[concept]

Sorry yes meant facilitate, spell check error.

As it is a lay flat tank:
1. Do you get problems with pump sucking air when tank is low.
2. Does it leave much room in van for anything else unless you have it on top of the tank?

It's not really a lay flat tank. Foot print is about pallet size iirc. Even with an upright you are going to get that, but the baffles make it far better then without. I need to run it really low to get problems.

Depends on the van, but if you can mount it far enough to the bulk head there is still plenty room, but don't expect to fit anything else apart from your window cleaning gear.

Yeah, footprint based on pallet for all tanks, inc new 800l one. Means will fit 99% of vans, as it been designed for function, not a storage butt/cattle feeder, dropped into a cage.

[[GQC] Tim]

In case anyone is interested in the mounting hardware. The T-Loks can be very flexible and can be placed where you need them to be to clear box sections etc.

[[GQC] Tim]

And the bonding agent and backplate wiring for pump, controller, dual TDS meter, and two DI vessel clamps.

[Scrimble]

looks excellant any more pictures of the tank etc please?

[[GQC] Tim]

This one is just of the tank and cage, when it was in the process of being installed.

Note the Gardiner logo molded in the tank, and Grippamax logo on front plate. Good to know where the roots are.

For those who don't know, the tank and cage were originally designed by Gardiner's, and crash tested by them as well.

You can see the restraint system is integral to the tank. The very wide base sections (wider at the front) where the T-loks fit in help with distributing the forces that are unleashed during a crash.

[concept]

Thanks for the images Tim, looks a really nicely put together bit of kit.

[[GQC] Tim]

Thanks for the images Tim, looks a really nicely put together bit of kit.

Just added a second picture to the post above you.
I agree, it's a very good bit of kit. Not just beautiful from a technical perspective, but also doesn't look half bad as a system in the back.

[[GQC] Tim]

Forgot to mention that you can see threaded holes in the top of the tank, and front of the tank, and side. These all allow a metal plate to be fitted, to add components on. I only needed the front plate, but you can also get the top plate. The side mounts are used for battery brackets, but I used them for something else.

The nice thing is that you can customize the system to however you want it. You can either buy the whole ready made package, or buy tank and cage alone, and transfer your bits and pieces over. I like it that way.

[dd]

Looks very nice Tim.

What have you used to coat your van floor and what reel are you using. Thanks.

Think it would be good if they did a 500l version.

[[GQC] Tim]

Thanks.

It's a Redashe Reelworks 460 through the floor with two fairlead roller guides. Floor is covered in Protectakote. Nasty job, even though I've done it before!

500L would be nice, but then again for some people with smaller vans it would be too big. I think the sizes are quite good. It's not like you can't fill a little less on a 650 any way. But to make another system in 500L would again be an investment, as everything has to be scaled down. Not saying you can't, but I can see why they haven't done it. It's only 150 more then a 500L one, a 150 is a miniature tank anyway.

[Dave Willis]

Obviously the system works and has been crash tested - I just find it amazing how they rely on those plates under the floor 

How many plates do they use and are they all the same size as the one in the photo?

[[GQC] Tim]

Obviously the system works and has been crash tested - I just find it amazing how they rely on those plates under the floor  

How many plates do they use and are they all the same size as the one in the photo?

Believe it or not, every crash tested system as far as I know has plates underneath, smaller then these I believe as well.

4 of them, very thick and weigh quite a bit. And combined with the tank restraint and floor system they stopped 1000 liters in a 31MPH simulated crash. That way maximum forces were applied to the system rather then the crumple zone decreasing stress on the system. It'll work.  

[Dave Willis]

Yes I've seen the vid. I put plates under my first van and thought they would rip through the floor. The second van I had fitted by Purefreedom to the chassis. I was amazed when I realised how the Grippamax system was done.

[[GQC] Tim]

Yes I've seen the vid. I put plates under my first van and thought they would rip through the floor. The second van I had fitted by Purefreedom to the chassis. I was amazed when I realised how the Grippamax system was done.

That's what I used to think. A mechanical engineer will tell you that fixing a system to the chassis is a big no no. You compromise the structural integrity of the chassis. I never knew that myself.

[dd]

Thanks Tim.

I am surprised more people do not use the more professional type of reel such as yours. I use a hannay which is very similar to the cox reel.

1. Is the radashe very good?
2. Do you have to prepare the floor to protecta cote it?
3. What hose are you using on the radashe?
4. What van you got?

Excuse my curiosity, it is just that you have a neat set-up.

[[GQC] Tim]

1. It's a very good reel, very sturdy, handles hot hose with no problems. Very easy to reel in and out. The wind in handle is metal, but the outer cover on the end, the actual handle is plastic, and the tip of it is slightly damaged. Apart from that no problem, locking pin is handy too.

2. Yes you do need to prepare the floor. Depends on how dirty the floor is. Instructions are in the packet but here's a quick summary.
Make sure all debris are gone, sweep them up or out of the van. You'd be surprised what was under the plylining on my van from the previous owner.
Then, give it a good clean with flash or something (perhaps not necessary if your van is new)
Then use the scuff pad which is included in the protectakote kit, to roughen up the paint, so that the protectakote adheres better.
Then use the recommended xylene thinner to give it a final clean.
First layer should be quite thin. You need to wait between coats (can't remember exactly how long) so that's it's tacky, but dry enough, then another coat until no more white can be seen. Mine took 3 coats.
Then let it dry for 24 hours or longer.
3. I'm using Thermobore hose from Gardiner's, excellent stuff.
4. I've got a 2007 (new shape) Citroen Dispatch 2.0 HDI 120

Hope that helps.

[dd]

Yes, thanks Tim.

I am guessing you would struggle to fit the 650 in a smaller van. I have the old shape dispatch 2.0hdi but would prefer a smaller van next time with a 500l system. Tempted to go for a caddy maxi but not likely to be for a good while yet.

[[GQC] Tim]

Yes, thanks Tim.

I am guessing you would struggle to fit the 650 in a smaller van. I have the old shape dispatch 2.0hdi but would prefer a smaller van next time with a 500l system. Tempted to go for a caddy maxi but not likely to be for a good while yet.

Well, apparently you can fit one in a new shape Berlingo, but there is literally no space apart from on the top of the tank to fit things. It's not really practical in a smaller van as you'll always have one or two boxes filled with trad stuff, safety cones etc.

[dd]

Yes, I wondered about the new shape berlingo but I would want the longer version and bizarrely that has a lower payload than the standard size. Been pleased with my dispatch, would just prefer something a little smaller next time round.

[[GQC] Tim]

Yes, I wondered about the new shape berlingo but I would want the longer version and bizarrely that has a lower payload than the standard size. Been pleased with my dispatch, would just prefer something a little smaller next time round.

I had a old Berlingo, and a 400l tank was just not big enough for me. Bigger van is nicer, but more expensive to purchase, run and maintain. But that's the way it goes I suppose.