Fuel Tanks: OEM Replacement and Long Range Options

OEM Replacement Versus Long Range: Which One Do You Need

• OEM replacement is the right call when the original tank has corroded, been damaged, or is leaking, and the factory range is otherwise sufficient for how the vehicle is used
• A long-range fuel tank makes sense when: touring or remote travel regularly pushes beyond factory range, particularly on Hilux, Ranger, D Max, Jimny, and BT 50 platforms where fuel stops can be genuinely far apart
• Long-range tanks typically replace the factory unit entirely rather than supplementing it, so capacity, weight distribution, and fitment all need checking together, not in isolation

Signs Your Fuel Tank Needs Replacing

1. Visible corrosion or rust, particularly around seams and mounting points
2. A persistent fuel smell that cannot be traced to another source
3. Fuel staining or dampness underneath the vehicle after parking
4. A fuel gauge that behaves erratically, sometimes linked to internal tank sender issues
5. Physical damage from impact, common on vehicles used off-road

Corrosion tends to start from the inside out on older tanks, particularly where a vehicle has sat with low fuel for extended periods, so damage is often more advanced than it first appears from the outside.

Long Range Fuel Tanks for Touring Platforms

• Toyota Hilux: One of the most popular long-range fitments, widely used for remote touring and outback travel
• Ford Ranger: Strong aftermarket demand for extended range setups among tourers and tradies alike
• Isuzu D Max: Comparable demand to the Ranger, with several long-range capacity options available
• Suzuki Jimny: A smaller factory tank makes long-range upgrades especially popular on this platform for remote travel
• Mazda BT 50: Shares strong platform overlap with the Ranger and D Max in terms of long-range tank compatibility

ARB-branded long-range tanks feature prominently in this category, and pricing varies by capacity and platform, so it is worth confirming the exact litre capacity against intended use before ordering rather than assuming more range is always better once weight distribution is factored in.

What to Check Before Ordering a Replacement or Long-Range Tank

• Confirm chassis code and drivetrain configuration, since 4x4 and 4x2 variants of the same model often use different tank shapes
• Check whether the vehicle uses a single or dual tank factory setup before assuming a straightforward one-for-one swap
• Factor in additional weight when fitting a long-range tank, particularly for vehicles already carrying touring equipment
• Confirm sender unit compatibility, since fuel gauge accuracy depends on the sender matching the specific tank fitted