[MichaelW]

If Gen-Right can make one for the TJ that fits in the rear frame rails and has some serious protection and carries 31 gallons of fuel why can't we have one for the JK? I've asked Gen-Right and they said they have been asked by DC to not build a tank for that location. However if we all send an email asking for a larger capacity heavily protected fuel tank to fit in the traditional TJ location maybe, just maybe they will build us some. I'd gladly loose that little trunk area for 10 or more gallons of fuel set in the middle of my JK and with some serious protection.

 

[MichaelW]

I built a custom tank for my Isuzu. It held over 40 gallons of gasoline. It was mounted in the back and between the frame rails. I never had an issue with this arrangement. Couple this with a solid steel bumper, an excessive skid plate for the already 1/4" thick gas tank, I don't think any vehicle on the road today could puncture my gas tank, unless they were traveling at missile velocity or were significantly larger than me such as a 25 ton semi. Then at that point I think survivability would be a non issue as the difference between being compacted into a 2'x3' square verses being compacted into a 2'x3' square then catching on fire is mute point.

I say let everyone else crumple.

Besides, I'd much rather have the weight of the gasoline centered over the middle of the vehicle than only on one side such as is the case now with the factory tank.

Plus added weight just behind the rear axle will add down force on the rear axle and provide more traction on the rear tires.

And yes, excessive weight the further away from the rear tires could make it easier to flip over backwards, unless you provided some sort of rear stinger to stop you from flipping so easily.

I'm going to be building my rear tank as a custom project. I'll be able to hold more gas than all of you and go on longer desert excursions without the need to have more gas cans.

So in other words, you haven't convinced me this is a bad idea yet.

 

[MichaelW]

I agree with your logic, but again this doesn't convince me but actually reinforces (in my mind) the justification for having it in back.

The 2 heaviest pieces underneath the JK is the engine and a full gas tank. The engine is right above the front wheels. Placing the tank in the old muffler spot will have the tank just behind the rear wheels. Plus it will be centered over the left and right side of the vehicle as opposed to one side that makes the left and right characteristics different from left to right. It is easier to roll on a side hill if the down side is the passenger side vs the opposite.

Having the tank in the back opens up a more likely chance of it being hit in an accident where you are rear ended. However my tank has a significant frame mounted skid plate plus the tank it self has a gap between the plate and tank and the tank is 1/4" thick. I have dropped off of 4' ledges onto my gas tank and have only managed to merely mar the skid plate and in one occasion put a crease into the skid plate. However nothing yet has penetrated through to the gas tank. So this isn't the average joe factory skid plate that yes if my tank was a factory flimsy pie tin and plastic tank I would have damaged the tank.

Now using the same situation, so now with a low hanging side mounted factory gas tank you are just as vulnerable from a broadside impact such as those that take place at intersections.

I'll take my heavily reinforced rear mounted and protected tank with a skid plate/super slider any day over the way the factory tank is currently mounted.

Just my 2 bits. Again I'll let everyone else crumple.