RCI Fuel Cell double welded

70Scout · May 8, 2017

I have a RCI fuel cell that cracked on a seam this weekend. I talked to Wayne at RCI and they will double weld it for me.
I was wondering if anyone had any luck with one that had been double welded.

I can also buy one of the rock crawler fuel cell at a discount rate.
Not sure how long the high strength polyethylene bladders will last.

I am looking for opinions on what you would go with.

Thanks

kdoss54 · May 8, 2017

no experience in either however from all the threads lately about fuel cells and other build threads id rather go with a bladder as i had to get them to fix it ... imo like i said i have no experience in either i run on pane :****:

TBItoy · May 8, 2017

Re:

I'd get the bladder cell and sell the cracked one to someone that will weld it up for themselves

paradisepwoffrd · May 8, 2017

Re:

X3 on bladder cell. FYI, the artec mounts wont fit them. Not sure there is one on the market that does.

rocfun · May 8, 2017

I would be willing to bet the bladder in a steel can will outlast the rig

rocfun · May 8, 2017

For the steel can/bladder style, all you have to do is notch the flange for a bracket to go over it

e4cutler · May 9, 2017

My RCI tank cracked last year and I had the guys at work weld it back up and I haven't had any issues since. That being said, had I known RCI made a tank with a bladder and would give me a discount on it, I would've swapped tanks instead. Now I'm changing the tank up to run an internal fuel pump and adding a baffle to slow down the fuel movement. Also adding a Artec mounting bracket so hopefully I won't have any more issues. My vote is take the discount and switch to the tank with the bladder.

stano · May 9, 2017

I had one crack, bought a new one and installed some alltech baffles. I found out after the fact that RCI would warranty it, so I called and they sent me a new dbl welded tank for free, but I haven't had time to swap them out, but I do take it with me on long trips just in case the current one splits. my .02 is I'd rather have a bladder and not worry, but I'm kinda committed right now.......

70Scout · May 9, 2017

I wonder how long the bladder will last.

e4cutler · May 9, 2017

70Scout said:
I wonder how long the bladder will last.

Also curious if the bladder deteriorates, can it be replaced or do you have to buy a new fuel cell?

01tj · May 9, 2017

I just got the RCI Rock Crawler cell after having my aluminum cell bust multiple times. Only mount I know of is from Axis Industries.

http://www.axisindustriesusa.com/rci-rock-crawler-mount-2161j/

01tj · May 9, 2017

Double post....

BUG-E J · May 9, 2017

01tj said:
I just got the RCI Rock Crawler cell after having my aluminum cell bust multiple times. Only mount I know of is from Axis Industries.

http://www.axisindustriesusa.com/rci-rock-crawler-mount-2161j/

Every time you post your avatar catches my eye. Greatest movie ever!

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blacksheep10 · May 9, 2017

Punkin85 said:
Also curious if the bladder deteriorates, can it be replaced or do you have to buy a new fuel cell?

No, I'd say sun is about all that breaks down the black poly cells, and it is in a steel can, so that is moot as well

truckbroke · May 9, 2017

My RCI cracked last year and I had a local machine shop cut the top out of the rci and reverse engineer the rci out of 1/4 aluminum adding a bladder in the middle. Problem solved.

truckbroke · May 9, 2017

Several of my buddies just had there rci rewelded and had a piece of aluminum angle iron also welded down the corners to strengthen them.

xjcrawler · May 10, 2017

My new double welded RCI tank has held up great so far, been at least 2 years.

Rokcrler · May 10, 2017

Re:

Just cause I r not smart...WTF is double welded?
I ran rci cells in various rigs, had one split a seam...but it was probably from my gentle wheeling methods.
I always rigidly mount with rubber isolated bottom...

xjcrawler · May 10, 2017

Re:

Rokcrler said:
Just cause I r not smart...WTF is double welded?
I ran rci cells in various rigs, had one split a seam...but it was probably from my gentle wheeling methods.
I always rigidly mount with rubber isolated bottom...

They run a second weld on top of the first because they usually split down the first weld.