79 Series Fuel Tank Size: Capacity, Range and Long-Range Tank Options (2026)
Fuel tank size is one of the most-asked-about specifications on the 79 Series because realistic touring range depends entirely on it. The factory tank is adequate for sealed-road and most rural-road use but undersized for serious outback touring. This guide covers the factory specification, real-world range across engine and load combinations, the case for a long-range tank upgrade and the main supplier options.
All figures apply to Australian-delivered 79 Series. South African and Middle Eastern delivered vehicles sometimes have different tank specs (some markets received 180 L Single Cab factory tanks). For Australian buyers the factory capacity is consistent across Single Cab and Dual Cab variants and across model years from 1999 to current.
1. Factory Fuel Tank Capacity
130 litres on Australian-delivered 79 Series Single Cab Chassis. 130 litres on Australian-delivered 79 Series Dual Cab Chassis. Same factory tank size across both variants. Diesel only - no petrol option on the 79 Series in Australia. The factory tank is steel-constructed and mounts under the rear of the chassis behind the rear axle.
The 130 L specification has been consistent across all Australian production years from 1999 to current. Pre-1999 75 Series Troopcarriers and utes had slightly different tank configurations but the modern 79 (1999 onward) has the same 130 L tank across HZJ79 (1HZ pre-2007), VDJ79 (V8 era 2007 to late 2024) and GDJ79 (2.8L late 2024 onward) variants.
2. Real-World Range by Engine
V8 1VD-FTV 4.5L (2007 to late 2024): Highway unladen approximately 11-13 L/100km, giving 1,000-1,180 km of theoretical range. Trip-loaded touring (bull bar, canopy, drawers, fuel, water, occupants, modest tyre upgrade) approximately 13-15 L/100km, giving 870-1,000 km of practical range. Towing 3,000 kg caravan at 90 km/h approximately 18-22 L/100km, giving 590-720 km of towing range. Sustained off-road in low range approximately 25-35 L/100km, giving 370-520 km.
2.8L 1GD-FTV (late 2024 onward): Highway unladen approximately 9.5-11 L/100km, giving 1,180-1,370 km of theoretical range. Trip-loaded touring approximately 12-14 L/100km, giving 930-1,080 km of practical range. Towing 3,000 kg caravan approximately 16-19 L/100km, giving 680-810 km of towing range. The 2.8L is approximately 15-20 per cent more economical than the V8 unladen, narrowing to 10-12 per cent under heavy tow.
1HZ 4.2L (pre-2007): Highway unladen approximately 12-14 L/100km, similar trip-loaded figures to the V8. Slightly less efficient than the V8 because naturally-aspirated (no turbo to assist efficiency under load) but the simpler engine has fewer ways to consume more fuel through age or maintenance issues.
3. Why 130 Litres is Not Enough for Serious Touring
Cape York has stretches of 350+ km between reliable fuel stops. The Simpson Desert crossing requires 250-400 litres of diesel from the last servo to the first servo on the other side. The Gibb River Road requires 250+ km between reliable fuel sources. The Plenty Highway has similar gaps. Practical touring requires 1,200+ km of range to cover detours, slow tracks, conservative driving and the inevitable conservative fuel margin.
At 130 L factory capacity with V8 trip-loaded consumption of 14 L/100km, practical safe range (allowing 20 per cent fuel reserve) is approximately 740 km. That is not enough for the Simpson, marginal for Cape York and tight for the Gibb. Long-range tanks are not optional for serious outback travel - they are essential equipment.
4. Brown Davis 180 L Replacement Tank
The standard upgrade. The Brown Davis 180 L tank replaces the factory tank entirely with a larger unit that uses the same mounting points and chassis space. Total capacity goes from 130 L to 180 L (a 50 L increase). Approximate fitted price $2,500-$3,500 pre-rego depending on engine variant and supplier. Brown Davis is the established Australian long-range tank brand with strong reputation and Australia-wide installation network.
The replacement-tank approach is preferred over auxiliary tanks for owners who want simplicity (single fuel filler, single gauge, no transfer pump). The downside is removing the factory tank - on a used vehicle this is a permanent change. New buyers fitting pre-rego avoid this issue because the factory tank goes back as spare or is sold.
5. 110 L Auxiliary Tank
The alternative approach. The auxiliary tank mounts under the rear of the chassis alongside or behind the factory tank, with a transfer pump or gravity feed to the factory tank. Total capacity goes from 130 L factory plus 110 L auxiliary = 240 L (a 110 L increase). Approximate fitted price $2,000-$3,000 pre-rego. Brown Davis, The Long Ranger, Canyon Off-Road and others all offer 79 Series-specific 110 L auxiliary tanks.
Auxiliary tanks suit owners who want maximum total capacity and the safety margin of two separate fuel systems. The downside is added complexity (separate filler, separate gauge or switching mechanism, transfer pump on some designs) and slightly more weight than a replacement tank. For Cape York and Simpson Desert touring the auxiliary tank approach gives the most range headroom.
6. The Long Ranger 180 L Replacement
Alternative replacement-tank supplier with similar specification to Brown Davis. The Long Ranger offers 79 Series 180 L replacement tanks with slightly different mounting bracket design and a competitive price point. Reputation is strong but installation network is more limited than Brown Davis in some Australian regions.
7. Range Comparison Table
Approximate practical touring range (trip-loaded, 20 per cent fuel reserve) on V8 1VD-FTV:
- Factory 130 L: 740 km
- Brown Davis 180 L replacement: 1,025 km (+285 km)
- Factory 130 L + 110 L auxiliary (240 L total): 1,370 km (+630 km)
- 180 L replacement + auxiliary (290 L total): 1,650 km (+910 km)
On the 2.8L 1GD-FTV with approximately 30 per cent better fuel economy, all ranges increase proportionally. Factory 130 L gives approximately 950 km practical range. Long-range options push practical range to 1,300-2,000+ km.
8. Installation and Engineering
Pre-rego long-range tank installation is the cheapest pathway and uses the manufacturer's federal Second Stage Manufacture approval. Post-rego installation requires individual engineering certification ($800-$2,000) in most Australian states. Replacement tank installs are typically 4-6 hours of workshop labour. Auxiliary tank installs are typically 6-10 hours due to additional plumbing and pump work.
9. Fuel System Considerations
Long-range tanks should be paired with quality water-separator fuel filtration (additional to the factory unit) for outback touring. Remote diesel quality varies and the secondary filter provides protection against contamination that would otherwise reach the high-pressure common-rail injectors (an expensive repair if damaged). Quality water-separator filters $150-$300 fitted from Donaldson, Davco or similar suppliers.
10. When to Fit a Long-Range Tank
Fit pre-rego if you can - cheapest pathway, no engineering certification cost, factory tank goes back as spare. Fit pre-trip if you have a specific outback trip planned that requires the range. Fit as part of a touring build at the suspension and fuel stage (before the canopy goes on - removing canopy later for tank work doubles the labour). Skip if you only do sealed-road and gravel touring with regular fuel stops - the factory 130 L is fine for that use case.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fuel tank size on a 79 Series?
130 litres on Australian-delivered Single Cab and Dual Cab. Diesel only. Same factory tank size across HZJ79 (pre-2007 1HZ), VDJ79 (V8 era 2007 to late 2024) and GDJ79 (2.8L late 2024 onward) variants.
How far can a 79 Series go on a tank of fuel?
V8 trip-loaded approximately 740 km practical safe range (with 20 per cent reserve). 2.8L approximately 950 km. Less under heavy tow or sustained off-road work.
What size long-range tank should I fit?
Brown Davis 180 L replacement ($2,500-$3,500 fitted) is the standard upgrade and adds ~285 km practical range. 110 L auxiliary tank ($2,000-$3,000 fitted) is the alternative and adds ~630 km practical range. For Cape York and Simpson Desert touring the auxiliary tank is preferred.
Does the 2.8L 79 Series have a bigger fuel tank than the V8?
No. Same 130 L factory tank. The 2.8L gets more range per litre due to better fuel economy (approximately 15-20 per cent more efficient unladen) but the tank capacity is unchanged.
How much does a long-range fuel tank cost?
$2,000-$3,500 pre-rego fitted depending on tank size and supplier. Post-rego adds $800-$2,000 for engineering certification.
Does a long-range tank affect my warranty?
Quality long-range tanks fitted by certified installers do not void the factory powertrain warranty. Confirm with the supplier and installer before fitting. Toyota dealer-fitted pre-rego options are warranty-safe.
Which suppliers make long-range tanks for the 79 Series?
Brown Davis (the standard pick with widest dealer network), The Long Ranger (alternative replacement tank supplier), Canyon Off-Road (auxiliary tank specialist), ARB (some 79 Series tank options). All Australian-made or imported with local installation network.
