I can't get this screwed up... water tank strap

[Gator113]

One of the metal straps that secure the fresh water tank is missing a bolt.

I removed a bolt from the opposite end of the strap to use to make sure that I would purchase a correct replacement for the missing bolt.

When I tried to install the new CORRECT bolt, I found that it simply does not thread into anything. The bolt can be fully inserted into the hole by simply shoving it home. In other words, there are no threads or nut for the bolt to grab.

My guess is that whatever was there (a nut?) to catch the bolt is no longer there.

I can see a plastic flange/lip with a bolt pattern around the tank. There is a flat metal strip, about 2" wide, that fits over the ground facing side of the flange. I can't see what is present or how it's configured on the top side of the flange. In other words, I can't see the nuts or whatever the bolts are supposed to screw to.

My Plan: Unless I am guided to the contrary, I plan to block the tank so that it doesn't drop when I remove one side/row of the strap bolts. This should allow for removing the metal strip, perhaps revealing what these bolts are supposed to screw to.

I suppose I could find that these bolts are supposed to screw into a threaded hole in the metal floor covering, now striped??? Then I will have a real mess.

The strap I have been talking about is the one at the end of the tank, on the curbside. About 10" toward the next strap is a bolt that I could affix the strap to, but I tried that and the strap will not fit because the belly of the tank is deformed. Even when the tank is empty it sags just enough to prevent a fit.

Question: What do I have here? What is the bolt supposed to screw to? Is there an easier approach to this than what I am considering? I suppose I could just use J-B Weld, but I would really like to fix this such that the bolt remains removable. Should I just say the heck with it, completely remove the crippled strap, forget about it and hope it's absence doesn't stress the other straps, thus cause the tank to fall off?

I suppose that I could simply flip the trailer upside down and use the tractor backhoe to rip that tank out of there and start carrying water by the jug. Although that does sound like an easy fix to me, my Bride tells me to find a less violent resolution.

If I can't get this fixed within the next couple of days... there goes the weekend camping trip... grrrrr

Thank you for any help on this,

Dan

[Minno]

Can you find another mounting point on the frame for the strap? Perhaps drill a hole (carefully) thorough a cross-member and use a bolt and nut with a lock washer to hold up that end of the strap? Just guessing that it might be possible on your trailer. A pic of your dilemma would be helpful for us understanding.

Chris

[Gator113]

Originally Posted by Minno

Can you find another mounting point on the frame for the strap? Perhaps drill a hole (carefully) thorough a cross-member and use a bolt and nut with a lock washer to hold up that end of the strap? Just guessing that it might be possible on your trailer. A pic of your dilemma would be helpful for us understanding.

Chris

I'm not sure, but I don't think so.

I can't provide a picture of this. It's just too tight under there and my daughter is on vacation with my camera gear.

[gwchitty]

Here is what I would do. Put a steel rod down thru the bolt hole, wiggling it through the insulation and touch the belly pan. (A philips screwdriver might work). Go under the coach with a small, strong magnet and find the end of the steel rod. Draw a 1" circle around this spot on the belly pan. Then drill a hole thru that spot on the belly pan using a forstner bit to do a neat job of it. Then take a new bolt same diameter as the old one but 1 1/2 inch long. Put on a flat washer and fish it up thru the insulation and push it thru the hole from underneath using a socket, socket wrench, and extension. Follow the metal rod to find the hole. Then have a helper install the strap, flat washer and nut inside at the tank. Pull the socket wrench out, make a small square patch of aluminum and glue it over the hole with Vulkem. Good as new.

[Gator113]

Originally Posted by cosmos

Here is what I would do. Put a steel rod down thru the bolt hole, wiggling it through the insulation and touch the belly pan.

I'm confused. I know of no access from the top or from within the trailer.

I sure wish I had a shop manual on this thing, so that I could see how it's put together.

[Foiled Again]

The company's website now has a LOT of exploded drawings of components for various year's Airstreams. Last time I needed something, I went to the website and when I couldn't find the right stuff, called the factory where the repair tech talked me through the website until I found what I needed (A new wheel).

Good luck

[Gator113]

Originally Posted by Foiled Again

The company's website now has a LOT of exploded drawings of components for various year's Airstreams. Last time I needed something, I went to the website and when I couldn't find the right stuff, called the factory where the repair tech talked me through the website until I found what I needed (A new wheel).

Good luck

I didn't know any of that.

It's too late to call them today, so I'll call them first thing in the morning.

I couldn't find any drawings on the website, so it will require a call to A/S.

THANK YOU very much,

Dan

[Minno]

Would comething like this work for you?

Rivet Nuts Thick Wall : Rivet Nuts : Riveters : Riveting : Threaded Inserts : Hanson Rivet & Supply Co. Inc.

Chris

[Gator113]

Originally Posted by Minno

Would comething like this work for you?

Rivet Nuts Thick Wall : Rivet Nuts : Riveters : Riveting : Threaded Inserts : Hanson Rivet & Supply Co. Inc.

Chris

OUTSTANDING, that might very well work. I need to study it more to know.

I would still like to know what's under the flange and strap, but you may have just bailed me out.

I wonder what kind of rivet gun would be needed to sink that large of rivet.

[Minno]

Originally Posted by Gator113244

I wonder what kind of rivet gun would be needed to sink that large of rivet.

Well, that's the rub... you'll need to buy the special rivet gun that has the threaded insert for the size of blind nut you want to use. Seems to me I bought one at Harbor Freight a few years ago as part of a kit that included several different sized blind nuts and a gun with inserts for all the different sized nuts. If memory serves, it was less than $20for the kit. I've used them a couple of times on different projects, and they worked well.

Just looked, and they still carry it: 45 Piece Threaded Insert Riveter Kit

Or do a web search for "Blind Rivet Nuts" and you'll get several places to buy them from.

Good luck!

Chris

[richinny]

if the hole that the bolt goes through can support that strap and tank. you might be able to use a j-bolt. stainless would be best.

http://www.unarcorack.com/library/im...0and%20Nut.jpg

[Gator113]

Instead of camping this weekend, I have decided to take the, "damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead" approach. I'll be dropping the tank to better investigate/see... and begin the "hit it with a hammer,cuss and throw parts at it" process.

When I get done, if anyone wants to know how to remove or instal a freshwater tank or tank straps for a 2007 25' Classic Limited, just ask me... I'll be an expert.

I'll report back on how bad I mess this up and how long my wife is going to make me live in the dog house. LOL

[Gator113]

Problem resolved.

Simple fix: Removed the troubled strap. Drilled new holes at either side of the tank through the channel, approximately two inches inward from the stripped hole. Reaffixed strap using self tapping bolts.

Done... life is good again. Now onto the next project.

[Minno]

Glad it was an easy fix!

[Orlop]

i have the exactly same problem .... but many more bolts are missing ... my temporary or maybe permanent fix has been to install moly bolts ..... any comments

[streamer_a]

Originally Posted by Gator113

Problem resolved.

Simple fix: Removed the troubled strap. Drilled new holes at either side of the tank through the channel, approximately two inches inward from the stripped hole. Reaffixed strap using self tapping bolts.

Done... life is good again. Now onto the next project.

Ancient thread but people find this information through Google.

Two of the four straps holding the fresh water tank came loose on my 2013 28' International. The washer head bolts holding them in had fallen out on the road.

The original bolts (shown) are 5/16" width by 7/8" length and are threaded directly into the frame (http://www.airforums.com/forums/f444...ose-43328.html). Picture of one here:



Solution was the same as Gator113's. Drilled new holes 2" from old with 7/32" bit, then drove 1/4" width by 1 1/4" screws coated in Locktite to reduce risk of them falling out. Also used a washer.

With two straps missing you'll find it sags so you're unlikely to have the strength to force the straps back up to the frame. To resolve this I jammed leveling blocks under the tank to lift it a little. Obviously the tank should also be drained first.

Put a piece of Gorilla tape over the old hole to reduce water intake.

Completed over 400 miles and just checked - holding nicely.

[Del Gurney]

Sorry I'm late to this thread.
I dropped my tanks as part of a frame paint job.
I don't know what they are called but the bolts
thread into a "clip"?....they slide on to the C-channels
with a larger hole on the underside and have threads
on the upper side.
To drop the tanks I had the trailer up on blocks about
6" higher than if on tires, I then used the stabilizer jacks
(which had been removed for powder coating), inverted
them on the garage floor and used them to lower and raise
the tanks. It was a PITA!! and neck and just about every
where else