Here are 8 best DIY methods for installing a fuel cell in the truck bed. We have added the required tools in this step-by-step guide.
How to Install a Fuel Cell in a Truck Bed? You can install a fuel cell in a truck bed by selecting a suitable location, measure the size, drill holes, secure it with nuts and bolts, attach the mounting brackets, and connect it to the engine.
You should measure the size of your pickup and the fuel tank before starting this process.
How to Install a Fuel Cell in a Truck Bed?
In this article, we have explained 8 proven techniques for mounting a fuel cell in your pickup.
You have to measure the size and try to choose the length less than that available space. Different brands are providing top quality products.
Tools required
- Measuring tape
- Marker
- Drill machine
- Nuts
- Bolts
- Plier
- Screwdriver
- Cutter
Purchase the good quality fuel cell
You have to complete all the tools before starting the process. You have to decide the type of product that you have to add to your vehicle.
You have to look for its kind by looking at the available space in the pickup.
You have to look for that product that should not leak in extreme hot and cold weather.
If you go for the lower quality product, its useful life will be less than its regular time.
You have to complete all the arrangements for buying a particular type by understanding your vehicle’s needs.
It will also present in different capacities, and you can add the required fuel to them. The average size of the tank is around 50 liters. You may get bigger or smaller than it. You can add premium gas in your Ford F150.
You will see significant variations in the prices of the fuel cell as the brand and size increase. You have to decide about the brand and size of the product before estimating it.
The whole process will be around $60. It can increase up to $80, and you can also get this product in an affordable range of just $40.
Decide the location
You have to decide the location for it by taking all the safety measures. It is dangerous if the position is not determined by considering all the factors.
Check the length of the pipe that is coming from the engine to the tank.
It is better to replace the pipe with it because different tanks will have different types of nozzles for their connection.
You will get this pipe from the same place as that of the main component. Its position will matter a lot because you have to manage all other mechanical parts according to that.
You have to check the opening of the tank should face outside. It is essential because it is used to refill the tank later on.
You should choose the position in which its cover comes on the same side as that of the battery and other parts to make its connection with them.
You should leave some space for the cardboard that will place while fixing it permanently there. You have to check the thickness of the board before deciding its position.
Measure the size of fuel cell
Place a measuring tape on the component to note its dimensions. After measuring the dimensions, write it on a small piece of paper.
You have to measure the size of the cardboard that you have purchased for its fixation. Add the length of the product and the thickness of the cardboard. You can add a GPS tracking device at this location to make your pickup theft-proof.
You can use any supporting material for its better working. You have to look for all options and decide after complete understanding.
You have to learn that the products you are using should provide you more useful life and better efficiency.
Measurement of everything will give you a lot of benefits and save you from a lot of problems.
This process cannot be repeated after some time, so you have to do it with complete care.
Drill holes
When you have checked that the position has decided, and it will fix there. Cardboard will also set there.
You have to take the pointer or market of dark colors that are different from the cardboard color.
You have to mark the points that where you want to fix the nuts and bolts there. You have to mark on all the sides by making sure that it will balance with that nuts.
You have to use the drill bits in the size’s drill machine as you want to get the holes’ deepness.
You have to check that it may not become the reason for leaking from it. You have to check all the sides once the process is completed.
It is recommended to use the drill bits of one to two inches long by noting its thickness and the cardboard sheet.
You have to fix the bits properly and not break when you push them on the inner side. You have to follow the dots or points that you have marked with the pointer.
Those points will save you from the mistakes while drilling the holes in it. Ask a friend to help you fix this issue because he can grip the material while using the frill machine.
You should use the drill machine if you have any idea to do so because it may damage your worthy tank and sheets.
You can hire any carpenter or welder for this purpose who can help you in this regard.
You can also use the welding process for the fixation, as it is more useful than the drilling holes and all that.
It is a permanent thing that will not damage until it hurts with intentional force. You can load a fridge on your pickup, but do not place it near the tank.
Fix nuts and bolts
After making all the holes and brackets, you have to start adding the nuts and bolts. You have to look for all the necessary arrangements.
You have to choose the same nuts and bolts as you make holes in it.
You will also get different types concerning its deepness. You have to check the position that may fix adequately there.
Attach mounting brackets
You can also use the mounting brackets after attaching the cardboard if you think it is not strong. You have to use the four mounting brackets at all the edges of the cardboard.
It will provide support to the product not to shatter in case of heavy wind pressure.
You have to look for the best possible combination that you can make by adding any supporting material there.
You should also but the brackets by noting the size of the product that you are using. It will help you a lot to be relaxed about all its connection.
Connect the fuel pipe to the engine
As the fixation process completes, you have to connect it with the engine of your pickup. You should not forget to replace the pipe to transmit it from one end to another properly.
Connect it to the engine first, and you should not disconnect it from there while doing this process.
You have to keep it under the vehicle’s body and make its way to the newly attached tank.
You have to replace the nozzle of the tank not to hinder the flow from one end to another. All the process will go in vain if the nozzle is not allowing it to go in. Do not disconnect the wires, otherwise, it can result in a truck alarm going off frequently.
You should not stretch the pipe because it will break when its elasticity ends. You have to use some extra length so that it may survive in case of extreme weather conditions.
It is better to do all these things to enjoy the interruption-free journey.
Check the performance
You have to check its performance on a testing basis. You have to try all the functions of the refilling, nozzle, and all other things also.
You can check the leaking by adding any other liquid in it and remove it after checking. You should maintain your vehicle and drain the air tanks regularly to prevent any issues.
You have to note that the products you are using should be long-lasting and free from all issues.
You will note the problems in the test run and propose the solution accordingly. You can make any changes if you are required to do so.
You have to look for the best option that suits you a lot. You have to increase the efficiency of your engine by using all these things.
You should not start any process after getting its complete understanding.