Did you know that modern Ram 1500 trucks don’t have steel fuel tanks? Some models had a plastic fuel tank and others have a polyethylene (thermoplastic polymer) tank. This makes the gas tank easier to puncture and damage. Plus, it gives thieves an advantage. 

Why do Ram 1500 trucks have plastic fuel tanks? 

Trucks actually have a few advantages when it comes to using plastic fuel tanks. For example, they reduce weight, prevent corrosion, and provide greater design flexibility. Plus, they can improve fuel efficiency. 

Ram trucks made between 2013 and 2014 with diesel engines have a 52-gallon polyurethane fuel tank. Also, Ram 1500 trucks built between 2019 to 2024 either have a 26-gallon plastic fuel tank or a 35-gallon polyethylene tank. 

Some Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado trucks also use plastic tanks. However, the Toyota Tundra uses aluminized steel tanks. 

Most off-roading trucks have a steel skid plate added to protect the gas tank. That’s because plastic is much easier to accidentally puncture than steel. The last thing you want is to be leaking gas or diesel. 

Also, Marco of San Diego recently ran out of gas while taking his kids to school. According to Torque News, he remembered seeing plenty of fuel in the gauge when he parked the night before. 

Upon further investigation, he found metal shavings in his parking spot and a drill hole in the tank. Thieves used a drill to steal his gas. Now his bill to replace the tank is over $2,000 because it can’t be patched. 

So now gas tanks aren’t as sturdy as they used to be and they cost more to repair! But I wonder how much fuel they save.