A couple of photos from our 2014 seminar in Whitewater, Wisconsin. One of the pumpers that we used, Engine 1220 (2000 gpm/1000 gal) had a 2-1/2" direct tank fill connection on the officer side pump panel. While the pumper is not used often to shuttle water, when it is used in that capacity the direct tank fill allows the rig to get filled faster and back on the road. We certainly see these type of direct tank fill features on pumpers during our travels; the most important message is to ensure that these direct fill connections are clearly labeled. A 2-1/2" direct tank fill connection can easily be confused with a 2-1/2" auxiliary intake connection.
Make sure a direct tank fill connection is properly labeled. It is easy to confuse a 2-1/2" direct fill with an auxiliary intake.
Direct tank fill on a 2000 gpm/1000 gal pumper. Not a bad idea for those rigs that might get put into service hauling water in a rural water supply operation.
Not hauling water today, direct fill line not needed. Tomorrow could be different.
