Skid for a poly tank

JimS · Dec 1, 2019

I am making 2 skids for 2 poly tanks. One tank is round, the other is oval. They are about 250 gallons each. Their primary use is to slide in a truck bed or on a trailer and to wet/foam/retardant sites
prior and during wildfire (they will likely be used for other things but that is their intended purpose.). My question is, how much support do they need? I notice most factory made tank skids have a curved
support under the entire tank, very few have points of support. Any thoughts on the matter.

big tee · Dec 1, 2019

Don't you or one of your neighbors have a Round-up 225 gal shuttle you could use-would be a lot easier and cheaper.

Patsdeere · Dec 1, 2019

Fill with water they are going to be 2000lbs. I second just getting a ibc tote or two. Usually can find them free or cheap on Craigslist.

Janicholson · Dec 1, 2019

3 2X10s spaced at 4ths of the width. Cross braces front and rear of the same material bolted 4-5/16 carriage bolts at each joint, to the stringers and gorilla glued in place I would put blocking at each crossing point where lumber is exposed, to hold the tank in position on its runners. I would use ash or white oak, and treat it to a penetrating waterproofing. I would put hook atachment points on four corners for 2000 pound web ratchet straps crossing the top corner to corner. Cleats could be added to allow YTDOT approved retention in the truck/trailer. Jim

IowaSam · Dec 1, 2019

250 gal x 8 lbs/gal = 2000 lbs. I'm sure those tanks came from the factory with mounting brackets for when loaded to capacity. Anything less will only result in a bad day for all.
Google is your best friend, buy or build to OEM specs. Safety isn't cheap, but better than the cost of of an accident !

IowaSam · Dec 1, 2019

250 gal x 8 lbs/gal = 2000 lbs. I'm sure those tanks came from the factory with mounting brackets for when loaded to capacity. Anything less will only result in a bad day for all.
Google is your best friend, buy or build to OEM specs. Safety isn't cheap, but better than the cost of of an accident !

fixerupper · Dec 1, 2019

To be safe you need curved saddles to support the entire belly of the tank like the factory would use. If you fill them with water unsupported and they leak or break at a seam you will merely have a leak with no worries about hazardous materials but you also will have wrecked a good tank.

JD Seller · Dec 1, 2019

Just buy a good 275 gallon IBC tote. You can get used ones around here for $50-75. They would have a 2" or 3" valve on the bottom already.

Russ from MN · Dec 1, 2019

I bought one like that for $50, works great, I even filled it half full and took it to the garden on the forks. Usually I have it on a flatbed trailer. 2 inch ball valve allows for quick draining too!

Skid for a poly tank

JimS

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big tee

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Patsdeere

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Janicholson

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IowaSam

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IowaSam

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fixerupper

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JD Seller

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Russ from MN

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