External holding/water tanks

[TGK]

Not sure whether this is the right sub forum for this question or not;

Am interested in knowing when Airstream started to mount holding or water tanks that projected below the belly pan? I've owned a 1971 Safari for 14 years and all my tanks are mounted up above the belly pan. When strolling through the local Airstream dealer last month, I noticed many of the newer models had tanks that projected below the belly pan. Also saw some models with various plumbing pieces projecting below the belly pan (at least when compared to my 71)

Thanks,

TK

[TG Twinkie]

Nothing below the belly pan on my '74 Argosy 26'.
Although the belly pan and frame step down behind the rear axle.
The sewer connection pipe passes thru the frame just ahead of the rear bumper.
Nothing to drag.

[TGK]

My sense is that the change in location of the tanks is something that was implemented a bit more recently than 70's era trailers like yours and mine.

[kidjedi]

New models have tanks *below* the belly pan? What protects them from road damage? How far down do they project? It seems like every bit of clearance counts.