Forum Discussion

MattINW's avatar
MattINW
Explorer
Jul 07, 2015

Grey water tank failure

Water was leaking from the vicinity of the holding tanks when I got home from taking the RV to the emissions test place. Upon investigation I found the leak was coming from the grey water tank.

There are two "clips" on the drivers side of the tank that attach it to the side of the RV, the rear clip was not connected to the tank. The front clip was attached, but the tank itself was broken with a hole in it at that spot. The tank is actually resting some on the middle of the RV (or whatever is there). And the tank is bulged out a little in the bottom. Not sure if the bottom bulge is the cause of the clip issue, or result of it.

Anyways, obviously it has to be replaced. And I'll be using the search function momentarily on the subject. But it's late (for me) and I need to get to bed soon.

So, any guidance for doing this? Should I just pay a shop to do it? We're taking it out of town in less than 2 weeks. :(...
Class A
  • old_guy's avatar
    old_guy
    Explorer
    Jul 07, 2015
    you better get right to it, the tanks are hard to get in short notice.
  • tropical36's avatar
    tropical36
    Explorer
    Jul 07, 2015
    I'm really confused here and have never seen a Class A motorhome whereas you could actually see the holding tanks, as most if not all are buried inside the belly and takes some thought for accessing them at all.
    I would just as soon have them in the open and especially after my last repair, which I actually lucked out on. We're never in freezing weather for any length of time that could freeze them, so.....
  • BobR's avatar
    BobR
    Explorer
    Jul 07, 2015
    Investigate if the tank is repairable. Google search plastic tank repairs for ideas, repairers and DIY information.
  • MattINW's avatar
    MattINW
    Explorer
    Jul 09, 2015
    Had the RV shop go over it today, as I feared not worth it. The hole plus crack is right where all the stress is on the thing to hold it in place. They said they could try repairing, but of course can't guarantee it.

    So new tank ordered today. :(

    On the bright side they agreed it appeared it will be fairly easy to remove and replace the tank.
  • MattINW's avatar
    MattINW
    Explorer
    Aug 21, 2015
    Ugh!!!!!

    Well, the RV shop contacted the manufacturer of the tank back in July. They said "we don't make the specific model, but we make a direct replacement". So hooray, it was ordered for some $350 plus $150 shipping.

    Fast forward today, the shop has the old one out and the new one isn't a direct replacement. The connections don't line up at all and the exiting mounting system won't work for it. And we're leaving for Yellowstone next Friday.

    The shop called the manufacturer, and is waiting on a return call on how they're going to make this right. What a mess.

    The only short term solution though won't include a new tank. And spending for at least a few hours labor to come up with a short term solution is NOT something I want to do.
  • Bill_Satellite's avatar
    Bill_Satellite
    Explorer II
    Aug 22, 2015
    Don't repair the tank if that's what they are suggesting. It will work but it won't work for long based upon your description. I did it, it failed shortly thereafter and had to do it all over again with a new tank. If they can modify how the tank is secured you can re-route the water lines with a couple of elbows or flexible water lines. Good luck and let us know how things go.
  • Kayteg1's avatar
    Kayteg1
    Explorer II
    Aug 22, 2015
    Manufacturer goofing on tank fitment is not good, but there is always a competition.
    I was restoring my conversion about 10 years ago and original steel tanks sure were not repairable.
    I found a manufacturer who had several shapes of tanks available and for the top fittings they had gaskets.
    So when I bought the tank, I cut my own holes whenever I needed them and inserted pipes with "donut" gaskets.
    Bottom drain has to be welded by manufacturer as the gaskets might not be reliable under pressure, but having space to play with, it was not a big deal and I don't remember paying $150 for shipping. Did they ship it from Hawaii, or was it 130 gallons tank?

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