Posted by on 4/28/2023 to
Food Vendor FAQ's & Tips
Class A Customs Water Tank Information: Manufacturing
Where are your tanks made?
Class A Customs is located in Elkhart, Indiana USA, we make all of our tanks here on location, we do not have any other locations and we do not have any distributors.
What are your tanks made from?
Fresh/Gray Water Tanks & fittings made from DOW NSF International NSF/ANSI Std 61 approved Medium Density Polyethylene (MDPE) Resin
Waste Tanks are made from the same material except it is recycled, this means we can not verify all the contaminants that could be in it so Gray or Waste Water use only.
Do you use BPA in or on the tanks?
Class A Customs does not carry this chemical nor uses it in the manufacturing process in any way.
Will the tank material handle ___________ chemical?
We are not aware if the tanks can withstand placing other chemicals onto the tank such as spray foams, paints, adhesives.
We are not aware if the tanks can withstand placing other chemicals onto the tank such as spray foams, paints, adhesives.
Fresh/Gray Water Tanks are to be used for Fresh or Gray water use only and Waste tanks are for Gray or Waste water use only, any other use voids the warranty.
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
[email protected]
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.
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.
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
[email protected]
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.
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.
Can you make me a custom tank?
We can make a custom tank however due to the cost of a mold ($9,000 and over) and needing to buy a larger qty of tanks most customers needing only a few tanks find it better to use a tank we already manufacture. You can fill out our new Water Tank Build to get a quote.
Do you have a list of what vehicles your tank fits into?
Do you know if other people have used this tank for_____?
We do not have a list of vehicles, uses or projects people have done with our tanks, please compare the specs of the tank with your application and determine if tank will fit your needs. Check with online groups that have your same vehicle to see where they have found tanks
If you are trying to replace a tank that you do not see available on our Water Tank List an online search may help you find the tank you are needing.
Look at current tank to see part #
Vehicle make and model #
Vehicle paperwork listing tank information
*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 unless you are a builder/dealer.
Blank Tanks
Blank Tanks mean no fittings are installed in tank. You will need to verify the lead time on Blank Tanks as we spin the fittings into our tanks as soon as they are made.
If we are currently making a tank we can get you a Blank Tank very quickly, shipping the next business day, however, if we are not currently making a tank it can take up-to several weeks to get a tank.
You can call or use the contact us form to ask about lead times on the Blank Tank you are needing.
When ordering a Blank Tank place the tank(s) you are needing in your cart and at check-out in Customer Comments specify what tanks are to be Blank:
EXAMPLE:
Part # is a BLANK TANK
All Tanks Are BLANK
Water Tank Plumbing Information: Filling & Venting Tank
All water tanks Class A Customs carries must be gravity fed and vented, they are not pressurized tanks.
Have a certified technician install all parts to prevent product damage and personal injury.
A garden hose (a connection from your faucet indoors, etc. anything that pushes the water) is a pressurized water line, do not make a secured connection to the water tank with a pressurized line. Tanks need to be gravity feed, this allows for air to escape while the water is going into the tank. You ca use a Gravity Fill Dish located on the outside of your vehicle to fill the tank, please view the Basic Plumbing Diagram below.
Have a certified technician install all parts to prevent product damage and personal injury.
A garden hose (a connection from your faucet indoors, etc. anything that pushes the water) is a pressurized water line, do not make a secured connection to the water tank with a pressurized line. Tanks need to be gravity feed, this allows for air to escape while the water is going into the tank. You ca use a Gravity Fill Dish located on the outside of your vehicle to fill the tank, please view the Basic Plumbing Diagram below.
"Venting" the tank lets air move in and out of the tank when in use. Tank must have a large enough opening for air to freely move in and out of tank, if tank is not properly vented tank will explode when filled or implode when emptied. Trying to use a pressurized line "half-way" to prevent damage to the tank will does not work because you can control the amount of water flowing but not the pressure in the line, leaving the tank to fill risks exploding the tank or damaging fittings.
I am going to use a sealed pressurized line to the tank.
This will void any warranty on the tank. We can easily tell when a tank has exploded due to incorrect usage, you will split the tank or force the fittings out of the tank, again this is not covered under any warranty.
Fill Dish Information
For adding water to the Fresh / Gray Water Tank you need a Gravity Fill Dish
the food safe garden hose rests in the fill port on the fill dish - it does not screw onto the port
this is a non-pressurized fill
For using water directly from a food safe garden hose you need a City Fill Dish
The plumbing will bypass your water tank and hook directly to your water heater and faucets.
The food safe garden hose makes a sealed connection on the fill dish and the water supply is pressurized.
This is a pressurized line and can NOT hook to your water tank - pressurizing the tank will cause the tank to explode, fittings to pop-out, cracks to tank, etc.
Units that have metal water tanks can use city fill dishes because the metal tank can withstand the pressure, Class A Customs water tanks can not be pressurized.
We carry Gravity Fill-Dishes, City Fill-Dishes and Combo Fill-Dishes that have both gravity and city, the benefit of having both is you can have a water tank of fresh water but if you go to a location that supplies pressurized water (campground - fair - etc.) you do not need to use your water tank supply of water you can simply use the water provided. Be sure to look at the provided example plumbing diagram for more reference.
For my application I am not using a fill dish.
You can place a larger fitting such as a PVC elbow into the per-installed tank fitting and just rest the garden hose / pressurized line in this fitting, Do not make a secured/sealed connection as this would then be pressurized and would damage the tank. This would then be a gravity fed fill, you can make the same type of fitting set-up for your vent.
- Be sure to have an additional fitting open at the top of the tank to let air in/out when using the tank, this would be your vent.
- You can cap the fitting (a) and vent (b) when transporting to prevent water from spilling.
- Be sure to uncap the vent when removing or adding water to the tank.
- It is best to have a screen over the vent fitting to prevent anything from entering the tank.
We do not sell these products, examples only, verify what items you are needing.
Can I use a water pump with the water tank if I am not using a fill dish?
Using a water pump with the tank pressurizes the water line after the water pump, it does not pressurize the water tank.
Again be sure to have a top fitting on the tank open to let air in when removing water from tank.
Using a water pump with the tank pressurizes the water line after the water pump, it does not pressurize the water tank.
Again be sure to have a top fitting on the tank open to let air in when removing water from tank.
You will still need to vent the tank, this can be as easy as placing a fitting with a screen secured over it. Be aware that if you overfill the tank the excess water will exit the vent fitting, placing the vent fitting overflow to an outside location is recommended. Be sure to screen over the vent fitting overflow to prevent anything from entering the tank. Do not over-tighten fittings as damage will occur.
Examples of Items to Vent Tanks - We do not sell these products they can be found online
Oatey® 1.5 in. NPT ABS In-Line Vent
Straight, Black Plastic Tank Vent
Examples of Items to Vent Tanks - We do not sell these products they can be found online
Oatey® 1.5 in. NPT ABS In-Line Vent
Straight, Black Plastic Tank Vent
Water Tank Fitting Information: Installed Fittings
Class A Customs only installs the following fittings into our Fresh / Gray tanks at this time
1.5" NPT Female - fitting is closed
.5" NPT Female - fitting is open
1.25" Outer Diameter x 2" Long Smooth Pipe / Boss Fitting - Spout
1.5" NPT Female - fitting is closed
.5" NPT Female - fitting is open
1.25" Outer Diameter x 2" Long Smooth Pipe / Boss Fitting - Spout
For information on custom fittings or placements please use the Water Tank Build Form, please note this option is only available when order 50+ of a tank on single order.
1.5" NPT Female - fitting is closed
use a razor knife to cut membrane out, easiest when cut in halves
use a razor knife to cut membrane out, easiest when cut in halves
Fittings and Hoses We Offer That Fit 1.5" NPT Tank Fitting
Can be used with 1.5" Fitting on tank to connect to 1.375" Hose
Can be used with 1.5" Fitting on tank to connect 1.5" PVC Pipe for draining fresh or gray water tank
1.375" (1-3/8") Food Grade Water Hose
1.375" hose can be used with the fill dishes and the Loose Fitting / Fixture - 1.5" Thread x 1.25" Hose Barb Fitting - Gray
1.375" hose can not be used with spouts on tanks.
1.375" hose can be used with the fill dishes and the Loose Fitting / Fixture - 1.5" Thread x 1.25" Hose Barb Fitting - Gray
1.375" hose can not be used with spouts on tanks.
.5" NPT Female - fitting is open
Fittings and Hoses We Offer That Fit .5" Tank Fitting
Can be used with .5" Fitting on tank with .5" Hose for Fill Dish Vents and Water Pumps
.5" Hose can be used with the fill dishes vents and the water pumps we sell.
1.25" Outer Diameter x 2" Long Smooth Pipe / Boss Fitting - Spout
glues does not stick to pipe, it can not be sealed or capped
you will need to use the 1.25" Hose with Clamp
glues does not stick to pipe, it can not be sealed or capped
you will need to use the 1.25" Hose with Clamp
Hose We Offer That Fit 1.25" Tank Fitting
1.25" (1-1/4") Food Grade Water Hose
1.25 hose hose can be used with the gravity dishes and spouts/boss fittings on tanks.
1.25 hose does not fit the Loose Fitting / Fixture - 1.5" Thread x 1.25" Hose Barb Fitting - Gray
1.25 hose hose can be used with the gravity dishes and spouts/boss fittings on tanks.
1.25 hose does not fit the Loose Fitting / Fixture - 1.5" Thread x 1.25" Hose Barb Fitting - Gray
Where are the fittings located on the tanks?
Are there fittings on both ends of the tanks?
Please look at the photos of each tank as fitting placement can vary by tank, typically fittings are all located on one end of the tank.
Are there fittings on both ends of the tanks?
Please look at the photos of each tank as fitting placement can vary by tank, typically fittings are all located on one end of the tank.
How do I get the large fitting out? Are these punch out fittings?
Each tank will come with at least one vent hole made during the manufacturing process (this is not the vent hole for when using the tank), a permanently mounted patch is placed over this hole, this is not a fitting and does not unscrew.
Gray Water Tanks are used to hold used water from handwashing sinks, dish sinks, and showers.
Black Water Tanks are used to hold Human Waste and/or used water from handwashing sinks, dish sinks, and showers.
Class A Customs Tanks that are white in color can be used for either Fresh or Gray Water use.
Class
A Customs Tanks that are black in color can only be used for Waste or
Gray Water use, do not use a black tank for fresh or drinking water.
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.
Waste Water Tank Fitting Information
Waste Water Tank Installed Outlet
Black Waste Tanks - 3” ABS Female Pipe - outlet can not be moved -
Gray Waste Tanks - 1.5" ABS Female Pipe - outlet can not be moved - smaller outlet this tank is for dirty water from shower, handwashing, dish-washing
Black Waste Tanks - 3” ABS Female Pipe - outlet can not be moved -
Gray Waste Tanks - 1.5" ABS Female Pipe - outlet can not be moved - smaller outlet this tank is for dirty water from shower, handwashing, dish-washing
Class A Customs Black Water Tanks only come with the outlet fitting installed, the end user will determine where the inlet and vent will need to be placed and install.
Grommet (not food safe - waste tank use only) or Uniseal (food safe - fresh/gray/waste use) will secure inlet/vent pipe with no adhesives needed.
Grommet (not food safe - waste tank use only) or Uniseal (food safe - fresh/gray/waste use) will secure inlet/vent pipe with no adhesives needed.
Use correct size hole saw bit (listed on item page) in order to drill a hole in the tank and place Grommet or Uniseal in hole, piping is then placed in fitting with no glues or adhesives necessary.
Do Not over-tighten fittings damage will occur.
Dump Valves are not connected directly to the Waste Tank ABS Outlet Fitting, the ABS Outlet Fittings are female fittings and the dump valves are also female fittings, they do not connect.
Use PVC or ABS pipe to connect to the 3" ABS Outlet Fitting installed on the waste tank, the dump valve is then connected to the pipe.
We do not sell glues, Examples Oatey 4-fl oz Green PVC/Abs Transition Cement
You will still need to vent the tank, this can be as easy as placing a fitting with a screen secured over it. Be aware that if you overfill the tank the excess water will exit the vent fitting, placing the vent fitting overflow to an outside location is recommended. Be sure to screen over the vent fitting overflow to prevent anything from entering the tank. Do not over-tighten fittings as damage will occur.
Examples of Items to Vent Tanks - We do not sell these products they can be found online
Oatey® 1.5 in. NPT ABS In-Line Vent
Straight, Black Plastic Tank Vent
Fitting Information: Connection Fittings
Class A Customs Basic Plumbing Kit Part # BPK
Designed for Class A Customs Stock Fresh Water Tank set-up using a Fill Dish (fill dish not included)
This is for Fresh Water Systems Only - Not to be used for Gray or Waste Water Systems
Kit does not fit a Spouted Water Tank
Water Inlet Items
Fits 1.5" Tank Fittings - Can be used with 1.375" hose
2 (Two) 1.5” Hose Clamps
Can be used with 1.5" Gray Fitting and Fill Dish
Fits 1.5" Gray Fitting and Fill Dish Inlet
1.375" hose can notbe used with spouts on tanks
1.375" hose can notbe used with spouts on tanks
Vent and Water Pump Items
Fits .5" Tank Fittings - Can be used with .5" Hose for Fill Dish Vents and Water Pumps we sell
4 (Four) .5” Hose Clamp
Can be used with .5" Barb fitting and/or .5" Hose for Fill Dish Vents and Water Pumps we sell
Can be used for Fill Dish Vents and Water Pumps we sell
Drain Items
Fits 1.5" Tank Fittings - Can be used with PVC Pipe to drain
Gray Tank Available Fittings
Uniseal Fittings
Uniseal Fittings allow the end user to place a fitting anywhere in the tank.
After cutting a hole in the wall of a tank or other surfaces, the seal is inserted. Then the pipe is coated with a slippery detergent and pushed into the seal. The Du Pont Alcryn® is the key to the liquid-tight seal. When the pipe is pushed through the rubber-like Uniseal® from the outside, the inside Alcryn® wall becomes thin enough to allow the pipe to squeeze through and then forms a liquid-tight seal. The coefficient of friction with the plastic pipe is roughly three times higher than any other material, which allows it to create a better seal than with any other material.
Under Sink Gray Tank Set-up Examples
For Gray water tank use you can use any of Class A Customs water tanks, Gray and Waste tanks do not need to be food safe.
To feed directly into the tank you can use a Uniseal Fitting that allows you to place a fitting anywhere in the tank, this is very helpful for concession trailers that want to put the tank under the sink.
Because the Fresh/Gray tanks come with only 1.5" NPT Female fittings and .5" NPT Female fittings built into the tank end user will need to get connecting fittings and adapters that pipe may be installed into.
Depending on the size of the pipe you are using you will need different connecting fittings and adapters, Class A Customs only carries a 1.5" PVC Adapter Fitting - White this may not work for your application, please verify before purchasing.Additional Examples of Plumbing Set-ups
You will need to verify your needs and set-up, these are examples only, we build our water tanks but do not install them.
Do I need pipe dope or pipe tape to connect the fittings?
It is recommended to use plastic NPT male fittings with the plastic female NPT fittings that are installed in the tank to avoid damaging the threads, metal thread fittings can crush the plastic threads.
Food/Drug Grade Pipe Sealant Pipe Sealant with PTFE EXAMPLE ONLY - We do not sell this item
Very little, if any, pipe thread tape is needed using too much pipe tape will damage the threads. We do not recommend pipe dope as you can not remove the fitting later, if used be sure to use a food safe brand.
Do not over-tighten fittings as damage will occur.
I bought a fitting from my local hardware store and it won't fit.
Be sure you are using NPT fittings and getting the correct sizes. Finding the Correct Pipe Thread SizeYou can also print off the items we carry in our Plumbing Category to see if your local hardware store carries them.
Example of Fitting from other suppliers
Nylon Tube & Hose Fittings
Tubing, Hose & Fittings
3/8" Hose Barb x 1/2" MNPT Nylon Male Adapter
1/2" MNPT Nylon Plug with Square Head
Tubing, Hose & Fittings
3/8" Hose Barb x 1/2" MNPT Nylon Male Adapter
1/2" MNPT Nylon Plug with Square Head
Clean-out Port
Venting Tanks
Suction Line Strainer that Fits Over 1/2" NPTOnly use this with tanks that will overflow outside of your unit, you do not want to overflow inside of unit.
Water Tank Fitting Information: Additional or Custom Fittings
Blank Tanks
Blank Tanks mean no fittings are installed in tank. You will need to verify the lead time on Blank Tanks as we spin the fittings into our tanks as soon as they are made.
If we are currently making a tank we can get you a Blank Tank very quickly, shipping the next business day, however, if we are not currently making a tank it can take up-to several weeks to get a tank.
You can call or use the contact us form to ask about lead times on the Blank Tank you are needing.
When ordering a Blank Tank place the tank(s) you are needing in your cart and at check-out in Customer Comments specify what tanks are to be Blank:
EXAMPLE:
Part # is a BLANK TANK
All Tanks Are BLANK
Can I cut a hole in the tank and glue another fitting in?
Can I have the fittings moved or extras added?
No, fitting are spun welded into the tank, friction between the fitting and the tank causes both to melt and permanently seal, no additional glues or sealants are used to install the fittings. The residue left by putting the fittings in place is part of the material the tanks and fittings are made from and may spider crack or flake off over time, this in no way harms the tank or causes any usage issues. To add fittings or repair a damaged fitting we now offer Uniseal Fittings which allow you to put a fitting in any location, sizes range from .5" - 3"
We only offer custom fittings on water tanks if ordering a qty of 50+ tanks (single type of tank) per order. Uniseal Fittings allow you to place a fitting in any location on a water tank.
Grommets are not food safe so can only be used for Gray or Waste Water use they are available in sizes 1.5" and 3", no adhesives are needed for use, many customers use adhesive just as an added precaution.
Hole Saw Needed 4"
I need a clean-out hole for my tank.
We do not offer clean-out ports at this time but there are many options online that allow you to install the needed clean-out port.
We do not offer clean-out ports at this time but there are many options online that allow you to install the needed clean-out port.
I need to know how much water is in my tank without looking at it.
Do you have a water monitor system?
Class A Customs currently carries KIB Monitor Panels and we off probes to use with this system, we do not recommend using the sticky monitor system as glue does not stick to the tank material and the monitor will fall off over time.
Can you make me a custom tank?
We can make a custom tank however due to the cost of a mold ($9,000 and over) and needing to buy a larger qty of tanks most customers needing only a few tanks find it better to use a tank we already manufacture. You can fill out our new Water Tank Build to get a quote.
Water Tank Installation Information
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?
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.
How do I get water out of the tank with the fittings at the top?
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 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
Can I put the tank outside?
If you are getting an inspection check with your inspector first to be sure of rules.
Can I hook more than one tank together?
Yes, sometimes this is called "daisy chaining" the tanks together. You will need to check with a certified plumber to see what fittings and set-up will work best for your unit, remember to vent each tank.
You can hook the tanks together using the provided fittings or by making a fitting in the side of the tank using a Uniseal fitting (described just up the page).
You can hook the tanks together using the provided fittings or by making a fitting in the side of the tank using a Uniseal fitting (described just up the page).
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 even when in a non-mobile location.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.
Search Online for ideas
How do I mount or brace the tank?
Do you have braces or straps?
Due to the variety of installations we do not carry brackets or bracing systems.
Waste Tanks Bracing and Supports
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.
Brackets or Strap Systems
Brackets or Strap Systems
Due to the variety of installations we do not carry brackets or bracing systems. Do Not hang by ratchet strap, this is too thin and will not adequately support tank.
This is not Class A Customs video, for information purposes only.