ones cheering them on are the ones giving out participation trophies to everyone……

Since it appears to be on a 2wd van, the odds are decent that it will survive essentially unprotected like that for a long time, allowing the defective genes to be passed along to the next generation. I would definitely vote for a substantial skid plate and / or for having it not be the lowest item in that general area...

 

[Guyfang]

A skid plate would make it even more practical to refuel, then it is now.

 

[M35fan]

It doesn't need a skid plate. It is probably designed to un-latch automatically when something solid strikes it. No real threat to the owner, plus if it survives, someone gets 5 gals of free diesel. Win/win!

 

[chucky]

I hate to throw these ideas out like this but why not feed the heater directly from your main tank and NOT deal with this drama in any way what so ever !