Black Tank Removal

[wayner1239]

I finally completely demolished the black tank on my 92 sovereign 21'. I got in a tight spot at a McDonalds and the rear wheel went over a small curb. The drain line on my unit is only a few inches above the ground and it got caught on the curb. Needless to say the drain tore the bottom out of the tank. I had previously repaired the tank but this time it is beyond repair.
I removed the cover on the underbelly and the bottom side trim from the wheelwell back to the bumper. There is a steel beam that prevents the tank from coming out. I even bent the L shape of the beam down but part of the tank under the toilet rest over the top of the beam. I removed the toilet and the wooden frame under it and disconnected the vent and flush line. The tank will not come out from the inside because the shower is in the way.
Can anyone suggest anything else that I can try to get the tank out so I can put in a new one? Thanks.
Wayne

[balrgn]

Originally Posted by wayner1239

I finally completely demolished the black tank on my 92 sovereign 21'. I got in a tight spot at a McDonalds and the rear wheel went over a small curb. The drain line on my unit is only a few inches above the ground and it got caught on the curb. Needless to say the drain tore the bottom out of the tank. I had previously repaired the tank but this time it is beyond repair.
I removed the cover on the underbelly and the bottom side trim from the wheelwell back to the bumper. There is a steel beam that prevents the tank from coming out. I even bent the L shape of the beam down but part of the tank under the toilet rest over the top of the beam. I removed the toilet and the wooden frame under it and disconnected the vent and flush line. The tank will not come out from the inside because the shower is in the way.
Can anyone suggest anything else that I can try to get the tank out so I can put in a new one? Thanks.
Wayne

Had mine out last year, check out this page for what I did.
http://www.balrgn.com/Airstream/airs...oject_2004.htm

[wayner1239]

I finally got the tank out, but it wasn't easy. It came out from inside rather than the bottom. By bending the steel flange down and I was able to pull the rear of the tank down and then pull the tank up through the inside.
When installing a new one I plan to connect the drain to the tank with a flexible rubber connector. By doing that, if I accidentally go over another curb, speed bump, or rough ground (and I will) that causes the dump to get caught it should jerk the flex connector loose instead instead of breaking the tank.
When I buy tires again I am going to try to find 15" wheels to replace my 14" ones but I am sure I will still have trouble at campgrounds where sewer connections are almost always higher than my dump valve.
In spite of its two problems (the other one being the finish that is failing in places) I haven't seen any other trailer that compare to the airstream.
Wayne

[balrgn]

Very nice, congrats the hard work, paid off!

[wayner1239]

Balrgn - Your pictures were very helpful. Thanks.
Wayne

[balrgn]

Originally Posted by wayner1239

Balrgn - Your pictures were very helpful. Thanks.
Wayne

Your welcome! Glad everything went well!