[rf17830]

I installed a NW Customs wheel well tank in my transit. It would be nice if they made a tank that specifically fit the Transit. But it's not that bad a fit. The space around the wheel well is difficult to use efficiently and this tank makes pretty good use of the space. You might gain a few gallons of water with a better fitting tank.

I built a close fitting bench around the tank. I was able to keep the top of the bench to a height of 16 1/2". With a 4" cushion, this works.

 

[gregoryx]

Might have the math wrong... but I think the "missing triangles" on the sides of the wheel-well would amount to somewhere in the 3+ gallons total - assuming perfection and a zero-thickness box of two such triangle boxes to perfectly fill both sides of the wheel-well.

Now take a rectangle the size of the wheel well side-view square-ish (34" x 10") and make it two inches deep. That's about 3 gallons. Or go with the top-down-view size (34" x 7") at 3 inches deep and you're back at 3 gallons.

I'm pretty sure the over-the-wheelwell tanks are actually wasting space, not using it. They're wasting more than an inch on the outside, typically, and often more than an inch on the top. I bet they're wasting more than the 3 gallons they're supposed to save.

 

[rf17830]

I would like to see a tank that is the same length and width but 1" lower height. It should be designed to fit tighter around the wheel well. I think the lower tank would still be about the same volume. This would be a better height for building into a bench.

I still think that the existing tank is using the space reasonably well. But it could be better. I used the extra space between the tank and wheel well to install a heating pad and some Thinsulate.

 

[StevenJ]

Here's a video of people that have experience making plastic tanks.

 

[harryn]

Interesting. The heat gun that I purchased for shrinking electrical tubing is also a plastic welder. I had forgotten about that aspect.

 

[ridiculous-outfit]

Here's a video of people that have experience making plastic tanks.

Loved the video. It gave me an appreciation for the craft and price our suppliers charge for their tanks. For the DIYer - time, materials, and tools you use on one project can add up for a DIY tank. What a fun project though and a great learning experience for the OP. I'd think about it if I had a very specific place, say under the van, that I wanted to fit a tank.

 

[ridiculous-outfit]

Thought I wanted an over the wheel well tank, yet after spending time here decided an 18 gal tank under the driver's side was a better use of space. Ronco plastics makes them.

Do you have any pics or a materials list to share how you installed it? I'm interested in brackets you used, where you placed it, any ground clearance you lost, etc.

 

[Brianmcgaha]

Ford Transit Wheel Well Stainless Steel Water Tank

Ford Transit Water Tank Over Wheel Well 304 stainless steel 100L / 26 Gallon Maximize your water storage, maximize your space in your van. - Extra shipping charge applies for over-sized products.

tecvan.ca

 

[rf17830]

That stainless steel tank looks nice but the price is pretty high. Did they post the dimensions?