fresh water leak in my Attitude 26' toy hauler
My last camping trip to Ocotillo Wells produced a leak in one of my fresh water tanks. The leak is at an area of high stress so in addition to fixing the leak, I plan to re-engineer the weight distribution of the fresh water tank(s). The weight of the tanks is supported by 2" angle iron roughly at mid height of the tank (See link - side view). The tank then has an unsupported lower section of the tank. The stress from driving with full tanks for boondocking and without adequate support resulting in what is currently a small crack where the lower section and the upper section meet (x marks the spot).
Similar design tank by Americart
My first task will be to repair the leak. I bought the $17 Harbor Freight Plastic Welder. Given the plethora of youtube videos, I do not believe this to be too challenging.
My second task will be to add some support system to help distributed some weight to the bottom of the tank thereby removing some of the load from the current upper section of the tank. The plan I have decided on at this moment is to weld some eyelets on to the angle iron that currently support the upper section of the tank and use those eyelets to run supporting ratcheting straps under the bottom of the lower section of the tank. I am a novice welder in every sense of the word so this will be a big task for me.
The third task was realized when I removed the leaking tank. The bottom of the tank is not simply flat but instead has a bit of a belly. I was surprised at the amount of water that remained in the tank after it was drained. I plan to install another drain valve at the low point of the tank in order to drain the last several gallons of water that the current drain is unable to account for. I assume that there must be a valve assembly that will be appropriate for this application. I will not be able to thread any kind of nut inside the tank for this supplemental drain. There must be a sleeve that compresses when tightened.
Please let me know if you have any thoughts or guidance you would like to share.
Similar design tank by Americart
My first task will be to repair the leak. I bought the $17 Harbor Freight Plastic Welder. Given the plethora of youtube videos, I do not believe this to be too challenging.
My second task will be to add some support system to help distributed some weight to the bottom of the tank thereby removing some of the load from the current upper section of the tank. The plan I have decided on at this moment is to weld some eyelets on to the angle iron that currently support the upper section of the tank and use those eyelets to run supporting ratcheting straps under the bottom of the lower section of the tank. I am a novice welder in every sense of the word so this will be a big task for me.
The third task was realized when I removed the leaking tank. The bottom of the tank is not simply flat but instead has a bit of a belly. I was surprised at the amount of water that remained in the tank after it was drained. I plan to install another drain valve at the low point of the tank in order to drain the last several gallons of water that the current drain is unable to account for. I assume that there must be a valve assembly that will be appropriate for this application. I will not be able to thread any kind of nut inside the tank for this supplemental drain. There must be a sleeve that compresses when tightened.
Please let me know if you have any thoughts or guidance you would like to share.
