Forum Discussion

Nomad

Nov 11, 2016

Should fresh water tank be patched or replaced?

Getting ready for a big fight with dealer or factory! We took delivery of our new Grand Design Reflection 5th wheel and the next day started to prepare for our first trip. I usually like to travel with abbout 10 gallons of water in fresh tank. Immediately I noticed water dripping from under the trailer! Uppon closer inspection I realized the hose connection nipple on the bottom side of the tank was leaking. Apparently they install this outlet and did a poor job!! My dealer said to bring it in when I return from my trip and they would contact Grand Design to see what the "proper repair" would be. In other words they cannot authorize tank replacement with out Grand Design's blessing.

Now here is my issue. From what I have read, tanks made from Low Density Polyethylene or LDPE which is the milky white plastic reject any repair from Topical Adhesives or otherwise known as Epoxies. Any repair like this is considered temporary since they will not permanently bond to LDPE. This is a 2017 unit. I do not want a temporary fix! I do not want to be on the road and suddenly cannot carry fresh water two years from now. I'm prepared to slug it out with them over this issue. Am I being overly cautious?

Has anyone experienced issues with repair of LDPE tanks?? Appreciate any opinions.

15 Replies

gbopp
Explorer
Nov 11, 2016
It sounds like another case of poor/no quality control and lack of concern about the consumer in the RV industry.

Please keep us updated on your progress.
Mandalay_Parr
Explorer
Nov 11, 2016
Maybe call the factory direct and explain.
Likes_to_tow
Nomad
Nov 11, 2016
I actually did find out exactly where the leak is before I took it to the dealer. Apparently the factory buys these tanks and then custom fits them into the RV. By this I mean they use thermo welding to fit a plumbing nipple into the bottom side of the tank depending on where the proper location is for that particular model.
I could see where the crack is in the nipple right at the point of contact with the side of the tank. By using a small mirror I could see exactly where the water was coming from. The membrane covering on the bottom of the RV was actually peeled back with a knife and looked like some sealant or epoxy had been applied at the factory. They pushed it out the door with the intention of letting the dealer (or buyer) fix it properly. There was no sign of this caused by damage on the road from the factory. The memebrane had precise smooth cuts to expose the area where the leak was.
gbopp
Explorer
Nov 11, 2016
I don't think you're being overly cautious.

midnightsadie is right. Before you get too worked up, see what is causing the leak. Hopefully it is something simple.

Unless you did something to cause the leak (which you didn't) I would expect a new tank with a new RV.
midnightsadie
Explorer II
Nov 11, 2016
new rig never used, you get a new tank, BUT it could be just a fitting loose ,it will have to be checked out to find the real cause of leak. I too would not be happy but things happen.