Water, fuel and milk tankers for pickups, light trucks and trucks. A tanker is not an ordinary tank on a chassis; the liquid surges while moving, the weight must stay within the permitted axle limits and the centre of gravity must be low. Tanker design starts with these three points.
The first question when ordering a tanker is "how many litres?", but the right answer comes from the vehicle. Each vehicle has a specific permitted front and rear axle load and empty weight. The tanker's capacity is the difference between the permitted weight and the vehicle's empty weight, minus the weight of the tanker itself.
Weight distribution matters too. If the tanker's centre of gravity is too far back, the front axle becomes light and steering suffers; if it is too far forward, the front axle is overloaded. The tanker's position on the chassis is chosen so that each axle stays within its own permitted limit.
The main tanker design figures:
With the same permitted weight, a gas oil tanker holds more volume than a water tanker, because gas oil is lighter.
In a partly filled tanker the liquid moves freely. Under sudden braking, the whole liquid mass moves forward and strikes the front wall; this impact can push the vehicle forward. Transverse surge baffles, with holes that let the liquid pass gently, divide the tanker into several sections and reduce the moving mass in each one.
The number and spacing of the baffles depend on the tanker's length. The baffles also add to the strength of the body and stiffen the shell like internal rings.
| Liquid | Common material | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Service water | Coated or galvanized steel | Anti-corrosion internal coating |
| Drinking water | Stainless or food-grade coating | Certified for contact with potable water |
| Gas oil and fuel | Carbon steel | Multi-compartment, earthing and safety accessories |
| Milk and food | Insulated stainless 304 | Temperature retention and a washable surface |
Vehicle stability and sound welds on the move
A liquid that is calm in a fixed tank surges with every brake, acceleration and turn in a moving tanker and strikes the walls. This impact reduces the vehicle's stability and puts strain on the welds and the tank-to-chassis connection. Internal surge baffles divide the tank into smaller sections and reduce the size of the surge.
A tanker's capacity is not set by volume alone. The weight of the full tank plus the tanker's own weight must not exceed the vehicle's axle capacities, and this weight must be distributed correctly between the axles. The centre of gravity must also stay low so the vehicle does not roll over on bends, which is why most tankers have an elliptical section. Use the online tanker calculator to see the capacity, thickness and load distribution for your own vehicle. For milk and food tankers, the body is made as an insulated stainless tank, and as always, the price of tank fabrication is based on weight.
By liquid and vehicle
For water supply, landscaping and construction sites. Steel with an internal coating or galvanized. For drinking water, the coating must be certified for contact with potable water.
For transporting gas oil and fuel. Usually multi-compartment with separate hatches, earthing and safety accessories according to fuel transport regulations.
Stainless 304 with thermal insulation to keep the milk's temperature on the road. A smooth, washable internal surface.
The main design parameters of a tanker
From the vehicle model to mounting on the chassis
Besides the liquid pressure, a tanker also carries the dynamic loads of travel: braking deceleration, cornering and road vibration. The welds and the chassis connection are designed for these loads. Fuel tankers also meet the safety regulations for fuel transport.
Transporting liquids by road
Tell us the vehicle model, liquid type and desired capacity to receive the permitted capacity and a tanker price.
The most common questions about liquid transport tankers
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