First decent set up

[doug atkinson]

There was an accident in Norfolk about 14 months ago between 3 cars. Not much detail was released about the accident, but one of the vehicles involved was a VW Caddy van used by a window cleaner with a tank in the back. In the accident his tank apparently slid forward and crushed him to death. The others escaped with minor injuries.

https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/man-in-his-20s-dies-in-a1067-collision-1-5277880

His mother came onto a forum and begged people not to do this after the pain she had suffered from what I've been told.

If you're a family man, think of your family first and never say it will never happen to me.

We've all started off somewhere but life is sacred so think wisely on the safety of the tank.

 

[THL4KEL]

 

[Dirty dan]

I’ve got 4 straps holding it over the top. I’ve checked the straps tag and on their own they’re capable of the load but I’ve got 4.

ive also got 6 j hook bolts at the bottom holding it to the floor, under the floor I’ve got plates to spread the load too. It’s also full of plastic underground piping which is great as a baffler.

i used to be a truck driver carrying these things all over Europe so I’m used to how these can pull you around. I don’t fill it, I only put about 500 litres max in it anyway, and where I live I only travel mainly in a 5 mile radius and I’m not in a rush when I’m carrying water

 

[THL4KEL]

That  should be alright mate. The tie downs on van floor being modified like you said  should make it safer (I.e. plates)

Is the tank in the best position? Would rear of van add further safety? 

That video I posted its mentioned in the notes never leave a gap in hold, when you look at the video it's the cargo that punctures, the IBC.  

Without that cargo it could of been 1000kg moving in the direction of the cab, it wasnt lashed down.

 

[Dirty dan]

Again through experience, I put the tank against the bulkhead to distribute the weight between the 2 axles, plus the further back you have a load the less stability it has and you also lose some grip and get lighter steering on the front

 

[THL4KEL]

I just would be worried about 1000kg behind me and 3mm of metal behind me protecting me.

 

[Dirty dan]

I just would be worried about 1000kg behind me and 3mm of metal behind me protecting me.

Like I said, I only fill it with about 500 litres so it's not a ton behind me and it obviously isn't just 3mm of metal if it's secured down correctly, the thought of the bulkhead protecting me never crossed my mind. I've been an artic driver for many years before doing this carrying bulk containers all over Europe, these hold 33 ton of chemicals without baffles and I've also driven curtainsiders full with 26 fully loaded ibcs. Before that I was driving over all sorts of terrain with fuel and water when driving in the armed forces. I've never lost a load. I've had plenty of experience with these tanks.

This tank has 4 ratchet straps, each has a 1.5 ton load capacity, it has 6 j hook bolts secured through the floor, under the floor these bolts go through 1/4 inch plating to spread the load. I only need to travel mostly in a 5 mile radius of my home, I do not rush with a liquid load. There is no room for worrying when you do things right

 

[chris clean]

I've been watching this thread, firstly looks a tidy set up mate nice one.

Going to probably annoy a few though and say I just can't get my head round in anyway why anybody in this job doesn't  spend the 2-300 quid to get a frame and mechanic to bolt it through chasis. Anyone doing this job properly will be earning that daily or almost and for the ammount of years you will use why wouldn't you?! All the debate over it being legal or not or this or that is irrelevant! There have been numerous occasions worldwide where people have been crushed to death by quite low speed accident involving tanks not well strapped! Come on guys we all have families or partners or kids or whoever that care for us. Spend a days wages on doing it right!!!!