What is involved in converting a deuce to a tanker?

[Lonesome715]

I really want a deuce tanker for hauling fuel. But they are selling for way more than I can pay and I doubt that will change. So, I have a good truck (Bert) now that needs only a paint job and a little throttle work. Everything else on the truck is in good shape and it runs nice. What kind of real world cost am I looking at and are there any details or issues that I should consider before taking this on? I was planning on piecing together civilian parts here and there until I had everything I need to pump in and out and haul fuel. This is not for a business but I do want to comply with any codes or laws pertaining to such a vehicle.

 

[WillWagner]

A has mat endorsement. Don't get caught hauling fuel without the proper CDL or in an unapproved transportation device. Those tanks require inspections. You need to placard the load. I've done alot of foolish things, but I wouldn't attempt that. 20 or 30 gallons at a time is one thing, hundreds or thousands is another.

 

[Lonesome715]

I have a CDL with all the endorsements already. I have no problem with the law, I think that will be the easy part compared to the conversion and making it work. How big of a tank can I go with? I guess that is a reasonable starting point.

 

[SCSG-G4]

Look into getting a couple of the 400 to 600 gallon fuel pods. They fit in the bed of the deuce and can be removed when not being used. The tanker versions can carry 1200 gallons in a two or three compartment tank system, but they also have a pump system that needs to be hooked up. The pods are an 'occasional use' item, which sounds much more like what you want to do, IMHO.

 

[Lonesome715]

I never thought of having it set up as an occasional use type set up. That is a good idea. The only problem is I have no way of removing the pods and I would prefer the truck to be self contained. Meaning I would like the pump to be on the truck with the tank.

 

[fasttruck]

2ea 600 gpm pods and a tpu (tanker pumper unit) fit into a standard m 35 bed. TPE can be eitehr pony motor gas or electric powered pump which works off slave receptical on truck. However, tanks are not baffled and truck rolls over easily if carrying a "slop" load. Max load for off road use is usually no more than 6000 gpm total. TPU also filters product as it dispenses it and may or may not have a meter.

 

[Lonesome715]

I was hoping for either a PTO driven pump, or one that runs off of the deisel. I also though totally removing the bed might be a good way to go. Having a filtering mechanism is also somehting I would like ot have on this rig.

 

[atilathehun]

put a square poly tank in the bed with a gas or diesel powerd pump on a skid in the bed pump fuel into tank and let gravity empty tank. you can also look at a brush truck that the fire departments use most are a skid unit that goes in a pickup truck for ideas. poly tanks are lightweight when empty you can move one with an engine crane

 

[Lonesome715]

I did not think of that, Thanks. It would be nice to get a light weight tank. Oh wait, do they make those to handle fuel?

 

[wreckerman893]

My tanker is for sale for $2500.00
It came out of the Fla Keys and has serious rust issues.
If you want to convert Bert I'll sell the tank with PTO, hoses and the pump in the back for $1,000.00 (it's stainless steel) and part out the rest of the truck.
PM for pics and more details.

 

[Lonesome715]

Man on man. Why must these deals fall in my lap when I am broke. That would be perfect, the only issue is this is a fact finding thread only. I do not have the funds to make a move on it just yet. I am gathering information right now so I can start on it when I have an income. I wish I could work something out with you.

 

[Srjeeper]

First person I would recommend you talk to is your insurance man.

Some states require a minimum amount of liability insurance and a bond of some type to cover any haz-mat clean ups in case of an accident.

Depending on the year of your deuce, they may refuse to insure it for any type hauling.

 

[Lonesome715]

I am going to get into the laws and such once I decide if I am going through with this project. Is there any differences in the frame supports or suspension between the cargo and tanker deuces?

 

[m16ty]

Is there any differences in the frame supports or suspension between the cargo and tanker deuces?

I had a tanker truck one time and there is no noticable difference in the suspention or frame.

Oilcan and I have been trying to work out a deal on the firetruck bed I've got but if it falls through I've been thinking about installing the 400Gal stainless tank off of it and mounting it on a M105 frame. You might want to think about doing something like this or buy a water trailer. I don't know how much a deuce tanker holds but it's alot. Why would you need to haul that much fuel?

 

[Lonesome715]

I have thought about a water buffalo or even some small fuel trailers I noticed on GL. But I wanted to compare cost first. I figured I already have this deuce maybe buying the parts a little over time would be cheaper. Maybe, maybe not.

 

[Blood_of_Tyrants]

Have you checked out GSA Auctions? They have Deuce tankers on it all the time.

 

[Lonesome715]

I have and the money and distance is a problem. I think even when I have a job, the price is just going to be too far out of reach.