Thoughts On 20 Gal Fuel Tank

Hi Everyone! I’ve seen plenty of 15 gallon tank write-ups. However, I’m curious to hear your thoughts on 20 gallon tanks (from CJ7s) in the ECJ5. Does anyone know if the skid plate can be bolted to the ECJ5 frame like it was meant to be there? Will the Ohm range of the CJ7 sending unit work with the CJ5’s original gauge? With my Commando tank being a couple inches too long, I’m trying to figure out the most economical (cheapest) option that brings the largest capacity. What are your thoughts? Thank you!

 

I suspect the tank won't fit between the frame rails of a pre-1976 Jeep. From '76-up the CJ frame rails spread apart at the rear, compared to the parallel rails of earlier CJs.

 

There are 20 gal tanks for cj5s but they hang lower and some don't like them because of that.

 

As my project didn’t come with a tank, my preference is rear mounted and as large as reasonably possible. It sounds like my best option is the 15 gallon for now. If I go with an under the seat tank, are there any thoughts on a larger M38A1 tank? My tub doesn’t have a floor at the moment. Thank you.

 

In theory you can carry 20 gal in a oversize cj5 rear tank 15 with m38a1 under seat (larger filler cutout needed) another 10 or 15 under the passenger then a bunch of jerry cans. There were add on saddle tanks back in the day that were 5 or 7gal in the wheelhouse. That would get around 50gal and 300lbs.

Back in college I drove from upstate NY to. Kansas city 3 times and back twice with a 10 gal under seat tank a weak fuel pump and a 5gal Jerry. Each time I stopped after about 100 miles I needed a break more than the jeep.

 

My 2 cents-15 in the back and 10 in the under seat tank is more than plenty. I set my jeep up this way because I don't like jerry cans. 25 gallons is more than I want to drive an old cj at one time anyway LOL. The A1 tank hangs down lower and has the big military filler neck to you'd have to change the panel on the side of the tub to install it.

 

X2
I set my jeep is setup this way as well. 25 gallons is a lot of jeep driving.

 

I have a 13 gallon in the rear of my CJ....fits in there nice. Doesn't hang down much at all...

 

This is a good way to justify a trailer! While my goal is to make a the trip to northern New Hampshire (~150 miles) without the need to stop; I will probably start with one of the two common tanks either 10 gallon or rear 15 gallon tank. I appreciate everyone’s thoughts!

 

Stano, Where did your 13 gallon tank come from?

 

I thought mine was a 15gal but I’ve never been able to put in more than about 12.5. Maybe mine is 13 as well???

 

Beats me, it came was with the Jeep when I bought it. It looks to be some generic steel tank that has a fill and vent towards the top of it.

 

Your initial fill was about 15 gal. If you measured the length of the sender/ pickup and tank depth you will likely find that your not on the bottom of the tank.
I extended my pickup with a piece of submersible fuel hose. It now lays on the bottom of the tank and I have about 14.5 gal of useable fuel. The other .5 is the devils cut I guess....

 

Looks like a postal tank to me.

 

Warlock, Do you have any photos of your tanks that one could use for inspiration (copy)?

Also, a recent thread of yours regarding some tub repair, has renewed my desire to repair my tub. Thank you!