We are upgrading our last tanker.  Our engine is newer, a few years ago we replaced a tanker with a tanker pump, 3000 gallons, 500 gpm pump, all electronic controls for pressure etc, auto trans, real nice unit.  We Bought a new KW truck 2 years ago and finally saved enough $$ for the tank.  Will be set up same as other pump/tanker.  Hopefully will be here for our Fireman's Ball on April 21st.

  The old tanker is slow (big gas engine) and unreliable.  Many times the battery has been dead when needed.  We have a maintainer hooked to it, it has been in a few times to be checked over, and now we keep a charger hooked to it full time.  The tank has rust holes in it, so it slowly leaks.  The rust plugs the holes until it is driven.  Then the rust holes slosh around and open the holes.  If your barn/house/shed was on fire, would you want a new truck there on time, or have an older truck broken down 1/2 way there.  This truck cost $200k+, but should last 25+years.  I think the tanker it is replacing is a late 70's with mid teens for miles.  We bought it used by a dept that put most of the miles on it.

These are some options I think a new truck should have.

1)Auto trans-much easier to drive for beginners.     

2)Computer controlled flow/pressure.  Lets a beginner operate it with ease.  Put pump in gear, set pressure and it does the rest.  Somebody opens a nozzle, truck revs up.

3) Backup camera.  Makes it much easier backing up to dump tank or hydrant hose.

4)LED fill level lights.  This truck has LED lights on back showing when 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 and full.  Filling is much easier with no overflows.      

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