Move the fresh water tank?

[rogerdodger]

The PO removed the goucho, then built a wood housing for the fresh water tank, located at the front above the floor. I don't like looking at the thing. I am contemplating moving the tank to street side middle. There is only going to be a double bed on the curb side, so I have space to put it. What do you think? Also, plumbing and pump gone, so I am starting over anyway. Considerations are changing tongue weight, but it tows fine now with no water in the tank, and support for tank in the middle over the axles. I think I would put down an extra piece of plywood under it to distribute the weight.

[Bill M.]

Any way to put the tank under the floor like they do on Airstreams?

[jcanavera]

My concern would be putting the weight on one side of the trailer. If you have ever independently weighed the load on each side of the trailer, you would find that tires usually carry the same weight, dependent upon how you loaded up. The placement of the fridge, stove, closets all have some thought behind them.

I think your water weight is 8 lbs per gallon so keep than in mind when you are allowing that to be contained on the street side of the trailer. Note the load limit that is stamped on the tires and don't overload a tire on the street side. Finally if you travel empty and fill up on site, I wouldn't be too worried about that issue when the trailer is stationary.

There is a reason why Airstream places the water tanks that spreads the weight to both sides of the trailer rather than one.

Jack

[idroba]

My 20' 74 Argosy came pre modified to me with the front 30 gal tank removed and a new 30 gal tank placed on the street side in the front, with a large table over the top. Pump is still in the front corner. That modification seems to have worked out well, I have owned the rig for about 14 years now.

[rogerdodger]

The issues I have are:
1. Tank has PO built cover, where goucho was, and it is falling apart. Poor construction.
2. If water tank is moved, more room in living area.
3. I have not tested the tank. It has been disconnected, PO probably lived in Argosy with city water hookup, so fresh water tank unused.
I will test tank, then, decide if I want to build a cover for it that would hide the pipe, and drain valve, or relocate it.
Thanks for all the input.

[rogerdodger]

Update: Tank has a crack in the side going vertically about 2/3 up. Leaks badly, so, I ripped out the tank an all the Mickey Mouse covers. Now I have a real living room. I will put a 21 gallon tank on street side over the axles in bed area. Only issue is overflow, but I think I can route it to refrigerator screen, let it drain out there. I will also put a bypass valve in the pump, then I can fill it from fresh water inlet when connected. I usually only carry 10 gallons, enough for stops while traveling, as we prefer parks and hookups to dry camping.