My parents have a 2003 Excel 5th wheel that they are living in while they rebuild their house that was destroyed during the Joplin tornado. The other day they heard what sounded like an explosion that shook the rig. Dad later found out that the black tank split across the top the full length of the tank. So now my question to you is, what would cause a blank tank to do that and is it repairable or does it need to be replaced? The trailer is basically set permanently because they don't have a truck to move it with. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

Most tanks are polyethylene - they CAN be repaired by anyone who's able to do "plastic welding". But I almost wonder if it would be easier to replace the tank? And unless it was ice that split the tank - the vent also needs to be cleared...

The only thing I can think of that would cause it, is a clogged roof vent. Gasses build up in a black tank and they have to go somewhere. Sounds like a weak seam. You may be able to do a temporary fix if you can get to the top of the tank but I'd replace it eventually. But first check for clogged venting.

Is the RV hooked to a septic system? Unless they plan to travel with it, they could bypass the tank entirely.Matt B

You're going to have to remove it in either case, so I would suggest replacing it.

Black Tank Explosion | Good Sam Community

Ed9824v
Explorer
Feb 05, 2014
">weld is working not pretty but wanted it strongIf the trailer is new enough to replace the tank that is the way to go. IF NOT THEN it can be plastic welded. I could not find a close replacement for my 2000 Sea Breeze so I took an old big soldier iron that my dad gave me and welded on a stainless plate and soldier up the 115 gallon tank that was split at the seam.
rtazz17
Explorer
Feb 05, 2014
oldmattb wrote:
Is the RV hooked to a septic system? Unless they plan to travel with it, they could bypass the tank entirely.

Matt B
Is that possible? If you bypass completely solids will get plugged up in hose to sewer.Unless im missing something you cant bypass the tank,you need the water of the tank to stop solids from turning to cement.

My guess from your description it was a vent that was blocked and gases caused the "explosion" sound.If it froze I believe it wouldnt have sounded so much like an explosion.
Personally I wouldnt want to repair a black tank if it split down the entire top.I would replace.
paulcardoza
Explorer
Feb 05, 2014
You're going to have to remove it in either case, so I would suggest replacing it.
oldmattb
Explorer
Feb 05, 2014
Is the RV hooked to a septic system? Unless they plan to travel with it, they could bypass the tank entirely.

Matt B
2oldman
Explorer II
Feb 05, 2014
Did it freeze?
wildtoad
Explorer II
Feb 05, 2014
The only thing I can think of that would cause it, is a clogged roof vent. Gasses build up in a black tank and they have to go somewhere. Sounds like a weak seam. You may be able to do a temporary fix if you can get to the top of the tank but I'd replace it eventually. But first check for clogged venting.
Deb_and_Ed_M
Explorer II
Feb 05, 2014
Most tanks are polyethylene - they CAN be repaired by anyone who's able to do "plastic welding". But I almost wonder if it would be easier to replace the tank? And unless it was ice that split the tank - the vent also needs to be cleared...

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