The Land Cruiser 250 Auxiliary Fuel Tank: 18 More Gallons, No Spare Tire Swap

The Land Cruiser 250 brought the Land Cruiser name back to the US with a modern body-on-frame platform built for long trips off the grid. A long trip off the grid is exactly where the factory tank runs short.

Jerry cans and roof-mounted fuel cells mean carrying gas exposed and pouring it by hand. A tank swap means pulling your factory tank and evap system. Neither fits a vehicle built for overlanding.

An Auxiliary Tank That Bolts to Your Frame

The Helivue Design Land Cruiser 250 auxiliary fuel tank adds a second, 18 gallon tank alongside your factory tank, roughly doubling your fuel capacity. It bolts into existing frame mounting locations with almost no modification, so your factory spare tire, KDSS, and air ride all stay exactly where they are.

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. Since it bolts to existing frame locations, plan on about five hours for the install, or find a shop through our installer page.

Vehicle prep centers on the spare tire crossmember: rather than cutting it out, the four mounting bolts come out and the crossmember support is trimmed close to the frame. The trailer brake and light plug relocates to the passenger side frame rail, where it snaps into a bracket built into the tank itself. On hybrid models, the reversing speaker bracket and a nearby plastic shield also relocate to clear the tank. Like our 4th Gen Tacoma kit, the filler neck bung is JB-Welded into place rather than welded, so there's no welding required for this install.

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.

Land Cruiser 250 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 Land Cruiser 250's fuel capacity.

Do I need to relocate my spare tire?

No. This tank bolts into existing frame mounting locations, so your factory spare tire stays right where it is.

Do I keep my KDSS and air ride?

Yes, along with your factory evap system and Class 4 receiver hitch.

Do I keep my factory fuel tank?

Yes. This is an auxiliary tank, not a replacement.

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. 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?

No. The fitting is installed with JB-Weld, so no welding is required on this platform.

What happens to my trailer brake plug?

It relocates to the passenger side frame rail and snaps into a bracket built into the auxiliary tank.

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 Land Cruiser 250 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.