Water availability is a crucial checkpoint at any scene. However, it is not always the case that a water source is located close to the fire. For this reason, a tanker truck, or fire tender, is an essential component of your department’s emergency vehicle fleet. Our custom tanker units are designed to effectively meet the unique needs of your fire department and your community.

Tankers are used to supply water to the scene of a fire. Specifically, tankers supply the water to the pumper trucks on the scene. The key benefit of having a tanker on your fleet is that it gives you the ability to provide water to areas without a local water source or fire hydrants.

Typically, a custom tanker carries between 1,200 imperial gallons (1,440 US gallons) and 3,000 imperial gallons (3,600 US gallons) of water.

The side mount trays, hosebed-mounted storage tubes, and tubes in the rear access under the tee of the tank can be used to store suction hoses. Typically, you will also store a portable tank (between 1,500 and 3,000 imperial gallons, or 1,800–3,600 US gallons) in one of the standard side mount racks, manual drop-down side mount racks, powered side mount racks, or powered over-the-top racks connected to rear access tubes through the body or tank. Sometimes a ladder will be stored on the racks as well.

The body of each Metalfab tanker is constructed using heavy duty extruded aluminum. This includes the 3″ x 3″ aluminum tube subframe, a minimum of four spring-loaded hold downs (to minimize stress on the body), a 3/16″ aluminum plate made with 5052 marine-grade aluminum, and proprietary extrusions specifically designed to fortify the body. We also have Highly Ergonomic Apparatus Technology (HEAT) available for panels. Our customization services enable you to work hand-in-hand with us to tailor each component of the unit to your particular needs.

Our trucks have automatic transmissions, diesel engines, a side mount pump panel, a top mount pump panel, a top mount enclosed pump panel (TME), and your choice between a commercial (Freightliner, International, Kenworth, Peterbilt, Mack, etc.) or custom chassis (Spartan). You can also choose between Hale, Waterous, or Darley pumps; Hale, Elkhart, or Akron valves; Federal, Whelen, or Code 3 warning light systems; and roll-up or flush mount doors. Compartments are installed on the low, mid, and high sides.

Because every department varies in levels of manpower, types of equipment, areas of response, and water sources, each department has different customization needs. With Metalfab, you will have the option to tailor warning light systems, foam systems, scene lighting, pump types and sizes, storage, various body configurations, and more to best suit the needs of your team.

If you decide that a custom tanker is the right choice for your department, Metalfab’s sales team will meet with you to discuss your team’s needs and work in conjunction with our engineering staff to design and deliver a unit that your department will be proud to call its own.

Please contact us for further information or to schedule a free 20-minute consultation with one of Metalfab’s dedicated sales team members.

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