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Retrofitting the 33 gallon tank

Gman

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Based on the parts list, I would imagine that the fuel pickup is in a different enough location that it requires all of the lines connected to the fuel system to be replaced.

Would be interesting to get an idea of what this cost you, if you don't mind sharing. At least it might make for a good decision point as to how to address the issue.
 

AnthonyD1978

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I just had the dealer where I bought the truck install a 33 gallon tank. They told me it could not be done but after the head mechanic looked at a new Ram with the 33 gallon tank he thought it could be done. I know I overpaid on this but it is installed and works great. I pull a 28' enclosed car trailer and the extra 7 gallons makes a difference.

I am attaching the invoice that has all the part numbers needed to do the swap. You could shop the parts and install yourself to really save some cash.

I looked up the parts in the invoice.

Tank - $450
All the misc parts - $20-$45 each.

The unknown is still about the software flash. Seems the install could be done in half a day depending on how the tank straps are secured.....
 

Rammit

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I just had the dealer where I bought the truck install a 33 gallon tank. They told me it could not be done but after the head mechanic looked at a new Ram with the 33 gallon tank he thought it could be done. I know I overpaid on this but it is installed and works great. I pull a 28' enclosed car trailer and the extra 7 gallons makes a difference.

I am attaching the invoice that has all the part numbers needed to do the swap. You could shop the parts and install yourself to really save some cash.
I was able to confirm all the parts listed are correct. Two of the part numbers don’t need to be purchased as they can be reused. They were not able to tell me if anything else would need done or if it would require a reflash. Can you confirm if this is all the parts you needed and if they reflashed the truck to show correct distance to empty?
 

Dixit

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I was able to confirm all the parts listed are correct. Two of the part numbers don’t need to be purchased as they can be reused. They were not able to tell me if anything else would need done or if it would require a reflash. Can you confirm if this is all the parts you needed and if they reflashed the truck to show correct distance to empty?

So which two part numbers are not needed? Im probably just going to do this regardless, I will deal with the distance to empty portion later, parts of me think it may self figure itself out after a tank or two, but we will see.

Dixit
 

Rammit

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So which two part numbers are not needed? Im probably just going to do this regardless, I will deal with the distance to empty portion later, parts of me think it may self figure itself out after a tank or two, but we will see.

Dixit
52029891AB is the rear strap. It is the same and can be reused

68267057AB is the vapor purge and also says we can reuse.

I also think I am going to pull the trigger and order the parts. It seems fairly straightforward. Let us know if you do it before I get to it and I’ll do the same.
 

Mr.Gigglez

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So, am I reading this correctly... The 33 gal tank was successfully installed ? Operates on cluster as should ? Read correctly ? Needs some more info... Got a limited with a 26 gal , dont care about the cost...just want this done asap
 

Dixit

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52029891AB is the rear strap. It is the same and can be reused

68267057AB is the vapor purge and also says we can reuse.

I also think I am going to pull the trigger and order the parts. It seems fairly straightforward. Let us know if you do it before I get to it and I’ll do the same.

I’ve also failed to mention a key piece for me. Me and my old man both bought the same 2019 Limited. Except his got the 33gal tank.

Now I’m thinking of just one weekend taking my tank down and comparing pieces and parts (if we even have to still do that) and see what’s different from his. He lives four houses from me hahhha.

I just don’t want to take his down and have his truck down for a bit. He uses it quite often. But if I can get under it and compare things that are on this list and anything else that might help I think it will help.

But I’m also just thinking screw it and order the parts. Just now gotta find who will get it to me the cheapest. So if you also planning on it let me know who you find cost wise.

Dixit
 

gcscott

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JMO is gas that inaccessible or unavailable to you?
If you hall for a living that's understandable but, it seams to me that changing out the gas tank from 26 gallons to 33 gallons is a bunch of extra money and adds no real incress in trade in value and the ability to sell the removed parts is a total loss. I had a 2013 Ram Outdoorsman with a 33 gallon tank, now I have a 2019 BigHorn with a 26 gallon tank. I tow a 30' trailer and 7 extra gallons of gas (100 mile extra range) isn't enough difference to cover the expense of the parts to change out the gas tank, even if you DIY. If you have to pay for the installation, that's even more money. I can DIY but, I would rather buy gas with this money and if I need to carry extra gas, I have (2) 5 gallon cans to use. Remember JMO and my statement, you don't need to flame me.
 

Kidder

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For me, it's worth it and I intend to do the Retrofit myself. I have the 23 gallon tank. I could care less about trade in value since I intend to keep the truck for a long time. If I was going to get rid of it in a couple of years, I wouldn't bother doing the Retrofit.
 

silver billet

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It's definitely not the most cost effective tweak; in addition to paying for the parts and install, you also have to calculate what it costs (weight) to haul the extra gas around with you all the time assuming you fill it up 100% each time.

But some things just add value to you beyond what it costs, it's not always a math formula, but "how does your life improve with this feature", and that is very much subjective. I would love to have the 33 gallon tank just because I hate having to stop and worry about gas all the time. Well, "love" and "hate" are strong words, but you get the idea.

It's the same idea for diesel; by the time you factor in $300 oil changes, increased cost of fuel per litre, cost of the engine itself, it doesn't make sense for most people over and above the hemi; but it drives/tows differently due to the high amount of torque low down (hemi builds max torque at 4000? rpms), and that feeling is what some people like, it's not always about the math and the numbers.
 

Rammit

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It is worth it to me not that I have to justify to anyone. People mod their trucks all the time. Are wheels, tires, lifts etc worth doing? You never get the money back you spend on it but personalizing our rides to our tastes is why we do it. For me the 23 gallon tank is unbearable especially while towing. 200 mile range is unacceptable. Whatever engineer thought that was a good idea should be fired.
 

Patsy1099

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I guess Ram went with the smaller tank because they thought the mpgs would be better on our trucks? Lol. It is completely annoying they went with a smaller tank. I’m sure this job is much more of a pita the first time you do it. If you’ve done it before probably not a big deal. Tons easier if you have access to a lift. Biggest concern I think is being careful with the fuel pump, not breaking it, and making sure it’s in correctly. Would royally blow to get it all back together only to find out it’s not working. The other thing would be making sure the wires/connectors/hoses aren’t shorter on the smaller tank, otherwise you’d probably need to extend some of those (at least toward the cab end).
 

downsjh

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I have the 26 gallon, and Alphaobd does have a setting to change the capacity. I changed from 98liters to 125 liters, and my range increased from 251 miles to 321 miles. So, looks like a software change should be done, to get accurate range.

Oddly, the fuel gauge also changed, but it went from ~7/16 to 9/16. This could have been unrelated, seems backwards, and I wouldn’t think the gauge would be affected.


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Subotai

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Has anyone else successfully completed this? Final cost? Thanks.
 

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