Steel vs. Aluminum fuel tanks

[rjp1965]

What is preferable for a fuel tank material? I am going with a 23 gallon tank and have the option of either steel or aluminum.

What are the pros vs. cons? Experience? Opinions? Any information or advice is is appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Broncobowsher]

I don't recall anyone selling aluminum fuel tanks for the Bronco. You will find that most of us running larger tanks run steel, simply becasue that is the (only, common?) option.

It could be argued that aluminium is lighter, but not enough to make a bit of difference in a fuel tank on a Bronco. steel rusts, but aluminum corrodes as well. Aluminum can have issues with dis-similer metals where it is against the steel frame/body/mounting hardware.

If you want a show rig, aluminum is a must, all polished of course.

Function wise, I don't know of any signifient difference between the 2 materials. Properly built, installed and maintained they will both work fine.
Add (the right slloy of) stainless to the option and now you have a great fuel tank. Handle anything you want to put in it and last forever.

 

[broncnaz]

Always debateable but I would have to say that steel is a stronger structually and probably less prone to cracking if you happen to smack it.

 

[bluemonday]

How strong does strong have to be??? I have always had aluminum tanks for my boats. Down in south Louisiana every Fabrication shop will build you an aluminum tank to your specs. I have an extra tank that came with my 69 but it is rusting only on the surface. I cant see inside and scared to use it. I plan on getting someone to weld me an aluminun one to the exact size of the steel one. It will be the last one you will ever need... If it is welded correctly. We build almost everything out of aluminum...BBQ pits, boats, crawfish pots, tool boxes, boat trailers, fuel tanks....

 

[Greg_B]

I built mine out of stainless... Best of both worlds... Will not rust and very strong.

 

[bluemonday]

Very nice Greg_B.

 

[broncnaz]

How strong does strong have to be??? I have always had aluminum tanks for my boats. ....

Kinda depends on your setup vehicle use ect. Before I had a lift I would regularly drag or smack my 23 galllon steel tank even have had the tank supporting the whole rear end of the vehicle before. The tank is pretty old and still survives with only a few dents in the bottom and has never leaked. now that I'm lifted I think I've only dragged it once. I dont think a alumiunum tank would have lasted.
Now of course if you have a nice skid plate to protect the tank then I guess aluminum would be fine. But then there's always cost aluminum cost over twice as much as steel does.

Your not likely to damage a aluminum tank in a boat.