Feasability of moving a fuel tank on a FE bus

[CE42]

For those just tuning in, I am looking to start a project where I take a Skoolie and convert it into a "toterhome" for a 5th wheel.

Original thread here:
http://www.skoolie.net/forums/f13/th...ome-15175.html

Supplemental thread on engines here:
http://www.skoolie.net/forums/f13/ol...del-15196.html

When I look at the D type forward engine buses, most of the ones I have seen have the fuel tank on the rear of the bus (behind the axle) on the passenger side.

Since I want to shorten the bus frame to just behind the rear axle, this would mean moving the fuel tank or replacing it with some sort of aftermarket tank.

I have seen a thread on the Jeep forum where the guy ran into problems that he could not move the tank forward because he had storage bays:

Jeep hauling toter home help. - JeepForum.com

I don't want to get into that (and I consider his solution a terrible waste of storage space), so most likely I would try to buy a bus that did not have storage bays forward of the rear axle on that side.

That said, is it feasible to move the tank forward on a FE bus with no bays on that side?

If so, what am I likely to run into?

Also what alternatives do you suggest if any?

As always - thanks for the great help and advice here!



Charles

[turf]

its doable, but just buy one already there.

my FE TC2000 has the tank between the wheels. i don't think its an uncommon set up. keep looking!

here is a local auction, DT466, low miles, colorado bus (which means it probably has a retarder). looks like the fuel tank is right behind the passenger front wheel.

http://bid.rollerauction.com/cgi-bin...r11/15/showall

[CE42]

Originally Posted by turf

its doable, but just buy one already there.

my FE TC2000 has the tank between the wheels. i don't think its an uncommon set up. keep looking!

here is a local auction, DT466, low miles, colorado bus (which means it probably has a retarder). looks like the fuel tank is right behind the passenger front wheel.

Roller and Associates, Inc.

Thanks Turf.

It is good to know that configuration is running around out there.

I'll have enough work to do as it is without having to make more for myself!



Charles

[EastCoastCB]

The tank on my bus is just behind the passenger side front wheel.

[milkmania]

Both of mine are forward of the rear wheels...
Wish they were behind the rear wheels!
It'd sure make bathroom plumbing easier

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by milkmania

Both of mine are forward of the rear wheels...
Wish they were behind the rear wheels!
It'd sure make bathroom plumbing easier

You want as much of the weight as possible centered between the front and rear axles. Thats why they put em there.

[milkmania]

Originally Posted by EastCoastCB

You want as much of the weight as possible centered between the front and rear axles. Thats why they put em there.

Yeah but two tanks of fuel would counter balance the engine/transmission.
I'm so forward heavy, I can stand in the front door and jump up & down and watch the rear bumper come up!

[jazty]

If it helps, my bus is a 1997 Thomas with an International chassis which had the fuel tank forward of the rear wheel. All the buses (short or long) around here of that vintage and style have the fuel tank in the same location.

I moved my tank to the other side because I have a bigger tank that fits perfectly in that spot without wasting space around it. It's not a huge job to move the tank. These truck chassis's usually have mount holes pre-drilled for all sorts of tank configurations and additional gear.

If you relocate the tank remember to make an access hatch for the fuel tank sender! Creating a new hatch is considerably easier than dropping the tank in the future.

[ChiliChzPoopTart]

Originally Posted by EastCoastCB

The tank on my bus is just behind the passenger side front wheel.

Same here.

[AlleyCat67]

The 2005 Thomas RE I'm looking at has it just behind the right front wheel as well. The 2004 IC CE is a conventional with the tank just behind the passenger entry door.

TBH I've NEVER seen a bus with the fuel tank behind the rear axle....

[CE42]

Originally Posted by jazty

If it helps, my bus is a 1997 Thomas with an International chassis which had the fuel tank forward of the rear wheel. All the buses (short or long) around here of that vintage and style have the fuel tank in the same location.

I moved my tank to the other side because I have a bigger tank that fits perfectly in that spot without wasting space around it. It's not a huge job to move the tank. These truck chassis's usually have mount holes pre-drilled for all sorts of tank configurations and additional gear.

If you relocate the tank remember to make an access hatch for the fuel tank sender! Creating a new hatch is considerably easier than dropping the tank in the future.

Thanks for the information about moving the tank!

That is an especially good tip about making a new access hatch for the fuel tank sender!

One thing I love about these forums is that there is a wealth of "man if I had known that before I did my first conversion" tips on it!



Charles

[CE42]

Originally Posted by AlleyCat67

The 2005 Thomas RE I'm looking at has it just behind the right front wheel as well. The 2004 IC CE is a conventional with the tank just behind the passenger entry door.

TBH I've NEVER seen a bus with the fuel tank behind the rear axle....

The Bluebirds that I have seen around here are all that way:

Here is a photo of one like them:
http://www.bargainbusnews.com/Buses/...American-1.jpg

You can see the fuel hatch right behind the passenger side rear wheel.

Charles