How old is to old of a tanker?

Discussion in 'Tanker, Bulk and Dump Trucking Forum' started by 2Tap, Feb 21, 2023.

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  1. 2Tap

    2Tap Medium Load Member

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    Looking at one of my Walker Stainless/Aluminum tankers and noticed a production date on the trailer stamped 1979o_O Now i know the state certifies them for hauling milk but i highly doubt that there is any type of indepth inspection being done on kingpin/plate?

    Nothing lasts forever and i don't need something 8 years younger than me killing me.

    I know in manufacturing we had lifting devices xray'd twice a year and cranes & hoists professionally inspected and that equipment doesn't take near a beating as these tankers do.
     
    2Tap, Feb 21, 2023
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  2. wis bang

    wis bang Road Train Member

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    Matlack often had upgraded 30 year old tanks and a '79 Walker was a good tank and you can bet the upper 5th wheel plate has been changed a few times
     
    wis bang, Feb 21, 2023
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  3. kemosabi49

    kemosabi49 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    We run several Chemical tankers that were made in the 80s and I'm sure there are some even older ones in the fleet. We run mostly MC 307 and MC 407 tankers, which is the most common in the industry. For these the kingpin plate, or "Upper Coupler", must be completely removed and inspected every two years. Also, a thickness test every two years. External and internal visual inspection and leakage test, every year. And pressure test every 5 years.
    Inspections for other types of chemical tanks can be even more stringent.
     
    kemosabi49, Feb 21, 2023
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  4. 2Tap

    2Tap Medium Load Member

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    Would those inspections be noted anywhere or is that part of the registration process state by state?

    I don't trust the llc i work for.
     
    Last edited: Feb 21, 2023
    2Tap, Feb 21, 2023
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  5. lester

    lester Midwest's #1 Feed Hauler

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    Should be covered in your annual inspection. If concerned have it looked at specifically or look yourself.
     
    lester, Feb 21, 2023
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  6. wis bang

    wis bang Road Train Member

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    Sanitary trailers were not originally part of the stricter Part 380 inspection criteria though I believe it was intended to be extended to all tank vessels; I don't know if it was; I don't see the inspection marking on them like I see on the spec chem trailers.
     
    wis bang, Feb 21, 2023
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  7. kemosabi49

    kemosabi49 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Any tanker that hauls Hazmat, will have a sticker listing the type of inspection and the month/year done. The sticker is normally on either the front of the tank or on a side near the front. Also, written documentation for each inspection has to be carried along with the trailer registration. Some DOT cops will go though everything during an inspection and if you don't have it can be shut down.
     
    kemosabi49, Feb 21, 2023
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  8. Crude Truckin'

    Crude Truckin' Alien Spacecraft

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    Company I work for, we have a 1968 Beall MC306 4 compartment that still passes testing. I wouldn’t be scared to take it to California. There’s also buttloads of MC331s that are 50s vintage. Think about that. We have an MC331 manufactured in 1952 that gets used daily. Never had a problem. If the unit gets maintained well, it will last.
     
    Crude Truckin', Feb 21, 2023
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  9. Cat sdp

    Cat sdp . .

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    Stainless tanks are kept in service for ever. As long as they pass the tests companies put new subframes and landing gear and 5th wheel plates on them.
     
    Cat sdp, Feb 21, 2023
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  10. austinmike

    austinmike Road Train Member

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    We had a LPG trailer in texas that was built in 1964. They were still using it when I left in 2018.
     
    austinmike, Feb 21, 2023
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