Fuel Tank Cage: Remove or Keep?

[Joe45]

I am debating whether or not to remove the safety cage around the fuel tank.

Bus is a 2004 International, Conventional.
Looks like that's several hundred pounds of steel that can be removed to lighten the bus, and make room for other weight like water, an/or a spare fuel tank.


I know the cage is there for a collision, but I see the big rigs have dual fuel tanks, right under the doors, and they are totally exposed.


So has anyone removed their cage?


Relocated the tank further inboard?
I've thought of installing a pair, or two of those big rig tanks.

 

[musigenesis]

I thought my cage was actually holding the tank in place. TIL.

 

[peteg59]

Might work, but it also might actually hold the tank in place?

There are a few "safeties" built into school busses that protect riders inside in the event of a collision, but are not found on shuttle busses or other large OTR passenger vehicles...

 

[Joe45]

I thought my cage was actually holding the tank in place. TIL.

Yeah might be the case. If so. I could always manufacture a much lighter contraption to hold it in place.

 

[Joe45]

Might work, but it also might actually hold the tank in place?

There are a few "safeties" built into school busses that protect riders inside in the event of a collision, but are not found on shuttle busses or other large OTR passenger vehicles...

Agreed. Just wondering if those safeties are truly because of real concerns or overkill because the buses are carrying kids.


I don't know of any bus or big rig fires caused by the diesel fuel tank: I have heard of fires due to the cargo, but not the fuel tanks.

 

[musigenesis]

My fuel tank is tucked between the chassis rails, so I don't think it would really be possible for it to be hit in a collision. Maybe the cage is for something like a rollover where another vehicle then plows into the bottom of the bus.

Whatever's going on there, it doesn't seem like it would be worth it to remove it just to lose a little weight. ****, I cut holes in my floor above it to avoid having to deal with it at all.

 

[Joe45]

My fuel tank is tucked between the chassis rails, so I don't think it would really be possible for it to be hit in a collision. Maybe the cage is for something like a rollover where another vehicle then plows into the bottom of the bus.

Whatever's going on there, it doesn't seem like it would be worth it to remove it just to lose a little weight. ****, I cut holes in my floor above it to avoid having to deal with it at all.

My tank is on the starboard side, just aft of the big elevator door.

I hear the cage is like 300 pounds? If that's the case, I think it's work removing.
I have to research more I guess...