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Old 06-22-2010, 03:51 PM   #1
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1970 27' Overlander
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Replacing fresh water tank support

Has anybody ever done or heard of replacing the 1 inch plywood under the fresh water tank with 1/8 inch thick aluminum sheet and one or two angle iron cross members to reduce weight. Any feedback ?????
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Old 06-22-2010, 04:16 PM   #2
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Is that enough weight reduction to make a significant difference?

My first take on your setup is that 1-inch plywood would provide a more uniform support for the tank than 1/8-inch aluminum.

Tom
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Old 06-22-2010, 05:08 PM   #3
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Fir plywood weighs 32 pounds per cubic foot.... so that water tank support prob. weighs something on the order of 55*55*1/12/12/12*32 = 56 lbs....

Aluminum weighs 165.0 lbs per cubic foot, so 55*55*1/8/12/12/12*32 = 7lbs....
plus angle iron to support 50 gallons (8lbs/gal = 400 lbs of weight)....

When you're done, you may have managed to save 25 lbs. You will also have increased the likelihood of freezing the water tank in cold weather.

I'd winnow your packing list instead... it's lots cheaper not to take something
along to save 25 lbs.

- Bart
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Old 06-23-2010, 09:34 AM   #4
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I am in the process of dismantling almost everything, the interior is gutted, the floor in the bath, steps/door area, and forward under gaucho are to be replaced. All new systems, plumbing with pex, flex duct for heat, some new cabinetry, etc... So since I have it torn apart, my goal is to reduce weight wherever I can as I put her back together yet still be safe, functional and enjoyable. As far as protection from the cold I could put polystyrene below and along side like the black tank. My wife and I do not plan to be in any extreme temperatures, although I know cold weather can sneak up on you. Thank you for the feedback so far, any more?

David
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