Boston Steel - Tank Construction

How we build each tank

DESIGN
We contour a semi-rectangle and continue this unique shape the full length of each tank, through the canbox. This method provides a trim low profile and low center of gravity to minimize load shifting in transit.

SIDE-ACCESS SAFETY
Featured with our nude, canopied meter box and other tank styles. Side delivery offers protection from oncoming vehicles, while the covered working area protects the driver during inclement weather.

THE CANBOX
Combined with a full rear head on side-access tanks to keep interior equipment clean and dry. The open, quick entry, canbox area makes it easy to reach the hose, meter, and pumping components.

SPECIAL MOUNTING
Designed to absorb chassis twisting and the movement of a live payload. This is accomplished by making extra thick tank bottoms and positioning heavy duty supports along each tank bottom to reinforce the mounting rails at all stress points.

"DEEP DISHING"
That's our term for our extended deep scoop on all baffles and heads. They are flanged around the entire perimeter for additional strength and welding reinforcement. This technique gives you a stronger tank and increases load stability. All heads are die pressed at our own plant using proprietary Boston tooling and machinery.

EXTRA STRENGTH
In materials, and extra welding and finishing work at all payload stress angles and corners. High performance steel resists impact damage and corrosion, and our aluminum tanks make equal claims to workmanship and durability. Both our aluminum and steel tanks are finished smooth for a lasting paint or decal bond.

MAINTENANCE
For all designs, we provide easy access to the tank and working delivery equipment. Auxiliary components, such as fenders and bumper guards, are easily removed should repair be needed.

TANK CONSTRUCTION
Meets or exceeds all Federal/State standards and regulations. The design and fabrication of the tank flashing provides vent protection in case of turnover. All Boston tanks are warranteed for five years from defects under customary delivery usage.

Specifications

The key to correct tank construction lies in bottom materials, head/baffle materials, and design. BOSTON's engineering provides strength at the area over the truck frame where stresses are most prevalent and carries it up through the tank via the heads.

BOSTON ALUMINUM AND STEEL TANKS MEET OR EXCEED DOT 406 CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS:

SINGLE AXLE ALUMINUM TANK:
.250" bottom
.313" extruded mounting subframe
.216" heads & baffles
.173" side shells & top

TANDEMS ALUMINUM TANK:
.313" bottom
.313" extruded mounting subframe
.216" heads & baffles
.173" side shells top

Transverse supports (inriggers) at every head and baffle, plus cradles up to side shells (outriggers) on tandem chassis or on tanks destined for rough service usage. This combination of thicker tank material plus design additions that provide better and longer lasting service (inriggers, outriggers, cadmium plated tie down bolts) have been the key to Boston's growth, longevity, and lack of warranty problems.

	HEADS & BAFFLES Boston tanks feature deep dished, semi- rectangular heads and baffles for strength and a low profile center of gravity. Baffle openings are reinforced and offset to prevent product surge. A wide range of head sizes allows custom fabrication to various chassis wheelbases.
	TANK SHELLS Radius sides provide tank strength and large smooth panels for customer identification.
	TANK BOTTOM Thick bottom section has 96" rolled radius for strength.
	MOUNTING SUB-FRAME Wide longitudinal box type sub-frame mountings continuously welded to the tank bottom. End caps add extra support. Aluminum mounting extrusions feature support feet to cradle the bottom and wood sill retainer flanges. Steel mountings have internal vertical gussets for strength. Mountings also serve as hose carriers for 3" drop hoses. Brackets are attached to both steel and aluminum mountings at each end to retain the hard wood sills.
	TOP OVERTURN RAIL Overturn rails are designed and constructed in accordance with DOT 406 specifications and provide protection for manholes and vents. Overturn rails are full length, continuously welded and can be used for vapor recovery. Expanded metal completely covers the inside walk area. The tank top has four (4) 1 1/2" flashing drains to drain rainwater no matter how the tank is pitched.
	MANHOLE AND VENTS The tank has Betts Industries DOT manholes with two (2) vents in each cover for increased venting. Each compartment includes an aluminum seal/calibration rod.
	FENDERS Fenders are short leg "Jeep" style bolted to heavy duty mounting brackets which provide protection from road salt and spray.
	LIGHTS AND WIRING All lights, wiring, and switches are vapor proof. The lighting system is Betts Industries "Sealed Lighting System" with non-corrosive light housings with lexan lenses. Chassis wiring is connected inside a non-corrosive junction box. Hose reel wiring is vapor proof with solenoids and circuit breakers enclosed within junction boxes.
	HARDWARE Stainless steel continuous hinges and high quality hardware is used on accessory equipment.
	LADDER A wide front ladder with large top step landing and grab rail is standard on all tanks. A rear ladder with grab rails is available at no extra charge.
	EXTERNAL TANK SUPPORT Formed cradles or inriggers support the tank bottom and mounting sub-frame under every head and baffle. External bolsters or outriggers with pads are an additional standard feature for tanks mounted on tandem chassis or tanks destined for demanding service.
	BUMPER The rear DOT 406 bumper consists of 1/4" steel rectangular tubing built into the truck frame with 1/4" 406 frame pan and 1/4" 406 vertical panels. The size of the tubing depends on the capacity of the tank. An auxiliary bumper of 1/4" steel double formed channel is bolted to the 406 assembly for added rear end protection. Standard width is 78" with 96" full width bumper available. An aluminum auxiliary bumper is optional.
	TANK TIE DOWNS Made of 3/4" cadmium plated steel with double spacer bars for added holding power. DOT 406 steel box channel tie down restraints, engineered for each size tank and bolted to truck frame, compliment the tie down arrangement. These specially designed tie downs enable each tank to resist movement in any direction. BOSTON employed the services of an MIT engineering consultant to design this tie down system. Spring mount front tie downs are standard on tandem vehicles. Hard wood sills with front taper relief are custom cut in order to cushion each tank we make.