saddle tanks

[sukes84]

i have a set of saddle tanks on my 72 (the ones with the big galvanized access doors on each side) and i was wondering if they were a factory option. im gona take them off of my pickup and i was also wondering if they have any value? thanks

[VTKidder]

I don't believe they were a factory option. They were either a dealer installed option, or an aftermarket company installed it. A friend has a a '71 F-100 with dual saddle tanks, and I cannot for the life of me remember what the company's name is on the inside of each door. It was a cool sticker though.

I think they do have some worth. Couldn't tell you how much though; I'd try to keep the straps, tanks, lines and switch beside the seat in good shape. I haven't seen very many trucks with 2 tanks. Seen a lot with 1 though.

[Duffy]

Although I'm sure there was more than one company that built tanks, the most popular was called Travel Tanks, Ontario California. The blue sticker is on the inside each door. I had to replace a door on my '72 and I found a nice donor on a mid 60's F#@$ 1/2 ton.

I also have a switch on the dash that changes from left to center to right tank. Each saddle tank has an optional sending unit that is wired into the fuel gauge on the dash so I can see how much gas is left in each tank. Right above the tank switch is the same blue sticker that says "Travel Tanks".

I have had a lot of these trucks, and have looked at tons more, but this is the only one that had the switchable sending units. Anyone else get that option?

Duff

[Vince M]

My old 4x4 had the factory installed saddle tank on the drivers side. It was a duplicate of the main tank filler. It was mounted up high and level with the main tank. It also had the switch for the sending units but it also matched the knobs on the dash with a laminate sticker showing which tank. It was listed on the options sticker in the glove box.

[68CST327]

Originally posted by Duffy
I have had a lot of these trucks, and have looked at tons more, but this is the only one that had the switchable sending units. Anyone else get that option?

Duff

I have dual saddle tanks with the dash switch also. Check out my signature for a link to a picture. I've been thinking about ditching the tanks and the dash switch and all that since my truck isn't being used as a camper anymore, but it seems kind of rare, so I don't know.

[OldSkool71]

I also have the dual saddle tanks and the switch for the them as well. Wasn't really looking for them but the truck was solid so that's the way it is. Would rather not have them but since they are there im not gonna take them out, for now at least...

[cableguy0]

i have the saddle tank on both sides. with the manual operated floor switch. they just cut holes in the bed sides and put the fuel doors there im guessing its a deal option. but i do not have sending units on the side tanks just the one in the cab

[Longhorn Man]

Mine was like cableguys...had one extra tank ont he old longhorn, a knob ont he floor (which i think I actually sent to cableguy a couple years ago) and no switch for the guage. I know mine was not a factory installed, but it was installed at the dealership.

[Baradium]

Why are all of you guys wanting to ditch the tanks?

The ones with the doors are aftermarket. Neat to have IMO but they don't seem to fetch much. I'd say keep it all intact for someone who wants them, but don't expect to make a killing off of them, not specific to the 67-72 chevys and not much of a demand for them that I've seen.


I'm looking to add some factory aux tanks to the panel truck. I can bolt on two more tanks easily, but I think I'll just go with one.

I'd add on to the '70 if they were this easy, if I came across a setup I might add another tank anyways. Nice on longer trips or hauling. I already wish I had more capacity than 19 gallons in the scout, so I'm trying to fix that with the panel beforehand. I'll worry about the '70 when I get it to the point of taking it on long trips.

[Stocker]

I have twin saddle tanks from Travel Tanks, with a manual valve on the floor for plumbing, and the switch on the dash for the gauge (sending unit in each tank). With the cab tank, I have put in just over 50 gallons at one fillup.

[krazy_texan]

i dont have any but in the next year i plan to put some on my truck or atleast one as i do travel alot and could really use the extra capacity.

[slam33]

OldSkool71 if you ever decide to loose them, let me know. I want to do a twin setup on mine

[lewi]

Add me to the list. I have the aftermarket at the dealership version. The best thing to do is what I did. Removed the aluminum door flaps and replace them with fuel doors from the mid 1980's chevy trucks, makes them much cleaner, better looking and still very usable with both tanks available. Ad the electric switch and whallooa. With the flip of the switch your fuel gauge reads either tank as it switches from one to the other.