Frame Modications

[HRAFN]

So I have a 76 Sovereign and am fixing up the frame and have a few questions.

First, I am moving the tanks from the back to behind the axles. on the back of the frame I need to replace the last few feet because my frame ends are all wonky. On the bottom side of the frame there were 1/4 inch frame supports added, I assume to protect the tail and original tanks from tail dragging. Are these placed on mid bath models? Is there any other support reason to have them? I may put something back on as a protection for tail drag, still working that out.

Second, With moving the tanks to the mid bath location I need to wrap them. I am using factory replacement mid bath tanks from INCA. What I see most people do is make light aluminum boxes just to wrap them. Should steel be placed around the tanks to protect them from road damage with just an removable bottom to access or is the aluminum box sufficient?

Third, I also see many people cut out the center floor stringers to mount the tanks flush to the subfloor. I do not like this, although it would keep my tanks mostly inside the frame. I am currently planning to mount the tanks to the bottom of the stringers to protect the tanks from screws and to give my shower trap more drop room. Has anyone else placed the tanks lower? and if so did you have any issues?

https://robinsonairstream.tumblr.com/

Respectfully,

David Robinson

[Burnside Bob]

Hi David:

You might look at this thread for ideas: https://www.airforums.com/forums/f18...-a-124856.html

This is our old trailer completely restored by our daughter and SIL. It began life as a center bath so your resto moving the bath is a bit more complicated.

A key point you might consider is adding a 3" lift kit. This will give you more room for your tanks, drain plumbing, and reduce the need for any rear skid plates.

The Can of Beans thread also goes thru other aspects of a full resto, like the double pane windows and electrical upgrades, which would be easier to do with interior skins removed. You can also prewire for any future electrical additions you are considering, like wifi/cell signal boosters and solar.

Good Luck. It's a heck of a job!

Burnside

[HRAFN]

Thanks Burnside,

There's a lot to see on that thread. I have been keeping the lift kit on the back burner for now. I purchased the 32 degree axles to bump it up slightly. The tanks now even below the stringers are above the bottom of the axles so we should be good.

David