Double Your 4th Gen Tacoma's Range Without Giving Up Your Factory Tank
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If you've driven a 2024 or newer Tacoma off the pavement, you already know the problem. Toyota gave the new truck a smaller fuel tank than the last generation, around 18 gallons, and on a loaded rig with big tires, that disappears fast. Plenty of owners have had a close call on a forest road, watching the gauge drop with no station for miles.
The usual fixes all have trade-offs. Jerry cans on the bumper or Rotopax on the roof work, but you're pouring fuel by hand at the trailhead, carrying weight up high, and storing gas where it's exposed. Replacement tanks add capacity, but you pull your factory tank to get it.
An Auxiliary Fuel Tank That Keeps Your Factory Tank
We took a different approach. The Helivue Design 4th Gen Tacoma auxiliary fuel tank adds a second, 18 gallon tank alongside your factory one, roughly doubling your fuel capacity.
How the Tank Fills and Transfers Fuel
It fills through your factory filler neck, and both tanks fill at the same time. You don't need a second gas cap or an 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 comes with a quality fuel pump, a stainless steel level sender, and all the stainless clamps, hardware, and bung you need.
What's in the Kit
Every 4th Gen Tacoma tank ships as a complete kit, not just the tank. Here's everything in the box, straight from our install guide:
- 1 auxiliary fuel tank (18 gallon, 1/8 inch 5052 aluminum)
- Hardware: 4 M8 x 25mm bolts, 2 M8 nyloc nuts, 2 M6 x 20mm bolts, 2 M6 nyloc nuts
- Hoses and clamps: 1 inch fuel hose, 1.25 inch fuel hose, 3/8 inch fuel hose, 5/8 inch vent line, plus a full set of stainless hose clamps
- A T-filler pipe, controller switch dash plug, driver and passenger spacers, EVAP bracket spacers, and a fuel pump L bracket
- Brass fittings: two 1/2 inch NPT fittings and a 90 degree elbow (3/8 inch hose barb to 1/4 inch NPT)
- Electrical: a fuel controller and fuel level sending electronics package with all wiring, the fuel transfer pump and filter, zip ties, self-soldering connectors, and a fuse tap for switched +12V power
From your own toolbox, plan on needing a drill with a 22mm hole saw, a hydraulic jack, a chain pipe cutter, a digital multimeter, and a fuel-rated thread sealant or Teflon tape (we use Loctite 597).
Build, Specs, and Install
The tank is built from 1/8 inch 5052 aluminum, which is strong and resists corrosion. It has a hammer-finish powder coat and weighs about 25 pounds empty. It takes the place of your spare tire, bolting in where the spare tire crossmember used to be, so it tucks up high and out of the way, with almost no modification. You will need a new home for your spare, and you'll need to change the tailpipe: either swap the rearmost section for an aftermarket turndown pipe, like the one from SXTH Element, or cut the factory pipe down. Plan on about five hours for the install, or find a shop through our installer page.
On the vehicle side, prep is straightforward: the spare wheel and carrier come out, along with the two bolts holding the EVAP canister brackets to the spare tire crossmember and the four bolts holding the crossmember to the frame. The tank then jacks into position over the rear exhaust and bolts up with stainless spacers. The tailpipe change is because this platform needs an axle-dump exhaust configuration to clear the tank. At the filler neck, we drill a 22mm hole through the outer plastic layer only, and JB-Weld a 90 degree brass elbow into place, so no welding is required on this platform. The fuel transfer pump mounts to the frame and wires in through a fuse tap in the passenger footwell, and the dash switch drops into a factory switch blank.
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.
4th Gen Tacoma Auxiliary Fuel Tank FAQ
How much fuel does the auxiliary tank add?
It adds 18 gallons on top of your factory tank, which roughly doubles the 4th 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 five hours with basic tools. The tank bolts in where the spare tire crossmember was, and the rearmost tailpipe section needs to be replaced with a turndown or cut down. Prefer a shop? See our installer list.
What does the tank weigh?
About 25 pounds empty and about 133 pounds full.
Does the exhaust need to be modified?
Yes. The 4th Gen Tacoma install requires an axle-dump exhaust configuration, either with an aftermarket turndown pipe or by cutting the factory tailpipe down.
Does the filler neck need to be welded?
No. On the 4th Gen Tacoma we drill a hole in the factory filler neck and JB-Weld a brass fitting into place, so there's no welding required.
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 4th Gen Tacoma tank is in stock and shipping now. If you've been putting off that longer trip because of fuel, now is the time. Use the vehicle finder at the top of our site to confirm fitment, or reach out with any questions.