Why do fuel tanker tractor units have their mudguards replaced with steel (normally chequerplate) ones? What’s the matter with the OE ones?
happy to be corrected, but im guessing its something to do with fire, ie, if the trailer catches fire the tyres and brakes have a chance to stop the motor safely?
could go a bit like concorde, you know wheel pick’s up an object, and could well hit the tanker, all to do with the adr reg’s, different wiring method’s to avoid static build up etc
Its to complie with the Petroleum Regs, safegaurds against fire.
I was told by one driver that it’s cuts down on the repair/replacemt bill on the normal ones as they aren’t replaced as often, made sense to me…
Not sure. But I have always assumed it was to prevent damage to the tanker if a tyre was to blow out. I’m probably way off the mark with my thoughts though.
its so they can repel a tyre fire for a certian number of seconds some one on here will know the excact details .there night heaters have to cut out as well and there not allowed screw in bulbs (i was told all this by a adr fitter so stand corrected if its ■■■■■■■■)
I always thought it was to keep debris from puncturing the tank in the event of a blowout or to stop anything that would be lifted off the road and thrown up into the tank . It’s usually a steel one piece unit that goes on to replace the plastic one .
beefy4605:
I always thought it was to keep debris from puncturing the tank in the event of a blowout or to stop anything that would be lifted off the road and thrown up into the tank . It’s usually a steel one piece unit that goes on to replace the plastic one .
I haven’t got my manual to hand but I believe the steel wings were to protect any flammable liquid splashing hot brake drums.
When I was on pet reg stuff I was told that they don’t burn! Quite simple really, in case of tyre fire it’s just another safeguard to stop (or slow down) the fire from reaching the load.
To be fully pet reg compliant units also have to have sun roofs sealed shut, spark arrestors fitted to the exhaust, a steel bulkhead fitted at the back of the cab to cover the engine, removable night heater, and probably some other odds and sods I’ve forgotten.
i presumed it was that the black plastic ones are often made of something that might cause problems with static (like nylon maybe?)
beefy4605:
I always thought it was to keep debris from puncturing the tank in the event of a blowout or to stop anything that would be lifted off the road and thrown up into the tank . It’s usually a steel one piece unit that goes on to replace the plastic one .
I once thought that, but if that was the case… why arn`t the mudwings on the trailers metal too?
peirre:
beefy4605:
I always thought it was to keep debris from puncturing the tank in the event of a blowout or to stop anything that would be lifted off the road and thrown up into the tank . It’s usually a steel one piece unit that goes on to replace the plastic one .I once thought that, but if that was the case… why arn`t the mudwings on the trailers metal too?
I don’t think ADR gives the reasons for a modification, just what that modification must be, so we can all have our ideas of the reasons without being right or wrong.
Like a PMT suffering woman. It just does, right! 
I aint arguing with that…
the maoster:
To be fully pet reg compliant units also have to have sun roofs sealed shut, spark arrestors fitted to the exhaust, a steel bulkhead fitted at the back of the cab to cover the engine, removable night heater, and probably some other odds and sods I’ve forgotten.
Now I always thought the reason trucks still had sunroofs 90% of the time was it acted as an escape hatch if it ended up lying down, as I can imagine trying to kick a door of that weight open thats now 7ft above you could be pretty difficult.
All adr trucks are required to comply with adr regulations.
Special requirements include wiring, position of exhaust, markings, distance from rear bumper to tank etc. as thought in adr training.
Not 100% if metal mudguards are required under adr as i have once drove a spare truck with plastic ones.
But they are there in case of a tire fire etc.