AHHH! Dropped my water tank!

[Beltzy]

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?

[Beltzy]

past-MIdirector wrote:
I'd contact the manufacturer let them know what you found along with the dealer you got the rig from. Trailer manufacture seem to not realize how much weight is in the tank when it's full of water and therefore do not build a strong enough support system. Most of the smart manufacturers place the tank above the frame on the floor but you lose storage space this way. I've carried water in every RV we've own including the present rig which has a 100 gallon tank. I you're going out dry camping you have to take water with you.

My rig has the water in the floor with the supports running from the main beams. Yea, we too dont have hookups at the dunes nor is there fill ups there, heck not even garbage cans.. lol so i have to fill at the house before i leave.

[Beltzy]

SCVJeff wrote:
Really? Self tappers vertically holding almost 750lb dead weight? Yikes.. That should be a safety recall

The cross bar that the tank sits in, sits on the rail of the main beams, so the screws didnt hold it up, just held it in place.. still didnt get warm fuzzies from that so i replaced the other side too.

[SCVJeff]

Really? Self tappers vertically holding almost 750lb dead weight? Yikes.. That should be a safety recall

[TechWriter]

Homer wrote:
I agree 2oldman: When you think of the weight in a full water tank, plus the cost of hauling H2O around, why do it? Even big trucks are specially constructed for hauling of liquids.

I think this is more about construction techniques than a full water tank. It looks like some RV water systems are built better than others.

[Luke_Porter]

If they weren't built to haul the water, there would be all kinds of warning stickers and stuff. Same thing with the waste tanks. What's the sense of having the tanks if you can't move with something in them---hello??

[past-MIdirector]

I'd contact the manufacturer let them know what you found along with the dealer you got the rig from. Trailer manufacture seem to not realize how much weight is in the tank when it's full of water and therefore do not build a strong enough support system. Most of the smart manufacturers place the tank above the frame on the floor but you lose storage space this way. I've carried water in every RV we've own including the present rig which has a 100 gallon tank. I you're going out dry camping you have to take water with you.

[Homer1]

I agree 2oldman: When you think of the weight in a full water tank, plus the cost of hauling H2O around, why do it? Even big trucks are specially constructed for hauling of liquids.

[2oldman]

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.

[DutchmenSport]

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.

[Beltzy]

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 tape

I 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.

[brirene]

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]

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