Dropping the fresh water tank...

[drboyd]

...on a 1978 Tradewind. How much trouble is it, given that I can get the trailer up off the ground far enough to make it possible?

My tank is leaking for a change or maybe it's never quit leaking, and it's about time to get ambitious.

Has anybody done it? How do I go about cleaning or replacing the level sensors while it's out?

Thanks!

-Don

[thenewkid64]

Don,

Did you check the drain plug? It may be a 5 dollar fix Of course if you just want to take it apart to see how it works, I can understand

There should be a small access cover cut in the steel belly pan that the fresh water tank sits on. It is access to the drain plug for the tank. I would start there if you have not looked already. They are made of a diffrent material than the tank and tend to disintegrate with age.

I have never dropped a tank like that, but I would asuume it is the same as any other. Disconnect the lines from the top, remove all the bolts from the perimiter of the steel pan and drop it out. Now I think the tanks were installed before the axles, but that is just a bit more dissassembly, right?

It the whole tank is in front of the axles, then no worries, just be sure to brace the pan before you take out the last few bolts, and drain it before you do this, of course if it is leaking, it may be self draining

[drboyd]

Well, I already did the drain plug thing, and I thought I had it fixed. Went to fill it up Sunday night, and it's not fixed after all.

You know, I get like zero response on here with any questions about a leaking fresh water tank... is mine the only one that has ever leaked, or does everyone else just give up and take it to the dealer?

-Don

[Tin Hut]

I haven't used my freshwater tank so don't know if I have a prob or not. If you have access to the tank and can't find the leak perhaps you could add some food coloring or similar to the tank. That might help you trace it back to the origin as long as the leak doesn't damage any fabric/wood inside. Also, a little detergent and a pressure test would show bubbles escaping. Then you have to do a lot of rinsing to get the det. out.

[john hd]

don

so the super duper fix didn't cut it?

is the leak still at the drain plug? if so, perhaps you could solvent weld on a new fitting through the inspection cover without dropping the whole works.

john

[drboyd]

johnhd, I'm not really sure what the heck is happening. About three weeks ago, I had roughly 50 gallons of water in it, with nary a leak. I measured it by pumping it into the grey tank, and I got three plus grey tank fills out of it. 3 fills at 17 gallons or so is close enough to 50 for me.

So, it should be about empty, right?

This time I start filling it and it runs over (at the top fill) in like 5 minutes, max. Water is pouring out the bottom and it continues to drip for like 24 hours.

Why did it run over so soon when it should have been almost empty to start with? Why is it leaking now when it was fixed before? Why me?

...and why just before our Mexico trip, when I really want to have 50 gallons of American water on hand?

Arrgh!

-Don

[john hd]

don


sounds like you have a different problem than before.

try having a helper fill it while you watch the top of the tank from inside.

might be something as dumb as a broken or loose hose.

can't hurt to at least take a look before pulling the tank.

john

[drboyd]

Well, I've got another problem, too. I'm too dumb to figure out how to get at the top of the tank to watch it. I'm thinking it's under the dresser across from the bed, but nothing seems to be falling out in my hand, and I don't wanna break nuthin'...

Any ideas about how to get to the top of the tank?

[john hd]

don

wild guess here, look under the kitchen cabinets???

i think it should be real close to the water pump. again, just a guess.

john

[drboyd]

Well, there's a solid floor under the kitchen cabinets, and the water pump is way back by the bathroom door.

Keep thinkin!!

Grrr.

[john hd]

don

okay, it cannot be very far from the filler. does that line up with where you suspect it to be?

john

[uwe]

Don,
I completely understand your frustration.
On my 1971,which I just crawled under and inside to help you answer the questions, dropping the tank "looks" straightforward.

I would follow the already given advice and make sure the tank is empty.
On my trailer, there are 2 bolts on the tank frame below the trailer, nothing interferes with the removal, the axles are backwards of the tank, and the removeable brace is in the front.
I see 2 lines going to the tank. A large one to the top ( fill/vent) and a smaller one exiting from the bottom, which goes to the suction line for the pump, and the drain valve.
So, why not take off the removeable brace, and then the aluminum sheet on the bottom, and take a look-see? i did see a plywood substructure down there, but again, if you take one step at a time, it should be no problem.
Maybe the plywood slides out and then the tank drops down??
It can NOT come out through the top, so the bottom is the only answer.
My tank is very flat, only about 3-4 inches high. Clearance should also not be a problem.
Good Luck!!
Where in Mexico are you going??

[drboyd]

Well, if it's only 3 - 4 inches high, maybe it will slide out no sweat....

We're going to Rocky Point!

-Don