Should these nozzles be exposed like this?

[Double J]

Hi all, new owner of a 2010 25’ flying cloud. I was checking out what looks like a slow leak and noticed these two nozzles and what looks like a telephone wire hanging down in the area of the leak. Are these supposed to be just hanging here like this?
Thanks! JJ

[CRH]

Those are low point drains. My trailer has brass petcock style drains that are installed in the belly pan sheet metal. From your pic, it looks like someone cut away a section of the belly pan and replaced the factory drains.

[Double J]

Thank you! Any thoughts as to why they would have done this? Also, do you think they are ok to leave like this, or should I look to cover them up when in transit?

[Caffeinated]

The previous owner must have had some problem with the original drains. No other reason to replace them. If the drains are not leaking, I’d just leave them as is. No need to cover them up.

Mike

[DKB_SATX]

re: the "telephone wire": That may be wiring for the tank level sensors. It probably shouldn't be hanging down, maybe a judicious application of zip-tie would keep it up out of the way.

[rowiebowie]

Originally Posted by Double J

Thank you! Any thoughts as to why they would have done this?

If you don't turn those valves occasionally, they can get sticky then not turn off completly and drip. Had that happen to 2 low-point drain valves on my '2012 class b.

[Double J]

Thanks all! Will leave alone except for the tank sensor wire. Will zip tie that up. Now I am going to look into how and when to use the low point drains and turn the knobs to keep them from getting sticky.

[GCinSC2]

Is your trailer exposed to freezing temps too? Might want to look at how to freeze protect them. Looks like the pan was cut on a bit. Pics don’t quite show all of the story for freezing situation.

[JCWDCW]

PO probably had to deal with frozen drains and the direction they turn can be confusing; possibly PO broke one. Some times they leak if debris gets in the seat. I always needed pliers to get them open after a season. So PO likely just made his life simple and replaced them. They are as previously noted, OK exposed
JCW

[Trons4u]

What about a tire blow out. That may have damaged the original drains? I don't know, just a guess.

I would close up that hole so no critters gets in there though

[Double J]

Originally Posted by Trons4u

I would close up that hole so no critters gets in there though

Ya, that is a good idea. I saw a squirrel running under the trailer yesterday and was wondering what he was doing.

What do you recommended I close it up with and best way to attached the fix? I am pretty creative and can probably figure out something, but just wondering if there is a best practice so to speak.

Thanks!

[Double J]

Here are some better pictures of what is going on here. Trying to think of a way to close this up as it is a pretty big cut out. First thought was black gorilla tape, but would like something more durable and permanent. Any ideas?

However before I close it up, need to look into this leak. Looks to be coming from under this black spray glue stuff. Doesn’t seem promising. I am still learning about this rig and am guessing this is the fresh water tank the leak is coming from.

[Trons4u]

Oh wow, Yea, like I said, it was may of been a blow out or they ran over something. I think that big glob was a drain for that tank? Where does that blue PEX in the upper right go to? What tank is this, freshwater? Now I'm wondering if that was a fill line for that tank. You may have a bigger job ahead of you.
For closing that hole up, you could use two pieces of sheet metal or aluminum. One for the bottom, cut out an area with hole saw or jig saw to go around the PEX. The other piece will be vertical, with a 90' bend at the bottom to meet the other piece, that way you can pop rivet of screw them together. Probably attach to the tank cover with screws.

[Double J]

Thanks Tony! I will look to cover with sheet metal like you suggest. Thinking to add bubble wrap insulation to the inside of the sheet metal cover as well. That blue PEX is the fresh water tank low point drain.

I took a much deeper dive into what I got going on here this afternoon. The pics kinda explain most of it. First 3 are from the cabinet under the fridge and the last from outside between the wheels. Without the duct tape, you could see right to the ground from inside the trailer.

Not sure what that black spray stuff is, but it is preventing me from seeing exactly where the leak is coming from. I want to get this covered properly up ASAP, but the leak is going to cause problems. Any suggestions for this, or is this maybe a whole new thread on its own?

[GCinSC2]

DoubleJ,

Black spray stuff, Flex Seal? maybe.

Looks like it might be time to get comfortable under there start picking away at it and see what it takes to make it right, sorry haven't been there or done that.

Gary

[richard5933]

Unfortunately it's difficult to get anything to bond well to the plastic tanks, and trying to stop a leak from the outside of the tank is not a permanent solution.

Best to start the scraping and cleaning process, as you will need clean surfaces to have hope of a good repair.

[Trons4u]

I know it's not what you want to hear, but I think it's cracked around where the fitting is spin welded to the tank.
Couple options
1. Drop that tank cover & tank and have a new one put in. (I don't know how much work that is)
2. Leave it in place - If you can get to it so you can see and work on properly, you may be able to use JB Weld around the fitting/s once you get that current sealer off. Both those fittings may have an issue, so you'll want to check and make sure.

There's a guy who has an Airstream repair shop, Vinnie around Sacramento that you can reach out too. Vinnie's Airstream Repair

Wish you luck