Community Forums

KenTep · 10-31-2022, 04:06 PM

Today I noticed that one side of the frame holding the DEF container is below the RV frame. A pic showing the DEF location and a close up of the DEF frame is attached.

I never noticed this before and suspect that the side of the DEF frame must have detached from the RV frame and slipped down.

What's odd is I cannot see how the frame was attached. There are clearly two tabs with threaded holes on the DEF frame, but there aren't any holes in the RV frame. Did someone forget to bolt the frames together?

I'm hoping that someone with the same configuration can have a look at their setup to see if there are holes in the RV frame with bolts to the DEF frame.

I would try to re-attach this myself, but don't have the tools, and a jack will be required to raise the DEF frame back into position.

We are currently traveling and are in Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas. There is a Freightliner dealer is in Texarkana, which is about 120 miles away, and on the route to our next stop in Sulfur Springs. I plan to drive the RV there to get this fixed. I'll wrap wire between the RV frame and the two holes to keep if from slipping further.

Warhorse6 · 11-01-2022, 10:25 AM

Went out to check how mine is mounted. Mine sits on a tray, but is anchored to the compartment walls on the left and right side of the tank. Can only speculate how yours might be attached.

Rreset · 11-01-2022, 11:43 AM

Mine is exactly the same Ken's. It sits about 4 inches below the frame and has the same two holes in the def tank frame/bracket that are not used. All of the other bolts in the back of the frame/bracket are solidly in place with no indication of any type of shifting or looseness. It's always been that way. I've also seen picturers of other 2019's with the same set up. See attached.

Click image for larger version

Name: e60ed79a-b6a3-4e0d-bf78-31444608ee58-278.jpeg
Views: 20
Size: 103.7 KB
ID: 380021

Click image for larger version

Name: Def tank.jpg
Views: 21
Size: 627.1 KB
ID: 380024

Flyer15015 · 11-01-2022, 11:53 AM

So, it's a plastic tank hanging down below the coach, right behind the drive wheels.
Makes one wonder how many have been cracked by flying rocks ?
DUH ????

Another one of those "what were they thinking" deals.

Mike in Colorado

wingnut60 · 11-01-2022, 12:08 PM

My tank sits exactly as in the picture. Has not dropped, not visible if door is closed. 65k miles, no rock cracks. Is protected by the mud flap directly in front of it. Have not heard/read of any tanks being cracked by hits.

KenTep · 11-01-2022, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KenTep

... I never noticed this before and suspect that the side of the DEF frame must have detached from the RV frame and slipped down...

Based on others responses, I think the tank has not slipped and this is the correct setup - the tank is cantilevered from the chassis and not attached to the outer frame. Maybe because the DEF tank is part of the Freightliner build and the outer frame holding the bottom of the cargo bays is added by Tiffin?

I did send an inquiry to Tiffin, and got the following: "Hello, the DEF does set below the frame but not that far. I would get a strap under it some how to help hold it so you can get it to Freightliner and let them look at it."

However, Rick's measurement of 4 inches from the bottom of the DEF frame to the bottom of the RV frame matches.

wingnut60 · 11-01-2022, 01:20 PM

Possibly the framing is same for several FL chassis, just sits lower on this one?

TiffinUser · 11-05-2022, 11:36 AM

My '19 37BA is exactly the same as OP. The poorly designed tank location is probably necessary to allow DEF to be filled into the tank. It it was mounted higher you would not be able to access the filler cap. As it is, the door spring is in the way and makes filling with a nozzle at a station nearly impossible. I bought a funnel w/ flexible hose to make it slightly easier.