The first-of-its-kind fuel system is designed to repurpose the space commonly used to stow a vehicle’s spare tire and fits most American-made diesel pickup trucks made after 1999. The tank essentially doubles the fuel capacity of most pickups and, unlike in-bed auxiliary fuel tank solutions, its underbody location means that it has no impact on the truck bed’s storage capacity.

The lightweight, one-size-fits-all 30-pound tank is easy for one person to install and includes mounting hardware, a filler kit and an electronic fuel transfer control unit that can be operated from the comfort of the cab. Titan has engineered the system for fast installation, and all components come in a standardized package.

“Titan’s new Spare Tire Auxiliary Fuel System has tremendous potential, and is the most creative and efficient use of space I have seen,” said Kyle Shiminski, category director,Keystone Automotive Operations. “We are very excited to be one of the first to be stocking their product in our warehouses.  The lightweight material, ease of installation and concealed mounting location make Titan’s system an excellent universal solution for adding fuel capacity.”

Titan’s single-tank design accommodates all applications, while mounting hardware unique to the host vehicle’s make and model allows the tank to securely attach to the cross members of the vehicle’s frame. Mounting brackets attach easily and are completely noninvasive, requiring no cutting, welding or drilling. Like the spare tire it replaces, a mounting stud slides through the middle of the tank, which is then secured with a mounting plate.

“Diesel truck owners are always interested in extending their range and fuel capacity without compromising space in their trucks cargo bed and Titan’s new spare tire tank is an innovative solution to this challenge,” said Paul Nishanian, executive vice president for Xtreme Diesel Performance (XDP). “XDP stocks a complete range of Titan fuel tanks and we’re excited about expanding our Titan offering with their new spare tire tank.”

Titan’s electronic fuel transfer control unit gives the vehicle operator total flexibility in managing the use of extra fuel capacity. The additional fuel can be held in reserve or transferred on the go and as the need arises. The controller’s illuminated user interface indicates the tank’s fuel level in increments of one-tenth and features a single-touch button that starts the fuel transfer sequence. With one touch, fuel begins transferring from the Spare Tire Fuel Tank to the vehicle’s primary fuel tank and continues to flow until it is automatically stopped by the controller or the button is touched again. A red LED on the controller illuminates during the fuel transfer process.

“This new tank is available at Summit Racing Equipment now, for any diesel truck owner who wants to add extra fuel capacity,” said Jeff Winters, chief marketing officer, Summit Racing Equipment. “In fact, using this new tank in conjunction with one of the other Titan auxiliary tanks we offer, a truck owner can have up to 100 gallons of diesel fuel onboard, all in underbody locations.”

Titan’s new Spare Tire Auxiliary Fuel System fits most full-sized, American-made, diesel pickup trucks and its polymer material is highly resistant to the corrosive effects of diesel and bio-diesel fuels as well as fuel additives that have been known to degrade the linings of steel diesel fuel tanks.

The tanks come with a universal filler kit featuring a brushed aluminum door that can be installed on the vehicle’s exterior sidewall or on an inside wall of the truck bed. The tanks include a rollover vent valve and a vent hose.

Titan’s entire line of polymer replacement and auxiliary fuel tanks are formed from military-grade cross-linked polyethylene (XLHDPE). The rugged polyethylene material is 200 times less thermal conductive than steel, and the polymer’s insulating properties eliminate condensation, boosting mileage efficiency by keeping fuel cooler and closer to optimal combustion temperatures than metallic tanks. All Titan fuel tanks come with a limited five-year warranty.

Titan’s tanks are designed by a staff of fuel tank engineers. Titan serves fleets and other end-users of Ford, GMC, Chevrolet and Dodge diesel pickup trucks. Titan uses finite element analysis (FEA) in its design process, enabling it to simulate a wide array of dynamic stresses on systems and components. Virtual impact testing, off-road conditions and accelerated aging can all be simulated using FEA. For safety purposes, Titan requires that all trucks using their new Spare Tire Auxiliary Fuel System be equipped with a heavy class-5 hitch, standard on most full-sized diesels.

Titan’s distributors in the United States, Canada and Australia are expected to have the new polymer Spare Tire Auxiliary Fuel System in stock on or about December 1, 2013. For those who consider spare tires critical, dealers will also offer a Titan kit that allows the displaced spare tire to be vertically mounted in the truck bed.