Choosing a transfer tank for a short bed truck involves balancing capacity, durability, and fit with your trailer or fifth-wheel setup. The following five options are well-suited for compact truck beds, offering strong aluminum or steel construction, built-in baffles, and practical mounting features. Each product is evaluated for compatibility with short-bed configurations, ease of installation, and long-term reliability in demanding service.
| Product | Brand | Capacity | Material |
|---|---|---|---|
| DEE ZEE DZ92556NB Transfer Tank | DEE ZEE | 125 Brite-Tread Aluminum | Aluminum |
| Dee Zee DZ91750S Transfer Tank | DEE ZEE | 53 gallon (Square) | White Steel |
| DEE ZEE DZ92556B Transfer Tank | DEE ZEE | 125 Brite-Tread Aluminum | Aluminum |
| JOBOX Crescent 50 Gallon White Square Steel Tank | Jobox | 50 gallon | Steel |
| Aluminum Tank Industries TTR51 Rectangle Refueling Tank | Aluminum Tank Industries | 51 gallon | Aluminum |
DEE ZEE DZ92556NB Transfer Tank
The DEE ZEE DZ92556NB is built from corrosion-resistant 125 Brite-Tread aluminum, designed to withstand harsh environments commonly encountered with truck-mounted tanks. Its radius curve eliminates weld pressure points, contributing to structural integrity over time. This model includes three stability baffles to manage liquid movement during transit and a drain plug for convenient emptying. These features make it a practical choice for short bed trucks needing a durable, low-maintenance transfer tank that won’t add excessive weight or require frequent servicing.
DEE ZEE DZ92556B Transfer Tank
Another aluminum option from DEE ZEE, the DZ92556B emphasizes a balance between capacity and compact footprint for short-bed configurations. Like the NB model, it uses a radius curve to reduce weld stress. Its design accommodates fifth-wheel trailer clearance, which is a critical consideration when pairing a transfer tank with a complex towing setup. This tank is suitable for users seeking a lightweight, corrosion-resistant solution with established DEE ZEE engineering.
Dee Zee DZ91750S (53 gallon) Square Transfer Tank – White Steel
The DZ91750S offers a 53-gallon capacity in a square steel configuration with a textured white powder coat finish. Its corrosion-resistant coating provides additional protection against rust and environmental exposure. The radius curve helps eliminate weld pressure points, contributing to a smoother exterior and easier cleaning. This model is particularly suitable for short-bed trucks where maneuverability and mounting space are at a premium, with a focus on long-term durability in rugged service.
JOBOX Crescent 50 Gallon White Square Steel Tank
The JOBOX Crescent 50 Gallon Tank emphasizes internal baffles to strengthen the tank and regulate flow during movement. It includes 2″ NPT reinforced bungs to mount a pump on either side, adding flexibility for on-truck operations. Built-in lifting rings aid handling when the tank is empty, which is useful during installation or swapping tanks in the field. This steel option is known for robustness in demanding work-site environments and compatibility with a short-bed truck footprint.
Aluminum Tank Industries TTR51 Rectangle Refueling Tank
The TTR51 rectangle refueling tank from Aluminum Tank Industries is a 51-gallon aluminum option designed for reliable fuel transfer. Its rectangular form optimizes space in a short bed while maintaining a manageable weight. The compact dimensions and corrosion-resistant aluminum construction offer a favorable balance between capacity and bed clearance, making it suitable for rugged work environments where space efficiency matters as much as longevity.
Buying Guide
Key considerations for selecting a transfer tank for a short bed truck include material durability, weight impact, mounting compatibility, and internal features that affect flow and maintenance. Aluminum tanks provide lighter weight and corrosion resistance, while steel options often emphasize maximum toughness and a lower initial cost. Radius-curved welds and internal baffles improve structural integrity and reduce surging of liquid during transport. Look for tanks with drain plugs for easy cleaning, reinforced bungs for pumps, and lifting hardware for handling. Short-bed compatibility often hinges on tank dimensions and clearance with mounting hardware and any tow hitch assemblies.
Capacity should align with typical fuel or liquid needs without overburdening the vehicle’s payload. If you require frequent pump operation, tanks with reinforced bungs and multiple mounting options offer greater flexibility. Exterior coatings contribute to rust resistance, especially in areas with road salt exposure. Finally, verify installation requirements, including mounting brackets, hardware size, and whether a leveling or stowage mechanism is included, to ensure a stable, safe setup in a compact bed configuration.