Also known as “jet refuelers” or simply “fuelers,” fuel trucks are light-, medium-, or heavy-duty trucks with tank bodies ranging in capacity from around 1,000 to 35,000 litres or more.
Read More (About Fuel Trucks)Fuel trucks, which are often referred to as “jet refuelers” or simply “fuelers,” are either light-, medium-, or heavy-duty trucks designed to keep jet, turboprop, piston single, and piston twin aeroplanes fueled up and ready to fly.
While most fuel trucks consist of a cab and chassis plus a separate tank body, there are models available that were built as fuel trucks from the ground up. Manufacturers typically build the tanks themselves from either lightweight aluminium or more durable stainless steel.
The tank capacity of a fuel truck may be as low as 1,100 litres (300 gallons) or as high as 37,000 L (10,000 gal) or more. The key is to find a capacity that meets the intended application. For example, if you operate a small airstrip, the smallest truck may suffice, while FBOs (fixed base operators) may require a mid-range option and commercial airports will often opt for the highest possible capacity.
Another consideration is the hose reel type, which will either be underwing or overwing. Some fuel trucks only have one hose reel, while others have two to support both types of refuelling. If you choose one option over the other instead of a combination, it’s important to consider the most common types of aircraft that pass through your airport to ensure you meet their needs.
Other specifications to keep in mind are hose length and flow capacity. Hose length determines how much of a safe distance you can keep between the airplane and the fuel truck, while flow capacity determines how quickly the truck can refuel the aircraft. For larger jets or situations where speed is particularly important, you may want to prioritize flow capacity.
Most of the fuel trucks for sale on ControllerEMEA.co.uk are cab and chassis trucks that were configured as tank trucks by bodybuilders or were paired with a tank body after the fact. Common truck makes and models include EAM (Engine & Accessory Manufacturing) Ramp Stars, Ford F450s and F750s, Freightliner Business Class M2s, International 4900s, and Sterling Acterras, among others.