Stop Chasing Fuel Stations: The Real Deal on Gravity Feed Tank Kits

It’s 4:30 PM on a Friday. You’re three hours from the shop, the job site is finally buttoned up, and your fuel light has been staring you down for the last forty miles. You’ve got a trailer hooked up, the wind is fighting you, and the last thing you want to do is pull a heavy rig into a cramped, busy gas station just to top off. We’ve all been there—stuck in the "fuel-stop cycle" that eats into your profit margins and your sanity. If you’re running a diesel RAM for work, you know that factory tank capacity is a joke when you’re hauling real weight. That’s where an auxiliary tank setup changes the game. It’s not just about convenience; it’s about staying on the road and getting home without the headache.

What We're Testing We’re looking at the nuts and bolts of gravity-feed auxiliary fuel systems. These kits are designed for the tradesman who needs to double or triple their fuel range without the complexity, cost, or failure points of electric transfer pumps. We evaluated these kits based on three criteria: ease of integration with the OEM filler neck, the quality of the included hardware (clamps, hoses, and valves), and long-term reliability under the vibration and grime of a real-world job site. This isn't a laboratory test; it’s a "bolted to a work truck" test.

The Competition When you’re looking at auxiliary fuel setups, you’re usually choosing between a simple gravity-feed kit and an electric pump system. Brands like RDS have long been the gold standard for the tanks themselves, but the install kit is the weak link if you go cheap. We’ve seen generic kits with thin-walled rubber that cracks after one winter and hose clamps that strip out before you even get them tight. While some guys opt for high-end electric transfer pumps from companies like Fill-Rite, those add unnecessary electrical complexity and another point of failure. For the money, a well-installed gravity-feed kit is the most reliable, "set it and forget it" solution. The Diesel Auxiliary Tank Install Kit - Gravity Feed for 2013-2022 RAM 2500/3500 SUT-11408 stands out because it includes the specific hardware needed to interface with the RAM’s unique filler neck geometry, which is often where other universal kits fail.

Installation & Fit Installing these kits is straightforward, but don't let that fool you—it’s not a "ten-minute job." You are cutting into your truck’s factory fuel filler hose. On a 2013-2022 RAM, you’ll need to access the filler neck, which often requires pulling back the fender well liner. You’ll need a sharp utility knife or a hacksaw for the filler hose, a set of quality nut drivers for the clamps, and a bit of patience. The biggest "gotcha" is the vent line. If you don't properly vent your auxiliary tank, you’ll create a vacuum that stops the fuel flow, or worse, you’ll end up with a slow leak. Always ensure your tank has a rollover valve and that the vent is routed correctly. ## Long-Term Durability In the field, vibration is the enemy. Over a season of hauling over washboard roads and construction site debris, cheap plastic fittings will snap and thin rubber will dry rot. The Diesel Auxiliary Tank Install Kit - Gravity Feed for 2013-2022 RAM 2500/3500 SUT-11408 uses robust components that handle the constant movement of the truck bed. The key to longevity is the shut-off valve. Keep it closed when you don't need the extra fuel, and cycle it occasionally to ensure it doesn't seize up from diesel residue. ## Pros & Cons Pros * Reliability: No pumps, no wiring, no electrical gremlins. * Cost-Effective: A fraction of the price of an electric transfer system. * Simplicity: Uses basic physics to keep your main tank topped off. Cons * Installation: Requires cutting the OEM filler hose, which is permanent. * Manual Control: You have to remember to open/close the valve.

The Verdict If you’re a contractor or a hauler, you need to stop wasting time at the pump. The gravity-feed system is the most "blue-collar" upgrade you can make—it’s simple, effective, and it works. The Diesel Auxiliary Tank Install Kit - Gravity Feed for 2013-2022 RAM 2500/3500 SUT-11408 is our top pick because it provides the exact fitment needed for the RAM platform without the guesswork. Just make sure you take your time with the install, double-check your clamps, and keep that shut-off valve maintained. It’s a small investment that pays for itself in saved time within a few months.