Forum Discussion

lamopar's avatar
lamopar
Explorer
Sep 14, 2017

Water tanks hitting axles

I am fixing tire problems on my toy hauler by getting the axles aligned and the shop points out my two large water tanks are riding on the axles. I have seen this for a while but didn't think it was a problem. The guy at the shop stated we need to fix this before it rubs a hole in the tank. We are going to install shorter increased weight springs which may help but the tanks may still hit. He needs to bend all three axles up in the middle so I am curious if anyone has had a problem like this before and what you did? I don't want to flip the axles as it will make the ramp angle even steeper and the first step will be a problem for my wife. So does anyone have a good idea on how to support the tanks?
Toy Haulers
  • mapguy's avatar
    mapguy
    Explorer
    Sep 14, 2017
    sagging tanks is pretty common as the OEM builder usually scrimps on cross brace size. 75gallon tank is +/- 630lbs. Light weight straps won't handle this type loading over time. Need some heavy angle or channel like Scottg posted above.

    One of the things I had to fix on my 30' toyhauler.
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Sep 14, 2017
    Here's the Northwood method; Steel channel spanning frame.
  • lamopar's avatar
    lamopar
    Explorer
    Sep 14, 2017
    The tanks are supported on the bottom with metal straps and the tanks look bulged downward. Each tank is a 75 gallon tank. i will take a picture and try to get it into the forum. The straps sag also. Maybe some strong angle iron attached to the steel frame would support the tanks better and keep them from sagging.
  • Wild_Card's avatar
    Wild_Card
    Explorer
    Sep 14, 2017
    if its the tanks saggin below the frame you need to build a better support system.

    if its just the axles are to close than you need a lift...1 way or the other.
  • GordonThree's avatar
    GordonThree
    Explorer
    Sep 14, 2017
    So are the tanks sagging away from the underbelly, or is the axle just mounted too close to the frame? a picture saves 1000 words...

    Maybe something like this?
    Axle-less spindle suspension.

    Get rid of the axle and the springs with one upgrade.
  • SidecarFlip's avatar
    SidecarFlip
    Explorer III
    Sep 14, 2017
    Sounds like a Forest River product to me (with a Lippert frame. Time to fabricate some real angle iron supports to carry the tanks.

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