Tanker operators in Nigeria deliver LPG, diesel, water, edible oil and chemicals every day, often to customers far from any weighbridge. A tanker load cell kit fits load cells between the tank and the truck chassis so the driver can see how much product is on board, and how much has been delivered, without driving to a scale.
This guide explains how these kits work, who uses them, what to plan for and where a weighbridge is still the right tool.
What is a tanker load cell kit?
It is an on-board weighing system for a truck-mounted tank. It typically includes:
- Four to six load cells with mounting brackets, fitted at the tank's support points on the chassis
- A junction box to combine the load cell signals
- A rugged weighing indicator in the cab or at the rear of the truck
- Cables, protection and mounting hardware
Kira's tanker / truck-mounted tank weighing load cell kit, 4 to 6 points is built around this layout. Once installed and calibrated, the indicator shows the weight of the tank contents, and can show how much has been discharged at each drop.
Who uses on-board tanker weighing?
LPG distribution
Bulk LPG tankers supplying filling plants and industrial users need to know how much gas they have delivered. Weight is a direct measure of LPG, unlike volume, which changes with temperature.
Diesel and lubricant delivery
Operators supplying generators at telecom sites, estates and factories across Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt make several drops per trip. On-board weighing helps track each drop and reduces disputes.
Water and liquid food tankers
Water tankers and vegetable oil or syrup tankers use on-board weighing to confirm deliveries to customers who have no scale of their own.
Chemical and specialty liquids
Where the product is valuable, being able to show the delivered weight at the customer's gate builds trust.
How it is installed
Installation is engineering work on the vehicle, not a bolt-on accessory. Typical steps:
- Survey – check the chassis, sub-frame and tank mountings, and agree the number of load cell points.
- Fabrication – brackets or mounts are made so each load cell carries its share of the tank weight while keeping the tank secure on the chassis.
- Fitting – load cells are installed with restraints so the tank cannot shift during braking, cornering or rough roads.
- Cabling – cables are routed in protective conduit to a sealed junction box and on to the indicator.
- Calibration – the system is calibrated with known quantities of product or against a certified weighbridge.
Because the tank sits on the load cells, safety restraints are essential. A poorly designed installation can put the tank's security at risk, so this is not a job for guesswork.
Tanker load cell kit vs weighbridge
On-board weighing and weighbridges do different jobs.
- Weighbridge – weighs the whole vehicle (gross and tare) at a fixed site. It is the standard for trade, loading control and axle-load compliance. See our industrial weighbridge range and truck scales in Nigeria.
- On-board kit – weighs the tank contents wherever the truck is. It is convenient for multi-drop deliveries and remote customers.
Many fleets use both: the depot weighbridge confirms the load leaving the terminal, and the on-board kit tracks each delivery on the road. Where axle loads are a concern, portable axle weighing pads can also check individual axles in the yard.
If on-board readings are used for invoicing, check with Weights and Measures what verification is required, as legal-for-trade rules apply to scales used in sales.
Choosing the right kit
Number of points
Small tanks may use four load cells; longer tanks and semi-trailers may need six to spread the load and keep the tank stable.
Load cell capacity
Add the empty tank weight to the maximum product weight, divide by the number of points and allow a generous margin for road shock and uneven loading. Dynamic loads on Nigerian roads are much higher than the static weight.
Environmental protection
Load cells under a truck face water, mud, dust, heat and vibration. Sealed, corrosion-protected load cells and a robust stainless steel junction box are worth the investment.
Indicator and records
Decide whether you need a simple display, a printed ticket for the customer, or data you can download for fleet reports. A weighing indicator with built-in printer gives the customer a slip at each drop.
Getting accurate readings
- Weigh with the truck on level ground; slopes shift load between points.
- Let the product settle before reading, especially after braking.
- Zero the system regularly when the tank is empty.
- Inspect cables and load cells during routine vehicle servicing.
- Recalibrate after any chassis or tank repair.
What drives cost?
We do not publish fixed prices for tanker kits. The main drivers are the number and capacity of load cells, the fabrication needed for your chassis and tank, indicator features (printer, data output), cable protection and where the vehicle is located. See the product page for current pricing or request a quote with your truck and tank details.
Why Kira Scales
Kira Scales has supplied load cells, indicators and weighbridges in Nigeria since 2015, including load cells under gas tanks at LPG storage plants. We supply and replace load cells of any brand; see load cell supply and replacement. Our teams work in all 36 states and the FCT. For fixed storage tanks, read our guide on tank weighing systems vs level sensors.
Want on-board weighing for your tankers? Send us the truck make, tank capacity and product. Call or WhatsApp +234 803 435 4829, email sales@kirascales.com or request a quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can load cells be fitted to an existing tanker?
In many cases yes, after a survey of the chassis and tank mountings. Brackets are fabricated so the tank stays secure while resting on the load cells.
Is on-board tanker weighing as accurate as a weighbridge?
A well-installed kit gives useful delivery figures, but a certified weighbridge remains the reference for trade and loading control. Many fleets use both.
How many load cells does a tanker need?
Typically four to six, depending on tank length and how it is supported on the chassis.
Can an on-board tanker kit print a ticket for customers?
Yes, if fitted with an indicator that has a built-in printer, so each drop can be recorded.
Does road vibration damage the load cells?
Correctly sized load cells with proper restraints are designed for road use, but they should be inspected during routine servicing.
Kira Scales Limited
Need Industrial Weighing Equipment?
We supply, install, and maintain weighbridges, floor scales, crane scales, and more across all 36 states in Nigeria. Free site survey on all weighbridge projects.