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Thieves Stole 3 Gallons of Gas From My Ram Truck, Now the Dealer Says It’s $2,000 To Fix My Damaged Gas Tank, It’s Infuriating and Frustrating

If you had thieves steal gas from your vehicle, you know how Marco feels. However, it's much worse for Marco, who owns a Ram pickup. It features a special polyethylene gas tank, which is expensive to replace. Here's what all Ram owners need to know. 
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Beware of thieves stealing gas for your Ram pickup.

Marco says he was taking his kids to school, and he noticed the dashboard's low fuel warning light was lit up. It read, "zero miles to empty."

A report from Fox 5 News in San Diego reports that Marco had gas stolen from his truck. But there's more to the story than stolen gas. Also, keep reading to find out what Ram truck owners need to know. 

"My Ram's computer dashboard said zero miles to empty, which is strange," Marco said.

Marco knew that he had some gas in his Ram pickup when he shut it off the previous evening after getting home from work. So, he got out, looked under the truck, and smelled gas. The next thing he saw was metal shavings underneath the rear of his truck.

Upon further inspection, he noticed a hole had been drilled in the bottom of his gas tank. Now he's shocked. Someone drilled a hole in the tank and drained all the gas. He says it was about three gallons, so that was not the big issue. 

Fixing his gas tank is going to be a big issue.

The report from Fox 5 News says, "Marco, a resident on Idaho Street who asked that his last name be withheld for safety reasons, said he discovered a hole in his truck's gas tank last week when he attempted to take his children to school."

The report states that Marco called the Ram dealer and found out that the cost of replacing his damaged gas tank is expected to exceed $2,000. His truck utilizes a newer polyethylene tank that can't be patched due to its expanding and contracting properties. 

Marco needs to buy a new, expensive gas tank. 

"It's infuriating and frustrating," Marco said. "I work in South County; my spouse works in North County, and our kids go to school in the middle. So it's just not easy to live on one car."

Marco looked on the Next Door app for his neighborhood and found that other car owners who lived on his street had also had gas stolen from their vehicles.  

He said he soon heard from others in the North Park area near San Diego, who reported gas thefts the same day and even as far back as March.

Lia Conrath, who lives in the same area as Marco, said she hadn't heard about the thefts until recently. 

"I usually park right outside of my house, and we do have a big dog, so it helps keep people away. However, I'm not sure; we might consider installing surveillance cameras. We don't have any at the moment."

The report says Marco is considering installing cameras. While he acknowledges even with high gas prices in California, he said the damage caused by the thefts is far more severe than the small amount of fuel being taken.

"It's so little reward for so much damage," he said.

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Why do Ram pickup trucks use a polyethylene gas tank?

Marco's Ram truck utilizes a polyethylene fuel tank due to their lighter weight and greater design flexibility compared to traditional steel tanks. These tanks are made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE). 

Ram pickup with a polyethylene gas tank

Multiple modern Ram pickup trucks come with polyethylene gas tanks from the factory. 

Examples include:

  • 2013-2024 Dodge RAM Crew Cab, Short Bed Cummins Diesel: These models offer a 52-gallon, extra-heavy-duty cross-linked polyethylene fuel tank.
  • 2019-2024 RAM 1500: Some versions, specifically those equipped with a 26-gallon gasoline tank, feature a plastic fuel tank.
  • Various Dodge Ram 1500 models: Certain versions, particularly those with a 35-gallon fuel tank, utilize a polyethylene tank. 

Besides surveillance cameras, what are other things Ram truck owners can do to deter gas theft? 

1. Deterrence through parking location:

  • Park in a garage: If possible, park your Ram pickup in a locked garage, which offers the highest level of security.
  • Choose well-lit, high-traffic areas: When parking on the street, opt for locations that are well-lit and have regular foot traffic to deter thieves who prefer to work in the dark.
  • Avoid predictable routines: Change your parking spot on the street regularly to make it less likely for thieves to target your vehicle. 

2. Enhance physical security:

  • Consider a locking gas cap: A locking gas cap can prevent access to your fuel tank and deter opportunistic thieves. Many Ram pickups feature a capless fuel system, which has an internal mechanism to prevent siphoning; however, a locking cap provides an additional level of security.
  • Invest in a fuel tank skid plate: For Ram trucks with plastic tanks, consider adding an aluminum skid plate under the tank to protect it from being drilled and drained.
  • Install a locking fuel door or cover: These accessories can prevent access to the fuel filler neck, which is particularly helpful for models with the Easy Fuel system.
  • Check for Ram's security features: Ram offers a Security Package that includes features such as theft alerts, Start Inhibit (preventing the engine from starting even with the key), and stolen vehicle services. 

3. Additional security measures:

  • Consider a car alarm: An alarm could deter thieves by attracting attention when the vehicle is tampered with.
  • Use motion-activated lights: Installing motion-activated lights around your parking area can scare off potential thieves.
  • Install CCTV: If you have a driveway or dedicated parking space, a security camera can monitor and deter theft attempts.

4. Be vigilant and observant:

  • Be aware of your surroundings: When parking, pay attention to the environment and potential risks.
  • Trust your instincts: If a parking spot or area feels unsafe, choose another location. 

Conclusion:

While these measures can significantly deter gas theft in a Ram pickup, they may not completely prevent a determined thief with the right tools and equipment. However, by making your truck a less appealing target, you increase the likelihood that a thief will move on to an easier mark. 

It's Your Turn

Have you had gas stolen from your Ram truck? Did you have to replace the polyethylene gas tank? If so, click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.

Check out my Ram truck story: Ram Truck Thief Calls Local Police and Says, “I Hurt Myself and I Can’t Get Out” After Breaking Through the Dealer’s Glass Window

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news and providing expert analysis on Subaru, which you'll find here, ensuring that you, as a reader, are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on my X SubaruReportAll Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierlFacebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Denis Flierl

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Comments

Buzz Wired (not verified)    June 15, 2025 - 1:31PM

Plastic gas tank. Somewhere along the line, someone thought that was a swell idea, just like Nissan and their plastic oil pans on the Rogue. One call to me could have saved a ton of headaches in both cases. But what can we do about it now, right?


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Frank (not verified)    June 16, 2025 - 8:23AM

Save yourself the $2,000. Find a screw larger than the hole, some JB weld and screw the screw into the hole. Problem solved Park your truck up in your driveway. Not out on the street

Jaysmiles (not verified)    June 16, 2025 - 9:31AM

My crazy uncle drills a hole in all his plastic gastanks and screws in a valve so he can drain his gas when storing the vehicles. Been doing this for 20 years.

LiQuiDM3tH (not verified)    June 17, 2025 - 12:37PM

In reply to by Jaysmiles (not verified)

That's not crazy the crazy people are the ones that don't vent their gas cans. Some genius thought of the horrible ventless gas cans, the bane of landscapers and homeowners that mow their lawns for decades

Skkr (not verified)    June 16, 2025 - 10:23AM

Check with your car or house insurance. It may be covered under car. If my car is broken into , I'm covered. It's the same as if your catylic converter is stolen.

Larry (not verified)    June 16, 2025 - 5:25PM

We have the highest gas prices in the US wait till refineries close and gas is $3 more people will be stealing more gas can't wait to leave cali

Andrew (not verified)    June 16, 2025 - 11:15PM

The tank can be repaired in minutes with a $10 soldering iron, hdpe (used oil containers are typically made from this) and some practice plastic welding. YouTube is full of how-to videos, and I have successfully repaired tanks this way. Can be done on vehicle as long as you have clear access.

Bob (not verified)    June 22, 2025 - 9:03AM

It is very obvious whoever wrote this article has no idea anything about automotive. These gas tanks have been in use since the 1980s and it is a very rare thing to find a steel tank in anything anymore. As far as replacement, the dealership was ripping them off big time, Go to almost any salvage yard and you can get a new tank for between $50 to $100. The tech design and solve changes very little, the one that's pictured is almost identical to the one in my 1993 Dodge Dakota. Just look up part interchange. Even if it's not an exact match, it's likely you'll be able to use tanks from multiple different models and years, there's just slight little differences here and there. Guessing straps would be the next major cause which are roughly about $75. The only reason that those would needs are be replaced is if the truck is at least 10 years old in the straps are rusted out. Considering that the tank was empty it would be extremely easy to change that tank. Once it is up on a overhead lift, take out four bolts holding the rear of the drive shaft to the rear end, hang that to the side, using something to support the weight of the tank itself which is maybe 5 lb, remove the two bolts that hold the two gas tank straps, those were swing down and out of the way, lower the gas tank a little and unscrew the hose clamp holding the filler neck in place to the outside of the box. Then disconnect the quick connect fuel fittings on the tank, untwist the circular lock that holds the fuel pump in place. After that, finished lowering the gas tank, pulled it out, put the new one on whatever you are using to support and raise / lower the tank, and reinstall the opposite way of taking it out. The process takes maybe 20 minutes.

As far as metal shavings found underneath, yes this is a plastic tank, the metal shavings are from a heat deflective shield that doubles as a skid plate already. The gas thief most likely drilled through that into the tank.

No car alarm would deter this from happening, no locking gas cap would stop this either. Whoever wrote this article is delusional, and should have consulted Someone that knows something about automotive.

Thank you for the laugh, it is heartwarming to know how ignorant some people are about topics and act as professionals