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jjrbus's avatar
jjrbus
Explorer
Feb 07, 2015

Relocating fresh water tank

I liked the layout of the Rialta, but the prices are ridiculous and repairs and parts are out of hand. The final straw for me was someone on a trip needed a transmission rebuilt, the transmission was $5000 and they were told they could pick it up in the spring!! The money is bad enough, but come back in the spring, not what I want to deal with.



Looking at the Toy if I could install 2 captains chairs where the sofa is would be ideal for me, the ability to transport 4 adults in comfort. Plus nice comfortable seat's for the wife and I.



But there is that pesky water tank. I am in a holding pattern here waiting for various things to be delivered so decided to do some experimenting.



I explored various areas and looked at what was available in sized tanks for reasonable money. I hoped to upgrade to a 30 gallon tank, but would have to spend far more on a tank than an extra 10 gallons is worth. I settled on a surplus 21 gallon tank with fittings for $40 that will fit the available space.



I built a mock up of the tank and it appears to be a good fit. I now need to fabricate something to hold the tank and route some plumbing to it. But will wait until the tank is delivered to be double sure.



This could all blow up in my face as I do not have a super computer with CAD to help me along. However it will not be the first time I have made a mess.



Any thoughts, ideas, input, suggestions, wise cracks always greatly appreciated. JIm SW FL
  • Thanks for the response, I would love to be doing this on a TT, on a Toyota motorhome there is no room and it may not be successful!

    My plan is to weld angle iron down pieces to the frame and then 1/2 inch plywood under tank with angle iron running the length of tank and bolted to the down pieces. I will bolt in case of a need to remove tank.

    Will try to remember to post pictures. JIm
  • I'm getting ready to do something similar. I have a toy hauler TT but the water tank is just behind the tongue so it is very tongue heavy when the back is light and I have to take in water. I got a second FW tank I am going to mount under the back with galvanized metal strap, probably 6 or 8 straps. It will have its own filler in the garage near the access on the side and then I want to route the water forward to the original tank for use. Running the line forward to the other tank seems like it will be the hard part.

    Also, I'm going to put an inline UV filter and particle filter between the two so as the water is pumped from the rear to the front it is more or less sterilized. Not very expensive and it certainly can't hurt.

    I'd love to see pics on how yours turns out.
  • My work had a bunch of Sprinter vans. At around 100,000 to 112,000 miles the transmissions failed. They had to replace the transmissions, as the local dealership would not rebuild them. Stating that there is nothing to rebuild, a new transmission they could warranty, not a rebuilt one.

    Turn around time for our vans was about a week at the most, as the local dealership had them in stock already. It really only takes a few hours to remove one and install another.

    As for your tank, you can check this place. Tank-Depot.com

    They might have any fittings that you might need, and have various tanks in stock too. You might consider a second tank, or install a system where it will be easy to fill your replacement tank from inside (or outside) by pouring in a 5 gallon tank such as the blue water totes sold at Wal Mart for about $8. So once your fresh water tank is down to 1/2 full, refill with a couple of portable tanks?

    This can also be done with a winterizing kit, and a separate input hose, just draft all the water from your portable tank into the fresh water pump, and leave the fresh water fill valve open between pump output and fresh water tank?

    Good luck,

    Fred.
  • Secure the tank with something besides a single metal band would be my first suggestion. There have been numerous tank catastrophes regarding poorly supported tanks. It sounds like you have a good handle on installing.

    Good luck and post back your results.

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