Aftermarket fresh water tank support frame

[CT Sound Shooter]

I had a cracked leaky the fresh water tank in my 2018 Grey Wolf 26RR that a few days later dropped onto the axle back in September. Looks like FW will agree to replace the tank to fix the leak. However, the reason the tank dropped was because the thin bracket straps failed. My TT is at dealer now who is repairing the unit. FR says it was the bolt head that failed in the way the straps are connected to the frame. I disagree. I believe that the metal strap itself broke from the weight of water in the FW tank.
They are willing to fix as a warranty issue as this was on a unit that was only 2 months old when this happened.
As I researched this issue, I recall seeing an aftermarket RV FW tank support metal frame that could be installed. My dealer's service manager has been very helpful and I would like to consider having the additional frame support installed at my own expense because I don't feel those ridiculously thin straps will hold for the life of the TT and I don't ever want to have to deal with this problem again. I believe my dealer would install the additional support and work out a fair price for doing the upgrade over and above the proposed warranty fix.
However, now, I'm not able to find the link on this forum for the aftermarket support that I could almost swear I saw here. Can someone please help me find this support frame for sale wherever it is because I'd like to show my dealer what I'm talking about.
Thanks in advance for any help.

Happy trails,

CTSS

[CT Sound Shooter]

And just as soon as I posted the question, I found it. It's actually an OEM part made by Lippert. There are 2 sizes:

https://store.lci1.com/70-x-45-fresh-water-tank-tray-sa

https://store.lci1.com/water-tank-su...3-3-4-x-38-1-2

What about using one of the above supports to remedy the dropped tank issue?

Ideas, comments?

Happy trails,

CTSS

[Wobbles]

Whatever tank is used you should reinforce the support. The factory support is junk if you want to travel with full tank.

I have read many posts here to that effect and that FR says not to travel with a full tank. I saw my Grey Wolf setup and decided not to travel full until I changed the support.

Let FR pay for the fix and have someone do the additional support at the same time. This response is if you want to travel with a full tank.

Hope things start going better for you.

[CT Sound Shooter]

Originally Posted by Wobbles

Whatever tank is used you should reinforce the support. The factory support is junk if you want to travel with full tank.

I have read many posts here to that effect and that FR says not to travel with a full tank. I saw my Grey Wolf setup and decided not to travel full until I changed the support.

Let FR pay for the fix and have someone do the additional support at the same time. This response is if you want to travel with a full tank.

Hope things start going better for you.

Wobbles,

I just sent the links to the service manager with a request that the installation of the support frame be covered under warranty. I boondock and that's why I bought the TT. I need water on board when I pull out of my driveway. Can't believe leaving home with a full FW tank is even an issue. SMH!!!

Thanks,

CTSS

[HangDiver]

Those supports from Lippert would certainly help but the main supports (the two lengthwise members) really need to be 1/4" thick in my opinion. I would verify that before the work starts. That's what I added to mine. Here's before and after photos:

[CT Sound Shooter]

Originally Posted by HangDiver

Those supports from Lippert would certainly help but the main supports (the two lengthwise members) really need to be 1/4" thick in my opinion. I would verify that before the work starts. That's what I added to mine. Here's before and after photos:

HangDiver,

What if I got them to install the aftermarket frame on the link, and then afterwards I added 1/4" inch support to the frame that I doubt is 1/4" now?

Thanks for the input,

CTSS

[rockfordroo]

Look at the 2nd pic in post #8 here:

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...ng-131021.html

If the Lippert supports you are contemplating have that oval hole in the vertical portion of the angle iron, I suggest you don't bother. OR make sure the dealer beefs up the angle iron with a better piece of angle iron. That oval severely weaken the angle iron.

[CT Sound Shooter]

Originally Posted by rockfordroo

Look at the 2nd pic in post #8 here:

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...ng-131021.html

If the Lippert supports you are contemplating have that oval hole in the vertical portion of the angle iron, I suggest you don't bother. OR make sure the dealer beefs up the angle iron with a better piece of angle iron. That oval severely weaken the angle iron.

Rock,

Thanks. Looks like I'm going to have to talk to the dealer re: a beefier solution. Maybe I'll just check the measurements and have either a welder or the dealer put something together with 1"/4 angle irons using the Lippert frame as a guide...
If I ever have to deal with this problem again I will not be happy.

CTSS

[Wobbles]

What the manufacturer and dealer will do for you is return it to the way it was per the reimbursement they agree on. I would not hope for any improvements.

Perhaps you could take some good photos afterwards and shop around with them to other shops for a solution that is satisfactory? It will be on your dime but could put this to bed...

[HangDiver]

Originally Posted by CT Sound Shooter

HangDiver,

What if I got them to install the aftermarket frame on the link, and then afterwards I added 1/4" inch support to the frame that I doubt is 1/4" now?
Thanks for the input,
CTSS

That would work! That is exactly what I did. If you look at the lower photo (that I posted above) you'll see three bolts on the right end of the main support. That's how I attached the 1/4" angle iron to the existing factory installed support.