You actually don't need your heavy cylinders rolling around the particular bed while traveling to the jump site, which is why a solid scuba tank holder truck setup is a total game-changer for anyone who else dives regularly. When you've ever spent a morning launching on with a banks dive, you know the struggle. You've got your BCDs, your weights, your own smelly wetsuits, and then the large hitters—the tanks. With no way to keep those cylinders straight and stationary, every single sharp turn or sudden stop sounds like a structure site within your rearview mirror.
It's not just regarding the annoying noise, though. It's about protecting your gear as well as your vehicle. Scuba storage containers are built difficult, but they aren't invincible. A rolling tank can bang straight into your truck's steering wheel wells, dent the particular tailgate, or—worst-case scenario—damage the valve or even the manifold. Once you've seen the valve get sheared off (thankfully a rare occurrence, but terrifying to think about), you realize that the dedicated scuba tank holder truck system isn't just a luxury; it's a safety requirement.
Why a fervent Rack Beats the "Toss and Pray" Method
We've all been presently there. You try in order to wedge the storage containers between a heavy gear bag plus a crate of weights, hoping the friction holds almost everything in place. It works for approximately five minutes until a person hit a speed bump. Then, the particular whole house of cards collapses. Making use of a proper scuba tank holder truck configuration means you can really relax throughout the drive.
One particular of the greatest benefits is business. When your containers are lined upward neatly against the bulkhead or the sides of the bed, you suddenly have the ability to this extra floor space. You can in fact see where your own fins are plus you aren't searching through a stack of metal in order to find your mask. Plus, if you get to the jump site and many people are rushing to obtain in the water, a person aren't the one particular wrestling having a twisted mess of gear. You just grab a tank and go.
Selecting the most appropriate Style for Your own Truck Bed
There isn't an one-size-fits-all solution here because every diver has a different setup. Many people have the dedicated "dive rig" while others make use of their truck intended for work during the particular week and need to be able to clear the bed out quickly.
Foam Block Inserts
These types of are probably the most common entry-level options. They're usually made associated with high-density foam with cutouts for regular 80cf tanks. They're lightweight, they don't rust, and they're incredibly cheap. You can just throw them in the bed, slot your containers in, and they will stay put. The particular downside? They may fly out of the particular truck if they aren't weighted down or secured once the containers aren't in them. Furthermore, they tend in order to soak up saltwater and can get pretty nasty if a person don't rinse them off.
Plastic material Folding Racks
These are great if you require to reclaim your truck bed on Monday morning. They usually consist of the base plate plus arms that flip down when not within use. They're specifically made for a scuba tank holder truck application where space is from a premium. The majority are made from heavy duty UV-resistant plastic, so they won't obtain brittle after sitting down in the sun all day long at the beach.
Fixed Metal Rails
If you're the hardcore wreck diver or you run a small hire, you might want something more permanent. They are usually aluminum or stainless steel rails bolted straight to the truck bed or the particular side tracks. They are incredibly safe. You can make use of bungee cords or specialized tank band to lock the cylinders down. They don't move, they don't vibrate, plus they can handle the weight of large steel 130s without having breaking a sweat.
The DO-IT-YOURSELF Route: Pros and Cons
A lot associated with divers are organic tinkerers. I've noticed some pretty creative scuba tank holder truck increases made out of PVC tube, 2x4s, or also repurposed milk crates. The classic "PVC rack" is really a staple in the scuba diving community. It's cheap, custom-sized to your specific truck, plus it feels good to build some thing yourself.
However, there's a catch. PVC can become brittle over time, especially with constant exposure to UV rays and the weight of four or five full cylinders. I've seen DO-IT-YOURSELF racks shatter throughout a sudden stop, sending tanks sliding all over the place. If you proceed the DIY route, make sure you're using heavy-duty materials plus reinforcing the joint parts. Wood is one more option, but keep in mind it's likely to get wet—a lot. If you don't seal it correctly, it'll rot or even start smelling like a swamp inside a few months.
Positioning Matters Even more Than You Think
Where you really put your scuba tank holder truck setup makes a big difference in the way the truck grips. If you've obtained six steel containers, that's a lot of weight.
Most individuals prefer putting the particular rack right upward against the cab. This keeps the center of gravity more central and prevents the back of the truck from sagging too much. It also protects the tanks from the elements a little more if you have a cab-high cover or a tonneau cover. On the particular flip side, some individuals like the rack here at the tail gate for easy access. It saves your own back from having to crawl into the bed to bring out a 40-pound cylinder. Just create sure your tail gate is sturdy as well as the rack is bolted down so the particular weight doesn't change toward the rear while you're hiking a hill.
Maintenance for the Holder
It's simple to forget that your scuba tank holder truck set up needs a small love too. Deep sea could be the enemy of pretty much everything on this planet, together with your truck bed and your tank rack. Even though you have got a plastic or foam holder, salt crystals can get trapped underneath plus act like sandpaper towards your truck's color or bed liner.
After the day at the particular ocean, give the rack a quick spray with clean water. If you're using a steel rack, check the mounting points regarding signs of corrosion or loosening. A bit of preventative maintenance goes a long method in ensuring your own gear stays safe for years ahead.
Safety Factors You Can't Ignore
We ought to talk about the "what ifs. " In the event of any sort of accident, a free scuba tank is usually a nightmare. It's a heavy, blunt object that can easily penetrate the cab of the truck. For this reason, regardless of which scuba tank holder truck system you select, you should always use secondary vices.
Don't simply rely on the particular friction of a foam block or the weight associated with the tank. Make use of cam straps or heavy-duty bungees in order to tie the reservoirs to the stand or maybe the truck's tie-down points. It takes an extra 30 seconds, but it provides peace associated with mind. Also, always transport your storage containers with the regulators facing away through the cab when possible, or with least shielded.
Wrapping It Up
All in all, a scuba tank holder truck setup is one particular of those things you don't realize a person need until you have one. Once you experience the quiet of a well-secured bed and the particular ease of unloading at the docks, you'll never move back to simply "winging it. " Whether you purchase a high-end aluminum rail system or even build a sturdy wooden frame, the goal will be the same: keep your gear safe, your truck undamaged, and your focus on the dive ahead.
Scuba diving is supposed to be fun, not a chore. Through the time in order to organize your transportation, you're cutting out the stress of the commute and building the entire experience the lot smoother. So, take a look at your truck bed, figure out how many tanks you transport, and get a great holder in location. The back (and your truck's paint job) will certainly thank you for it.