Fresh Water Tank '68 Tradewind

[Splinter]

Starting gaucho to dinette conversion and have questions. Original tank was the 52"x24"x6". It is too wide (24"). We want to replace with the 40"x12"x10 tank so we can box it in. Goes across front under the window. Can't tell from any pictures where the fill and drain valves are on the new one. Are they on the left side and at bottom of tank facing up? Will it align with the fill valve properly? If not, any other suggestions? Has anyone done this? Thanks.

[68 TWind]

If you buy an aftermarket tank you will have to "make it work". I installed a 30 gallon tank as the original in my Trade Wind was long gone when I got it. My trailer came from the factory with a dinette and a side gaucho but both were missing. I went with a front gaucho and a side dinette that I built to match the rest of the interior. You should have a filler neck on the outside of the trailer that will connect (with proper hose) to the inlet of the new tank. There will be a couple of fittings on the bottom of the tank and a vent fitting on the top. Make sure before you buy the tank that the fittings are on the correct side.
I used PEX tubing to plumb the pump and drain lines. It is not hard just think it through. I installed a valve so I can fill my water tank when city water is connected to the trailer so I don't have to use the filler on the front of the trailer. It only took a ball valve and a T fitting. When you box it in, make sure you have a way to access the water pump if you need to work on it at a later time.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by Splinter

Starting gaucho to dinette conversion and have questions. Original tank was the 52"x24"x6". It is too wide (24"). We want to replace with the 40"x12"x10 tank so we can box it in. Goes across front under the window. Can't tell from any pictures where the fill and drain valves are on the new one. Are they on the left side and at bottom of tank facing up? Will it align with the fill valve properly? If not, any other suggestions? Has anyone done this? Thanks.

Why drop the tank from 30 gallons to 20 gallons, when the original tank is still available?

Thousands of others have made the original work.

Andy

[Splinter]

Thanks for the advice. Will def. leave access to new tank. So are the new tanks not as strong as old? Will probably call somewhere about where the hook-ups are.

[Silverflames]

Most places where you buy the tank from can spin weld the fittings where you need them. You will need;

1. To fill the tank near the top.
2. To run to the pump, on the bottom
3. One for a air line, so the air can escape as you fill it. Near the top.

I got mine from plastic mart.

http://www.plastic-mart.com/product/...oly-tank-rb305

[Splinter]

So if we go from 6" height to 10 or 12" high it probably won't be able to fill from top. Don't think there is enough room from outside fill valve.

[Splinter]

Might be a little room to go higher. Not much. Will have to measure in morn.

[Splinter]

Andy-trying to figure this out. If we keep it along the front it is 24" wide. Where do you put your feet when sitting? Didnt want the U-shape dinette. Wanted 2 seats on either side so you could have a bigger table and see out the window. Can it be put along the side under the bench without weight problems?

[Splinter]

One more thought - if we would put it on the side it takes up all the floor space and blocks the heat duct coming from under the sink.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by Splinter

One more thought - if we would put it on the side it takes up all the floor space and blocks the heat duct coming from under the sink.

Maybe you can better use the 64 to 67 tank, which is 12" x 11" x 50".

Andy

[Splinter]

Well after lots of thinking, moving stuff around,etc have decided to try moving the tank to the roadside under seat. Will this be ok for weight distribution? All the new tanks I see would be too tall to fill from top. Gonna keep the original 6" high one but will have very little hose slope when filling. Maybe only 1"drop.

[Splinter]

Afraid to do this until sure it will be ok to move weight from front center to front streetside. Can anyone confirm? Have searched forum and cannot find definite approval. Thanks.

[Splinter]

Everyone must be out camping this holiday weekend. Went ahead and moved the tank to the side. Figured when filled it is adding 250 pounds on the streetside but also recently removed oven so that is a little less added weight over there. If we need to only fill half way at home and the rest from jugs it should work. Lots to figure out on the build. Doing lots of thinking and calculating.

[Splinter]

So after days of looking at dinettes can anyone tell me how you were able to use the side slide out table and reposition it under front window? I have seen pictures but do you put one of those U shaped hinges on table and wall? If so, how does it work when there are slides and folding leg, etc underneath?



This is what I was thinking of trying.

[Splinter]

It's coming along. Figured out how to make the old table work. Still have a long way to go. My brain hurts trying to utilize old table and the foam from old cushions. Will have 3/4" to spare on both sides for table to clear the bench seats when closed completely to make into a bed. My Dad taught me well. Love this project.



Donna

[Splinter]

[Splinter]

Made a little cubby.




Nice level table woo woo!

To do:
1. Cut top of other bench.
2. Make shelves and backs for seats.
3. Cut curved end piece for short side.
4. Make hinged board for between seats to make into a bed. Gonna store it (folded) behind table under window.
5. Make cubby under short bench.
6. Piano hinge top of benches for underneath storage.
7. Trim, stain, varnish.
8. Make the cushions and re-hem the curtains.
9. See someone about all this talking to myself I am doing.

[kevinb]

looks great so far, you will be ok with the tank on one side. Maybe try to balance it with storage on the other side.

[Splinter]

Thanks Kevin. Glad to hear the weight on one side will be ok. Wasn't exactly sure but was hoping.

[Splinter]