How to Customize a Fuel Truck

Fuel transportation is at the heart of many industries, from gas stations and airports to construction sites and warehouses, so timely and efficient delivery of petroleum products ensures operations run as intended. To meet the demand, companies like Custom Truck One Source are leading the way by offering a range of fuel truck customization options that cater to specific business needs.

Why Customize Your Fuel Tank

Growing industry demands necessitate custom-built trucks. As businesses look to expand operations, efficiency becomes a daily focus. A fully optimized truck means fewer trips, more fuel delivered and less downtime. When you customize a truck, whether it’s compartment sizes on a refined fuel truck or streamlined loading systems on a propane delivery tanker, you’re allowing the vehicle to work smarter. For instance, a custom bobtail truck designed to transport propane can be fitted with multiple compartments, allowing different types of fuel or amounts to be delivered in a single trip.

What Customization Options Are Available for Fuel Trucks

Modern petroleum trucks are far more than simple transport vehicles. They are sophisticated machines with a wide array of technologies and tailor-made features that support the needs of industries that rely on this vital commodity for their daily operations.

Tank Size and Capacity

Standard tank sizes typically range from 1,000 to 11,000 gallons. If your existing fleet lacks the capacity to carry the required amount of diesel or gasoline, it can be upgraded to fit your current and ongoing needs.

Pumping System

A tanker truck’s pumping system determines the speed and precision of fuel transfers.

• Hydraulic pumps: These pumps offer powerful fuel transfer and are commonly used in larger tanker trucks. Hydraulic pumps are durable and capable of delivering high pressure.
• Power takeoff (PTO) pumps: PTOs are driven by the truck’s engine and are highly efficient for large-scale transfers.

Metering and Dispensing

Here’s your choice of metering and dispensing devices.

• Turbine meters: Turbine meters measure fuel flow using a rotor that spins in response to fluid flow. They are known for their accuracy and are ideal for precise measurements during high-volume transfers.
• Master meters: Master meters provide highly accurate readings and are often used in settings where billing is based on the exact amount of fuel dispensed.
• Displacement flow meter: Displacement meters capture a specific volume of fuel and pass it through a chamber. These meters provide accuracy in low-flow situations.

In addition to measuring systems, the choice of dispensing directly affects fuel delivery handling. One way to ensure efficiency is to install hoses in various lengths and diameters, making it easier for the truck to handle both long-range and high-volume deliveries. You can also pair these pipes with rollers to make extending and retracting the tubing easier.

Choice of Material

The material used in building a tanker directly impacts its durability, weight and efficiency. Aluminium is a popular choice because it’s lightweight and corrosion-resistant. This material is also combustion-resistant. Stainless, on the other hand, offers enhanced durability and strength, making it ideal for heavy-duty applications such as transporting hazardous or high-pressure materials.

Compartment Design

Tanker trucks often need to transport multiple types of fuel in a single trip. Dividing the truck into multiple compartments with individual valves and pumps prevents the material from mixing. Compartment customization can include additional features like insulated tanks, spill containment measures and reinforced walls for transporting more volatile fuels.

Chassis

The chassis is essentially the skeleton of the fuel truck, and it’s built to support the weight of both the tuck and its load. Customizing the chassis can include modifying the axle configuration and even adjusting the wheelbase to better accommodate the weight of the specific fuel loads. A longer wheelbase and reinforced frame are ideal for tanker trucks carrying over 11,000 gallons of fuel, which ensures stability and safety during long-haul trips.

In addition to the chassis, the truck’s frame and structure can be customized to support the weight of the fuel and essential materials such as lubricants and diesel exhaust fluid (DEF).

How to Tailor the Right Truck for Your Fuel Needs

Every type of tanker serves a different purpose. Custom Truck One Source specializes in propane and refined fuel trucks that can be outfitted to meet your needs.

Refined Fuel Trucks

Refined petroleum trucks are the workhorses of the fuel transportation industry. However, standard models often lack the flexibility to cater to today’s distribution requirements. A customized refined petroleum tanker can be built with specialized insulation to maintain fuel integrity even in extreme temperatures and even have multiple compartments to deliver different fuel types and reduce travel time and fuel consumption.

Bobtail Propane

A propane bobtail is commonly used to deliver propane to homes and commercial sites. These trucks often carry 1,000 to 6,000 gallons, but tractor-trailer tanks can hold up to 11,000 gallons.

Cylinder Trucks

Cylinder trucks are designed to transport various propane cylinder sizes, with the most common models carrying around 240 full cylinders. Tailored cylinder trucks can carry larger payloads while remaining efficient.

In the past, these trucks often had steel beds, but Custom Truck One Source has shifted to aluminum beds to reduce overall weight and carry more cylinders on each trip. We also offer flexibility for different markets. Although the 33-pound forklift is the most common size, we also build smaller and medium-sized trucks for regional propane distributors.

In addition to cylinder trucks, you can choose from the Voyager Series, which includes mechanics trucks for heavy equipment industries. The Voyager P, specifically designed for the propane industry, is built with an aluminum crane truck body and features an open floor plan that allows maximum flexibility in carrying propane cylinders, tanks and other equipment. The truck’s rubberized floor reduces slips and has various toolboxes for storing fittings, tools and concrete blocks, which are necessary for setting propane tanks on solid ground.

Request a Custom Fuel Truck Quote From Custom Truck One Source

For over 30 years, Custom Truck One Source has specialized in designing and building custom fuel trucks for propane and refined fuel deliveries. We can build your truck from scratch or modify your existing fleet to meet your needs. Our team understands the complexities of different industries and can customize them for maximum efficiency and durability. We also offer rental options to help you explore diverse configurations before committing to a full purchase. With our extensive inventory and years of experience, we are your go-to partner for tailored solutions. Request a quote today so we can discuss the best options for you.