Dropping a Fuel Tank

[Medic318]

Looks like I have to drop the fuel tank on my 2003 Dolphin LX on Workhorse chassis As I have never attemped this any and all suggestions on how to proceed or tricks anyone has learned would be appreciated

[Ernie Ekberg]

I dropped one on a Holiday Rambler. Had to siphon all fuel and still that thing was heavy. There may be an inspection port in the floor of your coach. How come you need to drop it??

[darbyjudy]

I dropped a lot of fuel tanks on automobiles and trucks and I am sure this is no different except a lot heavier. First you need to get the fuel out of it. Then place a piece of plywood to jack against with a floor jack and loosen the straps or bolts that hold it in place. Remove the fill hose and the lines to the engine. I imagine this tank is going to be heavy even if it is empty. So would be nice to have a couple of extra hands to help you steady it and get it down. Good luck. You never said why you needed to drop it.

[Medic318]

the fuelline to my genset is leaking and the only access is top of tank as to cutting a hole in the floor the sewage tank is mounted above the fuel tank

[Ernie Ekberg]

do you have enough slack in the fuel lines ?

[vacation on wheels]

I tried to drop the tank and gave up. The tank is very heavy! There are about 5 heavy straps holding the tank which can be removed with I think 18 or 19 mm socket. You would also have to loosen the worm screw clamps to remove the fuel fill and vent hoses. I was thinking that since there is a cover over the 2nd fuel fill which is not used by National Rv it might be easier to not drop the tank and instead engineer a fuel line pick-up tube using the unused fuel vent tube located on the side of the fuel tank. I think that would work better because you would not have to drop the tank. Look it over and let me know what your thoughts are. If you do drop the tank, replace the hose with metal line to the top of the tank so its at least done right.

[Medic318]

My problem is when ever I start the generator fuel flows from the top of the tank so I have to drop the tank to get at the deteriorated fuel line

[vacation on wheels]

So what are your thoughts on using the unused vent on the opposite side of the gas tank and dropping in a generator fuel pick-up tube?

[vacation on wheels]

I might try a remote 2nd fuel tank rather than having to drop the tank until you have to! Sooner or later you will need to change out the fuel pump for the 8.1 and that is when I would replace the line to the generator.

[Medic318]

Did it today. I drained the tank and then dropped the tank it took about 1 2/2 hrs to drain the tank I had presoaked the bolts with penetrating oil a few days ago so the bolts where not that hard to get off I used a floor jack and a large piece of wood to lower the tank I then raised one end at a time to replace it I will have to hook up the filler tube and vent line tomorrow to tired now there is a electrical plug that was on a short line that broke as the tank tipped on me but I was able to repair it with some glue hope it works do not want to have to do this again new lines and clamps cost me $45.00