Black tank fell from r-pod - Event Date: 03 Nov 2016

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!

Wow! that is unacceptable. Forest River should be covering the cost. I will be sure to crawl under mine and check everything under there

Your not the only one with that problem. I have a 179 and I had to remove the small screws on the one side of the bracket holding the tanks and shim them with 14 ga. steel. I replaced the small screws with larger screws.  I hope every owner takes the time to get under the pod and check it out. 

Well, the problem does not seem to be only in older models. Mine is a 2016 179.



I intend to contact Forest River to see what they say about this. Mine is still under warranty. I hope they will fix this shoddy work. I appreciate the warning to check. I also noticed significant rust spots on the frame that I will be touching up before taking it out again.

If you get FR's OK to have a dealer repair your Pod I caution you to understand the underlying problem and carefully checkout the fix. Keep in mind a full tank can weigh in excess of 250 pounds while you're bouncing down the highway. The alignment of the brackets must be corrected, all welds checked, all gaps fully filled, and larger screws installed. Many dealers will just apply the fastest, cheapest bandaid and declare victory. You'll only get one shot at a warranty fix.