What Is a Slide-In Vacuum Unit?

A slide-in vacuum unit is a complete tank and pump package that mounts into the bed of a truck or onto a flatbed, so you can upfit an existing vehicle into a compact vacuum setup. This approach is popular with contractors and route operators who want a lower upfront cost, flexible fleet scaling, and a removable system for seasonal work.

Also called a slide-in vacuum tank, slide-in pumper unit, or slide-in septic tank.

How Does a Slide-In Vacuum Unit Work?

A slide-in vacuum unit works like a full vacuum truck in a smaller, removable package: its own engine-driven vacuum pump creates suction inside the tank, so the pumping power comes with the unit. Here’s how a typical slide-in vacuum pump setup runs:

1. A forklift sets the unit into the truck bed or onto the flatbed using the built-in forklift pockets, and the unit is secured to the truck.
2. The unit’s own vacuum pump, such as the Masport HD2 Propack, pulls a vacuum in the waste compartment.
3. Waste travels up the 2″ by 30 ft suction hose, past the primary shutoff, into the waste compartment.
4. On portable restroom routes, the fresh water compartment supplies washdown and recharge water.
5. At the disposal site, the operator offloads through the 3″ discharge valve.

Two Slide-In Styles to Match Your Operation

KeeVac offers two core slide-in configurations. Here’s how they compare:

Not sure which style fits your rig? Call (303) 789-9440, and we’ll walk you through it.

Slide-In Vacuum Tanks for Sale

Browse every slide-in vacuum tank for sale in our current inventory. Each unit lists its size, waste and fresh split, pump, and current price on its product page.

Want a custom size or split? Use the slide-in quote form, and we’ll spec it for your truck.

Note: Inventory changes. If a unit sells, we can build the same size and split as a new unit or recommend a close match.

Soup Can Slide-In Vacuum Units

Soup Can units use a compact tank-in-tank design built for route-based operations where footprint, payload, and easy access matter. This is a common fit for portable restroom servicing and smaller septic routes.

The Soup Can is also our most common portable toilet slide-in unit. For a full walkthrough, see our complete guide to slide-in portable toilet service units.

Standard Soup Can Sizes and Splits

Construction and Components

Flanged and Dished Slide-In Vacuum Tanks

Flanged and dished slide-in units are engineered for structural stability under vacuum and are a strong fit for higher capacities and demanding conditions. Rear and side engine configurations may be available based on the product build.

Standard Flanged and Dished Sizes and Splits

*435, 600, and 800-gallon units are available as custom builds.

Soup Can vs. Flanged and Dished: Which Slide-In Should You Choose?

Choose a Soup Can slide-in for compact routes, portable restroom service, and lighter pickups; choose a Flanged and Dished slide-in for higher-volume septic work, longer pumping jobs, and heavier trucks or flatbeds.

Both styles deliver dependable performance. The right choice depends on service volume, route density, truck payload, and how often you need fresh water on route.

What Size Slide-In Fits My Truck?

Your truck’s payload and GVWR decide what size slide-in fits, not the length of the bed. Water weighs about 8.3 lb per gallon, so a full 300-gallon waste compartment adds roughly 2,500 lb before you count the tank, pump, and fresh water. That’s why we size every unit to the truck it’s going on. If you’re unsure what fits, call (303) 789-9440, and we’ll walk you through the safest, most route-ready option.

Tell us your truck’s make, model, and GVWR in the quote form, and we’ll recommend a size and split. For a deeper look at tank sizes, pump types, and mounting, read our slide-in specs guide.

Support That Doesn’t Stop at the Sale

Every KeeVac slide-in comes backed by real post-sale support:

When a Full Truck Makes More Sense

A grease truck slide-in or septic slide-in is a great starting point, but some operations eventually need more. If your daily volume is growing, you’re running multiple crews, or you need integrated storage and workflow upgrades, it may be time to look at a full build.

Compare our Septic Tank Trucks, Grease Vacuum Trucks, Portable Restroom Trucks, and Pickup & Delivery Trucks to see what fits your next step. Still weighing it up? Read our breakdown of slide-in vs a full-size pumper.

Slide-In Vacuum Unit FAQs

Quick answers to help you choose the right unit and configuration.

What are slide-in tanks for vacuum trucks used for?

Slide-in tanks for vacuum trucks are used for septic pumping, portable restroom servicing, grease hauling, and liquid waste transport. The unit mounts directly into a pickup bed or onto a flatbed, so you can run a vacuum route without buying a dedicated vacuum truck chassis.

What’s the difference between Soup Can and Flanged and Dished units?

Soup Can units are compact and lighter weight, which makes them a strong fit for portable sanitation and smaller routes. Flanged and Dished units are structurally heavier and better suited for high-volume septic work and demanding pumping conditions.

What size tank for a septic truck slide-in do I need?

The right septic slide-in tank size depends on route density, disposal intervals, and your truck’s payload. Payload and GVWR set the upper limit, so start there. Our team matches capacity to how you actually operate, not just the biggest number available.

How much does a slide-in vacuum tank cost?

Slide-in vacuum tank cost depends on tank size, the fresh and waste split, the pump package, and add-ons such as hoses and fittings. Each in-stock unit shows its current price on its product page. For a full breakdown, read our guide to slide-in vacuum unit cost.

Is a slide-in cheaper than a full vacuum truck?

A slide-in vacuum unit usually costs less up front than a full vacuum truck because it goes on a truck you already own, so you aren’t buying a dedicated chassis. The tradeoff is capacity and payload; high-volume routes may still be better served by a full truck build.

Do I need a CDL to run a slide-in unit?

Whether you need a CDL to run a slide-in unit depends on your truck’s weight rating and what you haul, not on the slide-in alone. In the US, a commercial driver’s license is generally required at 26,001 lb GVWR or more, or when hauling placardable hazardous materials. State rules vary, so check locally.

Can I remove a slide-in unit from my truck?

A KeeVac slide-in unit can be removed from your truck when you need it for other work. Built-in forklift pockets let you lift the unit out for seasonal removal, storage, or service. Ask our team for guidance based on how your unit is secured to your truck.

Do you ship slide-in vacuum units nationwide?

KeeVac builds slide-in vacuum units in Colorado and ships nationwide, including Alaska and Hawaii. Add your delivery state to the quote form, and we’ll go over delivery options with you.

Ready to Spec Your Slide-In?

Whether you’re starting a new route operation or upgrading from a smaller unit, KeeVac has a slide-in vacuum tank configuration that fits. Browse current inventory or talk to the team about a custom build.

Shop Now

Ready to see what’s on the lot? Shop every KeeVac slide-in and truck in stock, from compact Soup Can units to full portable restroom, grease/septic, and pickup and delivery trucks.