Is it a legal requirement to install a crash tested system in my vehicle?

What laws govern what?

Should I carry water and my system in my vehicle?

Whilst there is not a "black and white" law stipulating that only a crash tested professionally fitted system should be fitted, there are some clear guidelines provided:

1. Firstly, authorities take overloaded vehicles very seriously. Whilst an over weight vehicle can be an issue practically - causing wear and tear on a vehicle, it also is a serious safety hazard. For this reason, checking your vehicle payload and axle weights and remaining within your specified payloads is a legal requirement.
2. For customers carrying a tank of water on a vehicle, calculating the correct size of system to carry is especially important, as the GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) can quickly be exceeded with all the additional equipment and components normally required to be kept on board.
3. Once the correct size of system has been calculated based on the GVW, the weight of people the vehicle is capable of carrying, and the weight of all equipment, the next decision must be how to secure the system to the vehicle. This decision is not something to take lightly, because as the DoT (Department of Transport) say, securing a load within a vehicle should be of primary importance to all road users (regardless of if that's a loved one being secured by wearing a seat belt, or a lorry full of groceries being correctly packed).

The DoT have a code of practice on the safety of LCV's carrying loads which is fairly generic in nature based on the 1000s of variety of load carrying vehicles on the roads. However, Regulation 100 of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 as amended, requires that a vehicle should not be used or loaded in such a way that it endangers either those using the vehicle or other road user. The DoT also mention within their load carrying guide that the centre of gravity of the equipment being carried should be a low as possible as well safety secured by adequate means to match the load being carried.

A water tank based system is classed as a dynamic force load. This means rather than the load being static, the water within a tank is moving and thus dynamic - thus meaning more velocity. WIth this in mind, more strength and force is required to secure a dynamic load than a static load. The combined strength of the load restraint system must be sufficient to withstand a forwards force not less than the total weight of the load to prevent the load moving under severe braking, and half the weight of the load moving backwards and sideways. Even at low speeds, the forces acting on a load when the vehicle is moving can be high enough for the load to move.

Whilst as we mention there is no law that insists you must have a crash tested system, with the above information in mind, the following should also be considered:

• You could be prosecuted for causing the death of an employee or a member of the public due to negligence if its found that the system is lacking in some form, and/p has not been professional installed and is the cause of the injury.
• Negligence could be viewed as ignorance or the lack of effective processes, like failing to comply with existing guidance on vehicle load carrying and payloads. This can result in substantial fines for the company or individuals in the case of a partnership or sole trader.

In Summary:

Whilst none of us like to think of the worst case scenario, the potential for a 1000kg worth of volatile water and equipment to cause injury to yourself, an employee, or a member of the public is high.

So by having a professional crash tested system installed, you not only adhere to DoT standards and regulations, but more importantly, you have the peace of mind of knowing you have not cut corners. Risking injury, insurance invalidation, or possible prosecution is not worth it for the relative low cost of a professionally crash tested system.

Read more reasons here as to the benefits of a professionally installed system.

We have standard metal hose reels, plastic molded hose reels and high quality reinforced hose reels.

Yes. We supply many bespoke tank systems to various industries from the fishing industry to the fire & safety industry. The systems are designed for any company or individual that needs to transport liquid safely.

The problem with ratchet strapping a water tank in to your vehicle full of water is that the actual load is unpredictable. Unlike a solid load of bricks or the like, water moves in different directions during the duration of your journey.

Whilst a ratchet strap may be rated up to 5000kg this doesn't actually mean anything if the fixing point is not rated. Many cargo points (also called anchor points) are rated to 'break point' i.e the material will withstand up to 1000lbs of pressure. Once again, this can almost become irrelevant if they are not fixed into a solid surface.

To illustrate:
Most van floor pans are only between 2mm and 3mm in total thickness. If your cargo strap is embedded in this standard floor pan, it will happily cope with everyday cargo and luggage. Once you start using it to withstand the pressures of a heavy water load (1000ltr of water is in effect 1 ton of water), things can be very different.

It would be a bit like building a house on jelly. Even if you used the most solid of materials above the jelly, steel, granite etc, we still couldn't escape the fact that the house is built on jelly and sooner or later it will fail.

Our systems are designed to reinforce the pressure areas and fixing points. In fact they 'sandwich' the floor pan between our spreader plates (that sit under the vehicle) and our lateral bars and T-Loks that sit inside the vehicle to secure the tank.

Example Vehicles: Vauxhal Combi / Ford Connect / VW Combi

Because many compact vans are car-derived, it means that their chasis is a dual skin. This creates a 6 or 7 inch void behind the drivers seat (underneath the floor pan).

To access this area you can pull the seats forward in the cab, and access from underneath the bulkhead. This will enable you to get fixing points for your T-LOKS and under floor spreader plates. This is the same on most car derived vans. Always check before you purchase to ensure your payload is adequate and that you have the correct fixing points under the vehicle.

How are we different from the rest?
Why buy a GrippaMAX instead of another system?
What are the benefits of our company and the GrippaMAX system?

1. GrippaTank LTD is a FAMILY RUN business - we are FRIENDLY approachable people.
2. We LISTEN. If you have an improvement, we will make it.
3. Everybody works different, so if you need a BESPOKE requirement added to your system layout to best suit your work process just let us know.
4. We believe our customers shouldn't have to make to much effort - our ENGINEERS come to you and fit the system on YOUR DRIVEWAY.
5. Our NATIONWIDE FITTING service means the system is FULLY TESTED in your own environment - enabling our engineers to spend time to check your water pressure and tds reading.
6. Each driveway fitting service includes full system TRAINING and basic water fed pole cleaning method training.
7. The GrippaMAX has been designed in partnership with GARDINER POLE SYSTEMS. Now with a stamp of approval like that, you know it has to be good.
8. SAFETY tested by MIRA on the HyGE sled, you have extra peace of mind that you're protected should the worse happen.
9. Our system is THE most COMPACT crash worthiness tested system out on the market - keeping valuable SPACE free for your other equipment.
10. Unlike most of the systems out on the market, these tanks have been specifically manufactuered for van-mount environments. 
11. The Tanks are HIGH STRENTH, DOUBLE the thicknesses of tanks used in other systems.
12. Known as the 'small black box' - the system framework is NEATL incorporated into the tank.
13. Available in 400, 650 amd 850 sizes, with prompt dispatch and fitting times available. 
14. Delivery systems include FLOJET TRIPLEX PUMPS, specficially designed for the WFP market. Quiet and efficient.
15. LIQUID LOGIC system controllers include simple to use water flow settings - ensuring you get the right pressure to the window.
16. INTELLIGENT split relay controls the 110v Numax battery - trickle CHARGE keeps the battery topped up while you're out and about*
17. Monitors van and system BATTERY levels, preventing damage to the system or vehicle.
18. TDS readings before DI Resin and before the water filters into tank ensures you can monitor the PURITY of the water*
19. Industrial grade Ez-Pure FILTERATION available with HF4 or HF5 AXEON grade with a typical life of 3 years.
20. Ez-Pure can filter on very LOW PRESSURE without the need of a booster pump. 5.5 bar (80psi) will filter the water at 160 litres per hour or at the lowest pressure, 2 bar (30psi) is about 50 litres per hour!**
21. Unlike other systems, the GrippaMAX is very cost effective to maintain. Replacement filters start from just £37 +vat for a carbon filter.
22. Automatic shutoff means you can fillup the tank overnight without having to worry about overspills.
23. Easy to ready water level gauge keeps an accurate eye on how many litres of water you are carrying.
24. Each system comes with stainless steel underports as standard to keep your van secured, along with the option to run the hosereel from inside the van over the winter months.
25. System Add-ons include hosereels, Gardiner poles, and hot water systems.

*Available on all Delivery PRO, DI, & RO Systems.

**Available on DI & RO systems.

There is some sceptism with regards to crash tested products in some quarters and in truth is it is right to do your homework and make a well informed decision before purchasing anything.

Some feel that by using the term 'Crash Tested' or 'Crash Worthiness Tested' companies are just using it as a marketing ploy.

We can genuinely say that our aim in getting crash worthiness tested certification from MIRA was and still is to produce safer systems for anyone transporting liquid in their vehicle. In fact this is one of the reasons why we have made our systems cost effective.

Our overwhelming feeling was that too many companies and individuals were being priced out of the crash worthiness tested market. Unable to afford the cost of a crash worthiness tested system, they had to look elsewhere for cheaper alternatives. Our GrippaMAX Systems can be purchased simply as a tank unit and frame, because we believe you do not have to be a window cleaner to benefit from crash worthiness tested certification. We are confident that you will see immediately the difference between a standard cleaning system and our GrippaMAX System and why it is MIRA certificated. Water can generate a great deal of energy known as inertia when a vehicle brakes or worse hits an object. Because of this force the tank and framework has the 'urge' to push forward towards the object that has been hit. Our GrippaMAX Systems come with reinforced frames and underplates to give the user complete peace of mind.

We would be more than happy to demonstrate the benefits of our system - to arrange a demonstration please call 0800 098 8407

The waste valve situtated on your system, is a regulator - NOT an ON / OFF valve. So when in the 'CLOSED' position is causes the filters to pressurise, allowing a regularated amount of brime (waste) to exit. 

To maintain the life of your filters you should ensure you are regularly flushing the system - simply operate the system fill as normal, but open the waste valve fully. Leave for about 20 minutes and then close to produce water.

Yes, finance is available on any order over £500 subject to status. Simply contact us and let us know what you want to order and we will get the finance company to contact you for a no-obligation quote.

We specificially chose the Hyge Sled test for our GrippaMAX system.

This is because the energy from a HyGe sled test is transferred immediately to the tank unit rather than being partly absorbed in a head on crash test (i.e a van against a wall). The tanks and fixings are subject to the most force on a HyGe sled and therefore give a fuller understanding of the strength and capabilities of the tank unit itself. See our video by clicking here for more details.

No. Experience in the engineering industry tells us that fixing a system into the chassis of a vehicle could weaken the structural strength and integrity of the vehicle itself. For this reason our GrippaMAX Systems were developed and tested by fixing into the main floor pan of the vehicle. We believe that by fitting a system to the floor pan (one of the weakest parts of a vehicle) and forcing it to withstand the pressure created by the HyGE Sled Test and 850ltr of water gives the greatest proof that it has reached a 'crash worthiness test' standard. All systems come with high strength under spreader plates and fixings.

Yes. Our tanks can withstand hot water up to 70 degrees. In fact the Polymer has been tested up to 85 degrees but we prefer to work within the guidelines and recommendations.

GrippaMAX MIRA Crash Worthiness Test Information

The GrippaMAX Systems were tested at MIRA's high tech test facility in the UK. The test was carried out using the HyGe sled - see http://www.mira.co.uk/our-services/hyge

Click here to see the video footage of the test: 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SrbvYwVQWZw&feature=player_embedded

What is the difference between a HyGe sled test and a head on crash test?

Both tests demonstrate the force that is generated by water inertia. In a head on crash test the crumple zones of the vehicle will absorb some of the energy created on impact. This means that the full force will not be transferred to the tank unit itself. The HyGe sled test is a 'bare' test and transfers the energy instantly to the tank unit and fixings, thus, giving a fuller understanding of the strength and capability of the tank and it's fixings.

Should I be concerned about how I carry water in my vehicle?

We don't believe in scaremongering, but do feel this is an important issue. At the end of the day, there is a key difference between carrying a solid load (i.e bricks or gravel) and water. This is because of the weight and movement of water. Water moves in a way that a solid load does not, thus distributing weight to different parts of the vehicle at different times during your journey. Our GrippaMAX Systems are designed to contain and control the water making it react more like a solid load. This is due to the high strength frame, plates and
T-LOK Bolt System and twin baffles.

What type of baffles does the GrippaMAX System have?

The GrippaMAX actually incorporates twin baffles, both molded baffles and honeycomb for extra reassurance.

 To enquire further about this product please click here: PRODUCT ENQUIRY

There are two important points here - the shut off valve and the level switch must BOTH be plumbed in correctly in order to work, as the controller relies on each for the signal to turn the valve on/off. 
  
 If you are installing it with our V-Series Liquid Logic you will need to do the following: 
  

1.  Shutoff Valve: A/. We recommend plumbing this in before the filtration, i.e on the inline water fed. B/. Make sure all joints have PTFE applied. C/. Wiring - the valve has two cables - a black (negative) and a grey (positive). These need to be connected to the LL Controller using the black (negative) and red (positive) coming from the right hand side wiring loom (It is really important you choose the right hand side wiring loom which has the positive and negative pair as the left hand side wiring loom also has a positive and negative pair and these are for the battery feed)!
2. Level switch: A/. You will need to drill a 20mm hole in the tank, we recommend placing next to one of the 1/2" inlets or next to one of the M8 nut inserts for the plate fixing. Make sure you are on the same horizontal line as the inlet or nut inserts, as if you go any higher you will encroach on the tank radius edge. Do this process very slowly, because if you make the hole larger than 20mm, the level switch will be to loose and the tank will leak!!. B/. Place the level switch into the hole, making sure all plastic trimmings have been removed from the hole. The level switch has a 'D' shaped chassis to the main plastic body, install this with the flat edge of the D shaped chassis pointing towards the right hand side (i.e a backwards D). Push into the hole ensuring the rubber gromit has sealed the hole. No glue or sealant is required if you have drilled the hole correctly. C/. Wiring is pretty easy - there are two black cables coming out of the level switch, these connect to the two yellow cables coming from the right hand side wiring loom on the v-series controller. 

  
Once this is all completed and you have connected the controller to the battery, you will need to press the two 'up' and 'down' arrows together to activate the shut off valve to the open position. You will hear the valve open if you have turned the mains water on. Test the level switch by placing your hand in the tank, and pushing the float up. You will see the 'FILL' message disappear and the valve will shut.

Yes. If you purchase a GrippaMAX, you will receive a copy of the MIRA Crash Worthiness Test Certificate. If one of our engineers has fitted the system for you, you will also receive an engineers certificate.

Yes we do - we offer nationwide fitting within the UK, including Northern Ireland and the outlying isles. 

We also have fitting centres in England, Scotland, Ireland and Holland.

Please call 0800 098 8407 to see whether we fit in your area.

Our GrippaMAX Systems have been designed to fit between the wheel arches of all vans on the market (please note it is vital that you check your vehicle payload before purchasing any cleaning system).

All of our systems come with simple plug & play technology and easy to read gauges. We don't believe in blinding you with science. 

Our GrippaMAX Systems incorporate the frame into the tank itself, making it a very secure unit. They also feature lateral slider bars giving more flexibility when it comes to fitting. The lid is a unique design that features the same technology that is used on submarine hatches. This means that in a crash the lid will not permit water escape.

We don't believe in scaremongering, but do feel this is an important issue. At the end of the day, there is a key difference between carrying a solid load (i.e bricks or gravel) and water. This is because of the weight and movement of water. Water moves in a way that a solid load does not thus distributing weight to different parts of the vehicle at different times during your journey. Our GrippaMAX Systems are designed to contain and control the water making it react more like a solid load.

Yes. All of our GrippaMAX Systems can be quickly upgraded at sensible prices. This means that when your business expands and grows you can add on another pump and controller at a price that won't break the bank!

Payloads, GVW, GVM, MAM, KG - Confused? 

Calculating which system your vehicle can legally and safely take is a very important decision. If you do not spend time on making this decision wisely, it will potentially cost your business both from a financial point of view as well as from a health and safety point of view. An over-laden vehicle is very dangerous, and the risk of causing injury is high.

So understanding the various abbreviations as well as what that actually means in practice for you and your vehicle is very important. The following information aims to assist you in your decision process:

1. MAM - Maximum Authorised Mass. This is often known as GVW - Gross Vehicle Weight or GVM - Gross Vehicle Mass. All 3 abbrievations generally mean the same thing -  this figure includes the total permissible all-up weight of a rigid vehicle - i.e with body, payload, ancillaries, fuel, oil, engine water, driver and passengers. In summmary, its the weight of a vehicle or trailer including the maximum load that can safely be carried when in use on the road. This weight should never be exceeded.
2. Kerb Mass or Kerb Weight - The complete weight of a vehicle the body and all parts normally used when on the road, but without payload, driver, or crew. The more options you have on a vehicle, the higher the kerb mass of the vehicle and the lower the payload will be. This is sometimes know as the unladed weight. Note: Vauxhall and Volkswagen state that the Kerb Weight doesn't include a full tank of fuel - but rather a 90% full tank.
3. Gross Payload - This is the gross vehicle mass (GVM - see above), less the kerb mass. If you have a Ford or Vauxhall you will need to remember to  minus the weight of you, the driver, and your passengers before calculating what size system your vehicle will safely carry. If you have a Volkswagen, Citreon, Fiat, or Peugeot, a 75kg allowance for driver has already been removed from the equation, so you just need to minus the weight of passengers from your payload. The published payload figure usually is only based on a standard specification vehicle, so does not include any items of optional upgrades and equipment.

So with the above in mind, GVM or GVW could be 3500kg. The kerb mass is 2213kg. This gives you a payload of 1287kg. If your system weights 551kg with water, you are left with 736kg. Then remove the weight of the driver and passenger - 76kg each if 12 stone each. You then have 584kg to carry the rest of your equipment with. However if your vehicle is highly modified with optional extras, this may be less. That is why the GVW or GVM is the bottom line figure you must keep in mind.

Ensure to check with the manufacturer of your vehicle, as the above information is designed to be a guide, but does and can vary over the many ranges on the market.