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Syncro Long Range Stainless Steel Tanks

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Scottkombi Officially Full-On Dubber

358 posts · joined Dec 2008 ·

#998869
Hi all,

Just wondering if anyone is interested in some real nice quality and build long range fuel or water tanks that fit under the belly of the vehicle keeping the centre of gravity low yet providing a safe place for extra fuel/ water.

They are made to fit perfectly in the vacant underfloor area of your
syncro and come in two sizes - the flat bottom version is 48L and the
tapered bottom version is a whopping 58L.

Prices for tanks only in Australian dollars are:

48L tank - $435.00
58L tank - $500.00
Apparently all GST included.

Fitting kits are also available and there are two options here too -
Fuel version and water version

Prices for fitting kits in Australian dollars are:

Fuel fitting kit - $190.00
Water fitting kit - $170.00

Prices for freight aren't too bad to the east coast of Australia are
$200 per tank & fitting kit, however, if we manage to get an order of 10 together they come down to $60.00.

We would need the tanks and kits to be sent to one address though and then there would either be pick ups from there or courier costs from there?

Ian is also doing rear ladder kits for mounting all sorts of items - yet they are not quite in production yet (very close though) - great for carrying that extra kit on a long trip.

See attached photos.

Who's interested?

Let me know.

Thanks,

Scott

















88 Caravelle Syncro Camper
89 Caravelle GL microbus - 5 speed
69 Microbus
05 Mk5 Golf 1.9 TDi DSG

Andy Andy\'s Adventures

2,820 posts · joined Nov 2002 ·

#998913
Sounds cool. does it mention how heavy they are? (sorry if I missed it in the detail). I had two made for my T2 years ago (one for water, one for fuel), they are great tanks, but they weighted 30kg each empty!!
Not sure I like the idea of the filler behind the front wheel, it's already limited in there if you have over sized wheels, but I guess you need to fill it some how 🙂
Are there approvals needed to fit them to a vehicle?

I'm interested, but not sure the budget will allow for it in the short term (still want to get a decoupler!!)

nils Fahrvergnugen

971 posts · joined Jan 2008 ·

#998931
Funny you should post this Scott.

As one of the options that the little lady and I are discussing as options for our future, I was hoping to start my own business. I would be specialising in the T25/T3 vans, leaning toward sheet metal and custom fabrication such as tanks, plate bumpers, tyre carriers, brake kits and custom engine/gearbox mounts and sumps.
Still some time down the track and still need to gauge the viability of this project (maybe start part time)

As far as fuel tanks go, I don't really like stainless fuel tanks, stainless fractures easier than mild steel (particularly with square bottom corners) If you could press 2 bathtub halves and then weld the perimeter like most factory tanks this would help a lot. Not trying to turn you off buying one Scott, By the looks they are very nicely built.

Andy, technically yes it would need to be approved.
Quit calling rust patina

Scottkombi Officially Full-On Dubber

358 posts · joined Dec 2008 ·

#998946
Andy,

I am not sure on their weight unloaded but I will ask.

Regarding the space behind the front wheel - there is a fair amount of room there - especially up in the top corner.

Attached is a photo of my stainless steel water tank with the plumbing in that exact spot. The passenger side seems to be made for this as there is already a hole there through the chassis cross rail.

Regarding the approval, I dont think it would really matter unless you had a serious crash and an insurance company got involved. My Dad had his one insatlled for 20 years before he sold it with no issues with registration with him or the new Owner.


Nils, your plan sounds good but I am keen now and these tanks are fantastic.

He also makes tailgate ladders and rock sliders which I am aslo interested in.


Heres the extra photos of my stainless water tank installed:






88 Caravelle Syncro Camper
89 Caravelle GL microbus - 5 speed
69 Microbus
05 Mk5 Golf 1.9 TDi DSG

nils Fahrvergnugen

971 posts · joined Jan 2008 ·

#998956
By no means think you should wait 2 years 😀 just thought that was weird timing.

Nice rig by the way Scott
Quit calling rust patina

Scottkombi Officially Full-On Dubber

358 posts · joined Dec 2008 ·

#998973
Thanks for the flowers Nils.

I am too impatient to wait - love these tanks!

Andy,

The manufacturer said they weigh about 12kgs - not too bad for a syncro.

Here are the rear ladders that Gecko also make - they come with a few detachable goodies too like a bike rack atatchment and a jerry can attachment:





88 Caravelle Syncro Camper
89 Caravelle GL microbus - 5 speed
69 Microbus
05 Mk5 Golf 1.9 TDi DSG

nils Fahrvergnugen

971 posts · joined Jan 2008 ·

#998976
Yeah I have gotten pretty attached to mine pretty quick actually. If it ever gets back on the road is another question altogether. Still haven't decided whether to go high or low though.

How do the gas struts go with the wieght of the ladder on them? Or are there heavy duty ones avalible easily?
Quit calling rust patina

Andy Andy\'s Adventures

2,820 posts · joined Nov 2002 ·

#998978
Wow, 12kg is good. Nils, the tanks for my T2 were folded one piece stainless which kept welds to a minimum (and no bottom corners). I installed three baffles which lined up with the three straps that it hung from. Been there over 120k km, a lot of that dirt roads. Mind you at 35kg for them empty, I could use those tanks as rock sliders..... They held 40L (45 at a stretch)

Scott, I can't use the LHS as I have the factory slide out step there (is a must for the kids in the Syncro). That being said, don't want a water tank like I had in the T2. Extra fuel is always a plus when touring though. I like the spare wheel rack also, never liked the idea of putting holes in the body like others do. On the ladder, with my T2 I have dual spare tires at the back, these served me well enough to get to the roof rack, and expect to do the same on the Syncro (each to their own of course) I have picked up a Hiace after market rack roof rack I am modifying to fit while I sort what I really want on the bus.
As much as I'm keen, I need to focus on other things first, in addition to decoupler want to replace all fuel and coolant lines (and probably AC and heater lines) so everything is new, and probably drop the engine/GB out and rust proof everything above them. So probably not the best timing for me.

Was there a Syncro Australia group also? Might be people keen there.

Scottkombi Officially Full-On Dubber

358 posts · joined Dec 2008 ·

#998994
Nils,

The ladders only weigh 10kgs unloaded - not too bad but add a jerry can and other items and you could lift it with new gas struts (I replaced mine about 8 years ago and the door still shoots up with loads of force once I open it) but if I get one I will remove the jerry can or whatever I put on there.

Andy, I already have 6 people that want tanks from the syncro club - just trying to get 10 so we get a better shipping cost.

Here are a few options of what to put on but these racks and ladders are not from Gecko Engineering:





Even a Max Trax carrier? These could come in handy:
88 Caravelle Syncro Camper
89 Caravelle GL microbus - 5 speed
69 Microbus
05 Mk5 Golf 1.9 TDi DSG

Andy Andy\'s Adventures

2,820 posts · joined Nov 2002 ·

#999270
Howdy Scott, when are you making a decision with regards to getting these? Am in negotiations with the finance department (I'm still only a maybe 🙂.
Just curious, with the fuel install kit, does the pump just transfer fuel to the main tank? I see there's an option for a stock fuel pump which is a good idea, but if you run from that tank to the EFI, the return fuel just goes back to the main tank?
And I know it's off topic, but how do you join the syncro group?
Thanks

Scottkombi Officially Full-On Dubber

358 posts · joined Dec 2008 ·

#999294
Andy,

The idea is that the fuel from the long range tank gets pumped into the main tank via the breather line and a non-return valve. The fuel system is all standard apart from that.

My Dad had this working on his syncro for at least 15 years and had no issue with it - worked very well.

Regarding the syncro club you can join by entering your details to the following site with details and explanations below from Les (the group owner):

Syncro_T3_Australia

This is a non-profit technical support and advice resource for T3 Syncro owners in Australia. The primary purpose of this group is to help T3 Syncro owners to keep their vehicles on the road and serviceable in original condition; this includes advice on sourcing OEM and/or reliable aftermarket parts and referring members to the few workshops with good Syncro knowledge if needed. It is not intended to include extensive modifications to the T3 Syncro; this is adequately covered in a number of very comprehensive websites around the world.

Membership was originally open to anyone but this proved to be a mistake. We found ourselves with some rats in the ranks! Significantly, the rats were entirely anonymous. This was countered by requiring all members to establish their bona fides. The rats disappeared, never to return.

To apply for membership, please go to www.syncroaustralia.com and follow the instructions.

NOTE:
If you have come to this website via the www.syncro.com.au website, note that THIS IS A DIFFERENT WEBSITE. Membership of this group requires a request as detailed above.

Les Harris
Syncro_T3_Australia
88 Caravelle Syncro Camper
89 Caravelle GL microbus - 5 speed
69 Microbus
05 Mk5 Golf 1.9 TDi DSG

Andy Andy\'s Adventures

2,820 posts · joined Nov 2002 ·

#999314
Much appreciated Scott. I have a similar setup on my T2. I installed that ~10 years ago only I feed from the spare tank into the outlet of the main tank. The T2 is carby though. Likewise never had any problems with it.
Might catch you on the other side 🙂