How to Choose the Right Liquid Tender Trailer?
If you’re in the market for a liquid tender trailer, there are a few things to know about. First, there are two main types of tanks that are available in the market–the flat-bottom horizontal leg and the sump-bottom horizontal leg.
The difference between the two is in their names. The flat-bottom has a uniform and level base, which is then mounted to the trailer. The other one has a convex bottom where liquid can accumulate.
As far as efficiency goes, Liquid tender trailers with sump bottoms have the edge because you can drain all the liquid from the tank. It is because the liquid is pulled by gravity at the bottom of the tank, which is perched on top of the trailer bed.
The capacity of both tanks ranges from as little as 100 gallons to a high of 4,500 gallons. Flat-bottom tanks tend to have a higher volume than the sump-bottom tanks.
There are also vertical flat-bottom storage tanks that can be mounted on a trailer. But they are not very popular on account of logistics and risks. For example, to secure them on the trailer bed, you need to strap them from the top, which does not result in a very stable base.
So, every time you step on the brakes, the tank’s base will also slide along with the bed. And while vertical tanks are very cheap compared to their horizontal counterparts, the risks do not outweigh the benefits.
How to Choose Your Tanks for Liquid Tender Trailer
Here are some questions that would help with your decision:
What type of liquid will you be transporting ?
This question is not so much on the capacity of the tank but rather choosing the type of product you will be purchasing. For example, if you are transporting multiple types of liquid–gas, oil, chemicals, etc.–you may need a sump bottom to thoroughly drain your tank. If you are hauling only one type, a flat-bed will do. In the same vein, when you are hauling water, a darker color tank would be preferable to stop algae growth.
How much are you hauling?
If you are hauling liquid at long distances, it is better to purchase a bigger capacity tank to avoid multiple trips. The flat-bottom has a maximum capacity of 4,500 gallons compared to the smaller sump-bottom.
However, you also have to factor in space into consideration, especially if you already have a trailer and only need an additional tank. A 48-feet trailer will do the job nicely and provide you with ample space to do your work.
What is the hauling capacity of the Liquid Tender Trailer ?
The trailer bed undergoes a lot of strain since it is carrying the full weight of the fully-loaded tank. You need about 50,000 pounds/10 feet of load-bearing capacity with 22.5k closed-tandem spring ride axles to withstand the stress.
Finally, if you use your tank for spraying, you need to factor in the size of your sprayer when choosing Liquid tender trailers. For example, if you spray around 20 gallons for each acre, buying a 2,800-gallon tank means 140 acres per tank. If you have center and end tanks, it should increase your spraying capacity, as well.
