Am I going to regret the 26-gallon tank?

[MikeG]

Hello! New to this forum. I ordered a 21 F-150 XLT, Supercrew 5.5 foot bed a couple weeks ago with the 3.5L Ecoboost. Got the 302A, FX4, and Trailer Tow (not the max) packages. Expecting delivery sometime in the Fall.

I went with the standard 26-gallon tank when ordering, I didn't think much of it at the time. Almost $500 for 10 gallons more and I am not towing everyday, so just passed on it. However, after watching some youtube reviews and knowing my driving style I will probably end up getting 15-17 MPG and not the 20+ you see on the EPA sticker. It dawned on me the range may be less than what I thought.

I don't put a lot of miles on my vehicles, and I am maybe towing something 2 to 5 times per year and max 200 miles one way. For reference, my current car I bought in 2018 and put 10,000 miles on it. I've been working from home for the last 5 years and live in a rural area where we do that once a week run to the store or whatever. Just not a lot of reasons to drive around everyday, thus low mileage.

So a few questions:
1. Am I going to regret not getting the 36-gallon tank?
2. Is it a hassle to change an order after it's been placed?
3. Is it something that's reasonable for a dealer or mechanic to swap-out in the future if I want to upgrade?

Something a friend mentioned to me since I won't be putting a lot of miles on the truck, having the smaller fuel tank will cycle the fuel out more. Especially during the winter months where I really don't leave the house unless absolutely needed. Maybe that doesn't even matter and I could also just not fill it up all the way.

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[rickcov]

I have basically the same truck and have not had any issue. It would be nice to have the 36 gallon tank for towing long distances but so far I have not regretted not having it and I tow a pontoon boat on the weekends. I think you are fine.

 

[Zyvin]

The only time that I’m glad that I have it, is when towing the boat a long way. Your bladder will never out last a 36 gal tank. It’s just nice to stop while towing and not have to get gas (rest stop etc).

 

[xtraman122]

Will you regret it? Maybe a little, but you’ll likely never even think of it or have it bother you at all. Changing the order isn’t a big deal if you don’t have a VIN yet, but once a VIN has been assigned, the config is pretty well locked in and it’s not an easy process to change it.

Changing it later can technically be done, but it’s not that simple. Needs a new fuel pump, changes in the computer via FORScan to fix the DTE calculation etc. There are are some guides on what needs to be done. Not impossible by any means, but it’s a few more parts than just the tank.

It probably won’t be much of an issue, I personally like having a long range and not needing to gas up often, but range is very rarely actually an “issue” for many people.

 

[Missmy3/4ton]

Someone on the forum here just added one for ~$700 installed and I think more than half of that was labor....all you need is a new fuel pump and the tank (15 to 21 fit)...not a big deal, you can add one later

 

[Pedaldude]

I feel that the 36 gallon tank is an overpriced option, it doesn't cost Ford more than a few dollars in materials to make it and it costs exactly the same to install and manufacture a 36 gallon tank as it does a 26 gallon one. It also has a disproportionately sized reserve compared to the 26 gallon tank. So unless you are comfortable driving on 'E' for an hour or for over 60 miles, you're really only getting a few more gallons of gas that you can actually keep track of. I have the 36 gallon tank and I have never filled it more than 30 gallons, despite only filling up when I am at or near empty and close to zero on the 'Available Range' display. So effectively, I have a 30 gallon tank with a 6 gallon reserve.

That being said, with the potential of fuel shortages due to interruptions in supply, like they just had due to a pipeline being hacked into by computers, or because of natural disasters; that few extra gallons of fuel could prove priceless. Still though, a few jerrycans will accomplish the same thing with some inconvenience but a lot cheaper.

The smaller tank 'cycling' the fuel more often, while true, isn't really a big enough difference to ever matter as long as you are using the truck a few times a month and running it to at least half a tank before filling it. The gasoline itself isn't the problem, it's the alcohol that they add to it that gives it a lousy shelf life and it's really the hotter months when it's more of a problem. As long as you are using it enough to add fresh gas it's fine.

To answer your question, I have not seen anyone complain about getting the 36 gallon tank and if it's only been a few days since ordering, call the dealership and see about adding that option.

Good luck!

 

[thebestbear]

I only regret the smaller tank when I drive 1,000+ miles in a day.
It happens enough, that I would definitely get the 36 gal. if given the choice again.
The big issue right now is fuel cost choice.
I was able to fill up at $3.85 and 400 miles down the hiway gas was almost $6 So that extra $50 per tank adds up when traveling.

 

[trojandawg3]

A few thoughts....

1. I don't tow often, but I love not having to stop and get gas but once every couple weeks.
2. I don't like taking a brand new truck and having stuff like this done aftermarket.
3. I feel like the $500 or so they charge is not too bad compared to some of the other options.
4. I was able to add/change a few options after placing my order (as long as you don't have a VIN yet...may also depend on how good of a dealer/salesperson you have).

It really is one of the best options I added to my build and I will def never have one without the larger tank.

 

[PPK]

Hello! New to this forum. I ordered a 21 F-150 XLT, Supercrew 5.5 foot bed a couple weeks ago with the 3.5L Ecoboost. Got the 302A, FX4, and Trailer Tow (not the max) packages. Expecting delivery sometime in the Fall.

I went with the standard 26-gallon tank when ordering, I didn't think much of it at the time. Almost $500 for 10 gallons more and I am not towing everyday, so just passed on it. However, after watching some youtube reviews and knowing my driving style I will probably end up getting 15-17 MPG and not the 20+ you see on the EPA sticker. It dawned on me the range may be less than what I thought.

I don't put a lot of miles on my vehicles, and I am maybe towing something 2 to 5 times per year and max 200 miles one way. For reference, my current car I bought in 2018 and put 10,000 miles on it. I've been working from home for the last 5 years and live in a rural area where we do that once a week run to the store or whatever. Just not a lot of reasons to drive around everyday, thus low mileage.

So a few questions:
1. Am I going to regret not getting the 36-gallon tank?
2. Is it a hassle to change an order after it's been placed?
3. Is it something that's reasonable for a dealer or mechanic to swap-out in the future if I want to upgrade?

Something a friend mentioned to me since I won't be putting a lot of miles on the truck, having the smaller fuel tank will cycle the fuel out more. Especially during the winter months where I really don't leave the house unless absolutely needed. Maybe that doesn't even matter and I could also just not fill it up all the way.

I just got my '22 502A and can tell you it is a major time saver. you gas up much less and you can load up when you do see.a bargain. everyday its a benefit - you gas up half as much it seems. my range is 750 miles instead of 450. makes a whale of an improvement.

 

[sbi]

Yes, you are (going to regret it).
Two is one, one is none. Get the 36 Gallons.

 

[powerboatr]

for me YES
i like to take advantage of prices near home and not have to worry about on a 12 hr trip when or where to get fuel
i usually set mobile, al as our stop point from home to fl. there is a bucc eess near our hotel and i can arrive after 10-12hrs with 1/4 tank
so pee breaks are only thing we have to plan out, with the dog and us

 

[Aim64]

Hello! New to this forum. I ordered a 21 F-150 XLT, Supercrew 5.5 foot bed a couple weeks ago with the 3.5L Ecoboost. Got the 302A, FX4, and Trailer Tow (not the max) packages. Expecting delivery sometime in the Fall.

I went with the standard 26-gallon tank when ordering, I didn't think much of it at the time. Almost $500 for 10 gallons more and I am not towing everyday, so just passed on it. However, after watching some youtube reviews and knowing my driving style I will probably end up getting 15-17 MPG and not the 20+ you see on the EPA sticker. It dawned on me the range may be less than what I thought.

I don't put a lot of miles on my vehicles, and I am maybe towing something 2 to 5 times per year and max 200 miles one way. For reference, my current car I bought in 2018 and put 10,000 miles on it. I've been working from home for the last 5 years and live in a rural area where we do that once a week run to the store or whatever. Just not a lot of reasons to drive around everyday, thus low mileage.

So a few questions:
1. Am I going to regret not getting the 36-gallon tank?
2. Is it a hassle to change an order after it's been placed?
3. Is it something that's reasonable for a dealer or mechanic to swap-out in the future if I want to upgrade?

Something a friend mentioned to me since I won't be putting a lot of miles on the truck, having the smaller fuel tank will cycle the fuel out more. Especially during the winter months where I really don't leave the house unless absolutely needed. Maybe that doesn't even matter and I could also just not fill it up all the way.

I have an 2021 with the 36 gallon tank.. I do nut tow anything, I use my vehicle on a lot of local trips. I spend less time at the gas station. I get 10-14 mpg city and 24 Highway. It’s nice having the extra 10 gallons in the tank.
I am able to go 500 miles on the Highway per tank

 

[Calson]

In the past I would change out the factory gas tank for a larger aftermarket one. It is now only legal to do that with a diesel powered pickup. For gas you need to get the larger tank from the factory when you but the truck.

At this time only Ford and Ram provide a larger gas tank as an option. It is why when shopping for a new truck earlier this year I did not consider a GM truck.

I only do an aftermarket mod when there is not a suitable option from the factory. That was the case with my Chevy diesel pickup where there was no double cab with the 3500 so I bought a double cab 2500 and upgraded the rear leaf springs.

In the western USA I used to spend a great deal of time planning fuel stops with my diesel pickup and diesel motorhome. But at least with the 36 gallon fuel tank the pickup had a range of 600 miles. Where this is very helpful is when traveling on backroads or off the road where it is wise to have a one-third gas reserve for the return to where one can get gas.

With the small 23 gallon gas tank that would provide a range of roughly 230 miles to an intermediate destination. With the 36-gal tank that goes up to 370 miles or 60% more miles for a side trip.

Running out of gas in town is a pain but if it happens 60 miles from the nearest gas station and one may be having to walk 25 miles to get to the highway and hitch a ride, then it is a real problem. Finding a gas station where it is easy to get to the pumps when towing a long trailer is another reason to have a larger tank and make fewer stops. One can make a fuel stop with a quarter tank remaining if it is convenient to do so.

 

[KBKEITH]

Short answer to the OP:

Yes

 

[SWFLGuy]

I like having the 36gal tank. These days I’m supervising multiple construction sites and have a fair amount of idle time, because it’s friggin hot.
I refill when it gets to 1/2ish tank most of the time so I don’t feel the pain as bad.

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