So friday night i got my water filled and ready for a Dunes filled weekend... Pulled my hose and heard a loud boom! Went over to look under the trailer and the belly was bowed way down. first thing first was to dump all 90 gallons of water in the street and pace in circles thinking about the trip being over before it started the "how much is this gonna cost". I got the water drained and cut into the belly to find my water tank dropped off the angle bracked it sits in. Upon further investigation i found the bracket moved back because of two self tapping screws that held it were broken, and not freshly broken. Like maybe broken when it was assembled. Long story short i pulled the two broken screws out and replaced then with some good ole grade 8 bolts n nuts, put the bracked back and the tank back up. I filled it with water and we were off in the AM thankfully no problems. Glad it was an easy fix. I used gorilla tape to close belly the cover, anyone ever had to cut into the belly of their camper? and what did you use to reseal it?

Glad everything went well. Would another brace help it from moving again? Gorilla tape usually holds. I heard of using quick ties and then covering with gorilla tape or window flashing like this:Flashing tape

Glad you were able to take care of it with little expense, and not too much aggravation. Could have been worse. I've heard gorilla tape being used for that works fine.

bob213 wrote:Glad everything went well. Would another brace help it from moving again? Gorilla tape usually holds. I heard of using quick ties and then covering with gorilla tape or window flashing like this:Flashing tapeI was actually thinking of trying to run another brace length wise from brace to brace just as another failsafe so if the bolts break the tank cant slide out of the brackets.

Gorilla tape will probably do. I would not attempt to change it, since it's already there, but do keep an eye on it and if it does start to come off, then go to plan "B". FYI, I never travel with water in my fresh tank for the very reason you just described. There's a lot of weight in those tanks, and then you add all the bumping up and down and water movement inside the tank, and ... well ... I've just never had confidence to travel with full tanks. Moving around the campground, no problem, 5, 10 mph, but at highway speeds, and highway bumps, and highway chuck holes and railroad tracks and such ... nah, not comfortable at all.For longer trips, we take a separate 6 gallon jug of water for on-the road usage, and keep the tanks as empty as possible.

DutchmenSport wrote:FYI, I never travel with water in my fresh tank for the very reason you just described. There's a lot of weight in those tanks, and then you add all the bumping up and down and water movement inside the tank, and ... It's a wonder we don't see this more often, considering the number of people who report travelling with full water.

AHHH! Dropped my water tank! | Good Sam Community

bobx2
Explorer
May 29, 2014
You guys that are afraid to haul water crack me up. Where I camp, you fill up at the house, or you do without. That's just dumb. Fill it up and go.
PAThwacker
Explorer
May 29, 2014
I vaccum laminated floor, 30 gallons on top, not scared at all. Just sloshes out going down the road and freaking leaks at the vent/potable fitting. splash leak, repeat, get to site with a flood under the dinette and fridge with 10 gallons in the tank. fk it!
Happy_Prospecto
Explorer
May 30, 2014
When I cut into my underbelly, I repaired it by punching some small holes down the cut line on each side of the cut every 3 or 4 inches then tying then together with zip ties along the cut. After trimming the ties I sealed the cut with silicon.
FlatBroke
Explorer II
May 30, 2014
For belly repair try Nasha Deluxe Flashing Tape to seal the cut. It's 7" wide and has a rubbery texture. Lowes or HD has it. Clean your bottom first. Fifth wheels bottom for those that need detailed instructions.
69_Avion
Explorer
May 31, 2014
bobx2 wrote:
You guys that are afraid to haul water crack me up. Where I camp, you fill up at the house, or you do without. That's just dumb. Fill it up and go.

You are absolutely correct. The problem is that many trailers are built so poorly that experienced owners have had many failures over the years. I would check my water tank and reinforce it before I got stranded out somewhere where I couldn't fix it.

It is crazy not to be able to fill up before you head out on a trip. In most places where I go, if I don't take water, I don't have water.
mr__ed
Explorer
May 31, 2014
DutchmenSport wrote:
Gorilla tape will probably do. I would not attempt to change it, since it's already there, but do keep an eye on it and if it does start to come off, then go to plan "B".

FYI, I never travel with water in my fresh tank for the very reason you just described. There's a lot of weight in those tanks, and then you add all the bumping up and down and water movement inside the tank, and ... well ... I've just never had confidence to travel with full tanks. Moving around the campground, no problem, 5, 10 mph, but at highway speeds, and highway bumps, and highway chuck holes and railroad tracks and such ... nah, not comfortable at all.

For longer trips, we take a separate 6 gallon jug of water for on-the road usage, and keep the tanks as empty as possible.

X2. I travel with all 3 holding tanks empty, except a minimal amount in the fresh water tank for usage on the road. I refill at my next location. I do understand that those who are traveling to a dry camping location may need to travel with water.

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AHHH! Dropped my water tank!

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