holding tanks - Event Date: 25 Feb 2018 - 25 Apr 2018

can traveling with full holding tanks cause them to fall out? in an rp 178?

thank you Tars, I was thinking that would be true. 

Jim,

Here is copy paste of post that started this - you can find using advanced search - my TT is a 2015 178 and did have this issue. I fixed it before I had tank drop issues:

TimandDiana
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   Quote TimandDiana Quote Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Calendar Event: Black tank fell from r-pod
    Posted: 11 Mar 2016 at 5:15pm

Hello! My wife and I are relatively new r-podders: 2016 Toyota Tacoma SR5 V6 pulling a 2015 Hood River Edition 178. This is our second season touring parks with it, and we love it! On the road right now; just entered Zion. But 2 days ago, on the freeway between Tuscon and Phoenix, the black tank literally fell away from the lower frame supports and dragged along over the pavement. It was only held between the two wheels by the bracket that holds the waste dump connection, and the cold water pex line on the opposite side that is used to hose down the inside of the tank.
The tank was essentially empty during travel. Let me say that it wasn't all that obvious what was happening. The only thing that tipped me off was a very faint low harmonic noise coming from somewhere. I first thought it was the roadway and even switched lanes since the right slower lane was much rougher. Finally I pulled over and to my dismay found the tank sitting on the ground. It looked completely intact other than the trailing edge which had opened a seam where it had dragged on the roadway. The two plumbing connections on the top of the tank had severed cleanly.
So, I'm 4 months over the one year comprehensive warranty period and it looks like I'm getting an estimate from my R-pod service department for around $750 to $1000 to purchase and install a new black tank. Forest River warranty folks look like they are not going to budge and give me a break on this one. Bummer! So, I have two questions for all of you out there. First, have any of you had similar experiences with this model or another?
The second and perhaps even more relevant question relates to this installation. The black tank on this model, and I assume a number of others as well, is supported in place with two horizontal steel frames that span the width of the R-pod. The front, less sturdy horizontal frame, has two welded 2-3 inch brackets on each end of the frame that machine screw to the main R-pod frame. There are 4 places for screws to go into the frame. Mine was installed with only 2 screws and on one side it looks like only one screw was used and that sheared off most likely prior to the tank coming loose. Does your installation have 2 screws or four on each side?
This info might help in any further negotiations with Forest River. I guess I can count myself fortunate that the tank hadn't completely broken loose and caused a serious accident.
Thanks for reading this and for any comments or advice you have!

   

Originally posted by StephenH I asked why they weren't bolted and was told the screws were "industry standard" which seems to be justifying an inadequate mounting.

That about sums it up. Typical dealer and industry response. This is a known and old problem and needs to be fixed.

http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9497&KW=gap&PID=89564&title=171holding-tank-support-and-fender-extension#89564

Please note that any gap must be filled with washers. If you use sheetmetal screws use 1/4" #14 stainless steel hex head screws and large fender washers to fill any gaps. If any gap exists or if the brackets do not mate squarely the screws see a bending moment. Screws are designed for and are strongest in tension and shear: weakest in bending. Of course through bolts are always better if you can use them but the same gap filling rules apply.