Tank Traps & Bases

Doughty tank traps are heavy-duty cross-shaped floor bases used to support vertical boom poles, scaffold tubes and lighting structures without bolting to the floor. The standard solution for securing booms in theatre, dance, live events and TV studios. MTN Shop UK stocks the complete Doughty tank trap range including fixed, wheeled and castor versions, the 3 position tank trap for truss base plate applications, and the Doughty Tank Trap Dolly for easy repositioning.

Browse the full range below or visit our stands and supports range for complementary products. For specification guidance visit our entertainment and stage rigging guide.

Doughty Tank Traps / Lighting Boom Base - with 2 wheels
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Tank Traps & Bases – Product list

Doughty Tank Traps and Lighting Boom Bases

The Doughty tank trap is the standard floor base for vertical lighting booms in theatre, dance, live events and TV studios. Named after its distinctive cross-shaped profile, the tank trap provides a stable, freestanding base for 48mm scaffold tube and boom poles without the need for floor bolting or ground anchoring. Additional counterweights can be placed on the arm plates to increase stability when supporting tall booms or heavy fixture loads. All Doughty tank traps accept standard 48mm diameter tube.

Products in This Range

  • Doughty Tank Trap (Fixed Base): the standard fixed Doughty tank trap for theatre, dance and live events. Accepts 48mm tube. Available with two wheels or four castors for easy repositioning on stage and in wings.
  • Doughty 3 Position Tank Trap: a truss base plate version with three socket positions for different tube angles and truss configurations. Used as a ground support base plate for lighting truss structures.
  • Doughty Tank Trap Dolly: a wheeled dolly platform for transporting and repositioning tank traps quickly and safely without lifting. Designed for use with standard Doughty tank traps.

What to Look For

  • Socket diameter: all Doughty tank traps accept standard 48mm scaffold tube. Always verify compatibility with your boom pole before ordering.
  • Mobility: the fixed base is the most stable option for static installations. Wheeled and castor versions allow the boom to be repositioned quickly during a show or fit-up without lifting the base.
  • Number of positions: the 3 position tank trap provides multiple socket positions for different tube angles, making it suitable for ground support truss base plate applications as well as standard boom use.

Safety note: always add counterweights to tank trap arms when supporting tall booms or heavy fixture loads. Unweighted bases are a tip and trip hazard, particularly in crowded wing spaces. Part of our entertainment and stage rigging range. Browse our full stands and supports range for complementary products.

Frequently Asked Questions

A Doughty tank trap is a cross-shaped floor base used to support vertical lighting boom poles in theatre, dance, live events and TV studios without bolting to the floor. The cross-shaped arms provide stability and can be loaded with counterweights for added security when supporting tall booms or heavy fixture loads. All Doughty tank traps accept standard 48mm scaffold tube.
The standard Doughty tank trap has a single central socket for a vertical 48mm boom pole and is used for side lighting booms in theatre, dance and live events. The Doughty 3 Position Tank Trap has three socket positions for different tube angles and is designed as a ground support base plate for lighting truss structures as well as standard boom applications.
Yes. The Doughty tank trap is available with two wheels or four castors for easy repositioning on stage and in wing spaces without lifting. The Doughty Tank Trap Dolly is also available for transporting and repositioning fixed base tank traps quickly and safely. Always ensure the boom is secured and counterweights are in place before moving a loaded tank trap.

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