Features of our products

  • Engineering plan for the whole vehicle, including the electrical systems, modeled in 3D prior to start of production.
  • Purchasing of the best quality components on the market.
  • Written assembly procedures in order to standardize quality.
  • Marine grade 5052H32 aluminum sheets for better resistance against corrosion combined with grade 6061 T6 extrusions for superior strength.
  • 3” x 3” grade 6061 T6 extruded cross members are installed every 12” and adjusted so that each cross member is welded to the back of the compartments. Rear cross members are doubled and sometimes tripled. The high number of cross members allows tension to be spread over the whole body, thus providing superior strength.
  • All body components are assembled using continuous welds that prevent infiltration of water and salt. Although costly, little used and invisible, this process protects against corrosion, increases strength and prolongs body life.
  • Rear frames in steel linked to the two main chassis members allows for solid mounting of the towing hitch.
  • Towing hitch installed in the rear compartment to facilitate access whilst the vehicle is stuck. The hook can easily be moved so as not to reduce the amount of storage space in the compartment.
  • Lateral fenders in anodized aluminum for better protection against corrosion and scratches. They are spaced out from the body on nylon washers.
  • The body mounting uses a system of springs to reduce torsion transfer from the chassis frame to the body.
  • Compartment vents are punched directly in the body, eliminating all problems of ventilator grills being damaged by the equipment.
  • Door lining is aerated and glued using a methodology that provides superior strength and eliminates buckling caused by the welds.
  • The modular pump compartment integrates the pump, the structure, the control panel and the piping in one unit that can be easily removed from the vehicle.
  • The structure of the pump compartment is mounted on four rubber supports that absorb shocks and torsion.
  • A rubber strip is installed around the rear perimeter of the pump compartment to close up the space between it and the rear body.
  • Each suction and discharge is equipped with a stainless steel plate, bolted to a removable panel in order to carry out maintenance on the valves.
  • Each suction and discharge is equipped with a steel cable cover with orange vinyl and attached to the pump panel with stainless steel hook.
  • A rubber gasket is installed between the stainless steel plate and the pump compartment both for appearances sake and to retain heat in winter.
  • The majority of the piercing and thread cutting for the installation of doors and accessories is done prior to application of the paint.
  • Multiplex electrical system reducing electric wiring, with a screen incorporating all controls and data for the vehicle, including detection of electrical problems.
  • Connectors for wires with high-tension current are set and welded.
  • The sheath on the wire connectors is of the retractable tube type.
  • All electric wiring has well-attached sleeving and rubber washers are installed in all side-walls.
  • An as-built electrical plan as well as a complete 2D electrical schematic diagram with colour codes are supplied with the vehicle.
  • Coding of electric wires by colour, number and function stamped every six inches on the wire.
  • Parts moulded in stainless steel such as elbows, T-joints, extensions, etc. are used to mount the valves on the pump.
  • All piping is in welded stainless steel and hydraulic hoses have stainless steel connections.
  • All tubing is mounted in modules using Victaulic joints that can be easily moved if required.
  • Hoses for pressure gauges, primers, drains, etc. are different colours according to a pre-established code, which has proven highly practical in action.
  • The pump compartment is protected by a transparent finish that maintains a good appearance in spite of the scratches caused by equipment and hoses.
  • Mudguards and inner fenders are removable for repair or replacement.
  • All screws are assembled using Locktite®.
  • A dry protective coating offered in several colours considerably brightens the appearance of the interior of the compartment and is resistant to scratches caused by equipment.
  • Reservoir comes with a manufacturer’s lifetime warranty on parts and labour against manufacturing defects.

Combatting corrosion right down to the tiniest details

In spite of the many technological developments made to the mechanical, electrical and electronic systems, the life of a fire vehicle is constantly being threatened by corrosion. Corrosion is particularly aggressive in humid environments.

Carl Thibault Fire Trucks is much concerned with this problem and all our production employees are well aware of it. Our designers and technicians are require to prioritize efforts to protect against corrosion when designing and developing our products.

  • We only use marine grade 5052 H32 aluminum sheets.
  • We carry out continuous welds on all the exterior joints of the compartments.
  • All hardware and fastenings are in stainless steel.
  • Nylon washers are installed between all stainless steel bolt heads and aluminum components.
  • The aluminum bumpers on the body are anodized for better protection against scratches and corrosion.
  • A ground wire goes from each bumper to the body and the connectors are greased.
  • The ground wire between the body, pump compartment and the chassis frame is installed with special care.
  • All holes for hinges, handles and accessories are pierced prior to application of the paint.
  • During assembly, a thin nylon ribbon is installed between each part and the body to prevent contact between the different materials.
  • All piping in the pump system is in stainless steel.
  • All foot steps and fenders are spaced out from the body by nylon washers so as to prevent any accumulation of water or salt.
  • A standard rubber coating is applied to the interior of the body over its entire lower half, below the compartments and in the mudguards, for maximum protection against salt. This coating is applied before the body is placed on the chassis, so that no surface is forgotten.