Custom-Made Aftermarket Fuel Tanks for Semi-Trucks
When buying an aftermarket fuel tank, consider several critical factors to ensure you get a product that reliably fulfills your needs. Some of these considerations are tank fit, material construction, tested quality, and safety. For example, you want a reputable manufacturer that pressure tests each replacement diesel tank for maximum performance.
At Proform, we assemble our fuel tanks and fuel tank systems according to your specs from quality materials, and we rigorously test our products to ensure that you receive a tank you can trust. As part of our commitment to excellent quality standards, Proform is ISO 9001 and U.S. DOT certified, our fuel tanks are FMCSA tested, and we adhere to all industry best practices.
We specialize in aluminum and aluminized steel fuel tanks that we roll, blank, or weld on-site with robotic or automated welders for dependable, consistent quality and maximum operational efficiency. Today, when you try to obtain a replacement fuel tank, lead times when using traditional routes of procurement are quite long. The team at Proform offers an ideal solution, with the capabilities to engineer and manufacture aftermarket fuel tanks quickly to better support your business.
Aluminum vs. Steel
Aluminum is a superior material for a replacement fuel tank. Compared to steel, aluminum offers these products numerous advantages, including:
- Weight reduction. Truck manufacturers are always looking to incorporate lighter components into their vehicles for greater fuel efficiency, and aluminum is an answer to that challenge. The material may not make a big weight difference for smaller tanks, but for larger ones, an aluminum tank will be significantly lighter than a comparable steel tank. Semi-truck fuel tanks or tanks on 18-wheelers made of steel would be quite a bit heavier given their necessary size and material thickness.
- Durability. While steel is stronger than aluminum, it is susceptible to rust, which can cause problems in the long term. Moisture and salt exposure result in steel fuel tank corrosion. With aluminum over-the-road tanks, however, there are no such concerns.
- Cost savings. The cost of aluminum is relative to market variations, depending on fuel and transportation costs we well as global supply and demand. However, particularly in times of high fuel prices, the fuel efficiency that lightweight aluminum lends to a fuel tank makes it a preferable material for these applications.
- Aesthetic appeal. Steel will accept paint, and painting steel tanks can help add to their corrosion resistance. Aluminum, on the other hand, does not require painting. Polishing aluminum brings out the material’s inherent beauty.
Aluminum Truck Fuel Tanks
Working with a reputable supplier helps assure product quality and longevity, as does purchasing components made from high-performance materials. At Proform, we have over two decades of expertise in manufacturing and supplying superior products like DEF tank systems, military tanks, and school bus tank products, among other fuel tanks for sale to fit diverse applications. Find your local dealer (or become one!). If you are a consumer trying to replace your tank system or a distributor interested in becoming a dealer, contact us today for more information.