[[GQC] Tim]

I'm planning for a wfp setup in 2007, but really would like to figure everything out before I start buying things. I can't really seem to find the info I need.

How can I safely fit a tank in a van?

I looked at Cleantech's website, and they offer a heavy duty fitting kit, but I have no idea how that works, or if I can install it myself.

http://www.cleantech.co.uk/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=22_25&products_id=90

Can anyone tell me how to do this? Preferably with pictures? I guess it would need fixing through the actual chassis? In that case, I'd do best to let a pro do it? Where to find a garage who does that?

Questions questions. 

Thanks for your time.

[[GQC] Tim]

No one?

[Pj]

Can't see very clearly what you're link is, looks like the usual ratchet straps and a steel bar to secure things to the floor.

Ratchet straps are what road haulage carriers use to hold loads steady.  Good option.  You ned to get a decent garage to fit them for you, because fitting the steel bars to the floor pan is not good enough.
It will hold things steady as you drive, but not on impact.  You really need to get the steel bars bolted to the chassis frame somehow, then the straps are securing your tank solidly. 

Only problem is these plasic tanks full of 400 litres of water and more, will probably explode on hard head on impact, bursting half a ton of water coming at you at 100mph + !

But let's not think about that!

[Easyclean Windows]

http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/index.php?topic=18652.0

You can install the stpas yourself have a look down this post for some pics

[JM123]

Hi GQC

Those fixing kits are not that safe.  The proper way to fit a tank is to use a system whereby the tank cannot use, most commonly a cage fitted through the van floor.  Of course the cage needs to be designed for the job as do the plates/legs underneath.

We supply and fit a range of cages for tanks from 175ltr to 900ltr.
Email me j.mills175@btinternet.com for more info and pics

[Mike_G]

Well done Easy, I knew there was something on here somewhere.  If you decide to go for just straps I got mine from screwfix and my tank has not budged an inch they look like the straps from cleantech but no angle bits

www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/pro.jsp?id=18170&ts=31559hough.  

[Easyclean Windows]

The proper way to fit a tank is to use a system whereby the tank cannot use, most commonly a cage fitted through the van floor.  Of course the cage needs to be designed for the job as do the plates/legs underneath.

No you dont need a cage i used to have a Tucker Pole 700ltr tank and it was fitted with 4 nuts and bolts and when i got hit head on at 70mph it never moved

[spotless2000]

I've just purchased 4 x 5 Tonne 4m Straps for £38.22 inc carriage and VAT from
http://www.rhtltd.co.uk/index.php

Be careful most straps are less than 5 Tonnes!

Steve

[jeff1]

I got my straps from HMS Ilustrious,   used for holding harrier jump jets to the flight deck, and I hope my tank never takes off.

[[GQC] Tim]

Where do you fix the straps to then? I have no clue about that. Could anyone enlighten me?

[JM123]

Easyclean I think you'll find that your tucker tank is a structural design.  Don't take this the wrong way but I know what I'm on about here more than most (I've 2 degrees in Engineering - Chemical and Mechatronic)  Tucker tanks are a cage within themselves, the tank makes up the structural unit.

[[GQC] Tim]

I send you an email btw JM123

[JM123]

I had to modify my last post - I can sound like a real numpty at times.

[gaza]

IF YOU HAVE A Van it should have strap hooks fixed to the floor ,a bolt with an eyelet coming from it

 gaza

[JM123]

GQC e-mail sent back

[jeff1]

Can I give some of you guy's a little tip when fixing tanks to your floors??

Bolting direclty to the floor even with plates underneath is not 100% safe.

but the biggest tip I can give you is, even if you bolt it to the chassis, you should not just drill a hole and put a bolt through it, the chassis metal is to soft, the correct way to do it is to drill a hole bigger than the bolt you are useing, through the van floor top and through the top section of the chassis, but not through the bottom section,  the hole in the bottom section should be the size of the bolt you are useing,you should then drop a steel tube that just fits your bolt, into the hole, this way when you tighten the bolts you wont crush your chassis and this also creates a stronger fixing.
The tube and the bolt holes should all be a reasonable fit and not a loose fit.

[JM123]

jeff good point - you should never ever fix onto the floor,by that I mean the thin plate.  You should always put it into a chassis leg (again this distributes load).  Sometimes there is no choice but to do this but if you do make sure you use plates (plates should be no less than 6" x 6")

[jeff1]

jeff good point - you should never ever fix onto the floor,by that I mean the thin plate.  You should always put it into a chassis leg (again this distributes load).  Sometimes there is no choice but to do this but if you do make sure you use plates (plates should be no less than 6" x 6")

The only reason I could give this advice, I had to fit a tow bar to one of my cars and the instructions explained the danger of not fixing it correctly, a Tank carry's more weight than a caravan in an accident.
take care guy's and do it right, you may only have one chance.

[EasyClean]

jeff good point - you should never ever fix onto the floor,by that I mean the thin plate.  You should always put it into a chassis leg (again this distributes load).  Sometimes there is no choice but to do this but if you do make sure you use plates (plates should be no less than 6" x 6")

On some vans the factory fitted anchorage points that some window cleaners use to tie their ratchet straps to are merely eyelet bolts secured through the thin base of the floorpan with very lttle plating actually underneath them. The best thing to do is look under your vehicle and check for yourselves. Caravan/Towing fitting centres are a good place to ask/ install your tank securely in your van for peace of mind if you are going down the DIY route.

[Sarah Sarill]

Are you guys saying that fixing the tank to the floor is not enough and that you have to use straps too ?

We had our LDV tank fitted by LDV and have just bought a new van which we are currently kitting out.  Its booked in to have the tank fitted next week but again they dont intend using straps 

Any advice welcome,

Sarah