Long Range Fuel Tanks

Performance means nothing without the right fuel—literally. For anyone who spends serious time traveling in vans, especially larger models like the Revel, Storyteller, or custom Sprinters, the size of your fuel tank can make or break your road trip experience. Factory fuel tanks typically hold around 23 gallons, but for long-haul adventures, that capacity quickly starts to feel limiting.

The Problem With Factory Fuel Tanks

Vans of this size aren’t known for their fuel efficiency, which means frequent stops, sometimes at gas stations with sky-high prices in remote locations. If you’re exploring isolated areas, those stops become even more inconvenient and expensive. Imagine having to pull off every few hours just to refuel, or worse, having no choice but to pay premium prices because there’s simply no other option nearby.

The Long Range Fuel Tank Solution

Enter the long-range or oversized fuel tank. These tanks, which can range up to 45 or even 47 gallons, depending on your vehicle, can be a total game changer (we offer the 40 and 45/47 tanks). Not only do they drastically cut down the number of fuel stops, but they can save a considerable amount of money by giving travelers the flexibility to fill up in areas with cheaper fuel. For example, filling up in Yuma, Arizona, before heading into higher-priced California lets you make a substantial round trip without stopping for fuel.

Before installing a larger tank, it’s important to check that your van has enough space underneath to accommodate it—something that varies depending on the make and any custom build-outs. The upgrade isn’t just about convenience; it’s truly transformative. Along with suspension improvements, drivers frequently report that a bigger fuel tank is something they can’t imagine living without once it’s installed.

Don’t Forget the Fuel Filler Nozzle Upgrade

A larger tank isn’t the only upgrade to consider. If your travels take you beyond the U.S.—into Canada or Mexico, for example—or you find yourself filling up at truck stops, fuel nozzle compatibility becomes an issue. U.S. vans often have a locking door on the fuel filler that isn’t compatible with the oversized diesel nozzles used abroad or at truck stops. The workaround often involves using a funnel or fumbling with a screwdriver, which isn’t ideal.

Swapping out the standard fuel filler nozzle for a Mercedes "Rest of World" (ROW) nozzle during your tank upgrade solves this. The ROW nozzle eliminates the locking door issue, making it much easier to use larger diesel nozzles without any makeshift solutions. Considering the van is already disassembled for the tank installation, this is a simple, inexpensive improvement.

The Bottom Line

Upgrading to a long range fuel tank, and considering a compatible filler nozzle, is an investment most van lifers wish they’d made sooner. It means fewer fuel stops, greater flexibility in sourcing affordable diesel, and added convenience no matter where the road takes you. For anyone planning extended road trips or international adventures, these upgrades are essential steps toward a smoother, more enjoyable journey.

S&B 45 Gallon Long Range Fuel Tank for 2023+ Sprinter AWD
S&B 45/47 Gallon Long Range Fuel Tank for Sprinter