[Simon Mess]

There are some vans which have a large 'step' (not sure exactly how big, maybe 6")  up from the floor of the load bay to the floor of the cab behind the seats, this is a cross member which forms an integral part of the vans structure. If i had one of those, i would have no worries whatsoever about strapping the tank (flat tank that is) in, as it would not physically be able to go any further forward than the step. Vans which i know have this feature are citroen dispatch, fiat scudo, peugeot expert (it is for this reason my next van is likely to be one of these three) and mercedes vito.

[Dave Willis]

I'd still be worried - upright tank is going to rip the strap mountings out and naturally tip forward.

[♠Winp®oClean♠]

I'd still be worried - upright tank is going to rip the strap mountings out and naturally tip forward.

I think it's a given that a flat or box tank is more suitable.

[Mike #1]

I'd still be worried - upright tank is going to rip the strap mountings out and naturally tip forward.

I think it's a given that a flat or box tank is more suitable.

Yup flat tank has lower centre of gravity so their fore less risk of catastrophic shift surely , Would never consider an upright tank . Mike

[stuart mc]

today I completed a safe loading module(7 hours theory and practical) as part of my drivers CPC training, I specifically mentioned to the instructor this post and he confirmed that straps following the correct theory is perfectly fine in a panel van

[Dave Willis]

so ....... what is the correct theory 

[Simon Mess]

I'd still be worried - upright tank is going to rip the strap mountings out and naturally tip forward.

It is for that reason i said flat tank, and would never use an upright one

[stuart mc]

the basic rules without going into it to much, is forward motion 100% side motion 50% and rear motion 50% low centre of gravity as possible and using the centre line of the vehicle.

so a 800 kg payload vehicle with a bulk head for example, as long as the tank is flush with bulk head no forward restraints required, you would need to stop side movement with straps rated to 400 kg and rear to 400kg(this is presuming a tank weight of 800 kg which none of us do)

I said I did it with 2 ratchet straps going from corner to corner and he said that was perfectly fine and in fact it could be done with 1

I mentioned the fact the anchor points in van were no way up to holding 800kg and he said of course not, they are not meant to be, as he put it I am carrying 25 tonnes on my truck but I only use 2 tonnes straps, but at the correct angles and the correct amount that is all that is required

hope the above makes sense, oh and there is nothing wrong with using chassis either but he was a bit concerned that people may be drilling into them could do more harm than good if not done correctly

[ben M]

my 400L tank is strapped in top and back via the floor bolts.  My back is protected by a metal sheet, its a ford escort old BT van.

I had a crash at 20 MPH last year and the tank only moved a few centimeters.  I did have to empty the tank to push it back but it took less than a minute.

All my round is local so I don't actually drive faster that 30 anyway.

everybody around you on the road don't drive faster than 30 like you? i don't think so so your comment is silly!

[stuart mc]

my 400L tank is strapped in top and back via the floor bolts.  My back is protected by a metal sheet, its a ford escort old BT van.

I had a crash at 20 MPH last year and the tank only moved a few centimeters.  I did have to empty the tank to push it back but it took less than a minute.

All my round is local so I don't actually drive faster that 30 anyway.

everybody around you on the road don't drive faster than 30 like you? i don't think so so your comment is silly!

no its not, liquid is known as live load and driving speeds should be reduced to reflect that, it makes perfect sense

[Bill.upnw]

i think its a joke people are trying to say straps are more secure than bolts to the chassis, feel sorry for the noobie who reads this posts and goes for the cheaper alternative, especially if he/she has kids and god forbid an accident does happen.

[Tony dunmall]

Anyone been in an accident with tank that is strapped down

[PurefectWindowCleaning]

Anyone been in an accident with tank that is strapped down

Yes

[stuart mc]

i think its a joke people are trying to say straps are more secure than bolts to the chassis, feel sorry for the noobie who reads this posts and goes for the cheaper alternative, especially if he/she has kids and god forbid an accident does happen.

I don't think anyone has suggested that, a properly secured load to a chassis is always good, but there is nothing wrong with straps either IMO, I would not say it is better, just perfect legal and safe

[Don Kee]

i think its a joke people are trying to say straps are more secure than bolts to the chassis, feel sorry for the noobie who reads this posts and goes for the cheaper alternative, especially if he/she has kids and god forbid an accident does happen.

No ones actually said anything about being more secure, they just said it would be it would be secure


Its like holding a bar with two 50kg weights on each side. If you hold it with one hand you struggle, with two hands its easier as you spread the load. If you hold the bar in the middle its harder than holding at each end as you are distributing the weight rather than focusing it at one point.

Same with the straps.... If you just have your cage bolted to the floor/chassis then you are are only still relying on the floor panels/chassis on holding there integrity, just as with straps.
But having an 800kg tank (for example) with two 400kg ratchets at either end you are distributing the weight evenly so each strap takes 400kg worth of force not the full 800.
From how i understand it (may be wrong)If you're make sure you have them strapped on each side with the two straps they will actually be taking less weight than that...

I agree that using spreaders etc is safe, but i dont think to just turn around a say ratchets are no good is wrong...


(Feel free to tell me i'm wrong, i might be, thats just how ive understood it)

[alfie11]

I eat bacon

[Simon Mess]

i think its a joke people are trying to say straps are more secure than bolts to the chassis, feel sorry for the noobie who reads this posts and goes for the cheaper alternative, especially if he/she has kids and god forbid an accident does happen.

I know, just imagine what might happen if stuart m, or any 'noobie' pays any attention whatsoever to a trained cpc instructor who has told them that not only is strapping your tank in perfectly safe, but also shown them how to do it, i mean what would a trained cpc instructor know!

 

[gary999]

I been in a hit at just under 30mph back in 2008,i had a 400 l
upright baffled tank in a transit connect.It was strapped in with 3 x 10
tonne straps and was connected to the anchor points.

Got hit up the arse and the tank moved about 6 inches sideways.

Straps themselves are fine they are tested to destruction and
the webbing are rated at 6:1,a 10t strap basically will okay for
a shock load force up to 60t if it has a safe working load(swl)
 it is a quality strap....cheaper straps tend to have a minimum breaking
load on them(mbl) and are of inferior quality.

The real weakness within  strapping system are the metal fittings
attached,claw hooks delta links these only proof rated at 2:1

If you are going to use straps dont buy poope from ebay go to
a reputable lifting gear and handling company with the equipment
you will get a test certificate or at least a certificate of conformity
this will tell you the product is fit for purpose

[uans03]

Up against the bulk head and rachet strapped to anchor points. Perfectly safe enough. End of the day not much more protection if you were in a car and hit at the speeds quoted. Or pay a premium

[Pro-Poler]

I'll be ratchet strapping a 210 litre upright tank into a Berlingo shortly, should be fine up against the rear seats. Been using 25 litre containers and trolley/ backpack set up, took pump/battery box housing off trolley and mounted it in vehicle ready for the tank