Van tank fixing poll

« **on:** February 18, 2012, 07:06:13 pm »

Tick all that apply.

Additional thoughts?

Doh! - for upright or flat please explain in post - soz!

« **Reply #1 on:** February 18, 2012, 07:08:17 pm »

Ive a 500ltr upright tank with frame & bolted through the floor & chassis

« **Reply #2 on:** February 18, 2012, 07:14:14 pm »

This is basically what I was wanting photos of in my thread. I've got a 250 litre system to go in my escort van and was wondering what they looked like racheted in.

« **Reply #3 on:** February 18, 2012, 08:03:26 pm »

current set up is 2 500ltr tanks bolted in stainless steel frame

old system was 400 ltr upright against bulkhead with straps

if you can get the tank tight to a bulkhead i see no problems

Darran

« **Reply #4 on:** February 18, 2012, 08:28:58 pm »

I have a 650litre upright, just strapped. It is up against bulk head and cant fit any further forward as its also wedged against the roof and sides if it goes any further forward. If it wasnt against bulk head i would definitely bolt it down, i have 4 8 ton (i think) ratchet straps, but the load restraint hooks are not plated for much i think, and wouldnt trust them...

« **Reply #5 on:** February 18, 2012, 09:54:02 pm »

400 ltr flat tank strapped in back of L200 pickup . wedged in so no room for movement from front to back or side to side . MIKE

« **Reply #6 on:** February 19, 2012, 09:54:28 am »

Do not think it is a good idea having tank right up to bulkhead as it is better to have a more centrally placed as the van is probably designed to have load spread more evenly.

I base this on putting my dispatch with 600l upright full tank on weighbridge. The tank is set about 18inches from bulkhead and the front axle was pretty much on the limit. Back axle a bit more tolerance though.

« **Reply #7 on:** February 19, 2012, 01:07:47 pm »

it is true. with 400 litres on board, I was on the nail front axle, and 100 kg to spare on back. but I would prefer that way and have the tank safe up against bulk head rather than risk it gaining momentum from further back.

but is good idea to stick on weigh bridge to gauge axle loads.....

« **Reply #8 on:** February 19, 2012, 01:31:47 pm »

350 tank in frame bolted through floor

« **Reply #9 on:** February 19, 2012, 02:44:57 pm »

Quote from: colley614 on February 18, 2012, 07:14:14 pm

This is basically what I was wanting photos of in my thread. I've got a 250 litre system to go in my escort van and was wondering what they looked like racheted in.

I had exatly that for four years with no worries at all. I just strapped off the anchour points, and butted up to the bulkhead.

« **Reply #10 on:** February 19, 2012, 05:15:36 pm »

ratchet strapped 650 flat tank for a couple of years to angle Iron bolted to chassis. Never felt completely safe.
Now have a pure freedom cage with upright 650L I would never ratchet strap to the vans eyes - they just aren't up to the job (neither are bulkheads).
Brought home to me a couple of weeks ago when I got my van hit.

« **Reply #11 on:** February 19, 2012, 06:19:40 pm »

Quote from: Mark Etting on February 19, 2012, 05:15:36 pm

ratchet strapped 650 flat tank for a couple of years to angle Iron bolted to chassis. Never felt completely safe.
Now have a pure freedom cage with upright 650L I would never ratchet strap to the vans eyes - they just aren't up to the job (neither are bulkheads).
Brought home to me a couple of weeks ago when I got my van hit.

got more info on why bulk heads aren't up to job, and on what happened with your accident, pix, etc mate?

« **Reply #12 on:** February 19, 2012, 07:27:50 pm »

Gardiners built a crash tested system some years ago and put a video up on YouTube. from what I remember the force of the water alone was enough to destroy the bulkhead.
My accident was nothing major but it's the first one I've ever had. I got hit in the side. It just wakes you up to the fact that an accident could easily happen. Brodex or Ionics put out a crash test video too and although less convincing than Gardiners (it was unclear if the tank was secured at all) the results were pretty frightening.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhVrCGTqVqA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-i9EMHhZ_Ww

« **Reply #13 on:** February 19, 2012, 07:52:45 pm »

will look for the gardiners one. I seen the ionics one, but as you said it doesnt even appear to be secured in any way......but thats why i prefer it up against the bulkhead as less momentum gain.

« **Reply #14 on:** February 19, 2012, 07:56:54 pm »

Gardiners have taken theirs down. But if you look at the bulkhead in the second video it gets buckled by not much at all.

« **Reply #15 on:** February 19, 2012, 08:16:08 pm »

Vauxhall combo with 350l upright - one strap around tank to bulkhead, two straps round tank and through baffles to floor anchor points.

« **Reply #16 on:** February 19, 2012, 11:16:22 pm »

650 upright in steel frame bolted to chassis through floor. Set about a foot from bulk head as diesel tank is right under bulkhead (vivaro). Worked out a nice space to put all my caution signs though!

« **Reply #17 on:** February 20, 2012, 05:41:25 am »

actually, I'm thinkin of downsizing to a 500 litre upright tank, and perhaps having it lengthwise instead of width wise. this would spread the weight out better, is this safe, or am I overlooking something obvious?!

« **Reply #18 on:** February 20, 2012, 07:33:41 am »

depends on how its baffled

Darran

« **Reply #19 on:** February 20, 2012, 08:24:10 am »

Distribute the weight evenly with a flat tank, remember don't overload the axles because if the ministry (vosa) weigh you, which they will if they see how low you are. They'll fine you big time and if you can't pay they'll take your vehicle

Poll

Do you/would you? (650L Baffled tank)