water tank resting on axle

[smithmdsmith]

I have a 2008 Surveyor SV234. We bought it last April and love it.

As I was crawling around under the trailer to winterize it, I noticed what appears to be the fresh water tank resting on one of the axles. I tried to push up on the tank after I drained it, but it didn't budge. Because the bottom is enclosed and insulated, I'm not sure where to begin or if it is even something to be concerned about.

I generally run with 8 to 10 gallons in the tank for flushing and washing hands.

This is my first RV. The trailer could have been like this when I bought it and I wouldn't have known it.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

[MtnGuy]

Mine looks like it does the same thing. As near as I can tell from "peaking" with the the bottom unscrewed in a couple of places, I now think it is the heater duct work distribution box between the water tank and bottom. I can squeeze my hand between the bottom and the axle, so I don't think it is putting too much weight on the axle, so I have just let that problem go to the back of my mind.

[LadyWindrider]

In my opinion, as a tech for a few years, nothing be resting on the axle, ever!!!!! There are a few post on here where tanks have fallen out, and landed on the axle. I have seen this myself on new trailers. Needs to be fixed.!!!!!!

[crocus]

I have to agree with Windrider. How can you allow the water tank to ride on top of the axle? What do you suppose happens while driving? Does the axle not move up and down? Definitely get it looked at.

[MtnGuy]

Originally Posted by crocus

I have to agree with Windrider. How can you allow the water tank to ride on top of the axle? What do you suppose happens while driving? Does the axle not move up and down? Definitely get it looked at.

Crocus, on a torsion axle, the housing for the axle across the camper is stationary. When I 1st saw that my camper bottom was resting on my axles, I was worried about what would happen when I put more weight in the camper, and also about the camper bounce going down the road. Then I figured out that the housing did not move on a torsion axle.

I agree that there should be room between the bottom enclosurer and the axle, but since there is not much weight pressing on the axle, I have put it on the back burner for now. Maybe I will check it out further this spring or summer.

[crocus]

My apologies mtnguy, of course you are correct. Still seems a bit weird though.

[MtnGuy]

Originally Posted by crocus

My apologies mtnguy, of course you are correct. Still seems a bit weird though.

crocus, you probably had no idea that we had torsion axles. On a regular sprung axle, the bottom hitting the axle would be a genuine concern.

And it is a bit weird. Just a reminder that I need to check it out further this summer. Since my furnace ductwork is the low point, I want to make sure that everything is OK with that.

[smithmdsmith]

Thanks for all of the input. What is involved in pulling down the enclosing plastic and, more importantly, what is needed to put it back in place?

[LadyWindrider]

Most I have worked on, the plastic panel is help with self drilling screws. Think it's a 7/16 inch socket, and just start taking the bolts out. You will probably find a bent or broken support strap for the tank.

[smithmdsmith]

Thanks, again, for all of the input. I picked up the trailer from storage yesterday and checked it more thoroughly.

I can also get my hand between the plastic and the axle. I pulled the screws out in a few places and looked inside. Just like mtnguy's, the tank is securely mounted (well, it isn't falling down, anyway) and what appears to be duct work is running under it.

I didn't have much time because a big rain storm was moving in, but I feel better about my 1,000 mile trip this next weekend!

[tom.keith]

I have a 2010 8528 RKWS. My fresh water tank "dropped", resting on the axle. Dealer repaired. Brackets are held with self tapping screws. If these are over "turned", not much holding power. My tank had never held water.