Strapping down water tank...???

[Forever New]

So I picked up my new 110 gal tank from Tractor Supply yesterday, I hit up Home Depot to find some form tie down for it. Well as I stared blankly at a wall full of different tie downs and straps I really have no idea what will be the safest and best way to secure the tank in my van. I have a Ford E-250 if that helps at all. Thanks so much, I need to get something over the weekend of the first part of next week as I have a line of people waiting for this van and business to be on the road, THANKS!

[Maserati Mario]

Re: Strapping down water tank...???

Well I would get 1-2" metal straps and bend them around the tank and bolt it to the bed all the way through.
When securing a heavy object you have to look at the "shock load" it will produce. As in, the amount of force the object produces when you accellerate, stop or crash. Typicly tying off 200lbs with a single line, in a free fall of 6' needs a load point of 5,000 lbs. to withstand the shock force produced.
That's the technical stuff. In reality you can strap it down with a bunch of ratchet straps and drive real carefull.
So it's up to you to decide your level of safety you want. Personaly I've seen alot of accedents and the more secure the better.
You also need to think about the water which changes the center of gravity.
So I would definetly strap it with metal straps, overkill is the norm when rigging things.
SAFTY FIRST, NOT SECOND.

[Forever New]

Re: Strapping down water tank...???

Are metal straps available at Lowes or HD?

[Maserati Mario]

Re: Strapping down water tank...???

problably, but I would check out your local muffler shop. They are welders and problably provide you with the metal AND the bending. That's were I would look. The metal you want needs to be at least 3-5mm thick, don't think metal like water heater straps would work. Hope that helps.

[Forever New]

Re: Strapping down water tank...???

excellent, thanks, ill check out a couple of shops this weekend

[Fancy Images]

Re: Strapping down water tank...???

Hey Forever New,

Where did you get this tank? Normally wherever you purchase the tank is where you can get the straps. On some tanks its a metal round tube on others its stainless steel 1"-2" wide by 1/8" thick. Listen to Maserati Mario, safety is a factor.

Moises

[Forever New]

Re: Strapping down water tank...???

I got the tank from Tractor Supply Company. I mentioned straps to the them and they just kind of looked at me funny. I didnt see straps on or for any of the tanks they had (Probably a dozen or so and different sizes). So thats why I've been hunting around most of today for something.

[Fancy Images]

Re: Strapping down water tank...???

No kidding. I have only found two on their website they are for the bigger tanks 500 gallons and up they call them "band tank" or "tank band". On this one you need the manufacturer and number and give them a call. If you go with a regular nylon strap make sure it is one of the big ones and make sure put more than two. Think safety. Good luck!

Moises

[Maserati Mario]

Re: Strapping down water tank...???

Nylon Straps.
That would work also. I would use allot of them and both sides. Nylon Straps are Rust proof, maybe more available in a universal size and cheaper.
Oh yea you need something under the tank also, a piece of rubber so it won't grind into something and leak (happened to me). Anything that cushions and resists ware should be sufficient.

[Forever New]

Re: Strapping down water tank...???

Well I have found plenty of 2" lanshing straps with 3,000+ lb work loads and breaking pressure at 10,000 lbs. They are basically the same straps semi trucks use to secure loads on flat beds.

Also, here are links to a couple of tanks from TSC:

110 Gallon:

http://www.tractorsupply.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay_10551_10001_34314_-1______?rFlag=true&cFlag=1

125 Gallon:

http://www.tractorsupply.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?mpe_id=12075&cm_cr=No+Campaign-_-Web+Activity-_-Cross+Sell+Up+Sell-_-ProductDetail_Espot1-_-Tank+125+Gallon+Horizontal+Leg&catalogId=10001&productId=34378&evtype=CpgnClick&intv_id=15001&langId=-1&storeId=10551&ddkey=http:ClickInfo

[Maserati Mario]

Re: Strapping down water tank...???

"breaking pressure at 10,000 lbs"
Well that would be over kill!
I know what kind of straps those are. Those are HUGE! Which is fine. Just bolt those through your floor board using big washers and bolts. Then you should be all set. for the life of you van/business. Good luck!

[Forever New]

Re: Strapping down water tank...???

Here are the straps I mentioned just a bit ago, the 3300lb work load, 10K lb break ones:

http://www.tractorsupply.com/webapp/...http:ClickInfo

My only question is how do I bolt these through the floor since there are hooks are both ends. Should I get something like these:

http://www.tractorsupply.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay_10551_10001_43843_-1______?rFlag=true&cFlag=1

Or is there a better/easier/other way?

[RogueGypsy]

Re: Strapping down water tank...???

Besides getting it strapped down and secure, bear in mind the tank will hold somewhere around 800 lbs of water when it is full. The van will handle that no problem, but when that water moves inside the tank it's a different story altogether. If the tank does not have baffles to slow the movement of the water, I would highly recommend transporting it only when it is completely full (nowhere for the water to move) or with less than a quarter tank (not enough movement to cause a problem).

Think about a Sumo running around in the back of your van while your trying to drive down the road and you'll get the idea. A heavy moving load can be a problem, even if it's contained.

FYI: I have (2) 2000 gallon truck mounted tanks and a 500 gallon truck mounted tank. They are all baffled and I've still had a half full tank push the truck a couple of feet with locked breaks. The truck stopped, then the water moved forward and moved the truck from a stop.

[Forever New]

Re: Strapping down water tank...???

I could definately see a 500 gallon tank pushing a vehicle around. I try this tank out for a little while, if I notice any issues then I'll look into a baffled tank. Where would I find one of those anyways?

[RogueGypsy]

Re: Strapping down water tank...???

Mine are retired milk tanks, they're stainless steel. The smallest one I have is 500 gallons, but I've seen 100 and 200 gallon tanks. I deliver Potable water in them. The farm supply where you found those may be able to refer you to a dairy farmer in the area, that's how I found mine. Otherwise look in the Truck Finder or Heavy Equipment Finder, I see adds for tanks in every issue.