custom tank ordering

[Merlin]

I have quotes from two of the large tank builders (welders) and was ready to place an order with Duracast who was the low bidder.  However I just looked at the web site for George's Custom Tanks http://www.geocustomplastic.com/ and sent for a quote.  Surprisingly, his quote on my detailed drawing ended up at about half the cost of the other tank builders.  Does anyone have experience with George's Custom Tanks?  On top of the low price (compared to the competition) he said he is building from 1/2" HDPE and the others are quoting on 3/8" material.  My cost to ship from the left coast will be more than shipping the tanks from Duracast, but not too big of a factor.

[gumpy]

3/8" would be adequate. 1/2" is probably overkill.

Not sure if there's any benefit to HDPE vs Polypro.

What are your tank specifics, and what were the quotes? Maybe we can compare to other options.

3/8" Polypro went up to about $110 per 4x8 sheet this summer where I buy my stock.

[edroelle]

Polypropylene is a better plastic.  I agree with Craig, 3/8" is sufficient.  I see your potential source can do polypropylene.  Because not much sticks to it, it makes a great black tank also.

George's appears technically capable.  I would confirm that they weld the inside and outside of the tank.  I would choose the polypropylene though.

Ed Roelle
Flint, MI

[Merlin]

What are your tank specifics, and what were the quotes? Maybe we can compare to other options.

The fresh tank is about 24 x 24 x 57 and the waste tank is 21 x x 27 x 56 (rough dimensions). The shape is a bit convoluted so I assume the quotes reflect that complexity.  Quote from Duracast: Fresh Water  $978, Waste Tank  $1248.  Quote from George: $750, and  $785.


One attachment made it, but the other must be over the size limit.

Merlin

[Nick Badame Refrig/ACC]

Hi Merlin,

If you have a copy of Bus Conversions Mag, you can see Ardemco's ad where measurements that are very close to yours,

are in the $550 to $650 range for their Heavy Duty versions. Less for light duty..

They are in Ca, and you are in Oh, shouldn't be too much in shipping...

www.ardemco.com
1800-253-0115

Good Luck
Nick

[Lee Bradley]

Hate to go against our mags advertisers but I got 190 gallon 56"x28"x30" with spun fittings for $475.

[coachconverter]

I've dealt with Ardemco a few times, but there's always some mysterious delay in getting them, usually 4-6 weeks.  The first time they said Fedex lost them, the second time they said they burned up in a train fire on an Amtrak wreck - I heard nothing on the news.  But the stories are so strange, they must be true, right?

Anyways, they were nice tanks, but had some depression to them, even with the thicker material.  Is this common?  To me, I hate paying that kinda money for a tank and then it arrives with about 3/4 - 1 inch domed sides - I can that in Elkhart for $50  I ended up shelling them with 1 inch foamboard and then encasing them with 3/4" treated plywood anyways, but just expect straight sides for that kind of money.

BTW, if you're in Ohio then Elkhart probably isn't too far to go, you can get just about any tank for $50 - $150 each.

my two cents

Todd

[TomC]

Ardemco doesn't actually build the tanks.  They buy them from El Monte Plastics in El Monte, Ca. 626-442-0162. Best to deal directly with the manufacturer.  Good Luck, TomC

[Merlin]

Ardemco doesn't actually build the tanks.  They buy them from El Monte Plastics in El Monte, Ca. 626-442-0162. Best to deal directly with the manufacturer.  Good Luck, TomC

This has altered my search for a tank builder.  I did a Google search on El Monte Plastics and was shocked to see they also have a plant right here in Ohio ... just up the street !!

El Monte Plastics of Ohio
103 S Shane St
Ohio City, OH , 45874-9054 

Products Description:
Manufactures plastic products for RV & motor home sewage & water tanks ...

PS:  I just phoned them.  Only will do rotational molding and the cost to construct a form for only one tank would be far too much for me.  Guess I'm back to contracting with a plastic welder.

[coachconverter]

SWEET  That's only about 90 minutes from me!  I guess this community setup does work!  :-)

[Melbo]

I had custom tanks built from HDPE and have had good luck with some tanks and had to have others revisited by another local company I am happy with my tank set up because it fit very neatly into the bays.

But my total cost for the original construction and the the repairs was way less than 2000 dollars.

The biggest problem was filling the fresh water tank with the caps on and the pressure blowing it up.

HDPE will hold just fine with no pressure and full tanks but be sure they are vented well.

Just my experience.

YMMV

HTH

Melbo

[Jerry Liebler]

Merlin,
   Your waste tank  almost looks like you planned the dimensions to use 3/8" stock in 48"x 96" sheets, the 27 1/2" x 21" works well but the 56"  means that to do it with 2 sheets you'd need to make the baffle with a but welded piece, actually no problem.   I'd sure recommend 3/8" polypropylene.  I'm not all that far away from you, near Somerset Ky. and I welded my own out of 3/8  polypropylene and sure would be willing to help you do your own.  Send me an off board email with your phone # & I'll give you a call to discuss.  I've got plenty of polypropylene welding rod left.
Regards
Jerry 4107 1120

[Jerry Liebler]

Merlin,
   A couple of observations about your waste tank.  The code says the toilet should enter the tank through the top surface and that a combined black /gray tank should have a 2" vent.  Do you have exact locations for all the 'fittings' which, hopefully are female pipe thread and allowed to protrude 1/2" above the surface they are welded into.
Regards
Jerry 4107 1120

[TomC]

You should get a catalog from El Monte Plastics-even though they don't make custom tanks I'll bet you could find one that will work for you!  Good Luck, TomC

[Jerry Liebler]

Merlin,
    Current price for 3/8" polypropylene sheets from US Plastics is $154.12 ea -5% for 2 & - 10 % for 4  + tax & shipping.  The fittings will add about $20.  Assuming the fresh tank can be made from 2 sheets also you have under $700 in materials for both.
Regards
Jerry 4107 1120