Stainless Steel & Aluminium Tanks
Stainless Steel & Aluminium Tanks
Smartweld specialises in high-performance Stainless Steel and Aluminium tanks, custom-built to your exact specifications. From heavy-duty industrial reservoirs to chemical-grade containers, our New Zealand Made builds provide superior durability where standard plastic units fail. Each tank is pressure-tested and TIG-welded to ensure a leak-proof, high-strength solution for the most demanding environments.
For the caravan and motorhome market, our 316-grade stainless steel tanks are the ultimate upgrade-permanently eliminating the plastic taste and odours of factory storage. Because we focus exclusively on bespoke fabrication, we maximise your available space with a millimetre-perfect fit. Whether it’s an industrial project or a custom camper build, Smartweld delivers professional-grade containment that’s built to last.
Additional information
At Smartweld, every tank is a bespoke project engineered to solve specific spatial or chemical requirements. We primarily work with 316 Food-Grade Stainless Steel for potable water and Marine-Grade Aluminium for weight-sensitive or industrial applications. All units are TIG welded and pressure-tested before leaving our workshop
to ensure 100% seal integrity.
Helpful tips: To get the longest life out of your build and ensure a smooth installation, keep these factors in mind:
- Use 316 Stainless for Drinking Water. While 304 is common, 316 offers superior resistance to corrosion, ensuring your water remains taste-neutral and safe for years.
- Account for “Surge.” For tanks over 60L used in vehicles, we recommend internal baffling. This prevents “sloshing” which can affect vehicle handling and put unnecessary stress on mounting points.
- Don’t Forget the Breather. A tank is a pressure vessel. Without a properly sized breather, a pump drawing water out can create a vacuum strong enough to implode even a metal tank.
Share:
Maximise Every Millimetre of Space
Custom stainless steel tanks NZ and aluminium tanks NZ engineered to perfectly fit restricted spaces, maximising capacity and eliminating installation compromises. How to use section can be deleted.
Built to Outlast Plastic Alternatives
Crafted from 316 stainless steel or 5083 marine aluminium, our tanks resist corrosion, UV damage, cracking and long-term deformation.
Guaranteed Leak-Free Reliability
Precision TIG welded and pressure tested, delivering structural strength, vibration resistance and dependable performance in demanding NZ conditions.
NZ Made with Expert Technical Support
Locally fabricated stainless steel and aluminium tanks supplied nationwide, with expert advice on baffling, fittings and installation for optimal performance.
DESCRIPTION
- Custom Sized to utilise 100% of your available space.
- Pressure Tested to ensure leak-proof performance.
- Inlet, Outlet, Breather and Drain Fittings welded in specified place to suit where your plumbing requires them.
- We utilise high-tensile 5083 marine grade Aluminium for weight-sensitive commercial projects.
- Our builds are UV stable and impact resistant. They won’t become brittle, crack or “balloon” like plastic tanks.
- For mobile applications over 60L, we recommend installing internal baffles to prevent liquid “slosh”. This will improve vehicle handle and reduce pressure on mounting points.
- No odour compared to plastic “off the shelf”and OEM alternatives.
- Unlike “throwaway” plastic units, a Smartweld tank is fully repairable and can be modified or refurbished years down the line if your requirements change.
SPECIFICATIONS
Feature
Detail
Custom Geometric Design
We don't use standard moulds - every tank is fabricated to your exact dimensions to maximise storage in restricted chassis or industrial footprints.
316 - Grade Stainless Steel
Our primary material for potable water and food - grade use, providing superior corrosion resistance and a "zero - taint" surface that eliminates plastic odours.
Marine - Grade 5083 Aluminium
A high - tensile, lightweight alloy option that offers excellent structural strength and natural salt - water resistance for weight - sensitive applications.
Precision TIG - Welded Seams
Every joint is handcrafted using Gas Tungsten Arc Welding and pressure - tested to ensure a leak - proof, high - fatigue life under heavy vibration.
Internal Anti - Surge Baffling
Strategic internal walls are included in larger or mobile tanks to manage liquid movement, improving vehicle stability and reducing stress on mountings.
Bespoke Port Configuration
Inlets, outlets, and breathers are welded exactly where your plumbing requires them, removing the need for awkward adapters or inefficient hose runs.
Customer reviews
See what our customers say about their experience, results, and the difference our products has made for them.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re curious about the services we offer or have questions about our capabilities, here are some of the most common inquiries from our clients.
Can you build a tank to fit a specific shape or "dead space" under my vehicle?
Absolutely. Unlike plastic tanks that come in fixed sizes, we specialise in bespoke
geometry. If you can provide the dimensions, a cardboard mock-up, or a CAD drawing, we can fabricate a tank that utilises 100% of your available space, including angled or tapered designs.Is there a "plastic taste" or smell with your water tanks?
No. By using high-grade 316 Stainless Steel, we provide a medical-grade, non-porous surface that does not leach chemicals or odours. This permanently eliminates the “tainted” taste often found in factory-fitted plastic tanks, making them ideal for potable drinking water.
Do I need internal baffling for my tank?
We generally recommend internal baffles for any mobile tank (caravans, trucks, or boats) with a capacity over 60 litres. Baffles reduce “liquid surge,” which prevents the weight of the water from shifting suddenly while braking or cornering, protecting both your vehicle’s handling and the tank’s mounting points.
What is the difference between Stainless Steel and Aluminium for tanks?
316 Stainless Steel is the “gold standard” for hygiene and corrosion resistance, making it perfect for drinking water and food-grade industrial use. Marine-grade Aluminium (5083) is significantly lighter and highly durable, making it the better choice for grey water storage, fuel, or weight-sensitive builds.
How do I know where to place the inlets and outlets?
Because we weld every fitting to order, you have total control. We recommend placing the inlet at the highest point, the outlet at the lowest point to avoid “dead water,” and a breather at the top to prevent a vacuum from forming when the pump is running. We can weld BSP, NPT, or barbed fittings exactly where your plumbing requires them.
Make an enquiry
Tell us what product you’re interested in and if you would like to discuss a project, seek technical advice or request a quote for our engineering services, please feel free to get in touch and one of our senior engineers will reply within 24 hours.