Removing underbelly

[S-Kathy]

We have a 2016 Rockwood Signature Lite. Have had damage to underbelly. In trying to reinstall loose part of underbelly we discovered that the metal holding black tank in place is broken and needs repair. So our previous trailer had no underbelly. Rather than replacing this one, it is ok to just remove it and secure the black tank and not put the underbelly back? We don’t camp in really cold and our tanks have heaters anyways.

[Oaklevel]

I will have those that disagree. I would personally leave the underbelly off but be sure any wires etc. are tied up.

We have never owned a camper with an underbelly. I like being able to inspect the components that the underbelly covers up.

Some will say it protects those covered components I say that is simply not the case.

[JimM2109S]

Originally Posted by S-Kathy

.....Rather than replacing this one, it is ok to just remove it and secure the black tank and not put the underbelly back? We don’t camp in really cold and our tanks have heaters anyways.

I"m not familiar with your specific model camper. On my camper, the tank heaters are affixed to the bottoms of the tanks. If you do not reinstall the underbelly, I would be concerned with wind or road debris potentially damaging the heaters or causing them to be torn loose. This, besides providing the wiring / piping protection already mentioned.

[corn18]

I so want to remove all the underbelly on my 5er. But I have done enough work under there to know that it would take a boatload of effort to fix everything up so it is secure from the elements if I remove the underbelly. So I leave it. If I had a piece get damaged and had to decide whether to remove or replace, I would replace. Too much stuff under there that is installed without regard for being exposed to risk not having it. Did I mention I hate the coroplast underbelly with all my heart and all my soul? So much cursing because of that stuff.

[5picker]

Welcome to the forum, I see it is your 1st post!

The plastic (Coroplast) underbelly is designed to help hold some heat in the bottom of the R/V where the tanks are and help protect some of the underbelly components.
Unfortunately, it really doesn't do a good job for either item.

Some will say it helps keep the "critters" out but that is debatable.

What it does do is add frustration to gaining access to those underbelly components and hides the massive rats nest of wires, plumbing, heat ducts and anything else that is up in there.

If one plans to remove the underbelly, be prepared to spend hours (days?) fastening, re-routing and re-working a lot of things. This is not a bad thing to do and "SHOULD" have been done at the factory but we all know it wasn't.

[S-Kathy]

Thanks for all the input! It sounds like the best thing is to remove some nails and use screws to fasten the underbelly again. Our trailer is a 2016 Rockwood Signature Ultralite 8325 SS

But when we were looking at the situation from under the trailer, we used a flashlight to look above the underbelly and it looks like our black tank has come loose and dropped down onto underbelly and that’s what helped loosen the underbelly - not just the wind.

Several suggested cutting the underbelly to access any problem then use screws and special tape to reinstall the removed piece.

Bigger question is how is the black tank supposed to be supported? What might we need to do to put it back into place? We have a trip planned in mid October with reservations and tickets to activities and don’t want to cancel. Our repair shop is booked til Nov. So we are trying to locate info to do this repair ourselves. Any YouTube videos on any aspect of this repair? All help appreciated.