Do I need to brace the water tank, the wall looks bowed?
All tanks must be braced and secured to prevent any movement of the tank while in transit and to prevent possibility of tank tipping or falling.
Due to the manufacturing process all the tanks especially the larger in size will have a bowing to the walls, when the tank is filled the tank will expand out removing the inward bow, we recommend laying all tanks on a level surface (this can be angled to help with drainage) and bracing the tanks.
For larger tanks it is recommended to brace all side walls with plywood or metal, we do not recommend using ratchet straps on the tanks alone as this is a large amount of weight on a thin strip and may cause cutting into the tank.
For tanks placed outside it is also recommend to enclose tanks using sheet metal / plywood or some other type of weather proof material to prevent damage from road debris and speed bumps, be sure to check your clearance before ordering.
Brackets or Strap Systems
Due to the variety of installations we do not carry brackets or bracing systems for our fresh/gray tanks. We carry brackets for our waste tanks with "J" bracket mounting styles.
Can I install the tank under the trailer? Tanks can be installed inside or outside of unit, for food vendors verify requirements before purchasing as some areas do not allow tanks to be outside of the unit and others do not allow the tank to be inside of the unit.
For tanks placed outside it is also recommend to enclose tanks using sheet metal / plywood or some other type of weather proof material to prevent damage from road debris and speed bumps, be sure to check your clearance before ordering.
Can I stand the tank up?
Can I stand the tank up on end so all the fittings are at the top? How do I get water out of the tank with the fittings at the top? Tanks can be placed on any side. You can rotate the tanks on any side, fitting placement will vary by tank, please be sure to view the tank photos on the tank details page. The easiest option is to add a Uniseal fitting (described just up the page) to the bottom of the tank to draw water from the bottom while filling at the top.
Can I stack the water tanks on top of each other? Can I put weight on the tanks? No, do not place anything on the tanks, if you need to stack the tanks you will need a weight bearing shelf between them. A gallon of water weighs roughly 8.34 pounds, so a 40 gallon water tank when full is over 335 pounds in weight.
Waste Water Tanks
Some of the Class A Customs Waste Water Tanks are built with a "lip" on the tank. Tanks can be hung by this lip, it is recommended to make a shelf to slide the tank lip into. You will need to brace the tank on all sides to prevent movement of the tank.
Codes vary by local health departments, not state. We are not aware of the codes or rules. We are not aware of what tanks or items you need.
Ask your local Health Department to provide you with a list of water tank manufacturers that have the NSF logo built into the water tank.
Forward the documents and tank information provided on the Class A Customs website to your local health department before purchasing to be sure these tanks will pass your local inspection, this is your responsibility.
Class A Customs NSF Letter this letter has all fresh/gray tank sizes, part #'s, measurements and fittings, along with material tank is made from.
Before you build or modify ----- verify rules and regulations. Codes vary by local health departments, not state. We are not aware of the codes or rules. We are not aware of what tanks or items you need.
Ask your local Health Department to provide you with a list of water tank manufacturers that have the NSF logo built into the water tank.
Forward the documents and tank information provided on the Class A Customs website to your local health department before purchasing to be sure these tanks will pass your local inspection, this is your responsibility.
Class A Customs NSF Letterthis letter has all fresh/gray tank sizes, part #'s, measurements and fittings, along with material tank is made from.
Why is there no NSF logo in the tank?
Can I get an NSF logo on my tank?
Class A Customs was required to remove the NSF logo from all water tanks in June 2020, the tanks continue to be made from the same NSF Certified Materials, built in the same way, built on the same machines, and built in the same building here at Class A Customs. The NSF Company does not allow for end users of NSF Certified Materials to use the NSF logo unless each kind of item that is produced has a certification paid for each year. This would mean every style of tank we make, even though they are made using the same NSF Certified Materials, made in the same process, made on the same machine, we would need to pay to use the logo on each item every year.
All of Class A Customs Fresh/Gray water tanks are manufactured using DOW NSF International NSF/ANSI Std 61 approved Medium Density Polyethylene (MDPE) Resin Because Class A Customs was verified to used and continues to use NSF Certified Materials to build our tanks we are allow to link directly to the NSF website materials page and are allowed to state the tanks are made from NSF Certified Materials.
The NSF associate Class A Customs was contacted by and worked with was; Antonio Acree Quality Representative, Quality & Compliance aacree@nsf.org
NSF International | nsf.org 789 N. Dixboro Road, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, U.S.A 1-800-NSF-MARK
Your inspector can validate this information with NSF by contacting them directly.
Ask your local Health Department to provide you with a list of water tank manufacturers that have the NSF logo built into the water tank.
Before you build or modify a unit verify rules and regulations, codes vary by local health departments, not state. We are not aware what tanks or items you will need. If you have more questions on this please feel free to contact us.
My health department doesn't care, they won't look... my builders said it is ok... I am just updating tanks. We hear this and then get the call needing a different tank sent overnight to meet a deadline. It takes very little time to check before and saves you time and money. Forward the documents and tank information provided to your local health department before purchasing to be sure these tanks will pass your local inspection, this is your responsibility.
What does my inspector need when I go to inspections on the tanks? Class A Customs NSF Letter ( You can print or forward this onto your Health Inspector) Receipt of Purchase All tanks have the part number molded into the tank, inspector can verify tank.
What to ask on Fresh and Gray Water Tanks Size and Shape (Gallons / Measurements / Fresh to Gray ratio / Slanted or Sloped Bottom - if tank must have sloped bottom place on wedge platform VERIFY if this will pass your inspection BEFORE ordering)
Fittings (Size / Placement / Materials)
Pipes (are you required to run a size or type check Fresh and Gray)
Filling Procedure (Lockable Fill Dish / Materials) Tank Placement (Inside / Outside of unit) Clean Out Requirements (do you need to be able to see in the tank or get your arm into the tank to clean out)
Water Tank Percent Calculation Examples 15% Large Gray Tank Than Fresh: Multiply (fresh tank size) x 1.15 = Tank needed
25% Large Gray Tank Than Fresh: Multiply (fresh tank size) x 1.25 = Tank needed
50% Large Gray Tank Than Fresh: Multiply (fresh tank size) x 1.50 = Tank needed
I have only so much room how many gallons can I get in that space? We do not recommend sizes or verbally give measurements, this is to avoid errors. Please look at the Water Tank List located at the top of each webpage or under Navigation Menu on mobile devices to see all tanks Class A Customs currently manufactures. You would need to compare the measurements of the tank with your available space and determine the best tank for your needs and application.
FRESH WATER TANK INFORMATION
What fittings will I need for my plumbing? Do you have a "plug and play" or "concession kit"? There is no one size fits all application for the water tank set-up, it varies by application, unfortunately we are not aware of what items you will be needing.
Items we carry that you may be able to use, verify before purchasing.
This is for Fresh Water Systems Only - Not to be used for Gray or Waste Water Systems
Designed for Class A Customs Stock Fresh Water Tank set-up using a Fill Dish (fill dish not included)
This Kit does not fit a SPOUTED Water Tank
For the smaller tanks (5 gallon and 7 Gallon) the fittings are different than the other stock tanks, verify this will work for your set-up.
End user will need to verify this kit will work for installation, verify length of hose(s) needed, verify fittings needed.
GRAY WATER TANK INFORMATION
Class A Customs Tanks that are white in color can be used for either Fresh or Gray Water use.
Class A Customs Black Tanks are used to hold Human Waste and/or used water from handwashing sinks, dish sinks, and showers - they are NOT for fresh water use.
You do not use a water pump on Waste Water Tanks, the tank is gravity fed only.
Class A Customs Basic Plumbing Kit will NOT work for a Gray water set-up.
Verify with inspecting Health Department
Size of fittings and pipes required.
Does tank need to be slanted on the bottom - if so ask if making a wedge for the tank to sit on qualifies.
Does the tank need a clean out port - and if so size.
If you want to place your tank directly under your sink or shower you can use a Uniseal Fitting to install a fitting directly where needed to allow the pipe to go into the tank.
I want the tanks in the video. The UM-2000 and UM-2500 were used in this video along with our Basic Plumbing Kit for the fresh tank, verify the measurements of the tanks will work for your applications.
Example of how difficult getting a mobile food unit permit can be, check first and get approval.
These are examples of terms and requirements that you may encounter.
ALWAYS check your local health department where the inspection will be made for requirements.
Mobile Food Unit: Any vehicle that is self-propelled or that can be pulled or pushed down a sidewalk, street, highway or waterway, on which food is prepared, processed, or converted or which is used in selling and dispensing food to customers. Mobile food units must be capable of being mobile at all times during operation. The wheels of the unit may not be removed from the unit at the operating location. Most mobile food units require a commissary for rapidly cooling foods, food washing, overnight storage, and dish washing facilities. Check local codes for requirements.
Unattended Mobile Food Unit Prohibited: No MFU shall be parked on the street overnight or left unattended and unsecured at any time food is kept in the MFU. Any MFU which is found to be unattended in this manner shall be considered a public safety hazard and may be ticketed and impounded. Additionally, after a Vendor is done operating on private property for the day, the MFU must be relocated to a site other than the private property on which it was operating, unless that private property is also the commissary for the MFU.
Plan Review: Conducted by the Regulatory Authority by reviewing the menu, equipment list, and layout of the unit for several reasons; 1) To make sure the unit will be in compliance with the regulations, 2) to prevent any misunderstandings by the applicant/owner, and 3) allows the RA to become familiar with the operation, the owner, and potential for future problems before the unit is permitted. Check local codes for requirements.
Identification: Each mobile food unit must be clearly marked with the licensee's name or a distinctive identifying symbol. Check local codes for requirements.
Water Supply: Mobile food units must use water from an approved water supply and be designed to provide a sufficient capacity to meet operational needs. The system must be of sufficient capacity to furnish enough hot and cold water for food preparation, dish washing, and hand washing. Materials used in the construction of mobile food unit water tanks and plumbing must be made of safe (food or drinking water grade) materials. All connecting hoses must be food grade and clearly identified as to their use (so as not to be mistakenly used for another purpose). A backflow prevention device must be installed at one hose connection bib to prevent backflow into the clean water system. Check local codes for requirements.
Grease Trap or Grease Interceptor mobile food vendors are calling letting us know some places are now requiring a grease trap to be installed on units. Ask before installing any plumbing. Guide To Grease Interceptor
Sewage Disposal: All liquid wastes must drain into an approved wastewater tank. All liquid waste from the waste tank or from cleaning activities such as cleaning the mobile food unit must be captured and properly disposed of in the sanitary sewer. Wastewater can not be dumped onto the ground, onto the streets, or into a storm a drain. Check local codes for requirements.
Power Source: Mobile food unit must have an appropriate power source (e.g., generator or plugged into an electrical source) to ensure food sanitation requirements are met at all hours of operation (e.g., provide proper cold holding, hot holding, and meet hand washing and dish washing hot water requirements). Check local codes for requirements.
Hot Water: Hot water generation and distribution systems must be sufficient to meet the peak hot water demands for hand washing facilities, dish washing, and other operations of the mobile food unit. Check local codes for requirements.
Hand Washing Facilities: The location of hand washing facilities must be convenient and readily accessible to all operations. Mobile food units must have plumbed hand washing facilities with water under pressure. The use of hand washing facilities is restricted to hand washing only. A splash guard around the handsink to prevent splashing cross contamination. Check local codes for requirements.
Dish Washing: All utensils and equipment must be washed in a 3-compartment sink (capable of washing the largest utensil or equipment) or commercial dishwasher. Check with local code for smaller units that do not have dish washing sinks. Check local codes for requirements.
Indirect Waste: Any piece of equipment utilized to hold food or ice that is equipped with a drain must have indirect waste plumbing. Check local codes for requirements.
Potentially Hazardous Food: A food that is natural or synthetic and is in a form capable of supporting the rapid and progressive growth of infectious or toxigenic microorganisms, or the growth and toxin production of clostridium botulinum. “Potentially hazardous food” includes an animal food that is raw or heat-treated, a food of plant origin that is heat-treated or consists of raw seed sprouts, cut melons, and garlic and oil mixtures. Check local codes for requirements.
Food Handler Cards: All food service workers who handle food, drinks, or utensils must have a valid Food Handler Card. Check local codes for requirements.
Food Sources: All foods, beverages and ice must be obtained from an approved source. Any food preparation or food storage done off-site must be accomplished at a licensed food establishment. No home prepared or home canned foods or foods that have been stored in a home are allowed. Check local codes for requirements.
Cold Holding: Adequate refrigeration must be provided to ensure potentially hazardous foods are held at correct temperature. Each refrigeration unit must be equipped with either a built-in thermometer or be provided with a numerically scaled spirit stem thermometer. Thermometers must be located to measure the air temperature in the warmest part of the refrigerator and located in an area where the thermometer is easy to read. Check local codes for temperatures.
Hot Holding: Adequate equipment to hold hot potentially hazardous food must be provided. Check local codes for temperatures.
Rapid Cooling: The best way to keep food safe is to make it fresh each day, just before you serve it. If you have food that is leftover or made in advance, you must cool this food rapidly at a facility with equipment designed for rapidly cooling foods. Check local codes for temperatures.
Rapid Reheating: Potentially hazardous food that has been cooked, cooled, and reheated for hot holding must be reheated with appropriate methods and heating - Check local codes for temperatures.
Probe Thermometer: Check local codes for requirements.
Date Marking: Ready-to-eat potentially hazardous foods that will not be used within a day must be date marked with either the preparation date, use-by date, or date the commercial package was open. Check local codes for requirements.
Storage: Adequate storage equipment is required to assure that all food, food containers, and single service utensils are stored at least six inches above the floor, or on a four inch high platform (or wheeled platforms). Storage shelves must be smooth, impervious, and easily cleanable. Food may not be stored in areas such as under sinks with exposed or unprotected sewer lines or water lines. Toxic items must be stored and labeled to allow for proper use and prevent contamination of food and food contact surfaces. Check local codes for requirements.
Auxiliary Storage: Auxiliary storage is limited to items necessary for one day of operation. Auxiliary storage must be in impervious, nonabsorbent, covered containers and stored in a way that prevents contamination and meets food safety requirements. Check local codes for requirements.
Produce: Produce must be washed at a licensed facility in a sink with indirect waste. Check local codes for requirements.
Equipment: All equipment should be easy to clean and maintained in good repair. All metal equipment should be free of rust and corrosion. Rusty/corroded metal equipment should be replaced or refinished in an approved manner. Wooden surfaces must be finished to provide a washable surface. All stationary equipment should be installed to allow easy cleaning beneath and/or behind equipment. Check local codes for requirements. Documents of Approved Appliance Testing.
Hoses: Liquid waste hoses must be differing color from those used for potable water.
Durable, corrosion-resistant, nonabsorbent. Resistant to pitting, chipping, scratching, and other distortion and decomposition. Finished with a smooth interior surface. Protected from contamination at all times. Clearly and durably identified as to its use for potable water.
Self-Service: Self-service foods within customer reach that are not prepackaged must be protected from customer contamination by a sneeze shield or other approved means. Condiments such as ketchup containers and salsas must be dispensed to protect foods from contamination. Condiments must be dispensed from the mobile food unit. Auxiliary storage may not be used for self-service, assembly, or preparation activities. Check local codes for requirements.
Ventilation: Adequate ventilation is required to prevent grease or condensation from collecting on walls and ceilings. Please check with local city and/or county building and fire departments regarding requirements. Do I need a Fire Inspection? Fire Extinguisher? Ancillary Fire Suppression System Check local codes for requirements.
Wall, Floor, and Overhead Protection: Floors, walls, and ceilings must be finished, smooth, and easily cleanable. All outer openings must be protected to prevent the entrance of insects, rodents, and contamination from weather elements.
Overhead protection must be provided for mobile food units that are operated outdoors and where food is not covered at all times. Examples of overhead protection include roofing, ceilings, awnings, or umbrellas. Overhead protection is not required for barbecue units that have a lid or covering that will protect foods from contamination. The overhead protection must be maintained in good repair. Check local codes for requirements.
Lighting: Adequate lighting must be provided. Light bulbs must be shielded or shatter resistant. Check local codes for requirements.
Doors and Windows: Exterior doors must be rodent proof (clearance may not exceed 1/4 inch and should be as tight-fitting as possible). All openings to the outer air must be screened to prevent fly entry. Check local codes for requirements.
Employee Personal Items: Employee personal items such as jackets, purses, medicines, etc., must be stored separately from food preparation areas and in a manner to prevent contamination. Check local codes for requirements.
Garbage Disposal: Must be disposed of at an approved, sanitary garbage disposal site or at base of operations. Garbage facilities at the base of operations must be located in an area with a hard, nonabsorbent surface such as cement or asphalt. Outside containers must be covered and adequately sized. Check local codes for requirements.
Hazard: A biological (microorganism), chemical (cleansers, pesticides), or physical (fingernail, plastic) property that may cause an unacceptable consumer health risk. Check local codes for requirements.
Smoke-free Workplace Law: Check local codes for requirements.
Examples Of Food Truck Rules - Verify What You Need Before Purchasing
Water Heater Requirements A water heater or an instantaneous heater capable of heating water to a minimum of 120°F, inter-connected with a potable water supply, must be provided and must operate independently of the vehicle engine. The water heater must have a minimum capacity of three gallons. Mobile food facilities approved for limited food preparation may provide a water heater with a minimum capacity of one-half gallon
Potable and Waste Water Tanks Materials used in the construction of potable water and wastewater tanks, line couplings, valves and all other plumbing must be: Safe, durable, corrosion resistant, nonabsorbent, and finished to have smooth, easily cleanable surfaces. Installed, maintained, and constructed of materials that will not contaminate the water sup-ply, food, utensils, or equipment. Potable and wastewater tanks must be: Sloped to an outlet that ensures complete drainage of the tank and designed and constructed so as to be easily and completely drained. Installed with an air vent overflow capable of preventing potential flooding of the interior of the facility. When located in a protected area, the vent must terminate in a downward direction and must be covered with 16 mesh per square inch screen or equivalent. When located in a non-protected area that is from windblown dirt and debris, a protective filter is required. Designed with an access port for inspection and cleaning*, located at the top of the tank and equipped with a port cover assembly provided with a gasket and a device for securing the cover in place, flanged to overlap the opening and sloped to drain. *Mobile food facilities with non-accessible water tanks may submit written operational procedures for the cleaning and sanitizing of the potable water tank to satisfy this requirement. Flushed and sanitized before being placed in service after construction, repair, modification and periods of non-use. The potable water tank must be enclosed from the filling inlet to the discharge outlet. All waste lines must be connected to wastewater tanks with watertight seals Any connection to a wastewater tank must prevent the possibility of contamination to any food, food contact surface, or utensil. Potable water tanks must be installed in a manner that allows water to be filled with an easily accessible inlet Inlets and outlets must be positioned so that they are protected from contaminants Inlets and outlets must be constructed so that back flow and other contamination of the water supply is prevented. Fittings must be protected between uses by a cap, quick disconnect, or other approved protective cover or device.
Hoses used for conveying potable water to or from a water tank must be: Smooth Durable, corrosion-resistant, nonabsorbent Resistant to pitting, chipping, scratching, and other distortion and decomposition Finished with a smooth interior surface Protected from contamination at all times. Clearly and durably identified as to its use for potable water Liquid waste hoses must be differing color from those used for potable water
What is a mobile food facility? A mobile food facility (MFF) is a truck, trailer, cart, push cart or other vehicle that meets California Retail Food Code (CRFC) requirements and operates in conjunction with an approved commissary or other permitted food facility.
Can I use an open-air barbeque alongside my mobile food facility? No, unless the MFF is operating at a permitted community event only. Open-air barbecue operations are only allowed on the same premises as a permanent food facility approved for food preparation, at a temporary food facility, or a stationary MFF operating at a permitted community event???.
Unfortunately, we do not have a list of vehicles, uses or projects people have done with our tanks.
Please be sure to view our Water Tank List located at the top of each page or here: https://www.classacustoms.com/water-tank-list.html
You will need to verify if a tank will work for your application, before purchasing - Class A Customs will not recommend what items you need or what will work for your application.
Click the part # to go directly to the item page
Verify tank measurements and specs - Tanks can be very different in design
Verify fittings needed and in tank
Tanks do not come in left side or right side - the tank you see is the only tank offered.
It is recommended to get a larger Gray Tank(s) than Fresh Tanks to be sure you have enough capacity.
For food vendors you will need to check with your inspecting Health Department on rules and requirements, do this before purchasing.
If you are trying to replace a tank
Look at current tank to see part #
Check with vehicle manufacturer, be sure you have vehicle make and model #
Vehicle build sheet may have information
Online Search, check with hobby groups
You may not be able to find the same tank, especially in older units.
You may not be able to purchase from the tank manufacturer.
Looking for Sprinter Van Style Tanks
Type "Sprinter" in the search bar above, all tanks that are manufactured for Sprinter Vans will come up in the search or you can find them here on our Blog
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