The 23D thread

[switz]

Of interest there is NO protection for either the brass or plastic valves from road debris like a tire carcass. Some folks have created a metal bracket to help shield these vulnerable parts.

Currently out of the country in the UK with my wife's family, so I am relying on my aging imperfect memory. One would hope the lowest point under the trailer (excluding the tires) is the bottom side of the axle. and not these drain valves...

Murphy's law comes into play......

[Gotta_Travel]

One would hope but the tank and valve sit well below the axles. That’s how they get that well handling, low CG. The downside compared to the fiberglass rigs that are built in top of the axle(s).

[RFP]

Originally Posted by Gotta_Travel

Thanks RPF!
So I guess I’m a little dumb. Why do I need the plastic freshwater drain if I have a low point drain on the tank? The understand the other two - hot water and cold water - in the rear storage.

The 3 low-point drains all drain from 'low points' in the plumbing pipes. They are not connected to the fresh water tank. I know it can be confusing because of that particular low-point drain exiting through the fresh water tank cover. But be assured, that drain piping just goes through the tank cover with no connection to the fresh water tank.

[Meriwether]

Originally Posted by switz

Of interest there is NO protection for either the brass or plastic valves from road debris like a tire carcass. Some folks have created a metal bracket to help shield these vulnerable parts.

Currently out of the country in the UK with my wife's family, so I am relying on my aging imperfect memory. One would hope the lowest point under the trailer (excluding the tires) is the bottom side of the axle. and not these drain valves...

Murphy's law comes into play......

Re: my post #3503 on page 176. Yes, the plastic fresh water drain valve is pathetic and totally unprotected from road debris. I’m surprised that Airstream hasn’t taken steps in the last four years to at least shield the valve from damage. I would strongly recommend that owners craft a guard from light weight sheet metal to protect the plastic valve, and attach it to the outer tank cover. This can be can be done by simply bending a piece of thin galvanized sheet metal into an L shape and attaching it forward of the valve with a couple of sheet metal screws. Being proactive with issues like this will save you heartache down the road. Take my word for it.

[Silvr_Bullet]

Originally Posted by Meriwether

Re: my post #3503 on page 176. Yes, the plastic fresh water drain valve is pathetic and totally unprotected from road debris. I’m surprised that Airstream hasn’t taken steps in the last four years to at least shield the valve from damage. I would strongly recommend that owners craft a guard from light weight sheet metal to protect the plastic valve, and attach it to the outer tank cover. This can be can be done by simply bending a piece of thin galvanized sheet metal into an L shape and attaching it forward of the valve with a couple of sheet metal screws. Being proactive with issues like this will save you heartache down the road. Take my word for it.

Why pick on the valves, if more concern is wiring to brakes etc, evident by the photo.

[Gotta_Travel]

Originally Posted by Silvr_Bullet

Why pick on the valves, if more concern is wiring to brakes etc, evident by the photo.

Thanks for noting this Silvr_Bullet.


Not gonna lie, it freaked me out to see the way they're sitting out there. There isn't a lot of slack to zip tie them to the axle but even then, a couple good bounces could make even that a bad solution vs sitting the way they are. Have others observed this on their rigs?

[RFP]

Originally Posted by switz

< snip > One would hope the lowest point under the trailer (excluding the tires) is the bottom side of the axle. and not these drain valves...

Murphy's law comes into play......

Actually, the tank itself is lower than the axles ;-(

[Meriwether]

Originally Posted by Silvr_Bullet

Why pick on the valves, if more concern is wiring to brakes etc, evident by the photo.

Depending on context both can be very important. I have not heard of anyone losing the wiring to brakes but have heard of several instances where plastic drain valves are broken from road debris. I think the proximity of the valves and the fact that they are ‘fixed’ makes them more susceptible to damage from typical use. Just my opinion.

[RMNummi]

Upgrading Rims! Ok so 2014 23D with OEM 14” Sendel Rims and GYE tires… would like to upgrade to 15” Rims. Is this the right 15” Sendel Rim?

S20-56655T-2+10107315X66/5.5004.253200 @ 95 PS

At the risk of hellfire and brimstone…. I would like to run Michelin LT tires, typically run at 75mph or so… (mostly so)… my understanding is that the LT tires have a thicker more robust sidewall…???

[switz]

In July of 2015 when picking up our new 2015 23D built in July 2014, I did the tire change below from the stock 14" tires and wheels. Had to elongate the front curb side wheel well to accomadate the 15" Michelin tires. The wheel well openings were not the same on both sides. Hand build don't cha know.

Michelin LTX (P) 235/75R15 XL 2,183 pounds @ 50 psi derated to 1,985 pounds 28.9" diameter 4 x 1985 = 7,940 pounds 4 x 2,183 = 8,732 pounds. Run at 44 psi.

SenDel T03-56545T wheels 15x6 - 5/4.50 bolt circle - zero offset - 3.19 center bore 2,150 pounds at 60 psi

Centramatic wheel balancers #200-221 standard

McGard 24138 Chrome Cone Seat Wheel Locks and McGard 64010 Chrome Bulge Cone Seat Style Lug Nuts (1/2" - 20 Thread Size) phone 800-444-5847

New tires in 2021:

15" Michelin LTX (P) 235/75R15 XL Defender tire is rated 2,291 pounds @ 42 psi - derated to 2,044 pounds for trailers use and 28.9" diameter

Note Michelin does not make any "LT" tires for 15" rims.

The 15" T03-56655SM SenDel wheel for six lug nuts is rated 2,830 pounds at 80 psi. It takes a larger hub cap. SenDel sells a very cheap plastic cap. The new 3,800 pound axles with six lug nut 12” dual puck disc brakes has a 3” lift plate welded to the axles. Trailer body is now about 4” higher than when it was on the stock 14” tires and stock axles.

Centramatic 15" 6 bolt pattern #200-221 Special

The 16" Michelin LT tires might fit with very tight clearance with the 3" lift kit but they would be too stiff for the 23D.

[RMNummi]

Thanks Switz

I’m following your lead. Just ordered same.

[Gerryo]

I've noticed that there is a water leak from the tank next to the axles. I will take a look in a couple of days there is a plate with 4 screws in it what is under the plate? Just want to get my idea of what's there before I start.

[GCinSC2]

Near the fresh water tank drain? A bit of an access panel to service the drain valve and its hose.

[Gerryo]

Yes, that's where it's leaking from, hopefully it something easy to repair!

[RFP]

Originally Posted by Gerryo

Yes, that's where it's leaking from, hopefully it something easy to repair!

I've got a leak from the drain fitting bung on my fresh water tank. I'll be replacing the tank next spring... not too bad a job.

[RMNummi]

Fortune Cookie looks fabulous. Is that your DIY upgrade to the dirt devil? Holy cow that looks great....

[RFP]

Originally Posted by RMNummi

Fortune Cookie looks fabulous. Is that your DIY upgrade to the dirt devil? Holy cow that looks great....

Ohy, thank you for your generous compliments! I have had a great time fiddling with Fortune Cookie, Linda thinks I like working on it than I like camping in it (not so, by the way).

Yep, the Dirt Devil RV vacuum is fantastic. It's the ONLY project I've ever done that cleand up after itself!

Robert

[talewis13]

Merry Christmas to all!!!


It seems I may have a leak from my gray tank where it comes out of the underbelly and into the waste gate. Will not know anymore until I can get underneath in the morning.

[talewis13]

Originally Posted by talewis13

Merry Christmas to all!!!

Attachment 409791
It seems I may have a leak from my gray tank where it comes out of the underbelly and into the waste gate. Will not know anymore until I can get underneath in the morning.

Just wondering if anybody has any suggestions on how to seal this joint?

[Silvr_Bullet]

Originally Posted by talewis13

Just wondering if anybody has any suggestions on how to seal this joint?

Not sure of what photo is showing but it looks like in the 11:00 position a repair of sort was done previously, I would consult with a good home plumber.