Horsepower for tanker?

I'm new here and I'm not sure if this is the correct place to post this question so if its not, let me know. My question is: how much HP is needed for a tanker with 3500 gallons? Our dept. is looking into custom building one and we're getting all kinds of HP numbers thrown at us. Anywhere from 200-500+ is what we're getting. We have some hills, curves, and major hwys. to deal with so overkill is ok, just want to make sure we get enough. Thanks.

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Permalink Reply by John on February 4, 2009 at 10:13pm

I'm no expert on horsepower to weight ratio's but I am sure somewhere in the internet world there should be something pertaining to that, or check some of the apparatus Mfg and see what they offer for HP on thier tankers. I know ours still feels like its being pulled by a team of horses, she is very slow moving.

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Permalink Reply by FF Nick on February 4, 2009 at 11:16pm

You'd be fine with about a 330 horse backed by an allison. Horse power usually wont matter much in a tanker. Look for the torque and what the gearing in the rear axle/s would be.

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Permalink Reply by Chad King on March 21, 2009 at 4:01pm

I would say 450hp. You can always use the extra power on the changes in elevation, curves, highways, etc.

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Permalink Reply by paul michael komandt on March 24, 2009 at 8:54pm

We have a 2001 commercial cab 2000 gal tanker with a 530HP motor. it is governed, but it never gets to use that much. neighbors (3)have 3000 gal on a custom chassis all close to 40 ft long to boot. thay have 350 motors and they have said it is plenty and sometimes "scary".

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Permalink Reply by paul michael komandt on March 24, 2009 at 8:58pm

i agree why change "tankers" to tenders. so many tankers and so few BADLOWs

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Permalink Reply by Chad Furr on March 24, 2009 at 8:59pm

do you know what 3500 gallons of water weighs???? Over 29,500. Would like to see the 450 or 550 after you filled it. My bet is it would be in 2 pieces.

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Permalink Reply by Michael on March 28, 2009 at 1:01pm

Here it is guys. Still not quite all done but we're gettin' close. She weighs in about 52,000 ibs. fully loaded. Let me know what ya think. Changes? Likes? I will post more pictures when it gets closer to being finished.

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