By Bill Adams

Trade shows like the Fire Department Instructors Conference are forums for apparatus manufacturers to introduce their new innovations. Regional shows present great opportunities to observe rigs that are close to what local departments are actually purchasing. Pundits can be somewhat analytical when looking at various manufacturers’ new rigs, however, they must tread very carefully at regional trade shows because the fire chief and his whole crew might be standing next to the new rig being criticized! We should remember fire departments are purchasing rigs and equipping them for their own response district—not yours.

Photo 1: This rear discharge is equipped with a 2½-inch gated wye—a great idea. I’m sure the combined desired flow from both outlets was “precalculated” by the fire department, written into its purchasing specifications, flow tested, and certified by the manufacturer. The bottom lip of the rear step running board compartment has been notched to allow the LDH to slide underneath protecting the hydrant makeup from the elements—another good idea.

Photo 2: This rear-mount Rosenbauer pumper has five 2½-inch and 3-inch rear discharges all connected to preconnects located in removable trays beneath the main hosebed and protected by a roll-up door. The preconnects, ground monitor, and LDH hydrant makeup are easily accessible from ground level. Note the siamese just ahead of the ground monitor. This rig’s rear end is busy but functional.

Photos 3 and 4: Sutphen’s customer specified blue and black chevrons on this tanker. It has a wide and deep usable rear step. A closer look at the hosebed shows a bed of purple-colored hose—not too common.

Photo 5: This E-ONE customer specified an orange pumper. The two 2½-inch hotel packs carried on top of the curbside running board compartments are color-coded to match the rig. The real benefit is the hose loads are easily accessible.

Photo 6: Electrically operated “slide-out” dump valves are common on the sides and rear of rigs. This rig has a flip-up door protecting the valve from the elements—simple and smart.

Photo 7: This Spartan ER has a functional back end including a low hosebed, and three preconnects are attached to three of the four rear discharges. The rear LDH inlet is located at frame rail level where it’s easy to reach. Notice the large hand holes at the top of the hosebed dividers with a split-tube type reinforcement. This type of reinforcement helps (but does not eliminate) hosebed dividers that are u