Joining 2 tanks

[Dale Transparent]

Hi all, looking for advice if possible please.  I currently have a 400l Facelift system in my van and run 2 pumps and hoses from it, which means I often run out of water, but I then refill from 6 x 25l containers.

I am looking at buying a 2nd 325l system (2nd hand, so I am not looking at buying anything else). Is there any way I can link the two tanks so that water distributes equally between them, rather than filling one and then filling the other, running out of water in one and not the other and any other such faff?  

Any recommendations gratefully received,

Dale

 

[Davy G]

Hi all, looking for advice if possible please.  I currently have a 400l Facelift system in my van and run 2 pumps and hoses from it, which means I often run out of water, but I then refill from 6 x 25l containers.

I am looking at buying a 2nd 325l system (2nd hand, so I am not looking at buying anything else). Is there any way I can link the two tanks so that water distributes equally between them, rather than filling one and then filling the other, running out of water in one and not the other and any other such faff?  

Any recommendations gratefully received,

Dale

I would think it might not be too difficult. However you'll need to do some careful research and mental rehearsal. I think you need to put some serious thought into whether the second tank goes on top of or behind the the existing one. A major consideration is weight distribution, another consideration is that water will always find its own level. Any opening below the top of the water level will allow it to escape, ie: if you have one tank on top of the other and the two are linked with no way of closing the link, the lid on the lower one will let water out if it's is not totally sealed. Same if they are side by side if one lid is lower than the other and not sealed. If you put a link pipe between the two tanks with a stop - tap in it. You could keep the stop - tap closed and use the lower one first then top it up from the top tank. That was my plan when I was going to do what you're planning. At the time, like you I had a 400 litre flat tank (not sure if yours is flat) and I needed more water. Luckily I was able to swap with a buddy who had a 650 tank and found that he didn't need that capacity. You might well get better advice from the more experienced guys on here. If not you could speak to a plumber or plumbers supplier. The necessary fittings should be very easy to source. 

As I usually say to folk "Please let us know how you get on". 

Good luck ?

 

[GF Window Cleaning]

Hi all, looking for advice if possible please.  I currently have a 400l Facelift system in my van and run 2 pumps and hoses from it, which means I often run out of water, but I then refill from 6 x 25l containers.

I am looking at buying a 2nd 325l system (2nd hand, so I am not looking at buying anything else). Is there any way I can link the two tanks so that water distributes equally between them, rather than filling one and then filling the other, running out of water in one and not the other and any other such faff?  

Any recommendations gratefully received,

Dale

Hi. I was thinking about linking 2x 350ltr tanks together but as mine are the same size I don't have to worry about water levels, just link them together with a pipe from one outlet to the other and use a T fitting along that pipe to goto my pump. In your case I believe that if you can raise the shorter tank so that the lids are at the same height then you should be good, this shouldnt be too much maybe only a few inches of difference between a 400ltr and a 350ltr. Or you could use a T fitting with a valve which you can manually switch from one tank to the other tank that way the water cannot find its own level between the two tanks and cannot overflow but this way may defeat the purpose a little. I hope this is helpful if it makes sense lol. Let me know how it goes bud. 

Ps I wonder if the outlets were both at the same height and there were some sort of non-return valve fitted to the smaller tank would that be sufficient to stop overflow? 

 

[Dale Transparent]

Picked up the 325l tank this morning, looks great, however, I am really not sure what to do, whether to just leave as two separate tanks or try and connect. Also, I am not sure about position of the 325, it may just fit by the side of my 400, which is currently lengthways against the bulkhead or, it could also fit at the bottom of this, between the wheel arches, what would you recommend?

 

[GF Window Cleaning]

Picked up the 325l tank this morning, looks great, however, I am really not sure what to do, whether to just leave as two separate tanks or try and connect. Also, I am not sure about position of the 325, it may just fit by the side of my 400, which is currently lengthways against the bulkhead or, it could also fit at the bottom of this, between the wheel arches, what would you recommend?

How would it look if the 400 was against the bulkhead across the van and the the 350 up against that also across the van? That way you would have the weight as far forward in the loading area and as well balanced as possible 

 

[Davy G]

Picked up the 325l tank this morning, looks great, however, I am really not sure what to do, whether to just leave as two separate tanks or try and connect. Also, I am not sure about position of the 325, it may just fit by the side of my 400, which is currently lengthways against the bulkhead or, it could also fit at the bottom of this, between the wheel arches, what would you recommend?

Been having another think about this.

I think I'd definitely link them but put a stop tap in the line. The link needs to be very low down on both tanks. Fill both tanks with the stop tap closed. Use the water out of the larger tank first then open the stop tap on the second one to allow it to top up the main tank. The second, smaller tank being your reserve. Make sure you close the stop tap again before refilling both tanks. This will prevent water leaking through the lower lid. You will have to make the decision on where to site the reserve tank. On top or beside will both work. Pretty much along the lines of GFs suggestion.

 

[Dale Transparent]

Thanks @Davy G and @GF Window Cleaning, my 400l is already bolted down and wired up, if I can help it, I would prefer not to disturb it, so think the 325 next to it would be the best option. 

Like the idea of using the 325 as a secondary 'refill' tank, it's something I need to have a good think about.

 

[spruce]

Thanks @Davy G and @GF Window Cleaning, my 400l is already bolted down and wired up, if I can help it, I would prefer not to disturb it, so think the 325 next to it would be the best option. 

Like the idea of using the 325 as a secondary 'refill' tank, it's something I need to have a good think about.

What van and model is it?

As has been said, weight distribution is very important as you don't want to be overloading one of the axles.

 

[J and S]

How long does it take to switch from one tank to the other? For me, if I did have 2 tanks, it would be about 10 seconds.

Unplug from one plug into the other job done.

 

[Dale Transparent]

What van and model is it?

As has been said, weight distribution is very important as you don't want to be overloading one of the axles.

Traffic swb

 

[spruce]

Traffic swb

2700 or 2900. (2700 has a payload of +-1020kgs and the 2900 has a payload of +-1215kgs - first model.)

Purefreedom fit a 650 liter tank width ways across the bulkhead of the 2900 van. From what I remember, the tank up against the bulkhead sits back from the center line of the front and rear axles, so a greater portion of the weight goes onto the rear axle.

But you need to find kerb and max axle weights and do the math yourself. Max axle weights will be on a sticker somewhere in the van, possibly in the engine bay or a door jam. The kerb weights will be more difficult to find. Google could help.

See this thread

https://windowcleaningforums.co.uk/topic/31595-changing-clamps-on-my-streamline-pole/?tab=comments#comment-442026

 

[Dale Transparent]

2700 or 2900. (2700 has a payload of +-1020kgs and the 2900 has a payload of +-1215kgs - first model.)

Purefreedom fit a 650 liter tank width ways across the bulkhead of the 2900 van. From what I remember, the tank up against the bulkhead sits back from the center line of the front and rear axles, so a greater portion of the weight goes onto the rear axle.

But you need to find kerb and max axle weights and do the math yourself. Max axle weights will be on a sticker somewhere in the van, possibly in the engine bay or a door jam. The kerb weights will be more difficult to find. Google could help.

See this thread

https://windowcleaningforums.co.uk/topic/31595-changing-clamps-on-my-streamline-pole/?tab=comments#comment-442026

Thanks so much for this @spruce, very informative and I would have had no idea where to start.

My traffic is a 2017 DCI 120 SL27. Guessing if both tanks were laid length ways, that would allow an even distribution?

 

[Part Timer]

Thanks so much for this @spruce, very informative and I would have had no idea where to start.

My traffic is a 2017 DCI 120 SL27. Guessing if both tanks were laid length ways, that would allow an even distribution?

I think you're pushing your payload carrying 725 litres of water and all the other equipment.

 

[Den]

Don’t know exact weight of the compact 325 but it’s quite heavy with reel and enclosed equipment on its own before you even fill it with water, would say have both  tanks in a low payload is far from idea. Either get a larger payload vechicle or run two separate smaller vehicles. 

 

[spruce]

As the others have said @Dale Transparent.

Your payload doesn't include driver or passenger/s weight or diesel in the tank.

Roof racks and towbars reduce that payload as well. A good leisure battery is also heavy.

 

[Dale Transparent]

Hmmm, payload pushing problems!

 

[spruce]

Hmmm, payload pushing problems!

Its in a similar class as the old Ford Transit T260. It just didn't have the payload to carry a 'large' water tank. The Transit T280 was OK for a 650 liter tank but other gear needed to be limited.

Sometimes when we grow we have to make equipment decisions which are difficult especially in today's unseen future. None of us know what restrictions are going to be imposed on us in the next few months, so buying another van wouldn't be on my shopping list atm tbh. 

If your existing van is in good condition I might try to sell the smaller tank and look for a 500 liter tank. A cheaper short term solution could be to carry the extra 6 x 25 liter containers but use a 12v transfer pump to top up the tank as needed.