What is a Bowser?

A Bowser is a trailer fitted with a tank which can carry Water, Diesel, Adblue, Kerosene, Aviation Fuel or Petrol.
These are mostly used to provide water (dust suppression, flower watering, animal feeding, accommodation/welfare units, etc) or fuel (machinery/plant operation), all of which could be useful in a variety of scenarios including construction sites, event management, or agricultural applications.
Important information:
A common misconception is that because a Bowser has a handbrake and mudguards it is suitable for towing on public highways. This is NOT the case. You CANNOT tow a NON-EU APPROVED Site Bowser on a public highway. They are built on a low-speed chassis with no lights, brakes (other than handbrake), or mudguards (unless on request). As a result, standard bowsers must only be towed around sites and private roads.
If you do wish to take it onto public highways, it must be an EU Approved Highway Bowser. We stock EU Approved Highway Bowsers at various capacities for Fuel and Water.
Have a Question? Get in touch:
With regard to Towing our Bowsers on the public highways, they must have EU Highway Approvals. Our EU Highway bowsers are certified and approved to be towed on public highways.
Highway towable bowsers have braked axles, mudguards, road-legal lighting, suspension and are designed and approved to be towed on public highways. On a road going trailer, it should be equipped with a breakaway system that uses a cable running from the coupling to the towing vehicle so that if the trailer becomes unhitched the cable will come under tension activating the brakes and bring the trailer/bowser to a stop.
When towing a fuel bowser on the public highway you will also need to ensure the fuel bowser's tank is ADR / U.N certified as this by-law is the certification needed to ensure safe transit of fuel. The fuel bowser's bund needs to be 110% of the contents of the inner tank to meet environmental standards. For a bowser to get ADR / U.N certifications, the manufacturer will send the bowser to a government regulator to undergo several testing procedures ensuring the fuel bowser is safe for transport of fuel.
When towing a fuel bowser full of fuel you may tow up to 1000 litres under U.N. certification. Any bowser carrying more than 1000 litres of fuel on the public highway will require the driver to have an ADR licence. However, you can still tow a 2140 litre fuel bowser on the public highway without an ADR licence as long as the fuel bowsers contents are not above 1000 litres of fuel.
Diesel Bowsers – You can tow up to 1000 Litre without having an ADR licence. You may need a towing licence depending on your age and when you passed your driving test.
Fuel Bowsers over 1000 Litres require an ADR licence to tow the Bowser, you may also need a ‘towing’ licence. (see towing regulations)
It is important to check that your tow vehicle is suitable to tow the weight of a fuel bowser/trailer. Most cars will have a maximum weight limit that they can tow, you will find the vehicles Gross Train Weight listed on the vehicles handbook, specification sheet or on the VIN plate (vehicle identification number) which can be located either under the bonnet or inside the driver's door. The vehicle Gross Train Weight must not be exceeded and if the vehicles VIN plate does not list a Gross Train Weight it is not suitable for towing. The Gross Train Weight is the weight of a fully-loaded vehicle and the weight of a fully-loaded trailer combined. To find out the weight of a fuel bowser full use the calculation of 1 litre of diesel = 0.82 Kg and add that to the weight of the fuel bowser. The gross weight of a fuel bowser will be found on the trailers serial number plate.
You can tow trailers on the road with a maximum width of 2.55 metres and for vehicles that weigh up to 3,500Kg, the maximum length of trailer that can be towed is 7 metres excluding the length of the A-frame.
If you passed your car driving test on or after 1 January 1997 you can:
- Drive a car or van up to 3,500kg maximum authorised mass (MAM) towing a trailer of up to 750kg MAM
- Tow a trailer over 750kg MAM as long as the combined MAM of the trailer and towing vehicle is no more than 3,500kg
- Under U.N. certification, when towing a fuel bowser full of fuel, you may tow up to 1000 litres. If you are towing a bowser that is carrying more than 1000 litres of fuel on a public highway, a driver will require an ADR licence. You can still tow a 2140 litre fuel bowser on public highways without an ADR licence as long as the contents of the fuel bowser are not above the 1000 litre of fuel limit.
Valid Driving Licence issued before 1 January 1997:
If you passed your car driving test before 1 January 1997 you are usually allowed to drive a vehicle and trailer combination up to 8,250kg MAM. View your driving licence information to check.
You’re also allowed to drive a minibus with a trailer over 750kg MAM, (check on any tests required dependent on usage etc) with a valid driving licence.
The towing widths and lengths are that you can tow trailers on the road with a maximum width of 2.55 metres and for vehicles that weigh up to 3,500 Kg the maximum length of trailer that can be towed is 7 metres excluding the length of the A-frame. It is crucially important to ensure the trailer is certified for towing on the public highway and that the trailer is maintained and being used correctly as you may be fined up to £2,500, get banned from driving and get 3 penalty points on your licence for not meeting safety standards.
All tow bars fitted to a vehicle after 1st August 1998 need to be by law Type-approved and labelled with its approval number and a list of vehicles that tow bar is suitable for.
All trailers being towed must by law display the towing vehicles number plate on the rear of the trailer.
As of Thursday 9th, May 2019 the 15-year exemption on fuel bowsers that do not adhere to ADR road carriage requirements will have expired.
This means if you transport fuel in a bowser that is classed as a tank rather than an IBC (intermediate bulk container) or was manufactured before 10th May 2004 you will no longer be permitted to transport them on the public highway.
There are several ways you can find out if your bowser is legal or not, we have listed a few here:
If your bowser was manufactured from 2004 onwards
All bowsers manufactured and sold after 2004 should be type-approved to meet IBC standards and ADR regulations including U.N. certification.
Is the bowser 110% bunded?
Under the new regulations all bowsers must be able to hold 110% of its own contents, This means if you own a single skinned bowser it is no longer legal for transportation of fuel on public roads.
Does your bowser have a certification?
Upon purchase of a new bowser you should receive documentation stating whether the bowser is classed as a tank or IBC. On the bowser there should be a U.N packaging symbol and codes that identify the type of IBC it is. All of Trailer Engineering's fuel bowsers are certified under the U.N certification for up to 10 years. (After 10 years you can simply replace the inner receptacle)
Has the bowser been pressure tested?
IBC's require external inspections and a pressure test every 30 months to ensure they are safe for the road. All pressure tests must be recorded and documented as the Department of Transport may inspect your bowser at any point. If you do not hold the records of each test your bowser will not comply with the ADR / U.N regulations.
Bowsers classed as tanks will still be allowed to be moved on private sites however they will not be allowed to be transported on the public highway.
All fuel transportation must meet IBC standards under the ADR / U.N. certification and be designed to meet EU Environmental Regulations to reduce the risk of accidental spillage and environmental contamination.
The new legislation was introduced because in 2004 diesel and gas oil was reclassified as flammable and combustible liquids, because of this reclassification new road carriage requirements were also introduced by the ADR regulators to ensure these fuels can be transported safely on the public highway. There was a 15 year exemption time period for companies to adapt to the new laws however the 15-year exemption came to an end on the 9th of May 2019 meaning all transportable fuel bowsers must now be certified under the new ADR / U.N certifications.
A Bunded Fuel Bowser is a tank that has an inner tank for storage of contents such as Diesel, JetA1, Oil, or AdBlue and is surrounded by an outer tank (Bund) to prevent spillage of the contents. All Fuel Bowsers must have a Bund that is capable of holding 110% of the contents of the inner tank to meet environmental standards. If you are going to transport a Fuel Bowser on the public highway then by Law it must have U.N or ADR certifications. Trailer Engineering offers a full range of Fuel Bowsers that are U.N certified and can be supplied as a skid base tank, road tow Fuel Bowser, site tow Fuel Bowser or a Fuel cube.
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To fill a fuel bowser you will need to open the vent valve on the top of the tank and then remove the 2" fill cap and start pumping into the bowser. Once you have finished filling the fuel bowser, simply screw the fill cap back on to the 2" fill point and close the vent valve. The fuel bowser will have a Pressure Relief Valve (set at 2psi) to allow any pressure created by fumes to escape the tank. To pump the contents out of the fuel bowser simply open the vent valve, then open the ball valve located at the bottom of the tank to allow the fuel to flow freely to the pump, depending on which pump options your bowser has depends on the operating procedure of that pump. Once you have fuel going through the pump it will travel from the pump to a trigger nozzle which you can then fuel your machinery and equipment. Some fuel bowsers will have additional equipment such as filters which will be located in between the pump and the trigger nozzle, that will need to be maintained over time to ensure a clean supply of fuel.
Trailer Engineering produces the world's most unique fuel bowsers because they use a polyethylene inner tank to ensure the cleanest possible storage of fuel, secured in a 3mm steel bund with a lockable rear door to protect the pumping equipment. Each fuel bowser can be customised to suit the customer's requirements. Trailer Engineering also manufactures the Polycube, a competitive alternative to the fuel cube also known as a transcube. Constructed from Polyethylene for its inner and outer tanks, secured in a galvanised 5mm steel frame and a galvanised 3mm Lid.
All of Trailer Engineering's range of fuel Bowsers are fully U.N certified for ten years.
Trailer Engineering offer a full range of fuel bowser with pump options including hand pump, 12v electric pump, 24v electric pump, 110v electric pump, 240v electric pump and a 1" Honda petrol powered Diesel pump. Other pump options available to suit every application upon request.
Standard fuel bowser pump options include:
Pump | Description |
Piusi Panther 56 Electric Diesel Transfer Pump
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This electric-powered diesel transfer pump is perfect for refuelling vehicles and equipment whilst using a fuel bowser, its features include:
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Piusi Panther 72 Electric Diesel Transfer Pump
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The Panther 72 has a higher flow rate than the 56 because of its good flow rate it is a popular choice for refuelling vehicle fleets whilst using a fuel bowser, its features include:
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K1 Semi-Rotary Diesel Hand Pump
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This hand pump is a popular cost-effective choice for manual diesel pumping ideal for refuelling equipment and machinery, perfect six to fit in a fuel bowser, its features include:
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K2 Semi-Rotary Diesel Hand Pump
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This hand pump is a popular cost-effective choice for manual diesel pumping ideal for refuelling equipment and machinery, with a higher flow rate than the smaller K1, perfect size to fit inside a fuel bowser, its features include:
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Honda WX10
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The Honda WX10 is a water and diesel pump fitted with Viton seals to enable it to pump diesel, this pump is ideal for a fuel bowser distributing diesel to a fleet of vehicles, machinery or equipment quickly, its features include:
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Patay SD45 Hand Pump
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This diesel hand pump is fitted with Viton seals for diesel pumping and is constructed to fit inside of bowsers, the features of this manual hand pump are:
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Multiple diesel pumps can be fitted into a fuel bowser, As you will see below a Honda WX10 and a K2 semi-rotary hand pump fitted to a 2140 litre diesel bowser.
For more fuel bowser pump options or filters and flow meter options talk to the team by clicking here to find out more
When storing Adblue there becomes a challenge as it reacts in direct sunlight and crystallises, it is also corrosive to steel so there is a need for an appropriate storage tank. With the current tanks on the market, there was a high risk of pumping equipment getting stolen and the Adblue becoming contaminated.
Trailer Engineering came up with the perfect solution to these problems by manufacturing a range of Adblue / DEF Bowsers and dispensing tanks. The range is constructed from a special polyethylene which does not allow the sunlight's UV rays to react with the contents. Trailer Engineering offers a 110-litre Bowser, 120-litre Adblue dispensing tank which can be retrofitted to any fuel bowser, 950 litre and 2000 litre Adblue cube based on our fuel cube range and a 2140 litre Adblue bowser. All available as a skid base tank, site tow trailer or a road tow trailer. Trailer Engineering also offers a complete package as a towable fuel bowser with an Adblue tank.
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It is a general misconception that the weight of diesel is 1 litre = 1 Kg. In fact, this is the weight of water. Diesel is lighter than water and can be found in several different weights depending on the grade of diesel.
The average specific gravity weight of diesel is 1 litre = 0.82 Kg so therefore 1000 litres of diesel averages at 820 Kg.
The weight of 110 litres of diesel = 90.2 Kg
The weight of 200 litres of diesel = 164 Kg
The weight of 430 litres of diesel = 352.6 Kg
The weight of 900 litres of diesel = 738 Kg
The weight of 950 litres of diesel = 779 Kg
The weight of 2140 litres of diesel = 1,754.8 Kg
A bunded fuel tank is a tank that can store fuel whilst inside another tank. It is imperative to have a bunded fuel tank to ensure that fuel can not leak from the container creating various environmental issues. Therefore to prevent the threat to the environment all bunded fuel tanks should have a bund in which can hold at least 110% of the contents of the inner tank.
In 2001 the Control of Pollution legislation was brought into place to ensure industrial and commercial tank users have to store fuel and other hazardous liquids in a tank that has a secondary containment capability to prevent fuels from damaging the environment. A bunded fuel tank ensures you meet the government and environmental standards.
The other advantage to using a bunded fuel tank also means there are facilities to protect your pumping equipment and contents from becoming stolen or contaminated as most bunded fuel tanks have a secure lockable compartment for use of the fuel tank.
It depends on the materials used to make a bowser, but generally speaking a lot of the materials on a bowser are fully recycleable.
Yes, diesel and other fuels such as JetA1 can be stored in polyethylene tanks. Polyethylene fuel storage tanks offer a cleaner storage solution for your fuel because unlike steel fuel tanks, polyethylene does not rust / corrode. Another advantage is that polyethylene fuel tanks also produce less condensation than the steel fuel tank alternative, meaning there will be less condensate (water) in the fuel. Polyethylene fuel storage tanks/bowsers have gained U.N certifications by undergoing the same strict testing procedures as a steel tank would go through. Manufacturers build either steel or polyethylene transportable fuel tanks, fuel cubes, and fuel bowsers all of which have U.N certifications with the same life span expectancy. However, after 10 years, you can simply replace the inner tank with a new inner receptacle that has its own U.N certification with no need to replace the outer bund. This is difficult to do with most steel fuel tanks as some may be welded to the bund or the bund may no longer be fit as it may have corroded. To find out more about plastic fuel tanks vs steel fuel tanks click here
Regards to Towing our Bowsers on the public highways they must have EU Highway Approvals. Our EU Highway bowsers are certified and approved to be towed on public highways.
They have braked axles, mudguards, road-legal lighting, suspension and are designed and approved to be towed on public highways.
You may tow Water EU Highway Approved Bowsers on the main roads full or empty. You may also need a towing license depending on your age and when you passed your test.
Water bowsers (sometimes known as water trailers) have many applications, their main objective is to store and transport water. However, a water bowser can be configured for multiple uses. Tanks range from 110 Litre, 500 Litre, 985 Litre, 1125 Litre and 2000 Litre with the options for larger tanks upon request, all constructed from polyethylene.
See below for more information on the types of water bowsers available:
- Water bowser with pressure washers/hotwash and cold wash pressure washers. (diesel-powered, petrol-powered and electric powered available).
- Water bowser with trough - farms across the world struggle to get drinking water to their heard of animals in remote locations
- Drinking water bowser- DWI, Secretary of state and WRAS approved, perfect for events and film location services.
- Flower watering bowser- Many landscaping company's and local councils require a water bowser to water their plants, trees and gardens. Can be customised with a range of water pumps and rear chevron boards for safety when working roadside.
- Wastewater bowser- along with drinking water film locations need somewhere to dispose of their dirty water, otherwise known as greywater, the solution is to simply have a wastewater bowser on site for them to dump any wastewater into.
- Skid base- simply a water bowser without wheels, perfect for feeding welfare units, toilet blocks and shower units on site.
- Water cube- a range of water cubes for both drinking water and greywater. All water cubes are stackable and designed to maximise haulage capabilities, a heated water cube is available to prevent winter freeze-ups.
- Aircraft ground handling water bowser- for refilling water onto commercial airlines for the lavatories onboard. These bowsers have proven to be exceptional across UK airfields as they are fitted with a heating system to prevent winter freeze-ups, keeping the airline flights on time without delay.
- Water bowser for dust suppression- a full range of dust control systems to fit onto a water bowser, these include a water bowser with spray bar, water bowser with splash plate and a Rainmaker/jet washer combo
- Water bowser with an on-demand pump available in 110v and 240v for supplying welfare units with a constant water supply.
To fill a water bowser simply open the quarter-turn access lid located at the top of the tank, ensure all valves are closed, and simply start to fill the tank up with water and close the access lid when the tank is full. To empty the water bowser go to the back of the tank and open the rear taps/valves. Some water bowsers will be equipped with pumps or jet washers and other equipment which will empty the water bowser at a faster rate of speed. For dust suppression there are several ways to get water out of the bowser, if your water bowser is fitted with a spray bar/sprinkler system then simply turn on the petrol-powered water pump to push the water through to the spray bars sprinklers, or you could rely on gravity to feed the spray bar as long as it is situated lower then the water tank. For water bowsers with splash plates, you will need a water pump to push the water out of the bowser and straight onto the splash plate to create a whale tail effect.
To see how to use a water bowser with a pressure washer or dust cannon please see the video above or visit our YouTube channel Trailer Engineering for demonstrations of how to operate a water bowser. For towing you may tow a Water EU Highway Approved Bowser on the main roads full or empty. You may also need a towing license depending on your age when you passed your driving test.
Trailer Engineering has the certification's and expertise in producing the leading water bowsers on the market. Trailer Engineering can make a bespoke water bowser to suit every requirement you may have. Tested in extreme conditions and certified by the governing bodies for transportation and storage of drinking water.
Trailer Engineering can source any water pump you may wish to have on a water bowser.
As standard we offer
- Petrol powered Honda Wx10 water pump
- 3000 psi cold wash Yanmar diesel pressure washer
- Petrol powered Honda 2000 psi cold wash pressure washer
- 110 volt on demand electric water pump
- 240 volt on demand electric water pump
- SD45C Double diaphragm hand pump
- Petrol powered 2" Honda WB20 water pump
- Honda powered Koshin trash pump
- Yanmar electric starts L100 diesel engine driving a 200 Bar (3000psi) Comet Hotcube hot wash pressure washer
- Karcher HDS 1000 DE hot wash pressure washer diesel Yanmar electric start L100 V (2900psi)
- Karcher HDS 1000 BE hot wash pressure washer petrol Honda electric start GX390 (3000psi)
- Other pump options are available upon request
Many manufacturers (including Trailer Engineering) are moving towards environmentally manufacturing, meaning as many materials as possible are made with recycling and re-use in mind. Check with your specific manufacturer to see whether materials can be recycled.
The most common water bowsers used for the construction, planthire, demolition, agriculture, location services and water distribution industries have capacities ranging from 110 litres, 500 litres, 1000 litres, 1125 litres and 2000 litres.
These sizes of water bowser are commonly used for storing and distributing drinking water (potable water) and site water. However water bowsers of this size can also be set up for other applications such as dust suppression, removal of grey water from on site welfare units, supplying water to shower units and toilet blocks, fire fighting, pressure washing, feeding cattle, replenishment of water to commercial aircraft, Oder control via a cannon / fan and also can be fitted with its own built in shower for emergency chemical decontamination or even a tap and eye wash facility for chemical accidents.
for more information on water bowser tank sizes please visit our water bowser page by clicking here
Although a water bowser is designed to store water, there are many other uses a water bowser can be used for. A water bowser can also be used for storing and distributing magnesium chloride in which has been done before for feeding cattle as this chemical is used as a food additive in farming. We have also have had customers use water bowsers for storing milk and beer.
Adblue can also be stored in a water bowser as it is not classified as a hazardous or dangerous good for as long as the water bowser is manufactured from either polyethylene or stainless steel.
There are many other products that can be stored in a water bowser including detergent for decontamination or commercial cleaning, for more information on what can be stored in a water bowser click here
Initial set up for cleaning water bowsers
Park the bowser on or as near as possible on a level surface. Before disconnecting the water bowser from the towing vehicle, apply the water bowsers parking brake or chock the wheels. Then slacken off the securing clamp handle on the front support leg and lower the front support leg or telescopic jockey wheel, RE-TIGHTEN the clamp securely. Then remove the plug to the lighting board from the towing vehicle. Disconnect the water bowser from the towing vehicle and drive the towing vehicle away from the water bowser. Slacken off the rear support legs clamp if fitted and lower the rear support legs and RE-TIGHTEN the support leg clamp securely.
Cleaning tank on receipt of water bowser
Open the top outer hinged lid cover. Then open the black inner lid by turning the cover anti-clockwise approximately 45 degrees and lift the lid to open. Using a high pressure hot water steam cleaner, proceed to clean all of the internal surfaces of the water tank. Open the 2" lever drain ball valve in the base of the water tank and open the rear taps to drain off the wash down water. Visually inspect the interior of the water tank to ensure there are no foreign bodies or debris inside the water tank. Once satisfied that the water tank is clean, close all lids and taps / valves.
Storage conditions
The water bowsers tank should be stored either empty or brim full in accordance with the instructions of the water supplier. Tanks should be disinfected prior to filling for use, unless stored in conditions that ensure full disinfection.
Disinfection and filling instructions
To disinfect the water bowsers tank add a Hypochlorite solution to give a free Chlorine residual of 20mg/L and allow to stand for a minimum of 24 hours. Alternatively Chlorine tablets may be suspended in a mesh bag or container inside the water tank. Proceed to fill the water tank with FRESH CLEAN WATER, ensuring that the water flows through the mesh bag to dissolve the suspended Chlorine tablets. Allow the water with the dissolved Chlorine tablets in to stand for a minimum of 24 hours.
Recommended Chlorine Dosage
- 500 litre water tank- 2 x 20 gram Chlorine tablets
- 1125 litre water tank- 3 x 20 gram Chlorine tablets
- 2250 litre water tank- 6 x 20 gram Chlorine tablets
Filling instructions
Open ALL drain valves and taps to empty the stored water, then THOROUGHLY flush out the water tank with clean fresh water. Close all drain valves and taps and fill the water tank with clean fresh water.
Audit testing of the water
The responsibility for checking the water quality lies with the individual water company supplying the water to fill the tank of the water bowser.
Chlorinated water stored inside of a water tank whilst not in use should be changed on a regular basis.
In warm weather at least once a month.
When the water bowser is in use the replacement of water depends on the consumption by end users.
To fill a water bowser simply open the outer lid located on top of the water bowser and then open the inner lid. Then fill the water bowser using a water supply such as a hose pipe or a hydrant fill is also available if the water bowser is fitted with a hydrant coupling in which you will need to ensure the lids on top of the water bowser are open to prevent a pressure build up in the water tank.
The water bowsers outer tank lid located on top of the water tank has a facility to attach a padlock to, that ensures that the tanks contents can not be tampered with. The rear supply taps / ball valves can also have a padlock attached to and can also be fitted with additional options to have the rear taps secured inside of a "hinged dog guard cover" in which have to be raised manually to access the rear taps.
Drinking water bowsers have to have the appropriate signs affixed in a prominent place, the signage should clearly read "DRINKING WATER ONLY BOIL BEFORE USE" and "DRINKING WATER ONLY"
These decals are supplied fitted to new drinking water bowsers as standard, if they are illegible or damaged they should be replaced. The sides of the water tank are affixed with decals 1000mm long x 200mm wide with red letters on a white back ground "DRINKING WATER ONLY". The rear of the water bowser directly above the rear taps is affixed with a rectangular decal 300mm long x 175mm wide with red letters on a white back ground "DRINKING WATER ONLY BOIL BEFORE USE".
When storing and distributing drinking water there is a need to have a water bowser in which is approved by the appropriate governing bodies.
These approvals include
W.R.A.S BS 6920 in which is a British Standard in four parts, the last time it was updated was in 2014, entitled ‘Suitability of non-metallic materials and products for use in contact with water intended for human consumption with regard to their effect on the quality of the water’.
One of the requirements is that all non-metallic materials which come into contact with water in which is intended for food production or domestic use must conform to the requirements of BS 6920. BS 6920 sets out a number of test methods in which assess the suitably of non-metallic materials by testing whether they will:
- impart odour or flavour
- cause a change in appearance (colour or turbidity)
- promote microbial growth
- leach substances harmful to human health
- leach toxic metals
The water bowser may also need to be approved under Secretary of state regulation 31 in which only deals with products used by water companies in the treatment and distribution of public water supplies.
Baffled water tanks are water storage tanks that are specifically designed to be moved about without creating water surge / water movement when in transit. To prevent as much water surge as possible the water storage tank will have baffles within the inside of the water tank. A baffle is a device in which is used to restrain the flow of liquid, gas, etc.
In the form of a polyethylene water storage tank the baffle may be the way the polyethylene was moulded, for example by having a lump ( baffle ) inside the water tank. Inside of a water tank constructed from a metal such as steel you will find the baffle will be an additional piece of metal welded inside the tank in the form of a wall in which will restrain water flow. The baffle simply restricts the water from sloshing / moving from one side of the water tank to the other side preventing the water to surge giving you more stability when transporting the water around. You will find water bowsers will be manufactured with baffles for a stable towing capability.
You will find if you tow a water bowser full the water surge will be less then if the water bowser was half full. This is because a half full water tank has room for the water to flow whereas if the tank was full the water will not be able to move as much.
Watch the video below to see how Trailer Engineering have made a innovative budget alternative to the dust cannon / dust fan. The perfect product for dust control on a construction / demolition site.
Pressure washer pumps and gearbox's have got site glasses on the side of them. When filling up the oil you will need to keep a eye on the level as it rises and ensure the oil level is central of the site glass. Some site glasses may have markings to identify the minimum and maximum oil level. Most pressure washer pumps and gearbox's use SAE90W gearbox oil.
Different types of pressure washer brands may advise you to use a specific type of oil, this information will be found in the pressure washer operating handbook. The most common oil's used in Trailer Engineering's jet washer range are 1540 Engine oil and SAE90W Gearbox and pump oil. It is important to ensure you use the appropriate engine oil and gearbox oil to achieve maximum reliability and efficiency.
Pressure washer pumps and gearbox's have got site glasses on the side of them. When filling up the oil you will need to keep a eye on the level as it rises and ensure the oil level is central of the site glass. Some site glasses may have markings to identify the minimum and maximum oil level. Most pressure washer pumps and gearbox's use SAE90W gearbox oil.
The average pressure washer engine will hold 1.6 litres of engine oil. Most pressure washer engine's will use 1540 engine oil.
Trailer Engineering have many customers asking the question what power pressure washer do i need? The first thing in choosing which pressure washer to buy is to find out the application you will be using the jet washer for. Most plant hire companies will hire out a standard 3000 psi diesel pressure washer to the construction industry as most construction sites do not like having petrol on site. The 3000psi cold wash pressure washer is ideal for washing down machinery and some concrete work. However mobile pressure washing companies will tend to buy a hot wash pressure washer to get a much deeper clean for the use of washing down car parks, wheelie bins and anything that may hold bacteria. There are many different commercial pressure washing services to choose from and there are many power washing companies that will specialise in cleaning or concrete blasting. For concrete blasting you will need a high pressure pressure washer to cut through the concrete. If you would like some help in choosing which pressure washer you may need or to find out how much is a pressure washer please contact the team at sales@trailereng.com
The most popular pressure washer is a 3000 psi diesel power washer. Trailer Engineering sell a full range of pressure washer water bowsers. If you need a high pressure cleaner / powerful jet wash Trailer Engineering can source specialist pressure washer's to suit your requirement's. Trailer Engineering have a range of jet wash for sale including a range of Honda jet wash and Yanmar pressure washer's.
The average power washer uses 15 litres per minute.
Trailers that are going to be towed on the public highway must have the appropriate certifications for the country it will be used in. Trailer Engineering have full E.U approvals on all of their road going trailers. Once you have a trailer of your choice you will need a water tank to feed the pressure washer with water, followed by a jet washer of your choice. Trailer Engineering offer a bespoke range of pressure washer water trailers that can be customised to a degree to keep the trailer within the approvals. There is also a variety of tank size's to choose from, Trailer Engineering offer 1125 litre and 2000 litre tanks as standard and can also offer larger water tanks if required. There is also a choice of hot wash pressure washers and cold wash power washer's to choose from.
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Pressure washer's lose pressure from a variety of problems. There may be some wear on the ceramic pistons or on the seals which could lead to pulsating or a loss of pressure. Other contributions to a loss of pressure could be the valves sticking, blockages in the filter, low water supply, loose connections which would lead to the pump sucking air as well as water, a faulty or worn unloader valve (pressure regulator), expanded head block due to freezing and blocked nozzles in the lance. These problems are easily rectified by simply repairing or replacing any damaged parts. The lance nozzle can be cleaned out using nozzle cleaner's which are available at welding consumable companies or you can simply replace the nozzle.
Pressure washers may pulsate if there is wear on the ceramic piston's or seals, a valve is sticking, blockages in the filter, faulty or worn unloader valve, expanded head, loose connections or blocked nozzles. To stop your pressure washer from pulsing simply repair or replace any parts that are not in working order.
A pressure washer's unloader valve is simply a pressure regulator. To adjust the unloader valve all you have to do is turn the handle on the valve to either clockwise or anti-clockwise to restrict or increase the flow of water to the pump.
It is extremely important to protect your pressure washer when there is a risk of frost to prevent damage to the jet washer. To winterise your pressure washer you should run a mild anti-freeze solution through the pump via the water supply hose (or separate hose if bowser mounted). If using this method ensure all anti-freeze solution is washed through pump on commencement of work to avoid damage to paint work or sensitive areas. Another method of winterising your pressure washer is to disconnect the water supply after use and run the machine for approximately 15 seconds until the water has stopped coming from the pump. The last option for winterisation of a jet washer is to store it inside where the temperature will stay above freezing.
If in doubt do not start the machine as damage may occur.
Bar is a scale for measuring pressure just like PSI. There is 14.5 PSI in 1 Bar. The Bar is the energy of which the water will hit a surface you are cleaning.
PSI stands for pounds per square inch. This is known as the energy in which water will hit a surface.
When choosing a pressure washer LPM and PSI are both equally important. PSI refers to the amount of pressure and LPM refers to the flow. The correct combination of PSI and LPM is needed to acheive the best power washing system for you.
For a effective clean to be achieved, a pressure washer must provide a stripping action to wash the dirt off and a flow to move the dirt away. PSI is the pressure stripping off the dirt in which is applied to the surface you are cleaning. The rinsing power which carries away the dirt is the LPM.
LPM is known as litres per minute.
LPM stands for litres per minute. Known as the rate of water flow in machinery that has a fast output of water.
When choosing a pressure washer LPM and PSI are both equally important. PSI refers to the amount of pressure and LPM refers to the flow. The correct combination of PSI and LPM is needed to acheive the best power washing system for you.
For a effective clean to be achieved, a pressure washer must provide a stripping action to wash the dirt off and a flow to move the dirt away. PSI is the pressure stripping off the dirt in which is applied to the surface you are cleaning. The rinsing power which carries away the dirt is the LPM.
LPM is known as litres per minute.
When choosing a pressure washer GPM and PSI are both equally important. PSI refers to the amount of pressure and GPM refers to the flow. The correct combination of PSI and GPM is needed to acheive the best power washing system for you.
For a effective clean to be achieved, a pressure washer must provide a stripping action to wash the dirt off and a flow to move the dirt away. PSI is the pressure stripping off the dirt in which is applied to the surface you are cleaning. The rinsing power which carries away the dirt is the GPM.
GPM is known as Gallons per minute.
Honda GX200 pressure washers come with two starting options. There is a choice of having a Electric start or Recoil start Honda GX200. The first thing to do before starting the engine is to check there is fuel in the fuel tank and there is a water supply connected and turned on. You should then turn the fuel tap to the on position. If the engine is cold then turn the choke to the closed position ( if engine is warm turn choke to open position) Then move the throttle lever away from the minimum speed to about 1/3 of the way towards the maximum speed. Turn the engine switch to the on position and turn the electric start key to start the engine. If using a recoil start engine pull the starter grip gently until you feel a resistance and then pull firmly until it has fully extended and return the starter grip. DO NOT let the starter grip snap back into position as it may cause damage. To stop the Honda GX200 in a emergency simply turn the engine switch to the off position. Under normal running conditions simply move the throttle to the minimum speed option on the engine's throttle and then turn the engine switch to the off position. Then turn the fuel lever to the off position and disconnect the water supply.
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The Standard Pressure washer hose diameter is 3/8ths high pressure hose. If your looking for where to buy pressure washer hose from then come to Trailer Engineering as we stock 9.5 meter 3/8th male and female ends and 10 meter pressure washer hose which comes with Karcher fittings (end couplers) other lengths available upon request.
In this section we will tell you about a pressure washer soap nozzle and how it works. On your pressure washer lance there is a handle on the side which will control the flow of detergent going into the water. To get detergent into the system there will be an additional chemical pipe coming out of the pump which you will need to put into a drum of detergent. The detergent will travel up the chemical pipe and mix into the water and exit the lance's nozzle's.
Trailer Engineering's pressure washer's automatically draw the correct amount of detergent. To get detergent into the system there will be an additional chemical pipe coming out of the pump which you will need to put into a drum of detergent. The detergent will travel up the chemical pipe and mix into the water and exit the lance's nozzle's.
All pressure washers come with a quick release coupling on the water inlet of the pump which can be connected to a garden hose. To connect a pressure washer to a tap simply have the correct couplings to fit onto the tap on one end of the hose pipe and the correct coupling to connect it onto pressure washer.
What size garden hose to fit onto a pressure washer? The answer is a standard 1/2" garden hose will be suitable to connect to a power washer.
How long garden hose for a pressure washer? The supply hose for a jetwasher can be as long as you wish to have as long asit delivers 15 LPM to the pump.
The Standard Pressure washer hose diameter is 3/8ths high pressure hose. If your looking for where to buy pressure washer hose from then come to Trailer Engineering as we stock 9.5 meter 3/8th male and female ends and 10 meter pressure washer hose which comes with Karcher fittings (end couplers) other lengths available upon request.
A hot wash pressure washer is a pressure washer that produces hot water which has a adjustable temperature that can go up to 140 deg C (240 deg F). Hot wash jet washers are the most ideal way for cleaning things that may be greasy or coated in oil. Trailer Engineering offer a bespoke range of hot wash power washer trailers complete with water bowser. The most common hot washer in the range is the Yanmar electric start L100 diesel engine driving a 200 bar (3000psi) 16 LPM comet with geared triple plunger pump and unloader valve for a smooth and reliable operation. Other hot washer power washers are available upon request including Nilfisk hot wash pressure washers. A variety of water tanks are available. The popular Yanmar hot washer has a maximum rated pressure of 200 Bar (2,800psi), a maximum rated flow of 16LPM (4.2GPM) and maximum rated temperature of 140 deg C (284 deg F). Complete with a 33" heavy duty dual lance with 1/4" MEG 25 degree fan nozzle, 10 metre high pressure twin wire rubber hose for industrial use and longevity. It also comes with a chemical injector on unloader with small filler attached. The fuel tank is equipped with a level float. The hot water is produced from its double coil vertical boiler which is in a stainless steel casing with thermal protection. This hot washer is also fitted with a flame control kit and electronic tempreture setting.
To find out how much a hot water pressure washer costs please contact the team at sales@trailereng.com
There are many types of pressure washers available on today's market. With the choice of buying petrol powered, diesel powered or electric powered jet washers. There is also the option of having a cold wash or a hot wash pressure washer. All of which can be specified in many forms, each pressure washer can be customised to every application you could possibly think of. From drain jetting to concrete blasting Trailer Engineering can source and configure any jet washer you could ever require. The most popular pressure washers on the market is the 3000 psi diesel pressure washer.
Electric powered pressure washers are perfect for smaller tanks such as cleaning BBQ's, garden decking or cars because they do not have as much power as a diesel or petrol powered jet washer. The electric pressure washers require less maintenance then a fuel powered pressure washer and they also produce less noise with the average running at 78 decibels.
Diesel and petrol powered jet washers are more for industrial and commercial tasks such as washing down machinery, graffiti, side walks, blasting concrete, jetting drains, washing down and removing barnacles off boats, cleaning wheelie bins and many other tasks. Pramac's diesel pressure washer operates at a noise level of 108 decibels and you can also get super silent diesel or petrol powered power washer. Trailer Engineering manufacture a diesel powered super silent pressure washer which operates at a noise level of
NOISE LEVEL @ 1M | 1m = 79dB , 7m = 73dB |
A self priming pressure washer is simply a pressure washer in which does not need mains pressure to prime the water pump and can suck water to the pump automatically.
Electric pressure washers run at an average noise level of 78 decibels. Pramac's diesel pressure washer operates at a noise level of 108 decibels and you can also get super silent diesel or petrol powered power washer. Trailer Engineering manufacture a diesel powered super silent pressure washer which operates at a noise level of
NOISE LEVEL @ 1M | 1m = 79dB , 7m = 73dB |
A power washer is another name used for a pressure washer. A power washer can also be referred to as a jet washer.
Jet washers vary in pressure, depending on what application you want to use it for. For industrial use the most popular pressure's will be 2000PSI and 3000PSI. But there is also the opportunity to go to even higher pressure pressure washers.
Trailer Engineering's 3000 psi diesel Yanmar pressure washer has a fuel consumption at load of 1.52 Litres per hour and a fuel tank capacity of 5.5 Litres giving you a total running time of 3.62 hours.
Converting a pressure washer into a sewer jetter is a very simple process. All you have to do is purchase a drain jetting nozzle attachment from Trailer Engineering, remove the lance and fit the nozzle onto the end of the hose, the attachment propels itself down the drain.
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The most common reason for a pressure washer leaking water is when the pressure washer froze and then expanded. This will lead to cracking parts in both the engine and the water pump. Another reason for a leaking pressure washer could be split seals or perished O rings. There is also the potential of loose connections creating a water leak.
The most important features to look for when buying a pressure washer are what PSI does it have, what LPM it runs at, what brand of pressure washer it is, what fuel type it is, what attachments it comes with, if it is a hot wash or a cold wash and if it is fitted to a trolly, water bowser or has its own wheels. The other features to check for would be if it was a electric start or recoil start. Check to see if it has a separate unloader valve to the pump or if it comes as an all in one unit and also check to see if it has a gearbox or a direct drive system. All of which are down to customer preference.
The maintenance schedule of a pressure washer depends heavily on the usage, however a guide line is to change the engine oil every 100 hours to ensure a healthy engine, the air filter should be changed every 500 hours and oil filter as required. If the pressure washer has not been used for a period of time it is recommended to do an oil change before returning the pressure washer into service. The pump of a pressure washer should have a oil change every 500 hours.
Adblue / DEF is becoming more and more popular as new emission laws are coming into place and new machinery require Adblue to operate. When storing Adblue there becomes a challenge as it reacts in direct sunlight and crystallises, it is also corrosive to steel so there is a need for an appropriate storage tank. With the current tanks on the market there was a high risk of pumping equipment getting stolen and the Adblue becoming contaminated. So Trailer Engineering came up with the perfect solution to these problems by manufacturing a range of Adblue / DEF Bowsers and dispensing tanks. The range is constructed from a special polyethylene which does not allow the sunlight's UV rays to react with the contents. Trailer Engineering offer a 110 litre Bowset, 120 litre Adblue dispensing tank which can be retro fitted to any fuel bowser, 950 litre and 2000 litre Adblue cube based on our fuel cube range and a 2140 litre Adblue bowser. All available as a skidbase tank, site tow trailer or a road tow trailer. Trailer Engineering also offer a complete package as a towable fuel bowser with Adblue tank.
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Diesel Exhaust Fluid or Ad Blue is a urea solution made up of 32.5% urea and 67.5% of deionized water and is used in the modern diesel engine to reduce emissions.
When it meets the hot exhaust gases it releases Ammonia which is a catalyst to a chemical reaction that converts Nitrogen Oxide into two harmless chemicals Water vapor and Nitrogen.
DEF stands for Diesel Exhaust Fluid also known as Adblue. DEF is the fluid in which is injected into the flow of the exhaust gases to reduce the emissions.
Small amounts of DEF will be injected into the flow of the exhaust gases. Whilst at high temperature the DEF will turn into ammonia and carbon dioxide. When the DEF reaches the catalyst the harmful nitrogen oxide in the exhaust will react with the ammonia transforming it into harmless nitrogen and water.
Adblue is widely available in petrol stations, supermarkets, retail shops and online in the form of 1.5 litres, 5 litres and 10 litres. However if you are looking for a large amount of Adblue to fill up your range of Adblue bowsers for onsite use there will be fuel distribution companies which will offer a bulk load of Adblue to be delivered to your door. Most of these companies will only offer Adblue delivery if you are purchasing a minimum of 1000 litres.
Yes there is urea in Adblue. Diesel Exhaust Fluid or AdBlue is a urea solution made up of 32.5% urea and 67.5% of deionized water and is used in the modern diesel engine to reduce emissions.
If Adblue enters the fuel system it could cause a lot of damage to your injection system, pump and fuel tank. Adblue is corrosive to mild steel, brass, copper and aluminium. It should be stored in a plastic or stainless steel tank. If the engine is started with Adblue in the fuel system it will likely write-off the engine.
If the engine is started with diesel in the DEF tank it will most likely cause significant damage to the catalyst and the Adblue injection system. If this happens it will be a costly repair of the catalyst and injection systems.
Adblue is corrosive to mild steel, brass, copper and aluminium. For storage of Adblue it should be kept in a polyethylene or stainless steel tank. It is also important to ensure all of the tanks fitting's are also either plastic or stainless steel. The pumping equipment will also need to be suitable for Adblue. It is also important to keep Adblue out of direct sunlight as it will crystallise as a reaction from the UV rays.
Trailer Engineering offer a full Adblue range from 110 litres to 2140 litre tanks / bowsers with additional tank sizes available upon request.
Adblue's shelf-life is all dependent on the conditions it is stored in. If stored in direct sunlight the UV rays will make a reaction with the Adblue and make it crystallise. Adblue has a freezing point of -11.5 ºC if it does become frozen the contents can still be used as it will not effect the Adblue's quality.
ISO22241 recommends
Constant ambient storage temperature (ºC) | Minimum shelf life (months) |
≤ 10 | 36 |
≤ 25 | 18 |
≤ 30 | 12 |
≤ 35 | 6 |
Adblue is corrosive to mild steel, brass, copper and aluminium. For storage of Adblue it should be kept in a polyethylene or stainless steel tank. It is also important to ensure all of the tanks fitting's are also either plastic or stainless steel. The pumping equipment will also need to be suitable for Adblue.
Trailer Engineering offer a full Adblue range from 110 litres to 2140 litre tanks / bowsers with additional tank sizes available upon request.
Simply refill the Adblue tank past the minimum contents level and the light will turn off.
The amount of Adblue your engine will use all depends on your engine and what loads you put on the engine. The average consumption is around 1 Litre of Adblue to every 600 miles however it could be as high as 1 litre for 350 miles. The fuel to Adblue ratio is 20-1 for example for every 100 litres of diesel you will need 5 litres of Adblue.
You should have 5% of Adblue to your fuel tanks contents. The ratio of Adblue used is 20-1 for example for every 100 litres of diesel you will need 5 litres of Adblue.
Adblue may cause irritation of the skin, if you get Adblue on your skin wash thoroughly with water and remove any contaminated clothing. If you get Adblue in your eyes ensure to wash thoroughly for around 15 minutes with water. If the irritation continues you should seek medical attention.
Adblue is not a additive. It will never come into contact with any fuel. There will be two separate storage tanks, one for diesel and one for Adblue / DEF. The Adblue will go to the exhaust system's catalyst to reduce exhaust emissions and the diesel will run through the engine's fuel system and into the engine's cylinders to power the engine. The Adblue will only come into contact with the diesels burnt gases after they leave the cylinders and travel through the exhaust system.
Adblue requires a pumping system which will not react to the DEF fluid as Adblue is corrosive to mild steel, copper, brass and aluminium. There are specialist pumps available on the market which are suitable for Adblue. They are constructed from plastic and/or stainless steel. All fitting's to and from the pump must also be constructed of either plastic or stainless steel this also includes the trigger nozzle as any other material will corrode when it comes into contact with the Diesel Exhaust Fluid.
If you run out of DEF whilst the engine is still running the engine will reduce its power and performance to limit the amount of emissions it produces. Depending on the engine if the DEF tank is empty before the engine is turned on it will not restart until the Diesel Exhaust Fluid is refilled. Your machine / car / HGV will have a warning light to tell you the DEF is running low. Ensure the DEF is refilled for optimum engine efficiency and to reduce the environmental impact of your exhaust gases.
New Diesel engine's will now have to use Adblue to reduce the environmental impact of their hazardous exhaust gases. This is due to new legislation on emissions for engine manufacturers. You will find all new diesel cars, HGV's and heavy machinery will have to abide by these laws.
Yes there are many choices in Adblue / DEF tanks as long as they are constructed from polyethylene or stainless steel. Trailer Engineering manufacture a full range of Adblue / DEF bowser's and storage tank's constructed from polyethylene to ensure the cleanest possible storage solution.
Urea is mainly used for the production of fertilisers. It is a chemical made up from NH3 (ammonia) and CO2 (carbon dioxide) It's chemical formula is CO (NH2)2. Once Urea is heated up it will decompose into gaseous ammonia. Once it has become gaseous ammonia it will turn nitrogen oxides (NOx) into water and nitrogen.
No DEF / Adblue is not classed as dangerous goods as it is not flammable, not explosive and is harmless to the environment.
You may tow EU Highway Approved Adblue Bowsers on the main roads full or empty. You may also need a towing licence dependent on your age, when you passed your test and when the new towing regulation came in where you must take a towing test to tow trailers/Bowsers. (check driving licence).
Yes, you should be able to recycle most types of bowser and tank. Many manufacturers are using recyclable materials so check in with them to see what you can and can't recycle from your bowser.
NEW UK TOWING LAWS
As of 16th December 2021 UK towing laws changed, under these new laws drivers who passed their driving test from January 1997 are now allowed to tow trailers up to 3,500kg MAM.
The DVLA should automatically update your driving licence record to show that you are now allowed to tow trailers over 750kg and up to 3,500kg, This means category BE will be added to your driving licence when you get a new photocard driving licence.
Drivers who passed their driving test before 1st January 1997 will not be affected by the change in laws.
Before towing you should always check you tow vehicles handbook to find out the GTW (Gross Train Weight). This is the total allowable weight of the vehicle plus the trailer plus the load. You should also check the rated weight of the trailer to ensure the trailer is capable of towing the load you wish to tow. The rated weight of the trailer can be found on the VIN plate, this will show the gross weight of the trailer meaning the total weight of the load including the weight of the trailer. For example if the trailer is rated to 3,500kg and the trailer itself weighs 1000kg you will be able to put 2,500kg on the trailer.
Towing laws before 16th December 2021
Valid driving licence issued after 1 January 1997:
If you passed your car driving test on or after 1 January 1997 you can:
- Drive a car or van up to 3,500kg maximum authorised mass (MAM) towing a trailer of up to 750kg MAM
- Tow a trailer over 750kg MAM as long as the combined MAM of the trailer and towing vehicle is no more than 3,500kg
Valid Driving Licence issued before 1 January 1997:
If you passed your car driving test before 1 January 1997 you are usually allowed to drive a vehicle and trailer combination up to 8,250kg MAM. View your driving licence information to check.
You’re also allowed to drive a minibus with a trailer over 750kg MAM, (check on any tests required dependent on usage etc) with a valid driving licence.
Regards to Towing our Bowsers on the public highways they must have EU Highway Approvals. Our EU Highway bowsers are certified and approved to be towed on the public highways.
They have braked axles, mudguards, road legal lighting, suspension and are designed and approved to be towed on public highways.
Diesel Bowsers – You can tow up to 1000 Litre without having an ADR licence. You may need a towing licence dependent on your age and when you passed your driving test due to new driver regulations (check driving licence).
Fuel Bowsers over 1000 Litres require an ADR licence to tow the Bowser, you may also need a ‘towing’ licence. (see towing regulations)
You may tow a water bowser on the public highway as long as the trailer is EU Approved, water bowsers can be towed on the highway full or empty.
You may tow EU Highway Approved Adblue Bowsers on the main roads full or empty.
All factory built highway tow-able trailers do have chassis numbers. The chassis number can be located on the draw bar, usually on the right hand side (offside) of a A-frame trailer or on a T-frame chassis on the right hand side (offside) of the box section just behind the coupling. Each number will be unique for identification of a trailer. The chassis number must correspond with the VIN number. The VIN number is usually located on the right hand side of the chassis. On a standard VIN plate you will find a 17 digit VIN number with the last 5 digits matching the chassis number and the first 12 digits will relate to the approvals of that trailer. Please note that the number stamped on the coupling is not a chassis number or a VIN number and is solely for the coupling.
Site tow-able trailers will not come with a VIN plate or chassis number, however a site tow-able chassis will come with a 5 digit serial number for the manufacturers identification of a trailer.
A-frame trailer chassis numbers can usually be located on top of the draw bar on the right hand side (offside).
T-frame trailer chassis numbers can usually be located on the right hand side (offside) of the box section just behind the coupling or on the front of the chassis.
A trailers VIN number is usually 17 digit's long, the last 5 digits matching the chassis number and the first 12 digits will relate to the approvals of that trailer.
A-frame trailer VIN numbers can usually be located on the VIN plate usually on the right hand side (offside) of the trailer.
T-frame trailer VIN numbers can usually be located on the right hand side (offside) of the chassis.
A container chassis is a trailer in which is manufactured for transporting shipping containers. Container chassis are usually in the form of a skeleton trailer to keep the weight of the trailer down giving you the optimum weights for transporting containers, however these trailers can also be configured with a flatbed to make the trailer multi functional. Although most container chassis are articulated lorry trailers there are some trailers in which have a gross weight of 3500kg and can be towed by a van or four wheeled drive car (SUV, Pick up truck) making it perfect for companies in the plant hire industry for transporting welfare cabins. These trailers will have multiple axles and several twist-lock locking mechanisms to secure the container onto the trailer, with options to have additional lashing points for strapping down other loads. 3500 kg container trailers are perfect for carrying 20ft and 21ft shipping containers (welfare cabins).
Fuel cubes are manufactured to be compact for efficient transportation and storage of fuel, saving space on a lorry and in the depot. A fuel cube is a static tank in which may be transported on the public highway as long as it has ADR / U.N certifications. As a static tank most fuel cubes will have 4-way forklift pockets and lifting points for easy mobility and a lockable compartment to keep contents and pumping equipment secure. External generator feeding points will be found on most fuel cubes as the primary operation of a fuel cube is to feed a generator. Most fuel cubes can be stacked on top of each other to save even more space. A fuel cube is perfect for refueling Generators, Machinery, Helicopters, and a fleet of vehicles, with tanks ranging in size and options for them to hold Diesel, JetA1, Oil, and Adblue.
Some fuel cubes will be approved for stacking on top of each other please contact the manufacturer for information on how many can be stacked. Trailer Engineering's Polycube range can be stacked 3 high when empty and 2 high when full.
There are several types of fuel cubes on the market, however, the most popular fuel cubes are constructed from either Polyethylene or Steel.
There are manufacturers that will offer a package of a fuel cube and a trailer to suit. Trailer Engineering offer its unique Polycube with the option of a highway tow-able trailer in which can be configured to carry 1 x 950 litre, 2 x 950 litre, 1 x 2000 litre Polycubes. There is also the option for a combination of a Generator and Polycube on a trailer.
To meet environmental law the fuel cube must comply with the control of pollution (oil storage) regulation 2001 No.2954, Environmental Agency PPG2 regulations.
To transport fuel in a fuel cube on the public highway it is mandatory for the tank to be bunded and fully certified under the ADR / U.N certifications.
Yes, but in order to transport a fuel cube containing fuel on the public highway, it will need to be certified under the ADR / U.N certifications.
Most fuel cubes can be craned when full, it is advised to check if the lifting points have been approved for lifting as some fuel cubes will not be suitable to lift when full.
Fuel cubes that are tested under U.N / ADR regulations are certified for lifting as part of the approval.
Most fuel cubes will come with a contents gauge or dipstick as standard however some manufacturers will only offer them as an optional extra.
The fuel polycube is certified under the U.N certifications for storage and transportation. The Polycube can be transported by Road, Rail, Sea, and Air.
A Polycube is an alternative to the steel fuel cube. It is constructed from robust Polyethylene and secured in a galvanised steel frame. The Polycube is lighter than steel and fully secure, it is also 100% corrosion-free and produces less condensation than the conventional steel fuel cube. The Polycube is a bunded skid base fuel cube fully U.N certified for storage and transportation of fuel.
The Polycube range can be stacked 3 high when empty and 2 high when full under its U.N certification.
Yes, Polycubes are certified for lifting when full under a U.N certification.
The Polycube is fully U.N certified and can be transported by Road, Rail, Sea and Air when full.
Available in 950 litre and 2000 litre capacities
• Manufactured from a strong polyethylene to ensure clean storage of fuel and secured in a steel frame to protect the contents and pumping equipment.
• The tank is 110% bunded as part of its U.N certifications
• U.N certified for transporting diesel, jeta1 and oil on the public highway and can also be transported by Sea, Rail and Air
• Perfect for refuelling generators, machinery, small plant, ground care equipment, traffic control equipment and helicopters
• Compact and stackable design
• The Fuelcube is certified to be lifted when full of fuel by using the lifting eyes
• Suitable for use with diesel, jeta1 and gas oil
• Four way access for fork lift truck on 950 litre fuelcube and two way access pont for fork lift truck on 2000 litre fuel cube
• Four fully welded and galvanised lifting points on all fuel cubes
Yes, you can link multiple fuel cubes together. To do this you will need to ensure the tanks are level with each other and conjoin them via the generator feed points with a linking kit purchased from the manufacturer. The linking kit will include four pipes at equal lengths which will connect onto the suction and return pipes in the fuel cube and then connect to a T-piece connector on the other end of each pipe. From the T-piece you can then connect multiple fuel cubes to one generator.
A fuel cube is a tank for the storage of diesel, jeta1, oil or adblue. The fuel cube is usually a bunded tank with a lockable compartment to protect the contents and pumping equipment if fitted. Some fuel cubes are static tanks only as they do not have U.N certification however there are fuel cubes that have U.N certification in which means you can transport the fuel cube full on the public highway. The Polycube is a fully U.N certified fuel cube in which can be transported by road, rail, sea and air. There is also the option to have a trailer built specifically to suit the fuel cube so that you can transport it comfortably.
The Polycube (fuel cube) can be configured to store and dispense clean oil (lubricants). For the lube cube option, a specialist pump will need to be fitted to the Polycube to be able to dispense the lube. The lube cube is perfect for storing engine oil, hydraulic oil, transmission oil, etc.
The Polycube fuel cube is designed for increased logistical transportation capacity as you will be able to fit 44 x 950-litre fuel cubes or 22 x 2000 litre onto a standard articulated 45-foot lorry trailer.
The 950-litre Polycube / fuel cube has a footprint of 1213mm x 1213mm and a height of 1410mm meaning you can fit 2 fuel cubes across the bed of the lorry trailer and stack them 2 high fitting 44 x 950 litres onto one 45 foot lorry trailer. The 950-litre Polycube has an unladen weight of 290kg and a laden weight of 1100kg.
The 2000 litre Polycube / fuel cube has a footprint of 1213mm x 2500mm and a height of 1430mm. The 2000 litre Polycube is designed to fit straight across the width of the bed of an articulated lorry trailer and can be stacked 2 high when being transported, fitting 22 x Polycubes onto a 45-foot lorry trailer. The unladen weight of the 2000 litre is 580kg and the laden weight of 2300kg.
Fuel tank cubes are used for storing and transporting fuel. To fill a fuel cube there is a 2" BSP filling point for tankers to connect hose onto or can be filled via a trigger nozzle. The contents gauge will indicate how full the fuel tank is. To empty the fuel cube or supply fuel to machinery you may use a trigger nozzle connected to the pump fitted to the fuel cube (if applicable) or use the suction and return generator feeds to fuel a machine / generator at a constant flow of fuel. There should be a pressure relief valve (PRV) set at 2 PSI fitted to all fuel cubes to prevent a build up of pressure in the fuel tank. Please note that the PRV is only a safety feature to prevent pressure build up and is NOT to be used as a vent when filling or emptying the tank. There should also be a manual vent valve fitted to the fuel cube in which will need to be opened when filling the tank and also open when pumping fuel out of the tank. The vent valve will then need to be closed when the fuelcube is not in use.
Please watch the below video for a description of the fittings of a fuel tank cube.
A fuel transport cube is a cuboid shaped fuel tank that is 110% bunded and has full ADR / U.N certification in order for it to be legally transported on the public highway. Fuel cubes come in different sizes and can be manufactured in different materials. The Polycube is a very popular brand of fuel transport cube as it is secured in a galvanised steel frame and contains a polyethylene fuel tank in which ensures one of the cleanest fuel storage tanks available on today's market. The Polycube has full U.N certification meaning this fuel transport cube can be transported by road, rail, sea and air for the storage and distribution of Diesel, JetA1, Adblue and Oil. Most fuel transport cubes are fitted with lifting points for easy manoeuvrability when positioning the bunded fuel tank. Most fuel transport cubes are transported in multiple quantities on the back of a lorry however a highway tow able trailer is also available to suit the fuel cube.