Need to replace black water tank

[fisherjdou]

Have a 1971 29" Ambassador. Blackwater tank leaks badly. Have losened the belly skin for access...all I can see is styrofoam panel. How do I remove/replace the tank?

[68 TWind]

Check out TomW's web site. He a good section on how he rehabed the black tank in his 67 Overlander. 1967 Airstream Overlander. If all you are seeing is styrofoam, the galvanized box that holds the black tank may be totally rusted out. If you need a new tank and not just the valve, Andy at Inlandrv.com has replacements. If you need the galvanized box, any HVAC business that does their own duct work can fab one for you in short order.

[fisherjdou]

Thanks

Box is rusted through. Tanks cracked from near outlet across top. It's half way out in pieces. Gonna need a new tank and box. Insulation is in good shape so I'll use the HVAC idea. Found a little rot at end of the flooring but in good shape compared to those I've seen on the web.

[wwhidden]

snagged drains on curb and broke line at dump valve on tank side of black water. if pan is removed tanks will fall out i assume. can valve be replaced without a pan drop. do not have suitable area to work.

[68 TWind]

The black tank won't just fall out if you remove the pan because the toilet flange is screwed into the top of it and a vent line and probably a warm air inlet (keeps the tanks from freezing when camping in the cold). You will need to remove the toilet, unscrew the flange from the inside of the trailer, find the vent stack and cut it (do so in a place where you can glue a connector in during the reinstall) and finally the warm air input ( not sure on yours exactly how is is constructed).

You may be able to install a new dump valve without removing the tank and if you can it would be much easier.

[fisherjdou]

Thanks everyone! Tank is out, new one arrived. Also bought new dumpvalve and connector plus toilet mount. Just need a good HVAC/sheetmetel guy to make a box and its on to install...whooo hooo!

Any tricks to the trade on install?

[msieber109]

I have a 75 29' Ambassador with a center bath and I need to service the grey water tank...(it drips from underneath when taking a shower). fisherjdou is yours a center bath?

Does anybody know if you can service the tank by just removing the pan above the axles? Do I need to remove the axles?

When I look under the kitchen sink it looks like the fresh water tank is sitting on another floor under the main floor. I'm curious if this is also under the Grey tank? Any suggestions or tips would help me out a great deal. Thanks

[fisherjdou]

My 71 is a rear bath but the tank was inside a styrofoam lined galvanized steel box to provide structural support and load bearing. The styrofoam insulates the tank but allows warm air flow around the tank from the furnace to help prevent freezing. You may be seeing the bottom inside of the box or insulation.