RATEL Long Range Fuel Tank Review – Jimny

Why I Finally Committed to a Long-Range Tank

For the longest time, I put off fitting a long-range tank. I had a shiny SG Performance turbo setup with a custom exhaust I didn’t want to cut, and I convinced myself that jerry cans were fine.

But when you’re getting just 220 km per tank, filling up at every single garage, and still hauling extra fuel even on short trips like into the Tankwa Karoo, it stops being funny.

That’s when I finally decided — the Jimny needed a long-range tank.

1. Choosing a Tank – Why RATEL Won

I looked at three main options. Two required exhaust modifications, and one came with a Viper exhaust re-route — and based on my past experience with Viper, that was never happening.

Another came with a composite tank. Lighter? Sure. But if that cracked in the middle of nowhere, how would I fix it?

That left the RATEL Long Range Tank as the only real contender:

74 litres capacity (vs stock 40L).
Steel construction with a bash plate.
Relocated the pump and electronics with proper protection.
No exhaust cutting required.

Yes, it’s slightly less than the 80L options, but that’s easy to make up with a small Rotopax on the rear door if needed.

2. Installation – Straightforward (for a Long Range Tank)

Compared to other brands, the RATEL install is refreshingly simple:

No custom exhaust reroutes.
Proper mounts, pump relocation, and protective plates included.
The only extra I did was heat-wrapping the SG Performance exhaust since it runs close to the tank.

Definitely one of the easier tanks to fit if you’re mechanically minded or have a good installer.

3. First Trip Results – Jimny Gathering 2025

I installed the tank just before heading off to the Jimny Gathering, which was the perfect test.

380 km before the fuel light even came on.
Estimated range: ~440 km per tank (yes, bad compared to stock Jimnys, but almost double what I was getting).
No more jerry cans rattling around.
No stress about finding fuel every few hours.

And just as importantly, I could now choose where to fill up. With a turbo Jimny, I need clean 95 octane (93 is not really an option), and the tank gave me the freedom to skip dodgy stations.

4. Driving Experience & Handling

One of the unexpected benefits was how the Jimny felt with the weight carried lower down. Combined with the new suspension, rooftop tent, and radius arms, the RATEL tank balanced the car nicely. No more nose-up, tail-heavy feeling when carrying extra fuel in jerries.

The gauge does act a little funny (like most dual or aftermarket tanks) — it stays full for longer and then drops quicker. But once you know your range, it’s a non-issue.

5. Pros & Cons of the RATEL Long Range Tank

Pros:

Steel construction with bash plate protection.
No exhaust cutting required.
Lower centre of gravity vs carrying jerries.
Extends range enough to keep up with bigger rigs.
Freedom to choose better garages for fuel.

Cons:

Gauge isn’t 100% accurate (normal for long range tanks).
Slightly less capacity (74L vs 80L competitors).
Adds weight — though in my case, it actually balanced the car.

6. Final Thoughts – Worth It?

If you’re in a stock Jimny, you can get by without a long-range tank. But if you’ve added a turbo, bigger tyres, or you overland regularly, it becomes a game-changer.

For me, the RATEL Long Range Tank was one of those mods I wish I’d done sooner. No more jerry cans, no more fuel stops every 200 km, and peace of mind knowing I can pick where to fill up.

For the Jimny Gathering, it made the trip so much more enjoyable. No stress, no fuel anxiety — just drive.

If you’re building a Jimny for overlanding, I’d say the RATEL Long Range Tank isn’t just worth it… it’s essential.

If you are interested in getting your own long-range tank, visit Ratel 4×4