Tankers

Tankers

Water availability is a critical factor in emergency situations, but it’s not always guaranteed to be readily accessible near a fire.

That’s why having a tanker truck, also known as a fire tender, is essential for your fire department’s fleet. Our customized tanker units are designed to meet the specific needs of your department and community effectively.

Tankers play a crucial role in supplying water to the fire scene, particularly to the pumper trucks on site. The primary advantage of having a tanker in your fleet is the ability to provide water to areas without local water sources or fire hydrants.

Typically, our custom tankers can carry between 1,200 imperial gallons (1,440 US gallons) and 3,000 imperial gallons (3,600 US gallons) of water. They are equipped with side mount trays, hosebed-mounted storage tubes, and rear access tubes under the tank’s tee, which provide storage space for suction hoses. Additionally, 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 can accommodate a portable tank ranging from 1,500 to 3,000 imperial gallons (1,800–3,600 US gallons). These racks can also store ladders when needed.

Unique Requirements

The body of each Metalfab tanker is constructed using heavy-duty extruded aluminum. It features a 3″ x 3″ aluminum tube subframe, a minimum of four spring-loaded hold downs to reduce body stress, a 3/16″ aluminum plate made with 5052 marine-grade aluminum, and proprietary extrusions designed to reinforce the body. For paneling, we offer Highly Ergonomic Apparatus Technology (HEAT). We provide extensive customization options, allowing you to work closely with us to tailor each component of the unit according to your specific requirements.

Our trucks come with automatic transmissions, diesel engines, and various pump panel options such as a side mount pump panel, top mount pump panel, or top mount enclosed pump panel (TME). You can choose between a commercial chassis (Freightliner, International, Kenworth, Peterbilt, Mack, etc.) or a custom chassis (Spartan). Additionally, you have the freedom to select from Hale, Waterous, or Darley pumps, Hale, Elkhart, or Akron valves, and Federal, Whelen, or Code 3 warning light systems. The doors can be roll-up or flush mount, and compartments are installed on the low, mid, and high sides.

Since every fire department has unique manpower levels, equipment types, response areas, and water sources, customization needs vary. With Metalfab, you have the opportunity to tailor warning light systems, foam systems, scene lighting, pump types and sizes, storage options, body configurations, and more, ensuring the unit is perfectly suited to your team’s requirements.

If you determine that a custom tanker is the right choice for your department, our sales team at Metalfab will meet with you to discuss your needs. We will collaborate with our engineering staff to design and deliver a unit that your department can be proud to call its own.

For further information or to schedule a free 20-minute consultation with one of our dedicated sales team members, please contact us at your convenience.