Investing in the right propane delivery truck is essential for efficient operations, regulatory compliance, and long-term cost savings. A well-equipped truck ensures safe propane transport, minimizes downtime, and enhances business productivity.
However, choosing the right truck components, capacity, and safety features can be overwhelming. Below, we’ll share our complete guide to propane truck components to help you make an informed decision for your business.
6 Key Components of a Propane Delivery Truck
From truck bodies to accessories, service, and everything in between, here’s all you need for your propane delivery business.
1. Size & Capacity – Choosing the Right Truck for Your Needs
As a general rule of thumb, Bobtail Trucks are ideal for local or regional propane delivery, typically with smaller storage tanks. On the other hand, Tanker Trucks are designed for high-capacity deliveries and are often used for bulk storage facilities.
For high-capacity needs, you may consider Fisk Tank Carrier’s TX-3 truck, which has a long-range boom and can hold five 1,000-gallon or 10 500-gallon tanks with a quad tank tie-down system.
Fisk Tank Carrier’s TX-3 truck is a high-capacity solution featuring:
- 16- to 24-foot aluminum propane truck bed with high-pressure composite decking.
- Several Liftgate options.
- Quad tank tie-down system to secure up to five 1,000-gallon or ten 500-gallon tanks.
- E-track straps and non-marking bumpers.
- Multiple lift gate options for easy loading and unloading.
For dual-industry needs, the Fisk Tank Carrier TX-4 truck is a great option, as it was designed for propane marketers with propane, oil, and HVAC services. It has a one tank tie-down zone with six 4,000-pound D-ring tie-downs spaced at 500 gallons placements.
In addition, the TX-4 truck comes with standard features, which include:
- A 12-foot aluminum propane tank truck bed with high-pressure composite decking.
- Headache rack with rail placement for 20-pound, 33-point, and 100-pound positions.
- A towing hitch and trailer light plug.
- Two E-track straps and multiple tank tie-down straps.
2. Versatility
Versatility is one of the most critical components of a propane truck. A versatile truck can enable your business to meet diverse customer needs, reduce downtime, and maintain safe and efficient operations.
Fisk Tank Carrier’s TX-1 is a great example of a versatile vehicle. The knuckle boom allows drivers to place items with precision, and because of its maneuvering capability, the truck can work comfortably in tight spaces, making it ideal for propane service trucks with storage needs.
In addition, the Fisk TX-1 truck comes standard with:
- An aluminum bed that’s big enough to accommodate two 1,000-gallon tanks.
- Quality composite decking that allows for an easy-to-maintain, no-skid surface for your hauling.
- A powerful boom that can set 500-gallon tanks at 30 feet.
- An E-track tie-down system that is attached to the upright railings.
- An adjustable spotlight and L.E.D. lighting for working in dark environments
3. Customization
Customizing different elements of your truck is essential for meeting your unique business needs. For example, you may want to customize your loading and unloading systems, such as your pump capacities or metering systems, which can allow for more efficient loading and unloading.
Fisk Tank Carrier’s TX-2 Stick Boom truck is a great example of a highly customizable vehicle. You can change the gas-powered engine to run on propane, incorporate an air compressor, or even install a beavertail lift gate, which helps with loading cargo.
We offer additional customization options, including the following:
- 12-, 16-, or 14-foot bed length options
- Custom backlit fender on which you can add your company’s logo
- Side racks
- Winches
- Camera package with front, back, and side of truck views and an in-cab viewing screen
In addition, the Fisk TX-2 truck comes standard with the following:
- A 14-foot aluminum bed with a high-pressure composite decking
- E-Track tie-down system
- Betts LED lighting with a backup beeper and customizable spotlight
- Dual tank tie-down zones
- An installed electronic PTO and pump
4. Delivery System
The delivery system of a propane truck is the mechanism that allows it to transport propane from the storage tank to distribution points safely. A few key parts of a propane truck that this system should have include:
- Meter: This will measure the volume of gas being dispensed so that there is accurate tracking.
- Pump: These pumps are built to handle high pressures and need to be made from durable materials because of continuous usage.
- Safety valves: These need to be built into the system to prevent accidental leaks. In an emergency, the valves have to close or stop the gas flow automatically.
5. Safety Features
Propane is a highly flammable gas, so ensuring safety is essential for safely transporting, handling, and delivering propane.
Your propane delivery truck needs to have:
- Protection against leaks: A leak can potentially cause a fire or explosion. You’ll need to ensure that your truck has safety components like leak detection sensors and pressure relief valves, which can quickly alert your operators.
- Protection for drivers: When your truck has equipment like protective barriers or safety lighting, this can help keep your staff safe from accidental exposure or equipment malfunctions.
- Fire and explosion prevention: Fire extinguishers and emergency shut-off valves can help prevent and manage potential fires or blasts.
- Compliance: Your propane delivery truck needs to comply with local and national regulations from authorities like the Department of Transportation and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
6. Brand Reputation
Your business means a lot to you, and every investment needs to help you grow. One of the most critical components of your propane business is ensuring that you partner with a good, reputable company for your trucking needs. The right company will:
- Manufacture reliable and durable products: This will reduce downtime and repairs and help you deliver consistently.
- Commit itself to safety standards: A reputable brand will prioritize safety and comply with standards and regulations. They’ll often have rigorous testing for quality control measures to ensure their trucks are safe.
- Have a proven track record: If a company has been developing quality products and services, it will usually earn good reviews and feedback from customers.
Fisk Tank Carrier Offers Everything You Need for Your Propane Delivery Truck
Propane delivery trucks rely on multiple components. Each component plays an essential role in ensuring that this highly flammable gas is handled, stored, and delivered safely and efficiently.
If you’re ready to enhance your propane delivery capabilities, you need a reliable partner like Fisk. We’ve been a trusted supplier of propane delivery truck components for three generations. We offer a range of propane truck products to help you get the most out of your investment.
Reach out to us for more information on our trusted products and services.
