Community Forums

jeffinsalida · 05-20-2009, 10:41 PM

Yikes! I dropped the bottom on my 2007 Sedona Canyon Trail 29FRK to install an Auto transfer switch and my freshwater tank is about to fall. 2 of the 3 struts running between the frame cross members have come loose on one end. The bottom of the tank is bowed down 8 inches all the way across the bottom. I am going to call Gulfstream tomorrow and see when my warranty ends. If I can remount the braces I don't know if I can flex the tank back into place or not. We are supposed to go on vacation 5-29-09. Anyone have any ideas?

RV Wizard · 05-21-2009, 03:06 AM

The tank is pretty flexible when empty. You should be able to place a board (see details below) under the tank and lift the board and bottom of tank with a floor or bottle jack. You might want to consider cutting a piece of 1/2" plywood and use that under the tank, along with the bracing needed to hold the weight of the tank when full. Good luck and keep us posted.

jeffinsalida · 05-23-2009, 10:01 PM

Today I was able to get 4 tie down straps under the tank. To get under enough to brace it more I would have to drop the whole bottom. I do not have time for that before our vacation next week. I think the straps will hold until we get back. After closer inspection the tank is supported along both sides for the length of the tank.

My 10 yr old son was able to squeeze between the liner and the tanks and put the straps into place.

Dropping the entire bottom is not something I want to tackle. When we get back from vacation I will take it to the shop for repair. I will have them use the plywood when it it repaired. Thanks for the help.

Traveler52 · 05-24-2009, 07:34 AM

Jeff are the struts bolted to the frame or welded? What exactly broke?
Bill

jeffinsalida · 05-24-2009, 06:30 PM

The braces that run under the tank have "ears" that rest on the angle iron of frame cross members. The braces are angle iron (about 3/4" but not heavy at all). The ear was made by cutting away about 1 &1/2" of one leg of the angle iron. I could not see the other side but the failed side did not have any bolt or weld on it. Just resting on the cross members of the frame. Those ears bent and allowed the braces to fall. The tank then began to sag over time with water load. If they were welded there would be no way to replace the tank without cutting. When I have the shop fix it I'll have them use heavier angle and bolt it through the cross member. Just for good measure a sheet of 1/2" plywood under the entire tank to help keep the bottom flat.(Thanks RV Wizard) I am sure that there will be irregularities in the tank bottom.
Anyone think I should replace the whole tank? My only concern is a dip that would retain water when drained and cause me to continually have soured water. I am just getting the wife convinced we can camp away from campgrounds (we are staying in Mather at the Grand Canyon for her test) We don't need a water issue to fight also. While they are repairing the bracing it won't be much more labor to install a new tank. Thank you all for your help. I may need a good source for a replacement tank.

Traveler52 · 05-24-2009, 07:30 PM

Jeff is sounds like typical costcutting on goofstreams part. Unless the tank is damaged I'd not worry about replacing it. Sounds like you just need some heaver angle iron. Pretty easy to fix. If your in Salida, CA. I'm in Collegeville about 20 miles away. and have a full shop an would be willing to help you.
Bill

jeffinsalida · 05-25-2009, 10:37 PM

Darn the luck

I am in Salida, CO. But thank you very much for the offer

. I need to pay more attention to these boards. Could accidently be able to help someone.

Traveler52 · 05-26-2009, 06:47 AM

Enjoy your Vacation no matter what happens.

sknight · 05-26-2009, 08:15 AM

Don't worry about a dip in the tank. If you have plywood installed under it that'll flatten the bottom and get any old water out.

Heavier angle shouldn't be necessary, once you cut it to make ears all the strength goes away. The ears should be able to be straightened and then drilled for bolts. Bolting will put the strength back into the angle and hold up the world.

Have fun, my wife was concerned about boondocking until she tried it.