Posted 2014-04-15 6:08 PM (#158674) Subject: holding tank damage
Veteran
Posts: 109 Location: Bella Vista, AR
This past weekend as I came out of a campground, I tore the valves off both holding tanks, due to the steep road and sharp turn. So, I took it to the RV place for repair, ins. will cover it. However, the RV place is telling me that they want to get new tanks from the same supplier that made the trailer. That supplier is not returning their calls. So, I have wasted 2 days now, and still no parts have been ordered. RV shop says if they have to use a different type of tank, modifications may be needed, incurring more cost. Are there really that many types of holding tanks? Should I try another RV place?
Posted 2014-04-15 10:34 PM (#158676 - in reply to #158674) Subject: RE: holding tank damage
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
There are many sizes of holding tanks with varying orifice placements depending upon application. In addition there are a couple of construction materials that differ in how the piping is installed.
If it is possible to get an OEM replacement, it may be your easiest and least expensive venue. Anything specially ordered or modified will usually incur additional handling and labour charges.
If it is of an ABS material, it can be repaired using materials available from most hardware and big box stores. If it's polypropylene, any permanent repairs are most difficult to effect, unless you have a plastic welder or the exact same epoxy used by the factory.
If you go on line looking for "RV holding tanks", you will find several suppliers and comprehensive lists of their available products. You may find that your tank is a "stock" item and can be ordered from them directly.
You can also order custom tanks from some companies, that will build to any specs you need.
Posted 2014-04-16 2:28 PM (#158692 - in reply to #158674) Subject: RE: holding tank damage
Veteran
Posts: 109 Location: Bella Vista, AR
Thanks, Gard. According to the RV shop the tanks were made specifically for Merhow and trying to use another tank and modify it would be difficult and costly. Seems like a bad way to engineer a trailer to me. Contemplating having a skid plate welded to prevent this from happening again, or would blocking the axles be a better way to go?
Posted 2014-04-16 10:54 PM (#158703 - in reply to #158674) Subject: RE: holding tank damage
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 373 Location: Texas
Many are happy with blocking the axles. I'd prefer a skid plate, so the trailer is not even higher than it already is to get in. I messed with doing some plastic welding myself on a tank on a previous trailer. I managed to fix some issues, but it was a trick, with a learning curve. I found that some plastic detergent jugs were polypropalene (sp) and I actually made "welding rods" out of strips of them,and used a heat gun/soldering iron tool that I could change tips.
holding tank damage
