Water tank question

[Ellie & Carl]

I originally posted this under what I thought was the appropriate heading, but it got only a few views and zero responses. So here it is again:
Aside from plumbing issues, is there any reason I couldn't turn my 30 gallon front-mounted fresh water tank on it's side and make room for a sofa in the nose? I know the sensor wouldn't work in this orientation. I also know I'd have to put in a new outlet nipple. The filler neck can also be fixed. What I'm hoping someone out there can tell me is: Will sitting on an edge (instead of lying flat on the deck) be a problem? I tried it, dry, today. It fits nicely under the front widow shelf. It frees up all that floor space for a standard sleep sofa and doesn't require me finding a sofa that will clear the ~7" it takes up from the floor.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by Ellie & Carl

I originally posted this under what I thought was the appropriate heading, but it got only a few views and zero responses. So here it is again:
Aside from plumbing issues, is there any reason I couldn't turn my 30 gallon front-mounted fresh water tank on it's side and make room for a sofa in the nose? I know the sensor wouldn't work in this orientation. I also know I'd have to put in a new outlet nipple. The filler neck can also be fixed. What I'm hoping someone out there can tell me is: Will sitting on an edge (instead of lying flat on the deck) be a problem? I tried it, dry, today. It fits nicely under the front widow shelf. It frees up all that floor space for a standard sleep sofa and doesn't require me finding a sofa that will clear the ~7" it takes up from the floor.

The tank should be supported on it's flatest side, so that it does not rupture.

You can add some small blocks to elevate the sofa.

Or, you can install a tank from the 64 to 67 models that's square, fits under the window and behind the lounge.

Andy

[Ellie & Carl]

I understand and agree that the tank has to be supported on the flat side. A local RV guy told me that as long as it is supported along the flat side, i.e.: strapped, banded or caged (with wood) that it shouldn't be a problem to orient it differently. It does have three "baffles" built into the molded poly to help prevent sloshing or "water-hammer" effects. These would be turned 90 degrees, but they'd still be there.
I guess what I'm looking for is some physical, engineering-type of reason why the tank, supported properly, couldn't be oriented like the gas tanks on older pick-up trucks (behind the seat) or on VW bugs or Model Ts (along the fire wall).

[HowieE]

The first thing I would do is take the tank out set the tank on it side and fill it with water. While filling it watch the sides to determine the amount of bulge of the side walls. If the bulge is excessive and a cause for question I would design a couple of ribs to be placed at the third points on each side and retest. The ribs could be 3/4 x 1/2 C channel strapped in place.

I am assuming you would not tow other than short distances with a full tank of water. Also keep in mind that flipping the tank up on end is going to change it's center of gravity and thus add some tongue.

[Ellie & Carl]

I really like the C-channel idea! I think that's somewhat akin to what this local guy suggested... although I got the impression from him that he was leaning toward wood. As far as adding tongue... are we talking about concern for the TV? ...or are we concerned about the chassis of the AS?
Thanks for letting me pick your brain, Howie!

[HowieE]

Originally Posted by Ellie & Carl

I really like the C-channel idea! I think that's somewhat akin to what this local guy suggested... although I got the impression from him that he was leaning toward wood. As far as adding tongue... are we talking about concern for the TV? ...or are we concerned about the chassis of the AS?
Thanks for letting me pick your brain, Howie!

I don't think the change in the placement of the tank will have a great effect on either the TV or the Trailer I just mentioned it for information sake. Like I said there should be a minimum number of times when you will be driving with a full tank of water unless you book dock 50+ miles out in the desert. The short distances from the fill point to a campsite it won't matter.

[airnav]

The filler neck can also be fixed.
How?
Our filler neck is leaking and needs to be fixed but glues and caulk does not work.
Thanks