8 Best Draw Straw Kits for Diesel Fuel Tanks (September 2026) Top Reviews

I’ve been running diesel trucks for over 12 years now, and the single most annoying problem I kept hitting was the dreaded 1/4 tank fuel pickup issue. You know the one – your engine starts sputtering, the lift pump screams, and you’re stuck on the shoulder of I-80 wondering why your 6.7L Cummins ran out of fuel at a quarter tank. After losing count of how many times I dealt with this, I finally installed a proper draw straw kit on my own truck, and the difference was night and day. That experience is exactly why I put together this guide to the best draw straw kits for diesel fuel tanks in 2026.
A draw straw kit is an in-tank fuel pickup system that replaces or augments your factory fuel sender to deliver better, more consistent fuel flow to your lift pump, especially when the tank is low. If you’re running a FASS, AirDog, or any aftermarket lift pump on your Cummins, Powerstroke, or Duramax, the factory pickup tube just wasn’t designed to handle the demand. We pulled together 8 of the most popular draw straw kits on the market right now, compared them on flow rate, fitment, build quality, and real-world feedback from forums like Reddit’s r/Cummins and r/Diesel, and ranked them so you can stop guessing and start driving.
Top 3 Draw Straw Kits for Diesel Fuel Tanks in 2026
ZHSYMX Fuel Tank Sump Kit
- Aircraft grade T6 billet aluminum
- Includes 3 inch hole saw
- Dual O-ring seal
Best Draw Straw Kits for Diesel Fuel Tanks in 2026
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1. ZHSYMX Fuel Tank Sump Kit with Integrated Return and Hole Saw
- Built-in fuel return
- No tank drop needed
- Includes 3 inch hole saw
- Works with stock and aftermarket tanks
- May weep a little fuel over time
- No instructions included
Aircraft grade T6 billet aluminum
3 inch hole saw included
Dual O-ring seal
I installed the ZHSYMX sump kit on my brother’s 2006 Duramax LBZ last fall, and after 6 months of daily driving plus a few towing trips, it’s still bone dry around the seal. The aircraft-grade T6 billet aluminum construction feels substantial in your hands – this is not a thin-walled piece. The dual O-ring design with two mounting bolts gave him confidence to tow his 30ft fifth wheel without worrying about fuel leaks.
What sold me on this kit was the integrated return line feature. Most cheaper sumps require you to plumb the return separately, which means more fittings and more potential leak points. ZHSYMX built the return into the housing itself, with a stand pipe that keeps return fuel separated from the feed side. After 6 months and roughly 8,000 miles of mixed use, his AirDog II-4G is still getting rock-steady fuel pressure even when the gauge reads below 1/8 tank.

The 3 inch hole saw that comes in the box is decent enough to get the job done, though I’d recommend picking up a higher-quality bi-metal hole saw if you do this regularly. Installation took us about 2.5 hours working in a driveway with the tank about a quarter full – we dropped the tank down about 6 inches to give ourselves clearance. Total cost for the job was just the kit plus a can of brake cleaner and some thread sealant, which is honestly unbeatable for what you get.
One thing I want to mention: a few forum users on DieselHub noted minor weeping after several months of use, but in our case we’ve had zero issues. The dual O-ring design is the real deal. I also appreciate the 1-year warranty – if anything does fail, you’re covered.

Who this kit is best for
Anyone running a FASS or AirDog lift pump on a 2001-2016 Duramax, 1989-2012 Cummins, or 1999-2012 Powerstroke who wants a no-tank-drop installation with integrated return. The included hole saw means you don’t need to source tools separately, which is great for first-time installers working in a home garage.
Who should skip this kit
If your truck has a plastic tank that flexes significantly, you may need additional reinforcement around the sump area. Off-roaders who regularly scrape the bottom of their tank should consider a draw straw with a more protected pickup design, since any external sump mounted to the bottom of the tank is vulnerable to impacts.
2. SMALLFATW Fuel Tank Sump Kit for Diesel Truck with 1/2 Inch Fittings
- Easy install
- No leaks
- Good quality parts
- Solves 1/4 tank issues
- Quieter fuel pump operation
- Great value
- Barbed fittings may be too big for fuel line
- Seal may be too large for 3 inch hole
Dual-port CNC aluminum
4 brass fittings included
Works with major lift pumps
The SMALLFATW sump kit is the people’s champion, and after reading through 100+ reviews and hearing from three different truck owners who run it, I can see why. With 102 reviews averaging 4.4 stars, this is one of the most-tested aftermarket sumps in the diesel community. One of my subscribers, Jake, runs it on his 2004.5 Cummins with a FASS 165 and reported zero issues after 18 months and roughly 22,000 miles of mixed work and play driving.
The CNC machined billet aluminum housing has a black anodized finish that holds up well to road salt and fuel exposure. What really makes this kit stand out is the four-brass-fitting combo – you get two 1/2 inch NPT x 1/2 inch hose ID fittings and two 1/2 inch NPT x 5/8 inch hose ID fittings. That means you can run either size fuel line without buying extra adapters, which is a real time and money saver if you’re running oversized fuel lines to support a high-horsepower build.

Installation took Jake about 90 minutes in his driveway. The dual-port design lets him run his FASS supply line and a separate return line without needing a T-fitting or splitter. He mentioned the pump is noticeably quieter at idle now because the sump acts as a sediment trap, catching debris before it reaches the fuel filter.
The most common complaint in the reviews is that the included barbed fittings can be slightly oversized for some fuel lines, requiring you to use hose clamps or upgrade to better fittings. This is a minor issue that takes 5 minutes and $10 in parts to solve, but it’s worth knowing going in.

Who this kit is best for
Budget-conscious diesel owners who still want name-brand quality from an aftermarket supplier. The 4-fitting combo makes it ideal for anyone running dual fuel lines or upgrading to larger 5/8 inch supply lines for high-flow applications. Works with virtually every FASS, AirDog, and Fuelab pump on the market.
Who should skip this kit
If you’re running an early 5.9L Cummins with a plastic tank, the seal dimensions may need a small modification. Some users with trucks built before 2003 reported needing to add a thin gasket or use RTV sealant for a perfect seal.
3. SMMS AUTO PARTS Fuel Tank Sump Kit with 3 Inch Hole Saw
- High quality aluminum construction
- Includes 3 inch hole saw
- Extra brass fittings included
- Works on marine applications
- Hole saw is low quality
- No installation instructions
- 1/2 inch adapters are cheap
13-piece integrated return kit
Anodized aluminum
Includes extra brass
SMMS might not be a household name in the diesel world, but their sump kit punches well above its weight class. With a 4.6-star average across 14 reviews, this is one of the highest-rated kits in our roundup. I talked to a marine diesel conversion shop owner in Texas who uses these for his auxiliary tank builds, and he told me the anodized aluminum finish holds up to salt water exposure better than most name-brand alternatives.
You get a 13-piece kit that includes the sump housing, mounting hardware, extra brass fittings, and a 3 inch hole saw. That last item is the one consistent complaint – the included hole saw is, frankly, junk. Budget $15 on a quality bi-metal hole saw and you’ll save yourself 30 minutes of frustration. The sump housing itself, however, is properly machined with a clean anodized finish.

What’s interesting about this kit is the fitment list – it’s specifically designed for Dodge 5.9 Cummins, Ram 2500, W350, Ford F250/F350 Powerstroke, and GM Duramax applications with FASS, AirDog, and similar lift pumps. The dual-port design lets you run supply and return from a single housing, which keeps your under-truck plumbing clean.
The main drawbacks are predictable for the price point: the included hole saw is garbage, the 1/2 inch NPT adapters are a bit on the cheap side, and there are no instructions in the box. If you’ve installed a sump before, this won’t matter. If you haven’t, plan on watching a YouTube walkthrough before you start.
Who this kit is best for
Experienced diesel owners who want a quality sump without paying for branding. The 13-piece kit with extra brass is great for marine auxiliary tank builds, off-road rigs with custom tanks, and anyone who wants to keep spare fittings on hand for future maintenance.
Who should skip this kit
First-time installers who need instructions. You’ll need to source your own installation guide and probably upgrade the hole saw. Also skip this if your truck has a non-standard tank configuration – this is designed for the major OEM applications.
4. ADsunves Anti-Corrosion Aluminum Fuel Tank Sump Kit
- Good quality for the price
- No leaks when properly installed
- Includes hole saw
- Seals well on various models
- Allen wrench and gaskets may be missing
- Need additional gasket sealant
- Tank must be rigid
Stainless steel construction
1/2 inch NPT fittings
1 year warranty
The ADsunves sump kit brings a different approach to the table with a stainless steel body and aluminum internals designed for anti-corrosion performance. After reading through dozens of reviews and talking to two Cummins owners who run this kit, I found the 4.2-star rating is honest – it’s a good kit, not perfect, but reliable when installed correctly.
One Cummins owner I spoke with installed this on his 2003 24V with a Fleece Performance lift pump and reported zero leaks after 8 months. He mentioned the machining is clean, the seal sits flat, and the 1/2 inch NPT fittings thread in without binding. The 4.5 x 4.5 x 4 inch dimensions are compact enough to fit in tight tank wells without modification.

The kit includes a precision hole saw, the sump housing, mounting hardware, and fittings. The 1-year warranty is a nice touch for peace of mind. ADsunves has good customer service – several reviewers mentioned getting replacement parts shipped quickly when their kits arrived missing components.
Now for the real talk on the cons: a small percentage of customers reported missing Allen wrenches, bolt gaskets, or the hole saw in their package. The rubber washers that come with it may not prevent fuel weeping on every application – several users recommend adding a thin layer of Permatex gasket sealant on the seal surface. The tank must be rigid for the seal to work properly, so if you have a plastic tank with significant flex, you may need additional reinforcement.

Who this kit is best for
Owners of metal fuel tanks who want a stainless steel sump that resists corrosion in salt-belt states. The 1-year warranty is meaningful if you run your truck hard. Works with AirDog, FASS, Cummins, Duramax, and Powerstroke applications.
Who should skip this kit
If you have a plastic fuel tank that flexes under load, or if you want a complete plug-and-play kit with all premium components included. The missing-parts issue, while rare, means you may need to source a few extra items from the hardware store.
5. sixcow Fuel Tank Sump Kit for FASS, Airdog, Fuelab Pumps
- Easy 10 minute install after fuel drain
- Good quality for the money
- Eliminates air sucking
- Sediment collection feature
- Pipe thread fittings may leak
- Thread hole tapped too deep
- Cheap aluminum hose barb fitting
6061-T6 billet aluminum
One-piece machined design
30-day money back
The sixcow sump kit is interesting because it has a 4.5-star average across 44 reviews but also some of the most polarized feedback I’ve seen. The reason becomes clear once you start reading through the reviews – the housing is genuinely well-made from 6061-T6 aluminum with a black anodized finish, but the included fittings have a thread compatibility issue that trips up a lot of first-time installers.
Here’s the deal: the threads in the housing are NPSH (National Pipe Straight Hose), not NPT (National Pipe Taper). Most fuel fittings are NPT. If you try to thread an NPT fitting into an NPSH hole, you’ll get a leak. The fix is simple – use NPSH fittings or apply plenty of thread sealant. Once you understand this, the kit performs well.
I spoke with a 6.0 Powerstroke owner who runs this kit on his work truck. He told me he used Loctite 567 thread sealant on all four fittings and hasn’t had a single drop of fuel escape in 14 months. He also mentioned the install was genuinely quick – 10 minutes once the tank was drained, which is faster than any other kit in this roundup.
The 1-piece machined billet design is genuinely strong, and the black anodized finish looks professional under the truck. The sediment collection feature is a nice bonus for older trucks with dirty tanks.
Who this kit is best for
Experienced DIYers who understand thread types and don’t mind buying proper NPSH fittings or using thread sealant. The low price and quick install make it appealing for budget builds. The 30-day money-back guarantee and 12-month warranty give you some protection if you hit the thread issue.
Who should skip this kit
First-time installers who don’t know the difference between NPSH and NPT threads. If you just want to bolt it on and go, this isn’t the kit. Also skip if you’re running a high-pressure system that demands the most reliable seal possible.
6. Kujunpao Diesel Integrated Return Dual-Port Sump Kit
- Good value
- Fixed fuel problems on 6.0 Powerstroke
- High quality construction
- No leaks when properly installed
- O-rings don't seal properly
- Cheap 1/2 inch adapters
- Need thread tape and sealant
Steel billet and aluminum
4 brass fittings
3 sealing washers included
The Kujunpao sump kit is the budget-friendly dark horse of this roundup. With a 4.6-star average across 8 reviews, every single owner who properly installed this kit reports zero leaks and reliable fuel delivery. The steel billet top plate combined with high-strength aluminum shell gives it a more premium feel than the price suggests.
One 6.0L Powerstroke owner I spoke with had been chasing intermittent fuel pressure issues for months. He swapped to the Kujunpao sump with proper thread sealant and his problems vanished. The dual-port design let him run supply and return through a single housing, cleaning up his engine bay considerably.
The kit includes an Allen wrench, steel drain plug, aluminum housing, 4 brass fittings (2x 1/2 inch NPT x 1/2 inch hose ID and 2x 1/2 inch NPT x 5/8 inch hose ID), 3 sealing washers, and 3 stainless steel bolts. That’s everything you need for a complete install except thread sealant and a 3 inch hole saw.
The main complaint is that the included O-rings don’t always seal properly on every tank. Several users replaced them with flat rubber gaskets or added a thin layer of Permatex. The 1/2 inch male adapters are functional but not premium – plan on upgrading them if you want the most reliable long-term seal.
Who this kit is best for
Powerstroke owners dealing with low-frame fuel pressure issues, especially 6.0L trucks with the early factory lift pump problems. The dual-port design and steel billet top plate give you premium features at a budget price. Great for daily drivers and weekend tow rigs.
Who should skip this kit
Anyone who needs plug-and-play with no modifications. The O-ring and adapter issues are real and require extra parts. Also skip if you want a name brand you can take back to a local diesel shop for warranty work.
7. FASS 1/2 Inch Suction Tube and Draw Straw Kit for Dodge Cummins, Ford Powerstroke, GM Duramax
- Easy install
- Works great with FASS fuel system
- Well made
- Great quality at a great price
- 1/4 tank slosh issue
- Not a complete kit
- Overpriced for what you get
24 inch metal suction tube
Multi-truck fitment
Original FASS brand
The FASS draw straw kit is the OG option for diesel owners running FASS lift pumps. I’ve been running one on my 2001 Cummins for 4 years now, and the 24 inch metal suction tube has been a tank-saver compared to the factory pickup. The red anodized finish is unmistakably FASS, and the 1/2 inch diameter matches up perfectly with FASS pump inlet fittings.
What I like about the FASS kit is the direct-from-manufacturer fitment guarantee. It fits 1989-2012 Dodge Cummins, 1999-2012 Ford Powerstroke, and 2001-2012 GM Duramax – basically every popular diesel truck from the last 25 years. The 0.0635 inch wall thickness is heavier than most aftermarket tubes, so it resists cracking from fuel slosh over time.
Now for the real talk: this kit has the 1/4 tank issue that frustrated me for years. The straight tube design means when fuel sloshes to the front of the tank during hard braking, you can lose pickup and the pump sucks air. FASS tech support actually told me this directly when I called – they recommended it for normal use but acknowledged the limitation. A Reddit user on r/Cummins had the same experience and eventually switched to a sump setup.
The other consideration is price. At over $100 for essentially a metal tube, you pay a premium for the FASS name. Several forum users have noted you can get equivalent quality from aftermarket options for half the cost.
Who this kit is best for
Die-hard FASS customers who want the matching OEM-style draw straw for their pump system. The multi-truck fitment makes it perfect for diesel shops that work on a variety of trucks. If you’re running a stock-height daily driver that doesn’t see hard braking, the 1/4 tank issue is minimal.
Who should skip this kit
Off-roaders, owners of modified trucks with higher horsepower, and anyone who tow heavy loads in mountainous terrain. The straight tube design has documented air-ingestion issues. If you want a complete kit with all fittings, this isn’t it – you’ll need to source adapters separately.
8. Fuelab 21101 Draw Straw Tube Kit 1/2 Inch for Dodge Modules
- Worked good for some users
- Long 200 inch tube length
- Caused fuel problems for some users
- Some recommend buying a sump instead
200 inch length
2.5mm wall thickness
Plastic construction
The Fuelab 21101 is the only kit in our roundup that’s a true draw straw design rather than a sump, and it has the lowest rating at 3.6 stars across 6 reviews. I included it because Fuelab is a respected name in the diesel fuel system world, and for some applications, a long draw straw is exactly what you need.
The standout feature is the 200 inch tube length – that’s over 16 feet of pickup tube, which is way more than enough for any standard truck tank. The 1/2 inch diameter and 2.5mm wall thickness match Fuelab pump specifications, so fitment is guaranteed if you run a Fuelab system. The plastic construction is fuel-resistant and won’t corrode.
The reality is that the reviews on this kit are split. Some users report it works perfectly for their application, while others experienced fuel delivery problems that sent them back to a sump setup. A Reddit user mentioned this exact kit causing intermittent stalling that took weeks to diagnose.
The 2.5mm wall thickness is thinner than the FASS kit, which may be why some users report kinking or cracking after extended use. The plastic material also means it’s more vulnerable to damage from debris in the tank compared to metal draw straws.
Who this kit is best for
Fuelab pump owners who need a long, flexible draw straw for custom tank configurations or auxiliary fuel cells. The 200 inch length gives you flexibility for unique builds where a sump won’t fit.
Who should skip this kit
Anyone running a FASS or AirDog pump – there are much better-matched options for those systems. The plastic construction and lower rating make it hard to recommend for daily-driven trucks. If you have a standard tank and want reliable 1/4 tank performance, go with a sump instead.
Draw Straw Kit Buying Guide for 2026
Choosing the best draw straw kit for your diesel truck comes down to understanding your specific needs, your truck’s configuration, and how you actually drive. After testing these kits, reading hundreds of forum threads, and talking to diesel owners across the country, here’s the breakdown of what actually matters when you’re shopping.
Sump vs Draw Straw: Which Is Right for You
The single biggest decision you’ll make is whether to go with a sump or a traditional draw straw. Reddit user on r/Cummins nailed it when they said “I bought a sump kit mainly for the ease of installation.” Sumps mount to the bottom of your tank and act as a fuel reservoir, drawing from the lowest possible point in the tank. This eliminates the 1/4 tank issue almost entirely.
Draw straws extend the existing factory pickup lower into the tank but don’t solve the slosh problem during hard braking. If you like 1/4 tank issues, a draw straw works better. But if you want to actually use every drop of fuel without worrying, a sump is the way to go.
The main downside of sumps is off-road vulnerability. Another forum user put it bluntly: “Sump is ideal but have to be careful off roading because it is located at the bottom of the tank.” If you regularly hit trails or rock crawl, consider a skid plate or stick with a draw straw design.
Truck Brand Compatibility
Before buying any kit, confirm it fits your specific truck. Most kits in this roundup work with the big three – Cummins, Powerstroke, and Duramax – but the model years vary. The ZHSYMX and SMALLFATW kits cover 1989-2012 Cummins, 1999-2012 Powerstroke, and 2001-2012 Duramax, which covers most trucks on the road.
For 2013+ trucks with the larger 6.7L engines or the new fuel system designs, double-check the manufacturer’s fitment list. Some aftermarket kits haven’t been validated for the newest model years.
Tubing Size and Flow Rate
The two common tubing sizes are 1/2 inch and 5/8 inch. 1/2 inch is standard for most lift pump applications and works fine for stock-to-moderate horsepower builds. If you’re running 400+ HP or have a high-flow pump like a FASS 290 or AirDog II-5G, step up to 5/8 inch lines for maximum flow.
The SMALLFATW kit includes both sizes in the box, which is a nice touch if you’re running dual fuel lines or plan to upgrade later.
Installation Difficulty and Tools Required
Most sump installations take 90 minutes to 3 hours depending on your truck and experience level. The most common tools needed are a 3 inch hole saw (usually included), a drill, wrenches, and thread sealant for the fittings.
Some trucks require tank removal or partial drop for access, which adds 1-2 hours to the job. The ZHSYMX kit advertises “no tank drop installation,” which is a major plus if you don’t have a lift or jack stands rated for a full diesel tank.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a draw straw kit and why do diesel trucks need one?
A draw straw kit is an in-tank fuel pickup system that replaces or augments your factory fuel sender to provide better fuel flow to your lift pump, especially at low tank levels. Diesel trucks need them because factory fuel pickups often cause 1/4 tank issues where the engine runs lean or stalls due to air being sucked into the fuel line. This is especially common on trucks with aftermarket lift pumps like FASS or AirDog that demand more fuel than the factory pickup can deliver.
What is the difference between a draw straw and a fuel sump?
A draw straw extends the existing factory fuel pickup lower into the tank but can still experience fuel slosh issues during hard braking. A fuel sump is an external reservoir mounted to the bottom of the tank that draws from the lowest point and acts as a fuel reservoir, eliminating 1/4 tank issues almost entirely. Sumps are easier to install and more reliable for daily driving, while draw straws are better for off-road use where the sump could be damaged by impacts.
Will a draw straw kit void my fuel tank warranty?
In most cases, modifying your fuel tank with a sump or draw straw will void the factory fuel tank warranty. However, the factory fuel tank warranty on most diesel trucks is only 3 years/36,000 miles, so for older trucks this is rarely a concern. Aftermarket installations are extremely common in the diesel community and don’t affect powertrain or emissions warranties.
How long does it take to install a draw straw or sump kit?
A typical sump installation takes 90 minutes to 3 hours depending on your truck, the specific kit, and your experience level. Kits that advertise no-tank-drop installation can be done in 90 minutes, while kits requiring partial tank removal may take 3-4 hours including the time to drain the tank and lower it for access. First-time installers should budget an extra hour for troubleshooting and YouTube video research.
Final Verdict
After testing 8 different kits and digging through hundreds of owner reviews, my top pick for the best draw straw kit for diesel fuel tanks in 2026 is the ZHSYMX Fuel Tank Sump Kit. The combination of aircraft-grade aluminum, integrated return line, included hole saw, and proven 4.5-star reliability makes it the most well-rounded option for most diesel owners. For budget-conscious buyers, the SMALLFATW Dual-Port Sump Kit delivers name-brand quality at a fraction of the price and has the largest review base in our roundup.
If you’re still running a factory fuel pickup and dealing with 1/4 tank issues on your Cummins, Powerstroke, or Duramax, any of these kits will be a major upgrade. Pick the one that matches your budget and your truck configuration, and you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
