Double Your 3rd Gen Tacoma's Range Without Giving Up Your Factory Tank

The 2016-2023 Tacoma is one of the most common trucks on the trail, and one of the most common complaints from Tacoma owners is the same: not enough fuel range once you add bigger tires, a rooftop tent, and a loaded bed. A short trip off the beaten path can turn into a fuel-gauge math problem fast.

Jerry cans and roof-mounted fuel cells work, but you're pouring gas by hand at the trailhead and carrying it exposed. A tank swap means pulling your factory tank and evap system to get more capacity. Neither is ideal.

An Auxiliary Tank That Keeps Your Factory Tank

The Helivue Design 3rd Gen Tacoma auxiliary fuel tank adds a second, 18 gallon tank alongside your factory tank, roughly doubling your fuel capacity. It tucks above the bumper line and keeps your factory evap system in place.

How the Tank Fills and Transfers Fuel

It fills through your factory filler neck, and both tanks fill at the same time, so there's no second gas cap or extra stop at the pump. When you want the extra fuel, a programmable transfer switch with a built-in level gauge moves it into your main tank. The kit includes a quality fuel pump, a stainless steel level sender, and all the stainless clamps, hardware, and bung you need.

Build, Specs, and Install

The tank is built from 1/8 inch 5052 aluminum for strength and corrosion resistance, weighs about 25 pounds empty, and holds 18 gallons - about 133 pounds full. It installs in the spare tire location, so you'll need a new home for your spare. Plan on about four hours for the install, or find a shop through our installer page.

Vehicle prep is a bit more involved than on the newer Tacoma platform: instead of unbolting the spare tire crossmember, the mounting tabs get cut flush on the crossmember, and the tank bolts up through four holes drilled at 13.5mm with long M8 stainless bolts that have built-in serrations to lock them in place. The filler neck is the biggest difference from our newer-platform kits: this generation requires an actual weld, done off the vehicle and off the tank, to install the threaded bung, never while either one is installed or attached. The fuel transfer pump needs to be mounted with its outlet horizontal or above its inlet, which prevents gravity-feed issues, check engine lights, and vapor lock. In the dash, the switch/gauge needs a precise 20mm hole, and forcing an undersized hole can damage it.

Designed, Built, and Tested in Colorado

Every tank is designed and built in Colorado, and our tanks have been beaten, bashed, landed on, and driven regularly at elevations from 5,000 to 13,000 feet without failure.

3rd Gen Tacoma Auxiliary Fuel Tank FAQ

How much fuel does the auxiliary tank add?

It adds 18 gallons on top of your factory tank, roughly doubling the 3rd Gen Tacoma's fuel capacity.

Do I keep my factory fuel tank?

Yes. This is an auxiliary tank, not a replacement. Your factory tank and evap system stay in place.

Do I lose my spare tire?

The tank mounts in the spare tire location, so you'll need to relocate your spare, for example to a rear bumper carrier or bed mount.

How do I fill it?

Through your factory filler neck. Both tanks fill at the same time, so there's no second gas cap.

How long does the install take?

About four hours with basic tools. Prefer a shop? See our installer list.

What does the tank weigh?

About 25 pounds empty and about 133 pounds full.

Does the filler neck need to be welded?

Yes. Unlike our newer-platform kits, the 3rd Gen Tacoma filler neck bung requires an actual weld, done off the vehicle before the modified pipe is reinstalled.

What if I need a new gas cap after the install?

A Duralast replacement cap, AutoZone part number 6817A, fits.

How does the transfer switch and fuel gauge work?

The dash-mounted switch has a built-in LED gauge for the auxiliary tank. All green means full; the lights go dark from top to bottom as fuel transfers out, and a flashing red light means empty. Press the switch to start transferring fuel at about 0.42 gallons per minute. The pump runs for about six minutes per press and then shuts off automatically, so you just press it again if you want to keep transferring.

Will the Distance to Empty (DTE) function still work?

Yes, if your vehicle has it. It will report range based on the fuel level in the main tank only, since the factory computer doesn't see the auxiliary tank.

In Stock and Shipping Now

The 3rd Gen Tacoma tank is in stock and shipping now. Use the vehicle finder at the top of our site to confirm fitment, or reach out with any questions.