Poly Tanks and Cold Weather: How Do They Hold Up?


Wondering about poly tanks and cold weather? Osco Tank & Truck has all the information you need to know!

Poly Tanks and Cold Weather

For those in the Northern Hemisphere, winter can mean cold weather, snow, and ice. But what does that mean for your poly tank? At Osco Tank & Truck Sales, our poly tanks are built tough. They come with lifetime warranties and can endure cold weather.

Our poly tanks are made from high-impact-resistant copolymer polypropylene (CPP), a type of thermoplastic polymer.

All red Commander tank truck from Osco Tank and Truck Sales
All Osco Tank & Truck Sales poly tanks come with a lifetime warranty

Sometimes called the “steel” of the plastic industry, polypropylene uniquely can be modified or customized to serve a particular purpose best.

Most engineered plastics, poly included, are well suited to temperatures below zero. 

Poly is suited for temps below zero.

In engineering terms, polypropylene is considered a “tough” material. That means the material has a high capability to deform (plastically, not elastically) without breaking.

Even though poly tanks are tough, the water inside can freeze when the temperatures hit 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

As it freezes, water expands, which can put internal pressure on a tank. To avoid problems, it’s best to avoid putting too much internal freezing pressure on your poly tank.

Water is most likely to freeze when it’s static or stationary. For fire trucks on the move, like our Dominator or Commander series, the water sloshing inside is key in preventing ice from forming.

However, if you find any of your fire truck parts or components frozen during frigid winter weather, don’t try to use them. Move to a warmer area (like inside a fire station bay) and give components time to thaw.

Let Osco Tank & Truck Sales answer your questions.

Contact us today for more information about Osco Tank & Truck Sales’ poly tanks. 


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