Need help identifying black tank in floor.

[zipman]

I'm in the process of replacing some of my floor. I found this tank in the floor. As far as I can tell, it serves no purpose. The only hose connected to it goes outside and is just open. Anyone know what it's purpose is?

[Mexray]

You've got me... possibly part of the disc brake system, a vacuum surge tank???

Maybe your rig was used to smuggle rum...

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by zipman

I'm in the process of replacing some of my floor. I found this tank in the floor. As far as I can tell, it serves no purpose. The only hose connected to it goes outside and is just open. Anyone know what it's purpose is?

That tank is the "vacuum storage" tank for the original Airstream disc brake system.

If you have disc brakes, you "MUST" use that tank.

If the trailer has been converted to electric brakes, you "DO NOT" need that tank.

But whoever made that choice, if indeed that's what happened, they made a giant step "BACKWARDS" with the trailer braking system.

Andy

[zipman]

Thanks Andy. Apparently that is what has happened. It has electric brakes. Why would anyone go from disc brakes to electric?

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by zipman

Thanks Andy. Apparently that is what has happened. It has electric brakes. Why would anyone go from disc brakes to electric?

The service dealer is usually the culprit, telling the disc brake equipped Airstream owners, that parts for them are not available.

Their untruths lead to money in their pockets.

Granted, sometimes things go wrong with those old style disc brakes, but they have always been repairable.

For several years, we are the only Airstream dealer left that has repair parts for those original disc brakes.

Since you now have electric brakes, someone had to add brake wiring to the trailer.

Check that wiring out, from the 12 volt connector to each wheel.

That brake wiring should be completely hidden, other than where it comes out of the chassis and goes to each brake assembly.

If any of the wiring other than what I mention is exposed, it can, over time, be damaged. Recess it within the underbelly.

Should you decide sometime in the future, that you want disc brakes, wait until the axles need replacing as well.

New style disc brakes, "do not" need a source of vacuum.

Andy