What is a Water Bowser?
A Water Bowser is any mobile vessel which transports water via road or is being pulled by a vehicle. They come in many sizes and shapes and have many uses including carrying water for drinking, conveying water for feeding livestock in agriculture, dust suppression and in situations where a body of water is needed and there is no mains water available.
View our full range of Water Bowsers
I don’t need it to go on the road. Do you have a lower specification?
Yes, we have a lower specification for bowsers not required for the road. These will not have suspension and lights.
What weight can I legally tow?
The rules on what you can tow are different depending on when you passed your driving test.
Licences issued from 1 January 1997
If you passed your car driving test on or after 1 January 1997 you can:
- drive a car or van up to 3,500kg maximum authorised mass (MAM) towing a trailer of up to 750kg MAM.
- tow a trailer over 750kg MAM as long as the combined MAM of the trailer and towing vehicle is no more than 3,500kg.
Licences issued before 1 January 1997
If you passed your car test before 1 January 1997, you’re usually allowed to drive a vehicle and trailer combination up to 8,250kg MAM. View your driving licence information to check.
For more information see the GOV.uk website on towing with a car.
Can I hold drinking water in the bowser?
Yes, you can hold drinking water within your bowser. If this is your requirement then we need to be aware so when we manufacture your browser, we can attach the correct tank (a potable tank). ‘Potable’ means the properties of the tank are suitable for it to be used for drinking water. Even though the tank is suitable for drinking water it is always advised to have your tank sterilised before use.
How thick is the plastic?
The plastic tanks which are rotationally moulded have different thicknesses of wall depending on where on the tank you are looking. The mould is designed to make sure the tank is thicker in locations of stress, but thinner on the side walls where there is less pressure. This maximizes the strength while at the same time minimising the weight which is equally important.
How long will my Bowser last?
Your bowser will last for many years, but it is also important to keep your bowser in top condition and ensure it receives regular servicing if you are to increase its longevity. The tank will outlast the trailer in most situations as the weakest point is the trailer which is manufactured from mild steel and powder coated. To enhance its lifespan, it is recommended that after two years you recoat or paint the trailer frame.
Is it UV resistant?
Yes. All the plastic tanks we offer have UV inhibitors within the polymer used to construct the tank which are added when the polymer manufacturers form the actual polymer.
Will algae grow in the tank?
In most cases you shouldn’t have any issues with algae growing within your tank. There may be exceptions to this rule if your tank is stored in direct sunlight and water remains inside the tank. To reduce all risks of this, a regular cleaning schedule should be adhered too.
Will my vehicle be suitable to tow the Bowser?
Most small vehicles and vans would be physically suitable to tow one of the small 1100 bowsers whereas larger bowsers would need a more substantial vehicle such as a tractor or lorry. We always suggest you take the weight of the bowser when it is fully laden and consult DVLA to see if your vehicle would be suitable.
You have an option of a ball or eye hitch. What is the difference?
Ball Hitch
Eye Hitch
You can see with the ball hitch that the connection between the bowser and the vehicle is such that the bowser can be lifted and dropped over the ball to make the connection. If the bowser is full, then this can become difficult due to the increased weight.
Many commercial vehicles will have the eye hitch option which allows you to back your vehicle up to the bowser while it is on its front support leg and simply drop the pin in when it is in the correct position. This alleviates the need to have to lift the bowser.
I need a particular colour. Is this possible?
We will always try to meet the wishes of our customers. Please stipulate your requirements and ask for options when you initially enquire about a bowser, although it may impact on the total cost and lead time.
How is it delivered?
This is really important as different options cost different amounts. Usually bowsers are delivered on the back of a lorry and after manufacture are palletised ready for delivery. However, they do take up 6 pallet spaces and a forklift with extended forks is needed to remove it from the vehicle. To discuss your options or any special requirements, please contact our sales team.
If there are delivery restrictions, we will need to be made aware of them before we attempt delivery. If we are not notified and experience problems with delivery, there may be additional costs which have to be passed on.
I need a pump. Can you provide this?
Yes. We can provide pumps and pump solutions, whether this be a standard setup as a flower bowser or something more complex. We just need to know what you are trying to achieve and will work alongside you to give you a solution.
Shop our range of Pumps online
I want to use my bowser for dust suppression. Do you have the available attachments?
Yes. We have a solution for dealing with dust suppression (all sizes) and if needed can manufacture something bespoke to suit your situation.
