Hauling Two 3,000 gallons water storage tanks

[beowulf]

I have ordered two 3,000 gallon water storage tanks for use at a well we are drilling for a second home on our property. One for domestic use and one for fire dept use as required. They will be ready at the pick up site in late June and that site is 61 miles from me. Each tank is approximately 8' in diameter and just over 8' high and each weighs 402 lbs. They will load the tanks onto a trailer or whatever I bring.

They want $1,300 if they deliver them to my property - that would be on a truck and I have to have equipment here to unload them. I have considered renting a trailer but they seem to be a bit too narrow. Also considered renting a flatbed stake truck (will run about $400 total) but that would also present the unloading issue. I have a tractor and straps but getting up that high (truck bed height plus the height of the tanks) may not work out.

Anyway, I thought about hiring a tow truck - the kind with the tilting bed. The factory would put them on the truck, I would strap them down securely, and then we could carefully slide them off at the site here (I would still have the issue of locating the tanks precisely where I want them but can figure that out somehow). I am contacting tow truck outfits near by. One wanted me to send pics of tanks and specs before giving me a price so I have done that. Others will call back. One said it would be about $600.

Anyway, doable? Suggestions? Issues with relocating to specific site after unloading? Likely I will slide on 2 x 6 boards to the site.

I don't want to show up here on the "Pics of Hauling Something Wrong" thread.

 

[jthibodeau89]

First question, do you have access to a car/equipment hauler or deck over trailer and a tractor with forks. If you have a tractor, how big is it? Need a LCUT at a minimum (3500# or more with proper ballast). A JD 1025 won't be sufficient to get tanks off trailer safely. Tank weight isn't the issue, the CG and bulk of the tank is. The 402lb weight is 48" in front of the fork frame.

A 20' flat bed car hauler may fit both tanks in front of the fenders. Space between fenders is 84". Need 14' or so from front stop to fenders to fit both on front end. Can also put 1 tank in front, and 2nd tank behind fenders. Deckover trailer is even easier. Will need to rent or make 72"~84" fork extensions to get forks past mid point of tank.

Tanks can be blocked when set on trailer, but you can also block with the sid of the forks as you prepare to unload. Will need to temporarily attach a couple 60" tall posts to pallet fork frame and use a 27' long ratchet straps to secure tanks to forks atleast 4' above base.

If you don't have the means to haul and unload, perhaps the rollback wrecker is your most cost efficient option. Once tanks are on the ground they can be skidded into place numerous ways.

 

[beowulf]

Jthibodeau89, thanks for responding. I have a Kubota L3410 and have 48" pallet forks. I understand about having 48" of the weight out beyond the end of the pallet forks and was thinking about strapping two 4' x 8' 3/4 plywood sheets to the forks to compensate and provide a base - your post idea makes sense.

I have loaded tires and with a gannon box on the rear I think I would have sufficient ballast. I have unloaded 1,000 lb bags of gravel off of my pickup easily - though that weight was not quite out that far in front. I can always strap a 9' RR tie to the rear of the gannon box if necessary.

I don't have access to an equipment hauler or flatbed trailer as you describe, but you have given me an idea. There is a local neighborhood forum up here in which people are always searching for things and getting neighborly responses so there is a decent chance someone up here may have what I need and can help out - a lot of ranchers up here.

And I may get better estimates for a tow truck option than the one for $600. If I can get that arranged for $300 or such I would jump at it.

I understand about the strapping. I still have some time to locate something that will work but want to get it all sorted out before the tanks are ready.

I appreciate your suggestions.

 

[Rebeldad1]

assuming the tanks are round even a car trailer with a 6 1/2' deck would work.

 

[beowulf]

assuming the tanks are round even a car trailer with a 6 1/2' deck would work.

Interesting. Thought that would not work. I will check that out. Thanks.

 

[newbury]

Or if round a boat trailer and lay them down.

 

[dodge man]

I’m pretty sure a car hauler would be fine, I’m pretty sure my 18 footer would do it. Another thought, a Uhaul truck or Penske. I looked it up and it looks like they might not quite be wide enough from Uhaul but maybe a Penske would. I think you have enough tractor to unload them.

 

[Rebeldad1]

Have had 12' casings hauled on a 8' wide trailer. your 8' on a car haul trailer or fendered equipment trailer should be easy.

 

[Industrial Toys]

I had a friend years ago who was in the towing business. He talked a CAA driver with a flatbed, into moving a "FREE" HOT TUB using a friends membership card. Just sayin! There are creative ways of doing things.

 

[cwbyeng1300]

8' diameter. Just lay 'em down on a 16' utility trailer, strap them down & haul them. They should fit between the rails if they are on their side.