Community Forums

matt0932 · 09-26-2020, 01:12 PM

It feels impossible to remove the fresh water tank so I'm hoping someone can help. I have a 2008 Starcraft Travelstar trailer and sheared off the fresh water tank drain valve when driving. To get it repaired or replaced, I need to take out the 29.5 gallon plastic tank. I have cleared out the insulation in the 4" access hole and noticed a plastic inlet valve for the water fill. Because of that, I can't slide the tank down. Even if I could slide the tank down and remove the 2 metal braces (held by self-tapping screws), the tank is too wide to slip out of the welded rails holding it up.

I could just destroy the tank to get it out but if I did, how would I get a new tank into the welded rails? I hope I'm missing something obvious. Thanks for your help!

Bob_C · 09-26-2020, 02:36 PM

I'd undo the support straps and bend the supports apart.....

Xmcdog · 09-26-2020, 02:41 PM

Could you epoxy a new valve in place without removing the tank?

Jay D. · 09-26-2020, 09:06 PM

mines about the same way. it looks like they welded 2 lengths of 3/16 or 1/4 angle the length of my tank, my tank has a flange around it. then they laid the tank in and put the flooring on top. its never coming out. lucky my drain is on the side of the tank.

here's what i would try. i would cut a piece 1/4 ABS or any type of plastic and glue and screw it to the tank opening on the bottom where the drain was. i have had very good luck with Amazing Goop or just Goop. it sticks to any thing I've used it on, including plastics. i would then do the same thing on the side of the tank for the drain. you can get a socket flange and screw it to the side, a series of sheet metal screws. then come off of that to a valve.
Jay D.

Tomahawk · 09-27-2020, 05:22 PM

I can't tell from the pictures but the description makes think this.
The rails hold up the tank and are attached to the frame with self tapping screws. The straps between the rails (the one in the picture screwed down from the top) don't really support the tank they are there to stop the rails from splaying out. Personally, I'd cut those, remove the self tapping screws holding one rail and lower the tank out. The hose (vent and fill) should disconnect from barbed fittings. You should be able to disconnect either at the wall or top of the tank. I'd go for the wall because it will be easier to reconnect later when the new tank goes in. Label all the wire for fill level unless you plan not to use later.
I'd also guess the valve could be replaced assuming no other damage to the tank. Picking the right glue would depend on the tank material. Since the tanks are molded without the fill valve, it can't be that difficult to replace it. I haven't looked, but there might be an access hatch on top of the tank that you can get to once the tank is lowered. I have never replaced a tank or the valve so this is speculation on how the valve was installed went the tank was new.
As A side note, I hate that my valve is the low point going in and out of my driveway and I have to watch it closely and use 2x6 under the tires sometimes, depends on mt entry angle.

tuffr2 · 09-27-2020, 07:09 PM

All I can say is good luck. I was under my trailer just a few days ago wondering how to change a gray tank valve. There is so much stuff in the way it has me scratching my head to figure out how big a job it is going to be.

They ran the propane line on the same side as the valves...ugh.

chriscowles · 09-27-2020, 07:33 PM

I would not be surprised if the tank was dropped onto the frame before the floor was laid.

Seon · 09-28-2020, 07:54 AM

Can the welds be ground off?
Reinstall using fasteners?
Just a thought.

charliez · 09-28-2020, 08:09 AM

It looks like you are saying you can't get to the hose connections to remove them. Just snip the hose up higher and re connect it later or replace it. Ans as it's said, you can replace the drain valve without taking the tank out,

Jay D. · 09-28-2020, 10:35 AM

another idea IF you don't mind the drain being on the bottom. measure the id of the opening on the bottom. then go to your local hardware or plumbing store and look at some PVC AND CPVC PIPE FITTINGS see if you can fined something that will fit snuggly into your opening. you may need to bush a smaller size up with a second fitting. or oversize it a little and then grind it to fit. i would try and end up with a threaded fitting coming out keeping it as close to the bottom as you can. then just put a threaded plug in it that way you don't have that much hanging down to get ripped off agian and you can remove the plug to drain it . just glue the fitting in with a suitable glue.
Jay D.

charliez · 09-28-2020, 10:48 AM

just glue the fitting in with a suitable glue.

There is the issue. It's really difficult to get over the counter glues to work on rv tanks. I had a 5'er with a hairline crack in a black tank. I tried everything to seal it and finally got JB Weld to work. It would only pee out on the ground if you were several days into a trip. Note: Pun Intended this time.

akeagle · 09-28-2020, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chriscowles

I would not be surprised if the tank was dropped onto the frame before the floor was laid.

That's exactly what I observed when we visited the Winnebago plant last year. It may be different for other makes or models though.

Jay D. · 09-28-2020, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by akeagle

That's exactly what I observed when we visited the Winnebago plant last year. It may be different for other makes or models though.

Mine has heavy welded rails and yes they dropped the tank in and put the floor over it.
Jay D.

Tomsrancho · 09-28-2020, 12:52 PM

I think Tomahawk has it right, at least according to the removal and reinstallation of a fresh water tank that I assisted on. The angle pieces support the tank. Ours were screwed to the frame with self-tapping screws. Remove the fill inlet that’s screwed to the trailer wall. There should be enough play to be able separate the fill and vent lines from the inlet piece. Remove one angle support and drop the tank.
Hope that works for you!