Forum Discussion

JEM675's avatar
JEM675
Explorer
Oct 04, 2019

Aquariums

So I am looking to buy a travel trailer and live in it mostly year round, but I have one main concern; my turtle. I have a pet turtle who is not able to be re-homed and needs at least a 75 gallon tank (around 600 lbs when full). Would a slide out be able to hold that weight? If modified? I will not move the trailer often and when I do it the tank would be drained. I also would build a stand for the tank and will try to counter balance the weight if it is possible.
If the slide out cannot support that weight would any other part of the trailer?
  • wanderingaimlessly wrote:
    A 75 is awful tall so the length and width are not that great. Take a look at some other tank sizes, A 30 long or a 40 breeder would drop the weight without losing too much manuevering room.
    A 40 breeder is 36" long by 18" wide by 16" deep.
    A 30 long is 36" long by 12 5/8" wide by 16 3/4" deep.
    Petco carries the 40 breeder tanks, 40


    A turtle that requires a minimum 75 gallon aquarium would be very stressed in a 30 or 40 gallon aquarium.

    I think the slide will be fine with 600 lbs of weight on it. Our family of 4 exceeds 600 lbs with all of use seated at the table. That doesn't include the weight of the table or the sofa which is on the same slide. We camp seasonally for 4 to 5 months and haven't had an issue with the weight effecting the slide's operation.

    -Michael
  • Boon Docker wrote:
    The OP said: "I will not move the trailer often and when I do it the tank would be drained."

    I guess the last few posters didn't catch that. :B :B

    LOL. Tis a common occurrence.
  • Yes, Boon Docker. Reading Comprehension. I would purchase a trailer with a rear bunkhouse, no slides for the bunkhouse. We had a Forest River Grey Wolf 28bhg with with 2 bunks in the rear. No slides for the bunkhouse. One slide in the living area. Remove the bunks, build turtle habitat suitable for the turtle you have. Yes, we have an ornate box turtle as a pet. Drain most water before moving, I see no problems.
  • The OP said: "I will not move the trailer often and when I do it the tank would be drained."

    I guess the last few posters didn't catch that. :B :B
  • I'd buy a kiddie hard plastic pool and when parked, set it out for the turtle. Cover with wire mesh if critters could be a problem or escape. Put the turtle in an ice chest while on the road so water won't splash all over.
    Maybe a hitch mount trunk box would hold 600 pounds if it's a good enough receiver hitch.
  • Good Lord ~~ Good Luck !! ~~ Remember water is NOT static ~~ one quick stop or hard turn and ~~ well it is a lot of mopping'

    JM2¢ ~~ YMMV
  • A 75 is awful tall so the length and width are not that great. Take a look at some other tank sizes, A 30 long or a 40 breeder would drop the weight without losing too much manuevering room.
    A 40 breeder is 36" long by 18" wide by 16" deep.
    A 30 long is 36" long by 12 5/8" wide by 16 3/4" deep.
    Petco carries the 40 breeder tanks, 40

    But even with the lower weights, any water in them while traveling is likely to blow out the glue joints. You would have to empty the water when moving and transfer the turtle to something like a plastic storage container.

    Also how big of a trailer are you looking at? there are several brands which make 25' and longer models with a pair of recliners or a sofa across the rear that would be easily set up to hold the tank instead. Which would keep it out of the slide.
    Here is an example, 2520 passport
    Or for a larger one 2900 Passport
  • Seems like a lot of weight but when you fill a dinette with standard Americans it's going to weigh that much.
  • Doubt you will have any trouble as long as the slide and trailer is stationary when filled.
    There are exterior slide frame supports if you feel something is needed.
  • I would not put a 600 pound aquarium on a slide. Be careful of the footprint too. That’s a bunch of weight.