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jimandbarb15's avatar
jimandbarb15
Explorer
Feb 01, 2015

Black Tank Problem Keystone Montana

I have a 2010 Montana fifthwheel. I have just had a third black tank installed. The first tank developed a crack on top along a side support wing. The trailer was out of its one year warranty period. A new tank was installed by an authorized Keystone dealer. Soon after installing the new tank it began leaking again but we were over 1000 miles from that dealer. We went to another Keystone dealer and the tank was pulled and it was determined that the 2 inch vent pipe fitting had come loose from the tank. I talked to the tank Manufaturer, AmeriKart, and was told that they reccomend to all end users that thier tanks should be supported by the trailer frame under the side wings but should have steel straps installed no less than 18 inchs along the belly of the tank. There are no such supports on my tank. At present Keystone,and AmeriKart, are denying any responsibility for these problems. At the last delearship I was told that Black tank issues are widespread. Could this be because tanks are being installed with inadequate support? Anyone else having these problems?
  • waltbennett's avatar
    waltbennett
    Explorer
    Feb 01, 2015
    Ozlander wrote:
    Think of the cost of installing all those straps.


    Might set them back a whole $20 - $30 and a half hours labor! God forbid they waste that potential profit!
  • KCFDCapt's avatar
    KCFDCapt
    Explorer
    Feb 01, 2015
    Many problems with black and gray tanks are caused by traveling with the tank partly full. The bouncing and sloshing of the liquids stress the tank and its mounts. Water weighs 8 pounds per gallon so you can do the math to find out how much weight is moving around in that tank with 10 gallons in it.

    I am not saying this is your problem, just mentioning it for the many who will visit this thread due to having a similar problem.

    Always drain all gray and black tanks before hitting the road. You can always add water at your destination.
  • Michelle_S's avatar
    Michelle_S
    Explorer III
    Feb 01, 2015
    Go over an join the discussion on the Montana Owners Forum. There's a member there that has already had, I think 4 failures on a 2012 BigSky, between Gray and Black. So you're not alone. The idea of the support straps has been brought up numerous times, but it seems Montana thinks they know better than the tank manufacturer.

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