Broken Propane tank bracket

[Wil Sumner]

When checking the propane level directly on the propane tank on our coach (2008 Win Voyage). I noticed the tank moved when I pushed on the tank. This made me concerned as the horizontal 28 gallon tank is bolted to the chassis. I crawled under the propane tank and saw that the forward bracket had cracked, and had been repaired with a spot welded angle iron. The angle iron welds had also broken, so only the rear bracket was holding the propane tank.

I hired a welder to remove the propane tank and repair the bracket. He ended up welding the broken 1/4 inch steel bracket. We cannot figure out how 1/4 inch thick steel 10 inches wide would break off.

We have owned this coach since 2012 and never had an incident that would cause the bracket to break. The previous owner did have a fender bender (so they said)

The point of this story is that if I had not opened up the propane bay and push on the tank, we would not have found the broken bracket and the tank could have broken off from vibration, and exploded.

[moblguy]

Will,

You may want to keep a close watch on the tank bracket repair. I found my tank bracket cracked and loose in August 2018. I had a welder repair the bracket. Fast forward 3 years and I found the bracket cracked again.

I removed the tank again. We are in the process of a bracket redesign. Making up a new forward section which is going to be extended to the frame and welded. Should strengthen that forward mounting area.

Attached are pics of cracked bracket. You can see the previous repair weld.
Last pic is the rear mounting ear of the bracket. I may have that strengthened also while apart.

2004 Itasca Sunrise 36M

Will post pics when bracket is complete.

Hope this helps.

Rick
Attachment 341007Attachment 341008Attachment 341009Attachment 341010

[Dav L]

Originally Posted by Wil Sumner

When checking the propane level directly on the propane tank on our coach (2008 Win Voyage). I noticed the tank moved when I pushed on the tank. This made me concerned as the horizontal 28 gallon tank is bolted to the chassis. I crawled under the propane tank and saw that the forward bracket had cracked, and had been repaired with a spot welded angle iron. The angle iron welds had also broken, so only the rear bracket was holding the propane tank.

I hired a welder to remove the propane tank and repair the bracket. He ended up welding the broken 1/4 inch steel bracket. We cannot figure out how 1/4 inch thick steel 10 inches wide would break off.

We have owned this coach since 2012 and never had an incident that would cause the bracket to break. The previous owner did have a fender bender (so they said)

The point of this story is that if I had not opened up the propane bay and push on the tank, we would not have found the broken bracket and the tank could have broken off from vibration, and exploded.

I am sure it broke from flexing back and forth down the road. Look to see if the mount system allows for flexing.

[FIRE UP]

Originally Posted by moblguy

Will,

You may want to keep a close watch on the tank bracket repair. I found my tank bracket cracked and loose in August 2018. I had a welder repair the bracket. Fast forward 3 years and I found the bracket cracked again.

I removed the tank again. We are in the process of a bracket redesign. Making up a new forward section which is going to be extended to the frame and welded. Should strengthen that forward mounting area.

Attached are pics of cracked bracket. You can see the previous repair weld.
Last pic is the rear mounting ear of the bracket. I may have that strengthened also while apart.

2004 Itasca Sunrise 36M



Will post pics when bracket is complete.

Hope this helps.

Rick
Attachment 341007Attachment 341008Attachment 341009Attachment 341010

Rick,
As well as being a fireman for over 35 years, I've also been a welder for closer to 50-55 years. I was curious to see your cracked/broken bracket in the link you supplied. But, when I click on it, all that comes up is:

"invalid attachment".

Maybe it's just me and my computer system that cannot bring up the pics. Is there another way for you to display them? I'd like to see it/them.
Scott

[wildmanbaker]

Its not just you Scott, I had the same problem.
Jim

[Lt Dan]

As an added support, bolt a piece of 2" angle iron to supplement the weld. Our '06 Itasca did the same thing and our propane supplier noticed it when he was filling the tank. Instead of welding, I drilled and bolted in a piece of angle iron about 12" long held in place with about eight grade 8 1/2" bolts.

[Wil Sumner]

Originally Posted by moblguy

Will,

You may want to keep a close watch on the tank bracket repair. I found my tank bracket cracked and loose in August 2018. I had a welder repair the bracket. Fast forward 3 years and I found the bracket cracked again.

I removed the tank again. We are in the process of a bracket redesign. Making up a new forward section which is going to be extended to the frame and welded. Should strengthen that forward mounting area.

Attached are pics of cracked bracket. You can see the previous repair weld.
Last pic is the rear mounting ear of the bracket. I may have that strengthened also while apart.

2004 Itasca Sunrise 36M

Will post pics when bracket is complete.

Hope this helps.

Rick
Attachment 341007Attachment 341008Attachment 341009Attachment 341010

Thanks Rick

I had assumed that other RV owners have had similar issues. I have also assumed that Winnebago and other RV companies have redesigned the propane bracket.

Wil

[moblguy]

Originally Posted by FIRE UP

Rick,

As well as being a fireman for over 35 years, I've also been a welder for closer to 50-55 years. I was curious to see your cracked/broken bracket in the link you supplied. But, when I click on it, all that comes up is:



"invalid attachment".



Maybe it's just me and my computer system that cannot bring up the pics. Is there another way for you to display them? I'd like to see it/them.

Scott

Fire Up,

Will try to upload pics again.

Rick

[moblguy]

Pictures of assembly of new bracket repair.

[FIRE UP]

Hey Moblguy,
Thanks for posting the pics. It looks like you have the situation well in hand. Hope the newest repair lasts.
Scott