Industries We Serve

Steelhead Composites supports a broad range of automotive and transit fleet applications where safety, efficiency, and reliability drive performance. Our U.S.-made composite pressure vessels are trusted by operators and OEMs nationwide.

  • Municipal Transit Fleets
  • School Transportation
  • Commercial Delivery Vehicles
  • Refuse & Utility Trucks
  • OEM Vehicle Manufacturers
  • Fleet Retrofit & Recertification Programs
  • Hydrogen & Alternative Fuel Projects

Fleet operators face constant demands for efficiency, safety, and compliance. Steelhead Composites manufactures high-performance CNG and hydrogen pressure vessels for automotive and transit applications—delivering drop-in replacements for legacy cylinders and OEM-ready designs for new platforms. Built to withstand vibration, temperature extremes, and corrosive environments, our Type 3 and Type 4 composite vessels provide superior fatigue resistance and long service life compared to all-metal tanks. 

Proudly made in Golden, Colorado, our products support Buy America requirements while ensuring quality and rapid delivery. From school buses to transit fleets, Steelhead helps operators reduce weight, extend driving range, and maintain compliance with NGV2 and FMVSS standards.

Challenges

Drop-in replacement COPVs for existing infrastructure

Fleet operators often face the challenge of replacing aging or obsolete compressed natural gas (CNG) cylinders without overhauling their entire vehicle systems. Steelhead addresses this with precision-engineered drop-in replacement COPVs that match legacy dimensions and fittings—allowing for seamless integration into existing fuel systems with minimal downtime or reengineering.

Ensuring safety and longevity in harsh service environments

Transit and commercial vehicles operate in demanding conditions—exposed to vibration, temperature extremes, road debris, and corrosive environments. Steelhead’s Type 3 and Type 4 composite pressure vessels are built to withstand these stresses, offering superior fatigue resistance, corrosion protection, and long service life compared to traditional all-metal tanks.

Meeting NGV and FMVSS standards

Compliance with NGV2, FMVSS 304, and other regulatory standards is essential for fleet safety and legal operation. Steelhead’s vessels are rigorously tested and certified to meet or exceed these standards, ensuring that fleet operators remain compliant while benefiting from advanced lightweight storage technology.

Solutions and Recommendations

Close-up of a hydrogen-powered bus with a composite CNG cylinder installed in the rear compartment, illustrating Steelhead’s lightweight, OEM-compatible fuel storage solutions for clean vehicle and transit applications.
CNG Cylinders for Vehicles

New OEM integration and drop-in replacement.

Steelhead offers a full line of CNG cylinders designed for both new vehicle platforms and retrofit applications. These cylinders are engineered for compatibility with OEM specifications and are available in multiple sizes and configurations to support diverse vehicle types—from light-duty vans to heavy-duty transit buses.

Technician operating testing equipment beside a pressure vessel in Steelhead’s Golden, Colorado facility, representing 100% U.S.-made Type 3 and Type 4 composite vessels built with full quality control and Buy America compliance.
Made in USA

Steelhead Type 3 and Type 4 products made 100% Colorado, USA.

All Steelhead pressure vessels are proudly manufactured in Golden, Colorado, ensuring full traceability, quality control, and rapid delivery. This domestic production supports Buy America compliance and gives fleet operators confidence in the origin and reliability of their fuel storage systems.

Composite fiber overwrapping in progress on a cylindrical tank during manufacturing, illustrating Steelhead’s process for converting heavy metal tanks into lightweight, high-strength composite pressure vessels for fleet efficiency.
Composite Overwrapping

To convert metal tanks to lighter composite cylinders.

For fleets looking to reduce vehicle weight and improve fuel efficiency, Steelhead offers composite overwrapping services that convert legacy metal tanks into high-performance composite vessels. This process enhances payload capacity and reduces wear on vehicle components without compromising safety.

Close-up of a CNG cylinder undergoing hydrostatic testing in a water jacket proof chamber, representing Steelhead’s inspection and recertification services that keep legacy fuel systems compliant and fleet assets in service.
Recertification Services

To keep legacy systems compliant.

Steelhead provides inspection, testing, and recertification services for aging CNG cylinders, helping fleet operators extend the life of their assets while maintaining regulatory compliance. This service is especially valuable for municipalities and transit agencies managing large, mixed-age fleets.

Relevant Projects

Close-up of compressed natural gas (CNG) cylinders mounted on a heavy-duty vehicle, representing Steelhead’s drop-in replacement solutions that upgrade aging systems to modern, lightweight composite pressure vessels.

Drop-in replacements for over 20 fleet operators upgrading expiring CNG cylinders.

Steelhead has successfully supported more than 20 customers with drop-in replacement solutions, helping fleets avoid costly system redesigns while upgrading to modern, lightweight composite pressure vessels (COPVs).

City transit bus powered by compressed natural gas (CNG), representing Steelhead’s reliable and efficient CNG cylinder solutions for municipal, school, and commercial fleet applications.

CNG cylinders for fleets.

Our CNG vessels are deployed across a wide range of fleet applications—including municipal transit, school buses, refuse trucks, and delivery vehicles—where they deliver proven performance, safety, and cost savings.