Has Forest River fixed the weak freshwater tank brackets?

[Too Tall]

The video below explains the issue many have been having. Does any one know if this issue has been addressed.

https://youtu.be/ZFRJttWRups

Thanks

[SKnight]

I sincerely doubt it, my frame actually collapsed in the middle causing my tank to fold like a taco. I also learned that it's a 55 gallon tank, not 65 as advertised.

I did the same as you, I straightened out my frame then reenforced it with 1.25"X1/4" angle iron. I also tied the cross braces to the outer braces. Finally I covered the bottom of the tank with a 1/4" thick sheet of wood to prevent sagging between the braces.

Between that and the crappy vent system I'm considering scrapping it all and not only designing a new frame, a larger tank, a new vent system and replacing the sensors.

[Wobbles]

Originally Posted by Too Tall

The video below explains the issue many have been having. Does any one know if this issue has been addressed.

https://youtu.be/ZFRJttWRups

Thanks

I do not know if it has been addressed in later models. I think this is an issue with the manufacturer of the frame. I darn sure think that the CCC should be reduced or you should be warned that the frame will not support a full tank of water.

I have seen a tank drop happen in a 15 mph campground zone with a speed bump where somebody assumed the rig could just go over the speed bump at 20 plus.

I am thankful that I have not seen a black tank fall out.

The dark side of me wonders liability-wise that a water spill versus a bio hazard spill drives the frame manufacturers decision to spend less on the fresh water support for welding rods and steel to save money.

Has anybody had a black tank fall out?

[DDC]

Originally Posted by Wobbles

I do not know if it has been addressed in later models. I think this is an issue with the manufacturer of the frame. I darn sure think that the CCC should be reduced or you should be warned that the frame will not support a full tank of water.

I have seen a tank drop happen in a 15 mph campground zone with a speed bump where somebody assumed the rig could just go over the speed bump at 20 plus.

I am thankful that I have not seen a black tank fall out.

The dark side of me wonders liability-wise that a water spill versus a bio hazard spill drives the frame manufacturers decision to spend less on the fresh water support for welding rods and steel to save money.

Has anybody had a black tank fall out?

Don't think you can load the blame entirely onto the frame manufacturer as they will supply whatever has been spec-ed out for them, if FR orders a frame it should be able to carry whatever it is deigned to carry.

[Wobbles]

Originally Posted by DDC

Don't think you can load the blame entirely onto the frame manufacturer as they will supply whatever has been spec-ed out for them, if FR orders a frame it should be able to carry whatever it is deigned to carry.

You may be right here. If the spec does not call for the support of a liquid weight at max X pounds, then "Houston we have a problem". Perhaps the general and sub need to address the issue. I cannot think that this is a FR issue only.

[SKnight]

Here's before and after pics of my frame failure. I've towed many miles fully loaded on water without issue so far.

[trbomax]

After my 60 gal FW tank fell out (the hoses and plastic belly pan kept it from dropping more than 12") I saw that there was ONE piece of 1.5" x 1.5" x 0.125" angle iron across the frame with ONE 1/4" drill screw on each end holding the whole thing up.It now has FOUR 2"x2" x 3/16" angles,bolted thru with 5/16"-18 capscrews,heavy washers,and lock nuts.In retrospect,I sure wish I had re-done the overflow hose setup (which sucks because it siphons out)The only fix for that is a siphon break that I may be able tobuild by re-routig and extending the tube outside the frame,I'm just really tired of haveing to constantly be haveing to re-engineer things that a rabid squirrel could do better with.The whole unit could be bought pretty easily now because the wife is REALLY fed up with the constant BS.

[SKnight]

Originally Posted by trbomax

After my 60 gal FW tank fell out (the hoses and plastic belly pan kept it from dropping more than 12") I saw that there was ONE piece of 1.5" x 1.5" x 0.125" angle iron across the frame with ONE 1/4" drill screw on each end holding the whole thing up.It now has FOUR 2"x2" x 3/16" angles,bolted thru with 5/16"-18 capscrews,heavy washers,and lock nuts.In retrospect,I sure wish I had re-done the overflow hose setup (which sucks because it siphons out)The only fix for that is a siphon break that I may be able tobuild by re-routig and extending the tube outside the frame,I'm just really tired of haveing to constantly be haveing to re-engineer things that a rabid squirrel could do better with.The whole unit could be bought pretty easily now because the wife is REALLY fed up with the constant BS.

What I did was add a T and a drain valve at the end of the vent hose, then on the other side of the T I ran a few feet of clear hose up and over my propane tank. I open the valve until water runs out of the drain, then I close the drain and let it keep filling until water runs out of the extension. I don't have a siphon problem and I get much more water in my tank since my vent line is 1" below the top of the tank.

[Wolverine 1945]

I do not see anyone from FR chiming in ???

[5picker]

Originally Posted by Wolverine 1945

I do not see anyone from FR chiming in ???

Nope, and the Lottery folks didn't bring my 10 million dollars today.
I don't see either happening any time soon.

[NMWildcat]

Just out of curiosity, are these tank frame failures mainly on ultra lights?

[5picker]

Originally Posted by NMWildcat

Just out of curiosity, are these tank frame failures mainly on ultra lights?

The frame around the water tank on my classic super lite looks nothing like the photos here.

Most of the posts I've seen with problems were Roo owners but not all.

[Mr Havercamp]

Its a standard Lippert part.
https://store.lci1.com/water-tank-support-53-3-4-x-28

They also make a larger one also which is made from the same size bent plate members, so if it bends with a 37 gallon tank that is 28" wide just consider the extra weight of a tank that is 45" wide.
https://store.lci1.com/70-x-45-fresh-water-tank-tray-sa

I know for a fact its used on Rockwood Roo's, Minilites, and all the Rockwood bumper pulls........You hear more from Roo and Minilite owners because they don't have an enclosed underbelly. I have seen the same support frames on Coachmen and Salem TT's also.

[325BH]

The coroplast will hold it up!

[Too Tall]

Originally Posted by SKnight

I sincerely doubt it, my frame actually collapsed in the middle causing my tank to fold like a taco. I also learned that it's a 55 gallon tank, not 65 as advertised.

I did the same as you, I straightened out my frame then reenforced it with 1.25"X1/4" angle iron. I also tied the cross braces to the outer braces. Finally I covered the bottom of the tank with a 1/4" thick sheet of wood to prevent sagging between the braces.

Between that and the crappy vent system I'm considering scrapping it all and not only designing a new frame, a larger tank, a new vent system and replacing the sensors.

The plywood bottom is a great idea. I which I would have done something like that. My tank distorts ridiculously when it's full.

[Mr Havercamp]

Originally Posted by Too Tall

The plywood bottom is a great idea. I which I would have done something like that. My tank distorts ridiculously when it's full.

You need to be really careful with not adding too much support. On our 2017 Rockwood Roo they had the fresh tank installed tight to the underside of the laminated floor. When the tank is full, even with new brackets the top will balloon up especially if the trailer is out of level side to side. If you restrict the ballooning at the bottom with plywood, its going to ballon somewhere (the top). It will start lifting the floor. The only place the floor is attached is at the ends of the outriggers. I had mine lift a full 3/8 of an inch in the center when the trailer was out of level side to side as the water all went to the low end of the tak and them tried to find level, ballooning up the top on that end....almost a hydraulic jack.

I now have a 3/4" space above the tank / tanks.

I added 2nd 37 gallon tank. The tank is the same exact size as the tank that was installed by Rockwood however it has rounded corners and is made from plastic twice as thick. It does not balloning anywhere near as much as the factory tank. Some of these problems can be attributed to the cheap thin tanks they use.

Before and after.

[Too Tall]

Originally Posted by Mr Havercamp

You need to be really careful with not adding too much support. On our 2017 Rockwood Roo they had the fresh tank installed tight to the underside of the laminated floor. When the tank is full, even with new brackets the top will balloon up especially if the trailer is out of level side to side. If you restrict the ballooning at the bottom with plywood, its going to ballon somewhere (the top). It will start lifting the floor. The only place the floor is attached is at the ends of the outriggers. I had mine lift a full 3/8 of an inch in the center when the trailer was out of level side to side as the water all went to the low end of the tak and them tried to find level, ballooning up the top on that end....almost a hydraulic jack.

I now have a 3/4" space above the tank / tanks.

I added 2nd 37 gallon tank. The tank is the same exact size as the tank that was installed by Rockwood however it has rounded corners and is made from plastic twice as thick. It does not balloning anywhere near as much as the factory tank. Some of these problems can be attributed to the cheap thin tanks they use.

Before and after.

Thanks for that. I know exactly what you are talking about. After I installed the reinforced cross braces and filled it up for the first time, I started hearing some creaking and cracking sound. Fortunately, I stopped before the floor hydraulic-ed out of the camper, ha. So, I'm letting it sag. I fully expect it to bust however but I hope I'm wrong. Thanks for reminding me not to turn my water tank into a balloon.

[jackdn0610]

Originally Posted by NMWildcat

Just out of curiosity, are these tank frame failures mainly on ultra lights?

I have a 2014 Cardinal 3450RL and it's in the shop right now having the water tank bracket repaired. The plastic underbelly sheeting was the only thing that kept it from falling completely out. There was a 1/4" sheet of plywood under the tank as it sat on the bracket. I'm not the only member of the Cardinal RV Club that has had the same problem.

[Mr Havercamp]

Originally Posted by Too Tall

Thanks for that. I know exactly what you are talking about. After I installed the reinforced cross braces and filled it up for the first time, I started hearing some creaking and cracking sound. Fortunately, I stopped before the floor hydraulic-ed out of the camper, ha. So, I'm letting it sag. I fully expect it to bust however but I hope I'm wrong. Thanks for reminding me not to turn my water tank into a balloon.

For what its worth TT.......my factory tank sags quite a bit between my new crossbraces......but that HDPE plastic is some tough stuff. I have not seen any burst......crack at a spin weld fitting I have seen, but have never seen one just split wide open. I have much more faith in my 2nd tank made by Alpha Systems and thats the one I fill on trips. The factory is only filled now at the destination when we dont have water hook ups. Next spring I just might buy another Alpha systems tank as they are only a $115. How much money do you think FR saved with the thin flimsy generic tank?

[SKnight]

Originally Posted by NMWildcat

Just out of curiosity, are these tank frame failures mainly on ultra lights?

Mine is a 346RETS, I don't know about mainly ultra lights but it sure happened to me.