Thanks for watching! If you'd like to support the channel, you can join us on Patreon here: / livingforalivingrv Where possible, all links are affiliate links. Its how we pay the bills!
I started out with a tonneau cover for about three years on my Tundra then moved to an ARE shell. Best move I've made for me with my truck. It keeps my house batteries and amateur radio gear safe and dry.
We got the fuel tank and our bed cover installed at the same time. 40 gallon tank that is short enough it leaves room for the bed cover box above. Then the cover goes over the tank, the 5th wheel hitch, etc. it’s clean and it works great. I’d be a fan of switching the tank to something that works better with a bed cover.
I have a shell (topper). Love it. Too many sticky finger types now days. Gear is safe and out of the weather. Pop open window works. Having to put DEF in during a long trip gets tedious. I always carry an extra 2.5 gallons in the back. Currently finishing up a 4000 mile trip of 8 National Parks.
Tonneau cover; modify tool/fuel unit by taking tool unit off. Raise bed from fuel unit to tailgate. Move tool unit to the very rear/tailgate into a drawer system in the raised floor.. Still have both, but tools at-hand. Compartmentalize rest of raised bed for storage. My twisted solution. 73 de Bill
Nothing’s ever easy. To me, the big downside of a topper is that if you ever need to remove it, it is a multi-person, lengthy job. I have a BakFlip folding top on my truck. The nice thing is I can fold 3 panels forward and it has straps to keep if from flying closed. It works with a gooseneck or 5th wheel hitch in that position. You can fold all the panels up against the back windows for access to the whole bed and it has struts to hold it in that position. I wonder if something like that would work with your tank/toolbox if you removed the toolbox lid? The cover should protect the contents.
What about a custom, weather-proof, lockable box that can be easily removed if needed? Not sure on cost or availability for something like that but you could have it sized to fit the empty space in your bed behind the fuel tank. Or maybe just use 2 or 3 "normal" sized boxes. I had a truck that had something like that in the bed (although it was about the size of your fuel tank) and it worked well. I could put it in or take it out in less than a minute. In fact, I still have the box but the truck is LONG gone.
Hi Steve, there are some hard shell covers that are like a Taneu cover that is hinged that should give I enough room to cover the tank and still open enough to get to the tool box. Be safe. David
I would delete the in bed fuel tank tool box combo. Sell that combo to a contractor or a farmer. Add the frame mounted auxiliary fuel tank or tanks if capacity and range are important to you. Those can be found used or from wrecking yards. Then I would go with a canopy/shell over the bed. You will find the need for secure storage in the bed for long term carried items as well as day use when away from the trailer. I understand your visibility concerns for your second driver, but that’s what mirrors are for. A little training on the use of mirrors would be a benefit. Then there are camera systems that could be added. There should be a used market for the canopy/shell out there to save you some money. People switch from conventional hitch to 5th wheel and back more often than you think.
Chop the toolbox off the top of the tank and set it in front of the tank, or get a different tool box. I have a retrax rolling bed cover and modified my tank (very similar to your tank) so it would slide in under the cover. I can still put 75 gallons in the tank, and I got a nice husky storage bin from Lowe's to use as my tool box.
I would remove the lids of the tool box. Do a smaller or simplified lids and the go with a roll away tonneau cover. See if you have clearance with the lids open. Just an idea
My wife absolutely does not like the camper shell I have on my truck . It’s a trend , women with all girls don’t like camper shells , women with all boys tend to go with the flow a little more 🤷♂️😎 . Sorry fella if you want to take the bunk beds out no shells. 😂
If it were me, I would stay as it is for now and see if you think you really need a cover. The value add there is it cost you nothing. You may find you don't really want any of the options or you may decide that a cover of some sort is more important than the tank. All will become clear as you use it with your RV. 73 Bob
In a way I thankfully don't have to make this decision. I tow a 5th wheel. My old truck had a roll up cover on it which was nice until I went to the 5'er. Then it only worked if I pulled the hitch out, which was rarely. You're lucky if your wife will drive the truck. She would barely drive my old 250 and won't get near the wheel in the 350.
I am a DIY guy, wood, maybe with a diamond plate thin skin on the top. Marine epoxy for weatherproofing, maybe even fiberglass layering to appease the anti wood critics. I bet it would come in under $500.00, maybe well under. Or, live with an open bed, then you won't drag around so much more crap.
They used to sell an auxiliary fuel door for pickup when you added an extra tank. Would it be possible to put one in the topper side and plumb the filler to it and then be able to fill from the outside same as the main tank. Just a thought. Dad had one setup that way in the late 60's.
I'm wondering what the cost on that would be. I'm ok with the "lift the big door" answer. I don't use the aux tank except on big travel days. I'm exploring other options as well.
Coming down how much money you have (willing) to spend. Texas getting a big storm. warring's went up. best advice just get a hotel room . the fuel tank you will need. some places stations very far apart and may not have Desal fuel . some stations price can very so much. extra fuel gives you options .
I started out with a tonneau cover for about three years on my Tundra then moved to an ARE shell. Best move I've made for me with my truck. It keeps my house batteries and amateur radio gear safe and dry.
Thanks Michael!
We got the fuel tank and our bed cover installed at the same time. 40 gallon tank that is short enough it leaves room for the bed cover box above. Then the cover goes over the tank, the 5th wheel hitch, etc. it’s clean and it works great. I’d be a fan of switching the tank to something that works better with a bed cover.
Thanks for the tips!
I have a shell (topper). Love it. Too many sticky finger types now days. Gear is safe and out of the weather. Pop open window works. Having to put DEF in during a long trip gets tedious. I always carry an extra 2.5 gallons in the back. Currently finishing up a 4000 mile trip of 8 National Parks.
Sounds like a fun trip!
I vote for the topper with the side window. Think of all that extra storage volume.
Steve's Law: If you have a place to store things, you fill it with things to store...
Tonneau cover; modify tool/fuel unit by taking tool unit off. Raise bed from fuel unit to tailgate. Move tool unit to the very rear/tailgate into a drawer system in the raised floor.. Still have both, but tools at-hand. Compartmentalize rest of raised bed for storage. My twisted solution. 73 de Bill
Twisted! Thanks Bill!
Nothing’s ever easy. To me, the big downside of a topper is that if you ever need to remove it, it is a multi-person, lengthy job. I have a BakFlip folding top on my truck. The nice thing is I can fold 3 panels forward and it has straps to keep if from flying closed. It works with a gooseneck or 5th wheel hitch in that position. You can fold all the panels up against the back windows for access to the whole bed and it has struts to hold it in that position. I wonder if something like that would work with your tank/toolbox if you removed the toolbox lid? The cover should protect the contents.
Oooh removing the lid! that's a clever option!
What about a custom, weather-proof, lockable box that can be easily removed if needed? Not sure on cost or availability for something like that but you could have it sized to fit the empty space in your bed behind the fuel tank. Or maybe just use 2 or 3 "normal" sized boxes. I had a truck that had something like that in the bed (although it was about the size of your fuel tank) and it worked well. I could put it in or take it out in less than a minute. In fact, I still have the box but the truck is LONG gone.
Those boxes are nice... too many decisions man.
Glad to see you survived Hwy 8 between Taylor’s Falls and I-35!
Its the magic weather line here. Very very strange.
I'd go with a camper shell/topper that has lift doors on the side so you can access the aux fuel tank.
Thanks Lou!
Hi Steve, there are some hard shell covers that are like a Taneu cover that is hinged that should give I enough room to cover the tank and still open enough to get to the tool box. Be safe. David
Thanks David! I'll take a look.
I would delete the in bed fuel tank tool box combo. Sell that combo to a contractor or a farmer. Add the frame mounted auxiliary fuel tank or tanks if capacity and range are important to you. Those can be found used or from wrecking yards. Then I would go with a canopy/shell over the bed. You will find the need for secure storage in the bed for long term carried items as well as day use when away from the trailer. I understand your visibility concerns for your second driver, but that’s what mirrors are for. A little training on the use of mirrors would be a benefit. Then there are camera systems that could be added. There should be a used market for the canopy/shell out there to save you some money. People switch from conventional hitch to 5th wheel and back more often than you think.
All good options! Thanks!
🤷♂️🍺 DON’T COMA KNOCKING IF YOU SEE THIS RV ROCKING 😂🍺👋😎 ( because of wind )
You got that right!
Chop the toolbox off the top of the tank and set it in front of the tank, or get a different tool box.
I have a retrax rolling bed cover and modified my tank (very similar to your tank) so it would slide in under the cover.
I can still put 75 gallons in the tank, and I got a nice husky storage bin from Lowe's to use as my tool box.
Great idea!
Bolt down additional toolboxes to create secure storage in the bed.
Thinking outside the box!
If I were in that situation I'd probably do the topper ... It'll give you more covered storage in case you need it in your travels...
More storage means I store more things. I have an addiction! 🤣
Same! But you'll still be limited😅
Look at the Diamond Back HD, it has a 4 panel lid, easy access to the tank.
Thanks!
I would remove the lids of the tool box. Do a smaller or simplified lids and the go with a roll away tonneau cover. See if you have clearance with the lids open. Just an idea
"No Lid" is a great idea! With the tonneau I wouldn't need it anyway.
My wife absolutely does not like the camper shell I have on my truck . It’s a trend , women with all girls don’t like camper shells , women with all boys tend to go with the flow a little more 🤷♂️😎 . Sorry fella if you want to take the bunk beds out no shells. 😂
We have 5 daughters... That hits home
@@livingforalivingRV those odds are 0.03125 , but look on the bright side 50/50 the next one will be a boy 😂🍺🍺
@@livingforalivingRV had an ole fella said I must live on a bumpy road 😂6 girls
If it were me, I would stay as it is for now and see if you think you really need a cover. The value add there is it cost you nothing. You may find you don't really want any of the options or you may decide that a cover of some sort is more important than the tank. All will become clear as you use it with your RV.
73
Bob
Very Smart!
In a way I thankfully don't have to make this decision. I tow a 5th wheel. My old truck had a roll up cover on it which was nice until I went to the 5'er. Then it only worked if I pulled the hitch out, which was rarely.
You're lucky if your wife will drive the truck. She would barely drive my old 250 and won't get near the wheel in the 350.
Mine likes driving the truck... doesn't want to do any of the towing. I'm ok with this.
Diamondback bed cover!
Great idea!
I am a DIY guy, wood, maybe with a diamond plate thin skin on the top. Marine epoxy for weatherproofing, maybe even fiberglass layering to appease the anti wood critics. I bet it would come in under $500.00, maybe well under. Or, live with an open bed, then you won't drag around so much more crap.
All good solutions!
I would do the topper😊
Good call!
I am partial to a Diamondback cover, but the clamps to hold it on may interfere with the tank.
There is a gap on both sides of the tank - the gamble of "will it fit" is a real head scratcher.
@@livingforalivingRV Diamondback probably has a drawing.
They used to sell an auxiliary fuel door for pickup when you added an extra tank. Would it be possible to put one in the topper side and plumb the filler to it and then be able to fill from the outside same as the main tank. Just a thought. Dad had one setup that way in the late 60's.
I'm wondering what the cost on that would be. I'm ok with the "lift the big door" answer. I don't use the aux tank except on big travel days. I'm exploring other options as well.
Coming down how much money you have (willing) to spend. Texas getting a big storm. warring's went up. best advice just get a hotel room . the fuel tank you will need. some places stations very far apart and may not have Desal fuel . some stations price can very so much. extra fuel gives you options .
Sure Does!
Does the truck topper trap diesel fumes while you are filling? I think removing the extra fuel tank would be best. But I don't know ANYTHING about it.
maybe, but it will have a front window and a rear window for ventilation... good question
Could you get a topper and extend the filler neck of the fuel tank thru the topper so you have access outside of the topper?
I could... hard to cut into a $3000+ topper though
Years ago, we would take the tailgate off. Is that illegal now?
I don't think its illegal... in Wisconsin they just rust off anyway.
I vote for the Mexican restaurant over White Castle.
Wise.
Sometimes car dealerships have takeoff pickup covers. It might be worth a couple of calls of ask someone in the business if you know someone. 73
Good Call!