Should I replace my fresh water tank??

[thesarge7]

I inspected the underbelly of my 1997 Holiday Rambler 5th wheel and found that the angle irons that hold the 50 gallon fresh water tank were severely rotted and only one or two appeared to be holding up the tank by a thread. There was evidence of water on and around the angle irons and on the plywood that was underneath the tank for support. I removed the angle irons, and dropped the tank.

Although I found no source of any leak, I am thinking that since the tank is already 13 years old, and it is already out, I might as well replace it. I don't know what the lifespan of these tanks are, nor do I know if it has a small leak that I cannot see. I am wondering what are some of your thoughts on this. Put back the old tank, or replace it???

[Tincup]

This is one of those "You might as well" jobs. If it were me, I'd replace the tank, plywood and the metal brackets. You've dropped it so "you might as well"

[MaverickBBD]

IMO you are half way there in replacing it. You might as well go the other half. That way there will be no question in your mind maybe for another 13 years if it needed to be done.

[ralper]

If you are not the original owner, you do not know what kind of yukky water was put in there in the past. Yes ! Change it and install a filter to filter all water going into your new tank. Make a permanant filter installation if you can.

Do not forget to sanitize the new tank.

[Chuck 1935]

My son had the same problem. It turned out to be a poorly mounted water tank that developed a leak and caused the same type of damage. I dropped the tank, filled it with water to find the leak. I cut a hole in the top of the tank above the leak and repaired the leak from the inside with Eternabond. I then put back the piece that I cut out to gain access to the tank and resealed that with Eternabond. Cost $3.95 for the Eternabond. Satisfaction, priceless!

[RVhauler]

you could use a low air pressure to check tank for any leaks

[thesarge7]

I took the might as well advice. What's to say that the tank will get another leak two months from now and I'll have to do it all over again. A new tank cost $200 at a local RV supply store. Another $100 for new angle irons, bolts, & screws from home depot. I am waiting for the tank to come in and I will try to video it and put it on you tube.Thanks for the advice!!