then why do some auto parts stores sell the not-so-safe under bed replacement gas tanks (the ones that eliminate the spare tire mount) that would explode if you were rear-ended?
I think some guys thinking is that they'd prefer a fire in the bed, rather than in the cab. But gas tanks don't really explode, they just catch on fire. For it to explode, it would probably need to be vapor and pressurized, with oxygen mixed in. Even then... The Pinto's for example, didn't ever explode, they just caught on fire. Mythbuster's did a pretty neat episode on it to illustrate that part.
The thing I really don't like about the bed mount is most tanks have it right in the center line of the bed. I'm not a fan of gas drips all over a wood finish bed.
Some guys run it over to the wheel well for that reason. Guess it's all just personal preference.
