How To Transport Your Stock Tank
There are a few ways to get your stock tank from point A to point B and we are here to tell you the pros and cons of each and which method we prefer. We’ve tried them all, we know the laws in our area, and we have a favorite method. In order to transport a tank you either need a truck or a trailer and no matter what, you need some good quality ratchet straps.
The first way you can get your stock tank home is our LEAST favorite way, and definitely the sketchiest way. It’s the diagonal approach, and it’s by far the most common thing that people think of first. The problem is that the weight distribution is off, your tank is hanging out really far on one side of your truck or trailer which can be very hard to navigate with, and you can’t get it super secure with ratchet straps. There is only one good thing about this approach- if you are putting the tank in the bed of the truck, you will be able to see (only a TINY bit, though) out of the back window. If you are putting it in a trailer, there are no pros. Just go ahead and skip this option!
Our favorite way to transport an 8’ tank is like the picture above. Putting the tank face down and using two ratchet straps across the middle into each corner of the truck bed. As you can see, this truck bed is a little shorter than the width of the 8’ tank. If you have a really short truck bed, you will need to turn the stock tank face up, or maybe consider renting a trailer. Definitely measure your truck bed before you drive to get your tank.
When you have a longer truck bed, you can easily fit the 8’ tank. I know that this method looks a little scary at first as you truly cannot see out of the back window. But it is the most secure way to hold down a stock tank for transportation. If you do choose to go this route, it’s a good idea to put a barrier between the stock tank and the area nearest the back window. DO NOT SIT THE TANK UP AGAINST THE WINDOW.
If you are transporting a 9’ or 10’ tank, you are going to have to start thinking outside the box. Because we move stock tanks around so much, we have built a frame on our trailer to be able to carry tanks vertically. If you own or are going to use a trailer that you can alter, this will be your best bet. You cannot legally carry anything wider than 8.5’ without getting a wide load permit. If you have a wide load permit or are willing to do the work and pay to get one, you could definitely lay a 9 ft. or 10 ft. stock tank flat and criss cross the ratchet straps. Trailers with a tall gate work best as you can bump the tank up against the gate for added security.
Whichever way you choose to transport your stock tank, make sure to ratchet strap it down until you feel it’s secure. If you’ve never used a ratchet strap, no worries! Just look up how to use a ratchet strap on Youtube before you go to pick up your tank. We hope this helps you feel less stressed about your stock tank’s journey home!
