When planning the fuel system for an expedition truck or any long-distance vehicle, most people focus primarily on driving range.<\/p>\n
A larger fuel tank means fewer stops and more flexibility\u2014especially in remote areas. But there’s another crucial aspect which is often overlooked: what else on the truck, or in our case the living unit, runs on diesel?<\/p>\n
Auxiliary systems such as engine pre-heaters, onboard generators, and even certain cooking setups may also run on diesel.<\/p>\n
These systems can significantly increase the overall fuel consumption, particularly in extreme climates where heaters or generators may run for extended periods.<\/p>\n
For example, 10% of one of our tanks (= 40 liters) is dedicated for the heating of our living box.<\/p>\n
In Yakutsk, Russia, where temperatures dropped to -52\u00b0C, that was enough to last 5\u20136 days. Under more typical winter conditions, it usually lasts around one month.<\/p>\n
So to properly size your fuel tanks, it\u2019s important to think beyond the truck engine.<\/p>\n
Make a list of all diesel-powered systems and calculate their estimated consumption.<\/p>\n
Also, consider whether these systems draw fuel from the main tank or from a separate one.<\/p>\n
With that information you can estimate your total fuel needs more accurately.<\/p>\n
And this way you can plan your fuel system correctly – installing the right size tank and set up from the beginning.<\/p>\n
So once you\u2019re traveling, you can focus on the experience without having to worry about comfort and safety.<\/p>\n
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