[Dan marsh]

Hi all just want to get you're thoughts on this as some off you no I'm just starting up at mo . Me an my partner are going for a 2 man set up so we've decided on a 650 flat tank . Original we were just going to use the 5 ton ratchet straps to secure it as we've seen some other window cleaners using this systeam but we are just a bit concerned that this alone won't be enough.  We are starting to get low on funds an really can't aford another 400 quid on a metal frame.  We've looked at Mark munro,s vid where he fiberglass some 2bye2 wood  around he's tank an then bolts it down but we are not to keen on bolting screws through the floor as we don't won't to damage any thing but I gess we could see if our mechanic could do it  . Wot do you think guys ? Any ideas . Thanks

[p1w1]

I'm no expert.. but with straps whether 3ton 5ton etc  they are only going to be as strong as the point there attached too. I personally have my tank in a frame and bolted to the floor (done by pure freedom). The question you need to ask yourself is what is the price you put on your own safety by all means save some cash and try fixing it down some way or bite the bullet spend the money and get a good frame and secure the tank too the floor once it's done its done.
In my opinion i can't think of a safer way of  carrying over half a ton of water.
Its not rocket science bolting a van to the floor just use good strong tensile bolts with spreader plates for underneath however you may need a mechanic as depending on the van you may need to drop the fuel tank or exhaust but its not a big job, get a quote from a local coach builder or something.
or hold out till february and ill have a 56 plate long wheel base transit connect with 500lt  tank and frame all bolted in with all the pumps etc and protectakoted floor for around 2.5k.

[Dan marsh]

Thanks for the advice p1w1.  We might just have to bite the bullet like you said as I am bit concerned that the straps just won't be enough . Ps I've been told these baffled tanks arnt really that well baffled.  Do you just use you're tank as it came or have u used something inside the tank to help srop the water moving around  all over the place

[p1w1]

Thanks for the advice p1w1.  We might just have to bite the bullet like you said as I am bit concerned that the straps just won't be enough . Ps I've been told these baffled tanks arnt really that well baffled.  Do you just use you're tank as it came or have u used something inside the tank to help srop the water moving around  all over the place

I have a 500lt upright standard wydale tank and in all honesty my van handles it fine and i haven't added anything to it or felt the need to, but you can just add something to it if you wanted (there are many threads with info on it)  those childrens play balls could be added (think naythankaye has done this), some on here have cut up pieces of soil pipe and put them in to help. I personally haven't felt the need too, having said that i will be getting a proper baffle tank made when the new van arrives in the new year.

[windowswashed]

I have a baffled tank in a stainless steel frame. I wouldn't fancy a powder coated frame because once the  powder coating comes off it will rust from underneath as it'slow carbon steel which is prone to rusting and you wouldn't even see the frame weakening from underneath the coating. Wouldn't fancy a frame less tank in my van unless it's been crash test approved. Ionics frame and tank with ionic brackets which have been crash tested gives me peace of mind. I've had to do several emergency stops in the time I'v e been window cleaning and so glad I have a bulkhead to stop any flying objects coming through to the cab where I sit and tank securely held in place. Safety is paramount before work and profits. YOLO

[paul alan]

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=pnswindowcleaning&&view=detail&mid=89AB37AFE14245FBAAA189AB37AFE14245FBAAA1&FORM=VRDGAR

cost me £100 for tank and frame second hand which was rusty at bottom, then £130 to have the bottom of the frame cut off and re-welded  with new steel and bolted in by local steel fabricators.

oh and £ 20 for good paint.

[p1w1]

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=pnswindowcleaning&&view=detail&mid=89AB37AFE14245FBAAA189AB37AFE14245FBAAA1&FORM=VRDGAR

cost me £100 for tank and frame second hand which was rusty at bottom, then £130 to have the bottom of the frame cut off and re-welded  with new steel and bolted in by local steel fabricators.

oh and £ 20 for good paint.

Neat set up there Paul.

[Susan Dean (1stclean)]

straps are fine dont be put off buy using them  theres millions of tonnes of cargo move daily on our roads held with straps , so many experts on here with no data to back up there words i mean would stobart uses straps if they werent up to the job ? would b.t. strap there ladders on the roof with straps if unsafe ?

i good strapped in tank i as safe as a bolted down one  as bolted will snapped just as easy as a strap ever more so once the weathers got to them

i good ply lined bluckhead will stop most things , hence this is way there used on flat roofs under pinch roofs that could have couple of tonne of snow dropping on them  it down to how well you fit it and what van its going in as well

[p1w1]

straps are fine dont be put off buy using them  theres millions of tonnes of cargo move daily on our roads held with straps , so many experts on here with no data to back up there words i mean would stobart uses straps if they werent up to the job ? would b.t. strap there ladders on the roof with straps if unsafe ?

i good strapped in tank i as safe as a bolted down one  as bolted will snapped just as easy as a strap ever more so once the weathers got to them

i good ply lined bluckhead will stop most things , hence this is way there used on flat roofs under pinch roofs that could have couple of tonne of snow dropping on them  it down to how well you fit it and what van its going in as well

No one has said straps are not fine but if there only strapped to the poxy van lashing points then they're not going to be up to the job. Straps will be great but they need fixing to something more robust. I dont think eddy stobart is going to have tons of equipment strapped to something that cant take the load.  Also have never known a couple of tonne of snow falling in one go i'm sure the force of that and the roof wouldn't take it 
You could look at where your lashing points are and see if you could replace the little hook things with eye bolts that screw into them like these https://www.liftinggeardirect.co.uk/cartec-c800-swivel-eye-bolt.html I think lee gls has done something like this, maybe worth investigating. 

[Dan marsh]

Ok some good advice.  Thinking to use 4 planks of 2bye2 an bolt them down around the tank which should mainly do the job as we are getting a flat tank not up right so less chance off tumbilling over I gess and then just to be on the safe side use the straps as well . I'll look in to eye bolt things an see if they will fit where the original lashing points are to help with the strength . So kind off a meet in the middle I think as I do need to save money but want to be as save as I can be  . Cheers for the advice once again guys 👍

[robbo333]

Dan

Give me a shout when you get your tank and i'll help you fit it.
If you don't want to spend £370 + vat + delivery on a Pure Freedom frame,
then get yourself 4 x 5 tonne ratchet straps (endless ones about 6m long) and we'll go the wood yard and get it secured in.

You need to get out cleaning mate!

[Dan marsh]

OK thanks a lot mate . Really appreciate all you're help .

[JandS]

Can't find the load capacity for my Expert lashing points...surely it's enough for a 250 litre tank.