More Belly Pan Woes...

[onemanclan]

I've read many posts about removing the belly pan (I hope I'm even talking about the right thing)....and I cannot believe that some people are claiming this is an 'easy' thing to do...First of all the plywood under there is at least 3/4". SUPER heavy. More importantly how in the world do you get it past the front jacks?!?? My front leveling jacks are about a foot in front of where the pan slides out and completely in the way.

I just found out that my freshwater tank is totally shot. I have to get the pan out in order to replace the tank. Any ideas on how much a freshwater tank costs? Is it possible to use a generic tank or one that won't make me take out a 2nd mortgage? It's looking to me that I won't have use of it for quite a few years...Making me second guess this purchase.

[Minno]

Based on your description, I think you're trying to remove the bottom support for the water tank, right? The belly pan is the aluminum skin that covers the rest of the bottom of the trailer.

According to the service manual I have for my ’72 Sovereign, yes, the tank floor (bottom support) slides out to the front of the trailer. I went out and looked at the bottom of mine, and there's plenty of room to slide the support forward before hitting the jacks. But on your trailer, since it's shorter, you probably need to remove the jacks to slide the support all the way out.

There's a caution in the service manual. Once you remove the support, the tank will drop. Hopefully you have everything disconnected from the tank inside already.

Inland has replacement water tanks for the ‘70's airstreams. They are a tad pricey, but you know it'll fit once you get it without needing to modify anything.

Good luck,
Chris

[onemanclan]

Thanks...I'm still wondering how the plywood will move...I might have to put a bolt into it and use a winch to pull it out...Arrrgh...

[overlander63]

Unbolt the flange from the front of the tank supports by unbolting the two bolts.The (really thick and heavy) plywood should slide forward. You may have to use a small pry bar at the rear to get it moving. You DO have the water tank drained? If not, that 45 gallons of water can really hurt if it falls on you.

[onemanclan]

Originally Posted by Minno

Inland has replacement water tanks for the ‘70's airstreams. They are a tad pricey, but you know it'll fit once you get it without needing to modify anything.


Chris

If you click on Inland RV's "Water Tank" link they don't list a single tank for sale. Googling 'Airstream Water Tank' and being more (or less) specific has yielded exactly ZERO results...

[onemanclan]

I have unbolted the flange. The bolts holding it on were rusted shut and both broke while removing them. The small phillips head screws were all frozen in place and needed to be pulled out. Having done that the 1" plywood is not going to move. It's been in place since '75 and someone sealed it with some kind of weather proof material.

The tank is empty you can see two LARGE holes in it on the side (looking from under the sink)....Will I be able to get a replacement??

Sorry I'm a bit frustrated...I appreciate everyone's time and input!

[68 TWind]

If you get on ebay you can find all sizes of fresh tanks for very reasonable prices. Should be able to get one close to the factory. If you must have the exact factory replacement ( and you may need to depending on size and location) be prepared to pay about 4x the price of a "generic" fresh tank.

[silverleeper]

Originally Posted by onemanclan

If you click on Inland RV's "Water Tank" link they don't list a single tank for sale. Googling 'Airstream Water Tank' and being more (or less) specific has yielded exactly ZERO results...

You will need to call. They don't list everything on the web site. You might try here. Out-of-Doors Mart They might have the tank too.

[Ganglin]

Maybe from these folks also - they have dimensions listed for various capacities.

Inca Plastics Inc. - 40 gal

[Minno]

Inland: p/n 14514. Listed in their "Parts on Sale" link.

I'm hopeful that I don't need to replace my water tank, but I haven't gotten that far yet.

[Aerowood]

Make sure that all of the water, fill vent, and supply, lines are removed. You said that the phillips head screws are removed, or are the heads just broken off, leaving the shank in place. if the shanks are still in place then you need to drive them into the ply to clear the steel flange holding the tank in. Next take a thin putty knife and cut the sealant all the way around. Now I was able to get mine started by driving a flat-bar in the back forcing it forward far enough to get my foot in the space and then while laying on my back and holding on to the axle push it out. If that doesn't work you may have to screw a metal bracket on,and then attach that to a come-along and winch it out. Once it starts moving it will come out pretty easy, but you have to start pretty aggresively.
























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