So you need to get a tank trailer and are wondering how to go about making the right selection. The best first step is keeping yourself informed about the trailer options on the market and any future trends that might affect your decision-making. You want to get a vehicle that can not only handle your current needs but also be up for the job if your task changes in any way.
At Trailers of Texas, our goal is to help our clients get the best trailers for their requirements. With that in mind, we’ve compiled some helpful information you should consider before making your final selection. When you’re ready to check out fuel tank trailers for sale in Houston, TX, contact our sales department for further assistance. We’re proud to be the preferred tank trailer dealer for our patrons from Katy and The Woodlands!
Tank trailers are used to transport a number of fluids. Since these liquids have different compositions, they need different types of trailer bodies. For example, for fuels like petrol and diesel, you’ll want to look at tank trails made of carbon steel, stainless steel or aluminum alloy. Liquids like edible oils are usually transported in aluminum trailers because they don’t contaminate liquids, are lightweight and easy to clean.
You have a few different options when it comes to the shape of tank trailers. They generally come in elliptical, rectangular or circular shapes, with their height of gravity being 1:0.79:0.65. If you don’t want a very long trailer but want a greater capacity, look for a model with a lower center of gravity. When the center of gravity is lower, it increases the stability of the vehicle, so make sure you understand how the shape of your trailer can affect this.
To transport large volumes of any liquid, you need a sturdy tank body. Not only does the thickness of the tank trailer affect the overall safety of your cargo, it also decides its service life. You want your trailer to give you years of usage and not require frequent replacements. The general consensus on thickness is as follows: 12-gauge for steel trailers, 14-gauge for stainless steel ones and 1/8-inch for aluminum tank trailers.
Since your tank trailer will spend lots of time on the road, you want to be sure it can handle an impact. For this, you need to check the emergency valve; it should stay intact and not leak even after an impact. If you’re looking at fuel tank trailers, check the electrostatic eliminating device because sparks and fuel can create a dangerous combination. Make sure the manufacturer tests for both pressure and leakages. There should be a good coating on the trailer to prevent corrosion and the harmful effects of road salt or the salt in the sea air.
When looking at tank trailers for sale, you’ll come across the term Statistical Process Control (SPC). When this method is applied, the company runs pressure tests on random samples to check trailer quality. That can be risky, especially for fuel tank trailers since you can end up with a model that wasn’t checked and has a flaw that can end up costing you in the long run. You want leak testing at 5 psi to ensure you’re getting a capable trailer without any pinhole leaks.
As with purchasing any other vehicle, you want to be sure that the tank trailer is a quality product. You can check if there’s an adequate testing procedure and accountability system in place. Make sure that the raw materials used to create the trailer metal meet the required standards as any compromise can be hazardous. Look at the weld types and the flanges to see the quality of the workmanship. These handle a lot of the stress of the road so they should be up to code.
There are other important considerations like capacity as well as standard and certification requirements to take into account when looking at tank trailers. For more information or if you’re ready to check out some of the best fuel tank trailers for sale in Houston, Texas, get in touch with the sales department at Trailers of Texas. We’re also the leading tank trailer dealer for our clients from Katy and The Woodlands!