Spotlight Option - In Bumper Storage

  You can never have enough storage space on a Fire Truck.  Storage space is always at a premium.  When you extend the front bumper of the chassis, you open up a lot of storage options. 

  There are numerous different ways you can configure the storage in an extended front bumper.  Pictured above is how one department decided to utilize the storage.  In the center compartment is a hose well for a pre-connected 1-1/2" hose line.  They also have one storage compartment outboard of the chassis frame rails on each side of the bumper.  These wing compartments will be utilized for the storage of miscellaneous equipment.  On this truck, instead of using deck plate doors to secure the equipment and hose in the compartments, a red webbing will be used.  The webbing has the advantages of being able to see within the compartment without removing the webbing and it also allows for air flow in the compartments to assist in drying equipment.

  Does your department have an unique storage layout in the extended bumper of your trucks?

Exterior Sun Visors

One of the options I like to include on the majority of the quotations I prepare using a commercial cab is an exterior sun visor.   The exterior sun visor can either be polished stainless steel or painted.  The painted sun visor comes painted and installed from the chassis manufacturer to match the color of the chassis cab or in the case of a two tone cab, it usually comes in the same color of the upper portion of the chassis.  That being said, the sun visor can be ordered in any color desired.



Personally, I find this option really dresses up the exterior of the cab.  It is also a fairly inexpensive option when ordered with the chassis.  It is usually priced under $500.00 from the chassis manufacturer.  This comes completely installed, painted, and complete with built in clearance lights in the front face of the visor.



 

The most common statement I hear concerning the exterior sun visors is that most people believe that come with the chassis as a standard.  That is definitely not the case.  If you desire the exterior sun visor, ensure that you let your body builder know prior to ordering the chassis.  You can also review the chassis specifications prior to order, to ensure that it is included.  If you receive the chassis without the sun visor and wish to have one installed after the chassis is received by the body builder, it would be a fairly expensive addition.  The cost of installing the sun visor post receipt of the chassis would be upwards of $1,500.00.  

 

The exterior sun visor is a great option to inexpensively dress up the exterior of the unit. 

Tuesday's Tip - Drafting in Low Water Situations

Every Fire Department has a couple of water sources (ponds, streams, rivers, etc.) in their territory that could be a great asset while responding to a fire scene nearby.  The trouble with some of these water sources is that some aren't deep enough to allow the suction hose and strainer to be submerged and having sufficient distance between the strainer and the bottom of the water source.  This situation may lead to small pebbles, gravel, small rocks, etc. to be drawn into the pump, possibly causing expensive damage to the pump and also possible damaging the seals on the ball valves on the unit. 

One option to help alleviate this situation would be the use of a floating strainer.  The floating strainer floats on the surface of the water, alleviating the need for the strainer and suction hose to be fully submerged.  However, if the water source isn't deep enough to allow suitable distance between the strainer and the bottom of the water source then the potential of collecting debris into the pump is still possible.

Another option that could be used is to position a roof ladder above the water source horizontally.  The suction hose could then be tied to the ladder at a location that would keep the suction hose from being fully submerged, thusly keeping the strainer above the bottom of the water source.

Another similar option is to submerge a bucket or pail into the water source so that the top of the water source is above the top of the bucket.   The strainer would then be placed into the bucket.  The water would then be drawn from the top, reducing the chances of debris being drawn into the pump.

Taking precautions, as noted above, will help you utilize all of the assets in your territory in your efforts in protecting your department's service area while keeping costly pump repairs at a minimum.

What steps does your department take when drafting from a shallow water source?

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