Inside FTA Fuel Caps:
Built Stronger, Smarter, and Made in the USA
What kind of Aluminum does FTA use?
Most cast aluminum products are made from 380 aluminum but the folks at FTA build their products with 369 aluminum alloy. The 369 Aluminum alloy has a stronger impact resistance and performs better at elevated temperatures. FTA performs their drop tests from 10 ft on their fuel cap designs. That helps give the FTA fuel caps their FMCSA ratings and keeps drivers compliant with regulations.
How are the locks designed?
FTA took their locking mechanisms to another level to ensure your fuel stays protected. If a would be thief tries to remove a locked fuel cap, the teeth on the locking mechanism are designed to grab onto the neck walls. These teeth increase their pressure and hold as the thief tries to remove the locked cap. Its simple design also prevents wear on the locking mechanisms.
The lock cams are also heat treated. This helps give them extra strength. When the lock cams are installed on the fuel cap, they are inspected to ensure there are no defects and that the fit is air tight. Even the keys are made here in the USA!
And since the fuel caps are cast, built, and assembled here in the US, you can have your locking mechanisms matched for all of your caps. If you have two tanks on your truck, now you only need one key to unlock both of them. Or, if you have a fleet of trucks, you can easily go from truck to truck with one key. And if you ever lose a key, reach out to our team to get another one on two on the way out to you.
What kind of Gaskets do they use?
The gaskets on all fuel tanks are made up of a synthetic material. This material is called NBR or Nitrile butyl rubber. It is designed to with stand brutal cold temperatures without cracking. Even in sub zero temperatures, these gaskets will not ice up. It can also handle the diesel fuel with is corrosive to some rubbers.
How do the thermal and pressure relief systems work with the caps?
All Diesel tanks are required to have pressure and thermal reliefs incorporated into them. This helps to prevent an explosion if a truck catches on fire. Some truck manufacturers build pressure and thermal relief systems into their tanks. When this is the case, a simple fuel cap that seals on the tank is all that is needed. Other manufacturers though choose to put that responsibility on the fuel cap. FTA has engineered fuel caps that work as both Thermal and Pressure relief values. Here is how they work.
Pressure relief values are built with components designed to vent tanks to the atmosphere if they begin to pressurize. The accomplish this with a spring-loaded flap on the top of the cap. The spring keeps the flap closed until pressure builds and forces the flap open. All of the components are designed and built in house by the engineers at FTA. This helps ensure precision quality and consistent functionality.
The Thermal Relief caps are built with a fusible alloy that is held in place on the cap. When the temperature around the cap exceeds the specified temperature, this proprietary alloy melts to allow the vapors to vent into the atmosphere. This keeps the tank from becoming pressurized and possibly exploding. The alloy is about the size of a quarter, and you can see it on the cap.
Do you offer the caps in a chrome finish?
If you are looking for a beautiful clean finish, FTA offers chrome plated options for most of their fuel caps. The chrome plating happens here in the USA. Caps are cast at FTA and then sent to the chrome plating shop to add that beautiful shine. When the caps are returned, each cap is thoroughly inspected. This ensures a beautiful and complete finish on the cap as well as making sure chrome did not go someplace that could effect the way the caps works.
What is the history of FTA?
Fuel Tank Accessories has been around for about 20 years. Based here in the USA, the craftsman at FTA have been trained produce consistent fuel caps, tanks, and antisiphon units for all of your needs. By owning the smelting and casting process, they are able to ensure their standards are kept through the entire construction process. Built with the customer in mind, these fuel caps will outlast and outperform the cheap imports.