Durability Test: Enduraplas® vs Drivetanks.com

Team Enduraplas
March 21, 2024

Hey there, everyone. My name is Kaitlin, and I am the Continuous Improvement Manager for Enduraplas®. My job is to make sure that our liquid storage tanks are top-notch when it comes to quality and durability. To achieve this, I’m constantly analyzing the performance of our tanks and looking for ways to make them even better. Whether we’re conducting durability tests, working with new materials, or refining our manufacturing processes, my goal is always the same – to make sure that Enduraplas® tanks are the best in the industry.

Enduraplas® durability tests are extreme. Our tanks have survived falling SUVs, angry strongmen, stampeding bulls, and more. If it seems ridiculous, it’s because it is. We’re confident in the strength of our products, and we’ll do just about anything to prove that, even if that means doing the most over-the-top durability tests in the industry.

We know that we can’t rely on old tests forever, though. So, we thought it was time for an upgrade.

This month, I joined the marketing team on a trip to Ox Ranch in Uvalde, Texas. Ox Ranch is home to DriveTanks.com, a well-known destination for historical military vehicle and weapon experiences. It’s also the only place in the world where we can test our liquid storage tanks Enduraplas style.

The Durability Tests

First on our agenda was a trial by fire—literally. We aimed to subject our tank to the scorching heat of a flamethrower. This test was designed to push the limits of our tank’s thermal endurance. Being able to withstand extreme heat is crucial for our tanks, considering they are used in the hottest environments in the nation.

That’s crazy enough, but there’s more. Next was the explosive charge, designed to test the tank’s structural integrity with a high-impact blast. In other words, we wanted to blow up our tank and see what would happen.

But if that wasn’t enough, we had one last test in store for our tank’s extra-thick walls. Plain and simple, we were going to shoot it with a shotgun and see if it penetrated our walls.

At Enduraplas, we back what we build; if flamethrowers, explosives, and shotguns prove that, then so be it.

As our convoy arrived at Ox Ranch, we were greeted by gazelles, emus, hippos, and a rhinoceros. I knew Ox Ranch was wild, but this took it to a different level. Where else on earth can you find yourself surrounded by wildlife and shoot real WWII historical weapons on the same day?

We took a left at the huge armored tank and arrived at the DriveTanks.com warehouse. The warehouse was stocked from floor to ceiling with WWII-era weapons and machinery—assault rifles, tanks, and more. We knew we were in the right place.

The Flamethrower Test

First up was the flamethrower test. We used the M90 flamethrower, the last flamethrower the United States used during combat during the Vietnam War. The M90 shoots around 5 gallons of diesel or napalm at 1500° from over 75 yards away. Needless to say, it’s the real deal.

As we got into positions, the folks from DriveTanks.com readied the flamethrower. With our cameras rolling, they squared up with our tank, lifted the flamethrower, and pulled the trigger. Boom! Huge bright orange flames shot out and hit our liquid storage tank hard.

As the fire pounded our tank, massive plumes of black smoke filled the sky. The flames went from side to side, testing every inch of our tank walls with actual fire. But when the flamethrower stopped and the smoke cleared, the tank stood tall, albeit a little charred, but without holes, dents, or even a scratch.

Enduraplas wins this challenge.

The Explosive Test

Next up was the explosive charge. As we got to safety, the DriveTanks.com crew set up the explosive chemicals that would blow up our already charred tank. They used a “soap dish” charge just like the Allied secret agents used against the Germans in WWII.

They handed me the detonator, and the test began. 3, 2, 1, boom! The ground shook, and we flinched from the huge sound of the boom. Debris went flying, the tank was engulfed in flames, and the thud of the explosion against our tank still rang in our ears.

But when the dust settled, there it was: Our liquid storage tank stood tall, with no holes, a few scratches, and could still hold liquid.

Enduraplas wins again.

The Shotgun Test

After the flames and explosions, we decided our final test should be something every Texan has: a good old-fashioned shotgun.

For our last test, I grabbed a 12 gauge Winchester 1897, also known as a trench gun. It’s a US shotgun that was used in WWI, WWII, Korea, and even the Vietnam War, and it’s known for its stopping power and effective range.

For this test, I didn’t need any help. I planted my feet, cocked that shotgun, and let it rip. After each blast, we heard the pellets ricochet off our tank. Even after being burned by a flamethrower and blown up by an explosive, this tank survived multiple rounds of a shotgun blast without its walls penetrating.

After all this, it could still hold your liquids without a problem. Enduraplas wins 3-0.

These extreme tests showed me that I’m doing my job right.

Flamethrowers couldn’t melt our tank, explosions couldn’t topple it, and shotgun blasts couldn’t penetrate it. Our tanks are a fortress for your liquids, just like we designed them to be. Enduraplas tanks are constantly improving and are always striving to be the toughest on the market, and we’ll do just about anything to prove that.

At the end of the day, If our tanks can handle this, they can handle your harvest.