sagging grey tank

Question

have 2013 Crusader 5th wheel, 32 foot.has 4 tanks, grey for bathroom, black, fresh water, and 2nd grey for galley.When galley gets close to 50% capacity it starts to sag and the valve handle binds against the hole in the chassis frame which the handle passes through.  At full or almost full the screw on handle is bent at a 45 degree angle and is cracked where the handle is threaded onto the valve shaft.  My only option is to break the handle off get a pair of long needle nose pliers and keep tugging on the barely accessible shaft of the valve until is starts to drain.  When tank is empty the handle rises and is aligned again.  I then have to grab the small threaded sleeve of the broken handle remove the threaded portion and screw on another handle.Dealer says the tank is supported identical to the other three and it is the way the valve is installed on that tank.  There is no sagging/bending problems with the other tanks.Anyone else have this problem or know where I can find out more info about this problem?  I can't be the only one.

mfl · Answer

If you can not get any help from the dealer, I would cut a 3 sided flap in the bottom covering to see what is going on. Something is not right! You could call the manufacturer, to see what they have to say.

Has this been a problem since new?

Jerry

therink · Answer

Definitely, I would get a 18" x 18" piece of black coroplast from the dealer or HD, sign shop, etc and then carefully cut a 3 sided 12" x 12" hole (flap) in the belly. Make sure the hole is on center in line where the dump valve handle is. That is where the dump valve or low point of the tank should be located. Then take a peak with a light and see what is happening when the tank is filled. There are straps under most tanks and yours may be loose or non existent.
Sealing up the hole is no big deal, close up the flap, Mount the coroplast share centered over the flap using 3/4" self tappers and then seal edges with gorilla tape. It will never come loose and some day you will need to service or replace the gray tank valve anyway.

laknox · Answer

I agree; there's a support strap that's broken, left unfastened or flat out missing. Given the quality build of RV's 2 and 3 are probably more likely, IMO. :-( I'd cut an inspection hole in the coroplast and LOOK at what's going on.

Lyle

roaminggnomes · Answer

Thanks for the support.

Yes the problem is probably due to improper build. Discovered after extended stays at sites without sewer connections. Now I carry 2-5 Gal jugs & watch the handle. As soon as I seen any sign of the tank sagging I drain the tank.

Dealer opened the bottom examined the tanks (4). All mounted identically, method of waste valve mounting is different on this tank. Dealer took pictures of all 4 tanks and is sending them to me. When I get the pictures I will send them & pictures of the bent handle with description of the problem to manufacturer and see what happens. Hopefully to the satisfaction of both of us.

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sagging grey tank

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