Firefighters use large tanks to carry water with them whenever they respond to emergency situations. Many fire trucks use metal cases to haul the water around, but some use plastic tanks instead. This is a look into why some fire trucks use plastic tanks over metal.
Lighter Tanks
Some fire trucks use plastic tanks for their lightness. Metal tanks are significantly heavier than plastic ones, which can make the truck more difficult to slow or control at high speeds. This time difference can have a huge impact on the fire crew’s response time.
Long Lasting
One of the most important things to consider when choosing the material for a fire truck water tank is durability. The tank needs to last a long time and should be able to withstand rough use, which is exactly what a good plastic tank can do. This makes them prime contenders over metal for use in water tanks.
Cheaper Options
When you need to invest a lot of money into creating a part, demand can increase the cost of that part. Finding ways to lower the cost of the water tanks means fire brigades can save money and afford other gear with the full utility of the water tank. That’s why plastic is becoming a popular option for fire truck water tanks.
Corrosion Resistance
While water may seem like a safe element, it corrodes most materials and slowly damages any container. This is especially true for the water in fire engines. Plastic is naturally corrosion-resistant and can prevent many of the problems that come with metal water tanks, which is why so many fire trucks are using plastic water tanks instead of metal ones.
Making the decision isn’t easy, as metal tanks also have various benefits for fire trucks. You should know that plastic water tanks are great alternatives. If you need cheaper tanks that perform excellently and avoid issues with corrosion and clogging, then plastic tanks may be the right choice for your fire station.
