A local fire apparatus builder/dealer is building their first B.R.A.T. with a 2017 F550. I figured I'd post some pics for you guys to see. Here are the specs of what will be built:

2017 Ford F550 Four Door Crew Cab 4x4
SCBA Cab Seats
6.7 Liter 300 HP Diesel Engine
Aluminum Bonded Body with ROM Roll up Doors
Hale 30FS 300 GPM Pump / Deutz 60 HP Engine Combo
All Akron Brass Valves
Pump and Roll Capability
Pro Poly 300 Gallon Water Tank
One 1.5" Rear Preconnect, 2.5" Direct Rear Discharge
Firematic Extended Front Bumper
Extended Console in Cab
Stokes Basket and Ladder Mounted Top of Body
Whelen LED Lighting Package
FRC Telescopic LED Scene Lighting

I will update with more pics as the build progresses!

 

This is neat stuff. Are you going to update with new pictures as the build progresses?

 

So what is a B.R.A.T.??

 

Brush Rapid Attack Truck

 

A couple of years ago a small rubbish burn worked into a huge field and swamp fire which first one, then another and another up to 12 locals fire departments responded with their "BRAT'S" as I now know the name of them. Some very elaborate, some very heavy and all mostly parade vehicles. The shiny big tire'd rigs attacked the fields and swamps until every one of them was sunk, many up past the rocker panels, and yet the fire burned on, all the way to the railroad tracks where it self extinguished. It was quite a sight to behold. Tractors and bulldozers, wreckers and mudders. The local mud boggers could not have organized a more entertaining event.

 

I've wondered if the aluminum cab construction of the new Super Dutys would be a problem for fire departments that often have a policy to shelter in the cab of the truck with a reflective blanket if a brush fire suddenly overtakes a crew.

 

Yes...as I get updates, I will post pics here.

 

Typically a fire like that moves quickly enough that you don't have to worry about metal getting that hot.

Also if it does get that hot...the gas tank will light off long before that happens. You are screwed regardless if it is steel or aluminum.

 

Thanks, spent 33 years in the Fire Service and never heard that term. California all our trucks were type 1, 2,3,4,or 5

 

Good looking build. Look forward to seeing more pics of it.

 

Very cool!
Our fleet of trucks is red and I've always enjoyed seeing what fire companies do with their SDs for inspiration.

Looking forward to more pics

 

I can't wait to see the build progress! Thanks for posting this and look forward to seeing how it all turns out!


Thanks to you for your commitment and service in the Fire Service! Where in California are you located?

 

Some updated pics!

 

The melting point of aluminum is 1100 degrees. Al-Li (the metal used by Ford) is possibly higher. If it gets that hot they'd be broiled one way or the other, and as another member stated, the fuel tank goes boom.
At that point you get under the blanket and kiss your butt goodbye because you're about to leave the fire scene at 10,000 feet per second.


OP, great post Buddy! keep the pictures coming if you get anymore.

 

I keep waiting for the lift and tires. That truck looks heavy and with the diesel pump spec'd I'd imagine they aren't really meant to leave the pavement? This is what's common down here.

Brett

Stock pic from skeeters website but they are popular. Pretty pricy but real slick.