Not only the NHTSA but also EPA or other compliance issues. The vehicle and
the emission control system including the vapor recovery is designed for
that size tank. Back in 1998 I tried to upgrade the tank on my 1992 Ford
E-350 based motorhome. It had a 35 gallon tank and at 7 to 7.5 mpg gallon
the range was ridiculous. A 55 gallon tank was an option from the factory so
I ordered the tank and related parts from the dealer. When I went to pick
the stuff up I had to provide the VIN. Sale denied!

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Stuart MacMillan
Sent: Sunday, July 20, 2014 8:28 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Replacement fuel tank question

I suspect that fuel tanks have to pass NHTSA testing as done by the
manufacturer in their vehicle crash tests, which is why VW didn't change the
design two years into production.  No aftermarket supplier is going to take
on this liability either.

Stuart

-----Original Message-----
From: Roy Nicholl [mailto:RNicholl@NBNET.NB.CA]
Sent: Sunday, July 20, 2014 5:20 PM
To: Stuart MacMillan
Cc: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Replacement fuel tank question

I find it strange that the aftermarket providers who continue to manufacture
fuel tanks for these vehicles continued to keep the "saddle" in their
construction.   A few quick measurements of the tank dropped from the '88
indicates one could expect 14-18 additional litres of fuel if they were not
there and the tank would be simpler to manufacture.

On 20-Jul-2014, at 20:50, Stuart MacMillan wrote:

> No, and blame Volkswagen for introducing the vanagon with the obsolete
> air cooled engine.  Was not worth it for them to re-tool for a couple
> more gallons of gas.
>
> Stuart
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On
> Behalf Of Roy Nicholl
> Sent: Sunday, July 20, 2014 12:28 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Replacement fuel tank question
>
> All,
>
> Does anyone make a replacement fuel tank for the water-cooled Vanagon
> w/o the cavities/moulded passages for the air-cooled heater pipes.
> While I appreciate the needs of the air-heads, I would prefer the
> extra range this capacity could provide if that volume was on the
> inside
of the tank.
>