Dropping grey water tank in 5th wheel

FYI: Mine is in the shop right now getting a new gray water tank after the old one split. Labor cost for replacement was estimated at $400. New tank cost was just under $200.

Davedux wrote:
Our tank only leaks when it is absolutely full, leading me to think the connection into the top of tank is faulty. I like your idea of a flexible input. I have already removed the underside bladder, and have access to the tank but am reluctant to drop it without knowing what the input at the top consists of.

Harbor Freight has these: inspection camera. For $90 more, you can get an HD with recording ability. Son-in-law has the cheaper one and we use it several times a year for various things.

Lyle

Davedux wrote:
I like your idea of a flexible input.

I had to have a new galley tank installed about 6 months ago and when the shop reconnected the inlet and the vent pipes they used flexible connectors on both.

I was backfilling the black tank on my Carriage and got distracted and overfilled it and it leaked when right full from then on. I dropped the tank and found the top of the tank was thinner material than the rest and was glued on top. The water pressure had pushed the top up and I had a crack about 12" long. I got some black 2 part epoxy and sealed it up and after testing it on the ground put it back up. All connections were fine and I just had to cut the inlet and vent in the storage area and then couple them again when I put the tank back up. Took about 8 hours not counting drying time for epoxy with two people needed for about an hour when dropping and lifting. Mine was fully enclosed and insulated so lots of screws.
Brian

Davedux wrote:
Our tank only leaks when it is absolutely full, leading me to think the connection into the top of tank is faulty. I like your idea of a flexible input. I have already removed the underside bladder, and have access to the tank but am reluctant to drop it without knowing what the input at the top consists of.

Replaced with flexible tubing got it at lowes 1 1/2 X 1 1/2 looks like radiator hose.

The OEM input pipe is glued on. When you order a new tank there are no input or output connectors just the holes.

I've no experience in this matter whatever. But -- be sure before dropping the tank, that you will have more access to the top or the input than you do with the tank in there. If at all possible, I would attempt the repair from the top by perhaps cutting an access hole in the floor. Trailers are not made to be repaired, unfortunately.

Our tank only leaks when it is absolutely full, leading me to think the connection into the top of tank is faulty. I like your idea of a flexible input. I have already removed the underside bladder, and have access to the tank but am reluctant to drop it without knowing what the input at the top consists of.

We have the 2013 3402 Montana. We had two gray tank failures thus far on our model the tank is right over the rear axle and not easy to get to. Leaking holding tanks are a common problem .The tank is in two pieces and the top of the tank usually fails. I would suggest a flexible tubing on the input and bracing under the tanks to prevent future failures. The tank will cost 130/150.00 from the vendor and if dealer installed the total cost will be around 600/800 $$$ as most dealers labor cost is 100/125 $$.We have the extended warranty and they allowed 5 hours labor.

Thanks for the advice. Will come in handy if I need to order some parts...which will surely happen. Will probably replace all of the drain valves while I have access to them all.

I don't have any experience with your tank but...

If in Yuma as your location shows, good place for it to happen. I had a hose clamp pop off water line last year when in Yuma and opened up everything to dry out and put in small fan. In 2 days completely dry. I did have a hard time getting the corroplast stuff after destroying some of it getting it off. Finally ended up at the sign maker shop, just south (toward airport) from Walmart on Pacific Ave. If you have to get any parts...I would call around first. Last time ordering from RV Connection they messed up and took over a week to get part. You could order overnight much quicker and save the hassle if any parts aren't local IMO.

Also perfect time to spray paint up under around frame. Might be accessible to paint with tank out.

Hope this helps if in Yuma. I didn't have to pull my tank, just dry out all around it and install new hose above it.