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Grey water tank failure

MattINW
Explorer
Explorer
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. :(...
Matt
2007 Keystone Cougar 289BHS 5th wheel
1991 F350 7.3 Diesel Crew Cab
1998 32' Georgie Boy Cruise Master (1st RV, got 4/2013) - SOLD 5/2016
8 REPLIES 8

Kayteg1
Explorer II
Explorer II
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?

Bill_Satellite
Explorer II
Explorer II
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.
What I post is my 2 cents and nothing more. Please don't read anything into my post that's not there. If you disagree, that's OK.
Can't we all just get along?

MattINW
Explorer
Explorer
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.
Matt
2007 Keystone Cougar 289BHS 5th wheel
1991 F350 7.3 Diesel Crew Cab
1998 32' Georgie Boy Cruise Master (1st RV, got 4/2013) - SOLD 5/2016

MattINW
Explorer
Explorer
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.
Matt
2007 Keystone Cougar 289BHS 5th wheel
1991 F350 7.3 Diesel Crew Cab
1998 32' Georgie Boy Cruise Master (1st RV, got 4/2013) - SOLD 5/2016

BobR
Explorer
Explorer
Investigate if the tank is repairable. Google search plastic tank repairs for ideas, repairers and DIY information.

wildmanbaker
Explorer
Explorer
Try these people.

http://www.customroto.com/rv.asp
Wildmanbaker

tropical36
Explorer
Explorer
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.....
"We are often so caught up in our destination that we forget to appreciate the journey."

07 Revolution LE 40E_Spartan MM_06 400HP C9 CAT_Allison 3000.

Dinghy_2010 Jeep Wrangler JKU ISLANDER.

1998 36ft. National Tropi-Cal Chevy Model 6350 (Sold)

old_guy
Explorer
Explorer
you better get right to it, the tanks are hard to get in short notice.