Minimum Water Tender Specifications

• Safety Equipment (SE)-plated water tenders receive exemption under minimum U.S. Forest Service licensing requirements, but all other water tenders require registration as commercial vehicles. All water tenders or water trucks must also be current with State Biannual Inspection of Terminal (BIT) requirements and Federal Department of Transportation licensing.
  
  

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating

• Water trucks or tenders cannot be customized unless they adhere to manufacturer's gross vehicle weight ratings, or state highway weight limits, whichever may be less. Axle weights must comply with the axle weight specifications as set forth by the manufacturer.
  
  

Water Tank Requirements

• The National Fire Prevention Association delineates standards for water tanks attached to water trucks or tenders, which are to be baffled. Water tanks may meet the specifications set forth for water tank baffling by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers or any other industry specific and accepted engineering standard.
  
  

Backflow Devices, Gravity and Safety Equipment

• Backflow prevention devices must be included in any water truck or tender to prevent water backflow when hooking up to a hydrant or municipal water supply. Center of gravity for the vehicle must meet original manufacturer's design limits and all trucks must be equipped with the minimum safety items including three reflectors, fire extinguisher, flashlight, chock blocks and back-up electronic safety alarm with a minimum of 87 decibels.