EXCELLA 1989 UNDERNEATH HOLE??? OK or DISASTER

[lanajane]

We are looking to buy a 1989 Excella. It is a nice trailer good shape but underneath around the front door side by second or third wheel there is a long box shape that goes the width of the trailer. It appears that somewhere along the way a previous owner drove over a rock and there is a hole in this box. What is this boxes function? Is this a problem? Also the propane tanks the gauges have been broken almost like they were vandalized what can I expect for this repair?

[overlander63]

If I remember correctly (I was under several today) that metal box is a shield for the holding tanks, both fresh and waste. If so, as long as the tanks don't leak, you can slap a patch on it to keep out debris, and call it done.

[SilverToy]

Welcome lanajane!

I have a '92 34' Classic Linited, so not your exact trailer, but as I recall the underside of mine had/ has a similar 'smush' around that area. In fact, as I recall there is an access panel in that area - perhaps that is part of what is 'smushed' in your photo?

As the previous reply said, if there is no leaking from the tanks that the 'box' surrounds, then patch it to prevent debris, vermin, spiders, etc.... from getting inside, and GO CAMPING!!!!!

You're gonna LOVE having that AirStream!!!! Or, if not that one, then keep lookin' .....!!!!! There is one out there for you....

All the best,

Axel
SilverToy

[Darol Ingalls]

That "box" is a cover surrounding your insulated fresh water tank. You can probably see insulation through the tear. Inside there should be a poly water tank, approx 50 gallons. For years, Airstream bragged about their ground clearance, lowest point usually being the axel tube. But they must have figured that the larger trailers were not going to be used on rough roads and mounted the water tank low between the axels. You'll just have to watch where you tow it to avoid more damage. Darol

[mustang]

I thought fresh water tank