Fuel and water tanker truck: capacities and models
A tanker truck is used to carry water or fuel. Its tank usually holds from 10 m³ on a small 4x2 to 20 m³ and more on a 6x4, but the volume you can legally carry depends on the weight of the liquid. Here are the capacities, the models and the points to check for a water or fuel tanker.
Water tanker or fuel tanker: two different jobs
The two trucks look alike, but they are not equipped in the same way:
- The water tanker is used for water supply, for spraying sites and tracks, or for municipal services. It is often fitted with a pump, spray bars at the front and rear, and sometimes a water cannon.
- The fuel tanker delivers diesel or petrol to filling stations, building sites and mines. Its tank is often divided into several compartments, and it can have a pump, a meter and a hose reel for dispensing fuel.
Transporting fuel is a high-risk activity, governed by specific rules in each country: approvals, safety equipment, driver training. Check with the authorities in your country before starting.
Tanker truck capacity: the models in our catalogue
| Model | Configuration | Tank capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Howo 10 m³ fuel tanker | 4x2 | 10 m³, with pump, meter and hose reel |
| Howo 15 m³ water tanker | 6x4 | 15 m³ |
| Howo 20 m³ water tanker | 6x4 | 20 m³ (tanks of 21 to 25 m³ depending on the version) |
| Shacman F3000 water tanker | 6x4 | 20,000 litres |
| Howo 30 m³ fuel tanker | 3 axles | 30 m³, insulated tank |
There are also 40 m³ mining tankers, reserved for off-road sites. See for example the Howo 6x4 20 m³ water tanker and the Shacman F3000 water tanker.
Tank volume and authorised weight
As with a dump body, the tank capacity is not what you can carry on the road. In UEMOA countries, regulation no. 14/2005 limits the gross weight of a 3-axle rigid truck to 26 tonnes, truck included. A 6x4 tanker weighs about 12 to 13 tonnes empty. That leaves about 13 to 14 tonnes of load.
The corresponding volume depends on the liquid:
| Liquid | Weight per m³ (approx.) | Volume allowed on a 6x4 (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Water | 1 t | 13 to 14 m³ |
| Diesel | 0.82 to 0.845 t | 15 to 17 m³ |
| Petrol | 0.72 to 0.775 t | 17 to 19 m³ |
A 20 m³ tank filled with water therefore exceeds the authorised load on the road. For fuel, the UEMOA regulation also provides for an additional fine if a hydrocarbon tanker is overloaded. For a 4-axle truck, do the same calculation with 31 tonnes and the empty weight of your version. We detail this method in our article on the 12-wheeler truck.
The Howo tanker truck and other brands
The Howo tanker truck is very common on West African roads, in water and fuel versions. There are also Shacman tankers, on F3000 or H3000 chassis. On the same chassis, the tank and its equipment are often built by a specialised body builder: so look at the tank as much as at the truck.
Points to check before buying a tanker truck
- The tank material: steel, stainless steel (often chosen for drinking water) or aluminium (often chosen for fuel).
- The number of compartments: for fuel, several compartments allow several products to be delivered and limit liquid sloshing.
- The pump and equipment: pump flow rate, spray bars, meter, hose reel, depending on your use.
- Safety equipment for fuel: fire extinguishers, battery isolator, dangerous goods signage, according to the rules in your country.
- The exact empty weight, to calculate the volume you can legally carry.
For water as for fuel, needs are not the same in Abidjan, Ouagadougou, Niamey, Lomé, Bamako or Conakry: describe your business to us before choosing the tank size.
Frequently asked questions about tanker trucks
What is the capacity of a tanker truck?
Usually from 10 m³ on a 4x2 to 20 m³ and more on a 6x4. But on the road, the volume allowed depends on the weight of the liquid and the empty weight of the truck.
How many litres of water can a 6x4 tanker truck carry?
In UEMOA countries, about 13,000 to 14,000 litres of water, to stay under the 26 tonnes allowed, truck included.
Can the same tanker be used for water and fuel?
No, it is not recommended: the tanks, seals, pumps and safety equipment are not the same. Drinking water must never pass through a tank that has contained fuel.
What is the price of a Howo tanker truck?
It depends on the configuration, the size and material of the tank, the equipment and the condition of the truck. Write to us on WhatsApp to find out about the tanker suited to your business.
Looking for a tanker truck?
Water or fuel: tell us about your business and we will help you choose the right tank. Write to us on WhatsApp to find out more.
