Community Forums

leethomas · 06-17-2022, 03:50 PM

Just thought I'd put this out there, wondering if anyone else hs had this problem.. We've had our 25rds about a year and a half now and everythings gone well until this last trip. Went from Arizona to Arkansas and back on that cheeze grader they call I-40! As best as I can guess the weight of the water in the hot water tank and the horable rotten road, bounced enough to bend the mounting tabs on the exterior frame allowing the water tank to sag. That in turn allowed the bypass valve on the back of the tank to contact a cabinet frame and break. When we hocked up and turned on the water it flooded the trailer. We were lucky enough to get the water off fast and mop up, but it took every towel and rag we had! lol Not to mention we were without water for the last leg of the trip. I think some stronger suport tabs and some kind of support at the back of the hotwater tank would prevent this. When I repair it thats what I intend to do.

Ray,IN · 06-17-2022, 06:34 PM

I suspect driving slower may reduce the stress on the trailer too, now that you know what happens and why.

Podivin · 06-17-2022, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray,IN

I suspect driving slower may reduce the stress on the trailer too, now that you know what happens and why.

Agreed. NOT to put the onus on the OP, the trailer could likely have been better built, and the roads could certainly be smoother. But always keep in mind that the trailer doesn't have the same suspension that's in the tow vehicle, the ride back there is MUCH rougher than in the truck.

Dave Pelletier · 06-17-2022, 06:51 PM

I added a support angle on the back flange inside of mine

Old-Biscuit · 06-17-2022, 07:22 PM

Read about another water heater sagging recently....can't find the thread But IIRC it was ANOTHER ORV trailer.
The water heater was not installed with proper support

Tank should SIT on solid platform/support ....the exterior trim etc is just to seal up the opening NOT support the weight of tank
Blocks should be installed on each side of tank to prevent it from moving side to side

RaeDawg · 06-18-2022, 10:01 PM

Old-Biscuit got it right. We had the same thing happen recently on our much older rig. We did not have a leak, but my wife looked under the sink and asked why there was so much light coming through the wall. The water heater was not installed according to the manufacturer's recommended procedures at the factory. The unit was not properly secured to framing around the opening in the outside wall. In our case the unit was ready for replacement anyway so we put in a new one. I had to put framing around the opening, put in new blocks on the sides, and secure the new heater with screws according to the installation instructions. Made a big difference. I now know it will not come out or shift no matter how much we bounce going down the road. It is another example of manufacturers in a hurry to get things done.

Dave Pelletier · 06-20-2022, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old-Biscuit

Read about another water heater sagging recently....can't find the thread But IIRC it was ANOTHER ORV trailer.
The water heater was not installed with proper support

Tank should SIT on solid platform/support ....the exterior trim etc is just to seal up the opening NOT support the weight of tank
Blocks should be installed on each side of tank to prevent it from moving side to side

Yep; the tank is heavy when full and shouldn't be supported off the wall no matter how well it's fastened; it needs to have the weight supported off the floor.

Dave

BPTS · 06-21-2022, 08:21 AM

I always bypass & drain the water heater when on the road....

bsmall2800 · 06-22-2022, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave Pelletier

Yep; the tank is heavy when full and shouldn't be supported off the wall no matter how well it's fastened; it needs to have the weight supported off the floor.

Dave

Great point Dave, I will look at mine today just to make sure its supported. This is our 4th trailer and have never had any problems with the water heater and never worried about carry water in it while traveling, so lets hope our luck continues.
As unfortunate as it is, hopefully this was just an isolated problem

Bill

bsmall2800 · 06-22-2022, 05:26 PM

We’ll I checked mine and it appears ORV put a piece of wood beneath the center of the hot water tank for support. I added the same size Shim beneath the end of the tank for added support just for an added piece of mind.

ArtJoyce · 06-22-2022, 07:46 PM

I would also put a strap around that tank. I have used plumbers tape around several tanks to hold them down. You don't want the hot water bouncing around.

bsmall2800 · 06-22-2022, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArtJoyce

I would also put a strap around that tank. I have used plumbers tape around several tanks to hold them down. You don't want the hot water bouncing around.

Thanks Art, look in to doing that. Thanks for the tip!
Bill