gmcjetpilot
Well Known Member
Looking for suggestions, designs, recommendations of ways RV'ers added Auxiliary Fuel. Recent thread about longest range RV's, reminded me I would like to add some range / endurance, say 16 to 20 Gal (not extreme range). Over years I've seen the following (not an exhaustive list):
> Wing Tip - Aluminum tank inside Wing Tip or Wet fiberglass wing Tip
> Wing - Running Span Wise Aluminum Tube through Rib lighting Holes
> Tank (Race Car Safety Type) In Cabin - Passenger Seat or baggage compartment.
The goal is keep CG nominal and of course structurally sound and safe. I like the idea of something that can be added or even removable. Reading the recent thread many extreme range RV's used the leading edge for fuel. If anyone has some details, let us know. Bottom line if you are staying in CG and Gross Weight Limits you are limited to how much fuel you can add. The extreme range RV's were flown as much as over 30% published gross. I calculated assuming 1150 lb empty, 1800 lb gross, 35 Gal Max Aux Fuel: Solo (180 lb pilot) / No Bags / Full Wing Tanks.
If you add 120 lb passenger, 15 Gal Aux is Max. That is almost 2 hours more endurance, which is good for another 310 miles. Even a little AUX fuel is a good thing for serious cross country. RV-7 range is 765 to 935. Adding 15 Gal gives 1040 mile to 1260 mile range.
> Wing Tip - Aluminum tank inside Wing Tip or Wet fiberglass wing Tip
> Wing - Running Span Wise Aluminum Tube through Rib lighting Holes
> Tank (Race Car Safety Type) In Cabin - Passenger Seat or baggage compartment.
The goal is keep CG nominal and of course structurally sound and safe. I like the idea of something that can be added or even removable. Reading the recent thread many extreme range RV's used the leading edge for fuel. If anyone has some details, let us know. Bottom line if you are staying in CG and Gross Weight Limits you are limited to how much fuel you can add. The extreme range RV's were flown as much as over 30% published gross. I calculated assuming 1150 lb empty, 1800 lb gross, 35 Gal Max Aux Fuel: Solo (180 lb pilot) / No Bags / Full Wing Tanks.
If you add 120 lb passenger, 15 Gal Aux is Max. That is almost 2 hours more endurance, which is good for another 310 miles. Even a little AUX fuel is a good thing for serious cross country. RV-7 range is 765 to 935. Adding 15 Gal gives 1040 mile to 1260 mile range.
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