[MATT BATEMAN (OWC)]

Matt, follow the link that you posted and see 'how to secure loads safely' it does refer to ratchet straps, so how would this deemed as being illegal?

Its just my opinion, but if a load is secured by a mechanism that is inadequate then it isnt secure.

If it isnt secure its unsafe.

I just go by what I feel and believe is the right thing to do. For the sake of  a few quid Id rather travel safe than travel with a heightened risk of having 3/4 tonne of water coming through the bulkhead rendering the vehicle uncontrollable.

Don't forget the dynamics of a load of water compared to the dynamics of a similiar weighted load of cement is going to be entirely different.

If you want to travel with a DIY system feel free, just dont crash into me.

[keyser soze]

who fitted your tank matt?

[MATT BATEMAN (OWC)]

GrippaMax.

[tlwcs]

GrippaMax.

Have all your previous vans been pro fitted Matt?

[home6442]

The whole point of a diy system is to save money but do your research.
I worked out that a diy system to the same standard would have saved me
between £400 and £500 pounds.
For the extra I got a guarantee, training and a better system than I would have designed myself.
Believe me when it come to saving money I am as tight as a ducks behind
but sometimes you can spend a pound to save a penny.

[Klean07]

My tank is in a cage and was fitted by a m.o.t garage with 6inch bolts through the chassis the rest was done by me!

[Stephen.C]

I know a bloke that knows a bloke some know this bloke, his insurance didn't pay out as his van was totaled in a very minor shunt. DIY fitted it him self and it was not safe so the insurance wriggled out of paying. Factory fitted or get a qualified garage to do the work.

[DG Cleaning]

The whole point of a diy system is to save money but do your research.
I worked out that a diy system to the same standard would have saved me
between £400 and £500 pounds.
For the extra I got a guarantee, training and a better system than I would have designed myself.
Believe me when it come to saving money I am as tight as a ducks behind
but sometimes you can spend a pound to save a penny.

Only that much?
I'm surprised

[G Griffin]

An idea is not to use a tank for your water.
I carry 500 litres in the back just sloshing freely about. In fact it could help you in a crash by cushioning the impact.
You have to be careful when opening the van doors, though. Oh, and your butties can get a bit moist.

[DG Cleaning]

I know a bloke that knows a bloke some know this bloke, his insurance didn't pay out as his van was totaled in a very minor shunt. DIY fitted it him self and it was not safe so the insurance wriggled out of paying. Factory fitted or get a qualified garage to do the work.

Is there a qualification for fitting tanks?
When I approached my garage they said I could use their ramp and do the fitting myself.

[AuRavelling79]

Talk to A - Plan - they'll insure a "modification" as in a tank D.I.Y. bolted i the back.

[keyser soze]

My tank is in a cage and was fitted by a m.o.t garage with 6inch bolts through the chassis the rest was done by me!

+1

[Mike #1]

I would expect a strapped in tank in a van to cause some serious damage more so with an upright tank .

Which is the very reason my diy fitted tank with straps is in a pick up truck which has a double bulkhead along with a double cab my tank is firmly wedged in the load bed and has large timbers down each side as dunnage and it never moves . Mike

[Susan Dean (1stclean)]

Surely if a tank is fitted using ratchet straps and not bolted through the floor then it can't be classed as a permanent fixing??

My tank is fitted in a frame but I had a 1 off sub base designed and fitted so I can slide the tank out the side door on the odd occasion when I need the whole back of the van.
I spoke with my insurance ( a plan ) and even though the tank can still be removed it is still classed as a modification

good old a plan filling people full of bull to up the cost making them more cash , if its not bolted in not a modification I took the cis to court over this after a crash in a brand new truckmounted  van , I won costing them a lot of money 

[Susan Dean (1stclean)]

Surely if a tank is fitted using ratchet straps and not bolted through the floor then it can't be classed as a permanent fixing??

No, it wouldn't, it would be classified as 'unsafe load'.

http://www.hse.gov.uk/workplacetransport/loadsafety/planning-your-load.htm

I am sure having three 15 tonne straps holding your gear in place is safer then a few bolts   then again what do I know coming from a family of  truck drives that have drag loads all over the world  from 1 tonne -200tonne I don't see all these flat bed trucks getting pulled fr unsafe loads my be theres a secret law just for window cleaners ??

[MATT BATEMAN (OWC)]

GrippaMax.

Have all your previous vans been pro fitted Matt?

Yes.




It's not the straps it's the fixings the straps are hooked on to that you need to concern yourself with. If they're useless, which being as theyre likely to be just spot welded to the van floor, then they're useless. You could fix your tank to them with an iron chain, it'd make no difference. But you know that already don't you, well you should if driving tonka toys has anything to do with it.

[scottt24]

Surely if a tank is fitted using ratchet straps and not bolted through the floor then it can't be classed as a permanent fixing??

My tank is fitted in a frame but I had a 1 off sub base designed and fitted so I can slide the tank out the side door on the odd occasion when I need the whole back of the van.
I spoke with my insurance ( a plan ) and even though the tank can still be removed it is still classed as a modification

good old a plan filling people full of bull to up the cost making them more cash , if its not bolted in not a modification I took the cis to court over this after a crash in a brand new truckmounted  van , I won costing them a lot of money 

My tank is bolted in but I am able to remove it because its fastened to a sub plate

[Scrimble]

i found that off the shelf systems fitted by pure freedom bodex window cleaning warehouse etc didnt fit my needs thats why i went diy and my set up is better than all of them,

i didnt want a crap wydale tank, i wanted a proper baffled tank with a metal frame, to fit my van perfectly, so custom was the only way to go, i designed the set up and it was all made by http://www.plasticwatertanks.co.uk/

[Susan Dean (1stclean)]

It's not the straps it's the fixings the straps are hooked on to that you need to concern yourself with. If they're useless, which being as theyre likely to be just spot welded to the van floor, then they're useless. You could fix your tank to them with an iron chain, it'd make no difference. But you know that already don't you, well you should if driving tonka toys has anything to do with it.

that's funny because when I ordered all  of my new vans with factory fit floor hocks they were bolted right though the floor and into the chasses , sprinters and transits , but then again  I know northing carry on spouting your poop

its not like you get the law round your place  like I do to keep my operators licence ive forgot more about insureing vans and trucks then you will ever know

[MATT BATEMAN (OWC)]

It's not the straps it's the fixings the straps are hooked on to that you need to concern yourself with. If they're useless, which being as theyre likely to be just spot welded to the van floor, then they're useless. You could fix your tank to them with an iron chain, it'd make no difference. But you know that already don't you, well you should if driving tonka toys has anything to do with it.

that's funny because when I ordered all  of my new vans with factory fit floor hocks they were bolted right though the floor and into the chasses

In that case its bolted to the chassis, lol 

Unbelievable.