Water Tank Beam
Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Warranty, Service and Recall Bulletins
Forum Discription: Have a warranty or service experience to share?
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5036
Printed Date: 02 May 2024 at 9:19am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Water Tank Beam
Posted By: CasaJack
Subject: Water Tank Beam
Date Posted: 25 Jul 2014 at 5:00pm
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I must let you all know of an unfortunate break down of our 2014 182. We went camping for two nights at Leo Carrillo State Beach in CA a few weekends ago and all was good until we headed home. This campground is only an hour from our house. About 1/2 way home I heard a scraping noise coming from the trailer so I pulled over. One of the two metal cross beams that support the fresh water tank snapped off on one side and was dragging on the ground. The water tank was about 3" from hitting the ground. Since our trailer is covered by Coach Net for the first Year I gave them a call and they sent out a trailer repair company (took 5 hours to get this all done). Before he arrived to reattach the beam I crawled under the trailer to see what really happened - I couldn't believe my eyes! This beam is mounted to the frame by only two very small screws. The screws snapped in 1/2. The tank was only half full of water so I would have never expected this. The repair man also could not believe how this beam could only have two small screws holding up the tank and we all know how heavy water is. He reattached the beam with 3 much stronger bolts on both sides of the beam. Now I think a may do this to the other beam on the other side of the tank. I bet the black and grey water tank is the same way. ------------- Jackdaddy |
Replies:
Posted By: Budward
Date Posted: 25 Jul 2014 at 5:12pm
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Good tip- I had noticed awhile back crawling around under mine only 2 screws on each end, not only that but the angle used to support the tank is too short so the end plates welded on are off the frame about 1/4" on mine. That can contribute to the screws breaking.... Now just imagine the black tank dropping down and getting punctured or scraped through on the road  ------------- 2014 179 Towed by a 2015 Ford Transit Diesel Supervised by a German/Aussie mix and a Labradoodle! |
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 25 Jul 2014 at 5:29pm
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Gross!!! ------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: freezingalaskan
Date Posted: 25 Jul 2014 at 5:58pm
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Thank you so much for posting this. I will definitely check under my trailer to see if this is something I can prevent happening to my Rpod.
freezingalaskan ------------- Volvo XC90 '13 rPod 179 '16 |
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 25 Jul 2014 at 8:41pm
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My guess the Vibes may be built the same way, I too will check under our camper to see how tanks are attached. Sorry for your trouble but thank you for posting what happened to you in that it may prevent someone else having the same problem. ------------- 2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018- 2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) Middle Tn 2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab |
Posted By: Budward
Date Posted: 26 Jul 2014 at 7:43am
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Tank support seems to be an industry problem since the manufacturers like to squeeze every last penny of profit out. Back in 99 or so my Tahoe toy hauler severely bent the thin sheet metal angle supports holding the 4 tanks*. I replaced them all with actual angle iron that was much stouter. Went from something like 1.5" angle that was 1/16 thick to 2" angle 3/16 thick. Problem solved. *Yep 4 tanks, one grey, one black, and two ea 50 gallon fresh water tanks. Toy Haulers back then were not seen much outside the dirt bike/ATV world in the deserts out west. ------------- 2014 179 Towed by a 2015 Ford Transit Diesel Supervised by a German/Aussie mix and a Labradoodle! |
Posted By: Mike B
Date Posted: 26 Jul 2014 at 10:14am
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Wow, I too will be crawling under our 177 to have a look.
Thanks for posting. |
Posted By: J-Cat
Date Posted: 26 Jul 2014 at 3:47pm
Thanks for this post. I checked under my 179 and found the same thing for all three tanks. Each tank had two beams with one beam being welded in place and the other bolted in place so it can be removed to replace/remove the tank. Although each bracket had three holes drilled only two sheet metal screws were used on each to attach it to the trailer frame. My biggest concern was on one end of the black tank were there was a noticeable gap between the bracket and the trailer frame (~1/4"). This would make it even more likely for these bolts to shear or pull out. I ended up adding a third 1/4" diameter screw to all except one end of the fresh water tank where I could not get access.  ------------- Jerry & Cathy 2015 RP-179 HRE 2013 Tacoma SR5 4x4 |
Posted By: svskier
Date Posted: 26 Jul 2014 at 4:22pm
Just spent the morning under the pod adding a third screw to the fresh black and gray water tanks. Also tightened all bolts I could get to, all were at least a half a turn loose  ------------- Mark 09 silverado 2500 hd 2013 pod 178 |
Posted By: Old Dingo&Mrs.Dingo
Date Posted: 26 Jul 2014 at 4:46pm
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Nightmare scenario! Looked under my 181 this morning and saw the same thing. I wasn't too worried about the black or gray tanks, they are always empty when I pull out from anywhere, camping or home. But I didn't like traveling with even 10 gallons in the fresh tank with out a better attachment. This morning I drilled through the frame and installed a 2 3/4" X 5/16" bolt and ny-lock nut in the 2 empty holes. I feel more secure now. ------------- Old Dingo and/or Mrs. Dingo 181G 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee |
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 27 Jul 2014 at 4:41am
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I looked under the Vibe and it's the same as the r-pod two 3/16" screws on each side of the front rail holding the fresh water tank. I don't know the strength of the screws but you would think that they should be a larger screw or bolt. My question is if you drill into the frame will you affect the strength of the frame enough to be concerned about? I am thinking of using a 1/4" bolt and attaching a bracket under the support rail on each side. That would require drilling two 1/4" holes through the frame. This is the first time ever heard of someone having a holding tank come lose on a r-pod so wandering if the risk is that great. ------------- 2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018- 2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) Middle Tn 2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab |
Posted By: Budward
Date Posted: 27 Jul 2014 at 7:43am
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Personally I avoid drilling holes into frames, as they do reduce the strength. Is it significant? I don't know, depends on how much the frame is over engineered. A single hole on one side reduces the strength less than a through hole in the same spot on both sides. Of course the smaller the hole the better. However- sometimes there is just no practical way to get around it. ------------- 2014 179 Towed by a 2015 Ford Transit Diesel Supervised by a German/Aussie mix and a Labradoodle! |
Posted By: Budward
Date Posted: 27 Jul 2014 at 9:19am
Just shot the missing screws in on mine- were yours really 3/16? Mine were #14 which is close to 1/4", take a 3/8 socket to drive them in. The 3/16 (#12) take a 5/16" socket. If yours were indeed #12 I'd pull them all out and replace with #14. One other thing- unlike J-Cats pics mine only had the bottom 2 screws in, the top was skipped on mine. The top hole was partially welded over, IOW it was too close to the edge of the frame and because of the weld not leaving a flat surface for the screw to tighten down- I drilled new holes about 1/4 to 3/8" down. ------------- 2014 179 Towed by a 2015 Ford Transit Diesel Supervised by a German/Aussie mix and a Labradoodle! |
Posted By: cody91
Date Posted: 27 Jul 2014 at 2:28pm
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I posted about this topic back in March 2014 shortly after I took delivery of my Rpod 178. http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2283&KW=water+tank+brackets&PID=44164&title=sagging-fresh-water-tank#44164 I didn't get a lot of responses at the time. I mentioned the problem to Forest River and all they offered was to send me a few extra bracket screws to help hold up the tank. So far I haven't done anything to the pod except tighten the screws a little. I have yet to travel with full tanks but this build quality does not give me confidence. Cody91 |
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 27 Jul 2014 at 2:59pm
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Sorry I was wrong. Budward, you are right 1/4" not 3/16". Still deciding if I want to drill holes in the frame or not but I can't think of any other way to strengthen the rail that holds the tank except for drilling holes in frame. I forget the frame size on the r-pods on the Vibe it is a 4" by 2" box frame. ------------- 2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018- 2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) Middle Tn 2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 27 Jul 2014 at 3:49pm
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Hey Guys, I'm really disappointed this problem exists. I didn't notice it on my Pod, but it may well have been there. I don't have my Pod anymore, but I'll add a few thoughts: Drilling extra holes in the Al frame should not be detrimental if they are well away from the top and bottom edges. From Budward's pix it looks like they would be. A hole in the center of the beam will have almost no effect. A hole right on the bottom edge could induce tearing, bad. An inch or so in from the edge should be OK. Stick with 1/4 inch and it should be fine. The bigger problem I see is the gap. Such a gap imparts a bending moment to the screws. Screws don't deal well with bending. Mild steel screws will bend and break, stainless screws are brittle and snap with no warning. The gaps need to be filled to limit the bending moment. Screws with their threads are strongest in shear, less so in tension or compression, and weakest in bending. If you use 1/4 screws try to fill the gaps under the screws with big 1/4 inch washers. Fender washers, 1/4" hole with larger outside diameter, would be good if you can find them and if they will fill. IMO it would be better to have no gaps and a tight stackup between screw head, bracket, and frame, even if this leaves a gap between bracket and frame, than to have a gap in the screw/bracket/frame stackup that allows the screw to bend. I hope this is clear as mud  ------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 28 Jul 2014 at 9:53pm
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Just to offer a counter-point, my pod now has over 15,000 miles on it, with many of those miles hard and bumpy. I usually travel with the fresh tank full, and many times with full waste tanks (and almost always at least partly full), without a failure. I haven't checked how many bolts/screws are installed but I'll be working on other things on the pod tomorrow so I'll take a look. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
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Posted By: wildfire305
Date Posted: 29 Jul 2014 at 5:09am
Checked mine yesterday to find all three tanks' brackets were short. Fresh water was nearly 1/2" gap. I added flat washers to fill the gap. Thanks OP for the tip.  ------------- 2005 Dodge Durango 4.7 V8 OLD Tow Vehicle 2004 Honda Odyssey 2015 RP179 "73b" OLD 2005 Viking Saga 2480ST popup |
Posted By: wildfire305
Date Posted: 29 Jul 2014 at 8:14am
Here is the fix should help to prevent the shearing. Thanks CharlieM
 ------------- 2005 Dodge Durango 4.7 V8 OLD Tow Vehicle 2004 Honda Odyssey 2015 RP179 "73b" OLD 2005 Viking Saga 2480ST popup |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 29 Jul 2014 at 8:39am
This picture should be hung on FR's Wall of Shame in their QA Dept. I hope someone from FR stumbles across this thread and takes some action in the factory. This is a three point serial failure: Engineering should have allowed for tolerances and expansion/contraction. Manufacturing should have maintained specified tolerances and flagged assembly problems. Quality assurance should have caught the problem and rejected it. ------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 29 Jul 2014 at 8:43am
Wildfire, Thanks for the pix. I hope this helps and avoids problems for you and others. ------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 29 Jul 2014 at 9:19am
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Although mine is pretty snug on both sides, I do wonder how many failures does it take to initiate a recall. This problem does not appear specific to the rPod: http://www.ncconsumer.org/news-articles/monaco%20rvs%20recalled%20water%20tank%20mounting%20system%20could%20fail.html - http://www.ncconsumer.org/news-articles/monaco%20rvs%20recalled%20water%20tank%20mounting%20system%20could%20fail.html http://www.rvbusiness.com/tag/rv-related-recalls/ - http://www.rvbusiness.com/tag/rv-related-recalls/ fred
------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: wildfire305
Date Posted: 29 Jul 2014 at 11:00am
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Spoke with my dealer about the QC issues. Bear in mind that I am still satisfied overall with the 179, and the sale. They apologized for the issue, and said that QC issues to some degrees are prevalent on most new trailers and they would be more than willing to fix anything else that I find at no charge. My dealer is only 30 minutes from my house, so it wouldn't be that terrible to take it to them if I found something else. They said they would share my findings with their Forest River Representative. ------------- 2005 Dodge Durango 4.7 V8 OLD Tow Vehicle 2004 Honda Odyssey 2015 RP179 "73b" OLD 2005 Viking Saga 2480ST popup |
Posted By: barbanjoe
Date Posted: 29 Jul 2014 at 11:08am
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Curious, is the problem with Indiana and Oregon built or only the west coast ones? ------------- BarbanJoe 010 Rpod 171 02 Jeep 4x4 12 Ram 1500 |
Posted By: Craneman
Date Posted: 29 Jul 2014 at 12:18pm
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Mine must not be a Friday or Monday pod. I checked the bolts on our 2010. Rp174 and all was well no gaps and all but two bold were tight. Just a full turn on the loose ones Moe ------------- Jo and Gary, 2010-174,2011 F150 
Jo and Gary 2010 174 2011 Ford 150 |
Posted By: wildfire305
Date Posted: 29 Jul 2014 at 5:06pm
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How does one determine where their R-pod was made? My data tag on the side makes no claims. ------------- 2005 Dodge Durango 4.7 V8 OLD Tow Vehicle 2004 Honda Odyssey 2015 RP179 "73b" OLD 2005 Viking Saga 2480ST popup |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 29 Jul 2014 at 5:39pm
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Just checked mine, two bolts on each bracket but no gaps. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: CasaJack
Date Posted: 29 Jul 2014 at 5:59pm
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I am glad my unfortunate situation brought this to light and that some of you have done some preventative maintenance.
------------- Jackdaddy |
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 29 Jul 2014 at 6:09pm
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CasaJack I was wondering how you would rate the response and service you got from Coach net? ------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: hogone
Date Posted: 29 Jul 2014 at 6:18pm
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ok, couldn't handle it any longer; had to look. 100% perfect fit, brackets tight against frame, no gap, custom fit to perfection. fr rocked on this pod. hogone ------------- Jon & Pam 2013 RP177 2010 F150 2017 HD Streetglide 2009 HD Lowrider CHEESEHEAD |
Posted By: wildfire305
Date Posted: 29 Jul 2014 at 6:18pm
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Maybe it's a 179 thing? ------------- 2005 Dodge Durango 4.7 V8 OLD Tow Vehicle 2004 Honda Odyssey 2015 RP179 "73b" OLD 2005 Viking Saga 2480ST popup |
Posted By: COSPod
Date Posted: 31 Jul 2014 at 10:32pm
My 2014 172 HRE has same issue, all 3 tanks door side have the gap. |
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 03 Aug 2014 at 7:38am
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Checked our 179 and it was all solid and tight. ------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: trvlnlite
Date Posted: 03 Aug 2014 at 8:06am
Checked the fresh water tank last evening and one side of the beam has at least a 1/2" gap between the plate and frame. And all three screws inserted at an angle. Freak show!  My hair stood on end! Will check them all out today and fill with washers if just those few. If they are all like this, I think I will seek more professional help. Who would have guessed? Thanks so much for all of your posts!------------- Have a great day...The Michelsens, 2015-182G and Boston's x 2 |
Posted By: Budward
Date Posted: 03 Aug 2014 at 8:16am
Must have been a new guy that did yours  ------------- 2014 179 Towed by a 2015 Ford Transit Diesel Supervised by a German/Aussie mix and a Labradoodle! |
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 03 Aug 2014 at 9:52am
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Budward, I also checked the exposed wood spot that you found that was on both sides of the step and that was all sealed. I agree a new guy or someone who take pride in their work!! ( getting to be a rare find!!!) ------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: wildfire305
Date Posted: 03 Aug 2014 at 9:54am
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Clearly the brackets are not the right size for the trailers, or the tolerances for them or the frame spec is way too loose. ------------- 2005 Dodge Durango 4.7 V8 OLD Tow Vehicle 2004 Honda Odyssey 2015 RP179 "73b" OLD 2005 Viking Saga 2480ST popup |
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 03 Aug 2014 at 3:12pm
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I would think that if this was a automobile there would be a recall. With the r-pods mentioned that have problems with brackets and screws that should be of some concern for safety that Forest River would want to have the holding tanks secured properly. RV's are very different from the automobile industry. ------------- 2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018- 2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) Middle Tn 2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab |
Posted By: wildfire305
Date Posted: 03 Aug 2014 at 7:13pm
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Several Tanks have to fall out before a recall would ever be issued. Business reputation is damaged by issuing a recall and they're not going to do it unless there is a "realized hazard" not just a "perceived hazard". The burden of proof is unfortunately on the consumer. Heaven forbid a company or person take responsibility for their own actions in today's society. ------------- 2005 Dodge Durango 4.7 V8 OLD Tow Vehicle 2004 Honda Odyssey 2015 RP179 "73b" OLD 2005 Viking Saga 2480ST popup |
Posted By: travelksjt
Date Posted: 04 Aug 2014 at 7:05pm
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Hi All my wife and i own a 2013 177. I looked under and found pretty much the samething as everyone else with a twist. My water tank and waste take only have screws in the bottom holes not the top... One of the water brackets has a twist on it to. I for the heck of it check to see if the bolts fell out of the top holes. Get this they were never drilled for bolts or anything How could FR let this go? the space for those top holes are very hard to get to. I am not sure if just replacing longer bolts in the smaller holes is enough to carry the weight. Anyone else have any thoughts on this. Thanks John i pull my 177 with a 2011 four runner
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Posted By: wildfire305
Date Posted: 04 Aug 2014 at 7:32pm
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Mine only has two screws in each side. That should be enough until they get rusty and their shear strength is lowered. ------------- 2005 Dodge Durango 4.7 V8 OLD Tow Vehicle 2004 Honda Odyssey 2015 RP179 "73b" OLD 2005 Viking Saga 2480ST popup |
Posted By: Blue's Pod
Date Posted: 28 Aug 2014 at 8:18pm
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Today our new 2015 r-pod 171 was delivered. Thanks to this forum and all the helpful information hubby was underneath checking this out. Two of the new screws were loose on the door side of the pod and there was the gap issue. He is working on getting it fixed. The only miles on the pod are from FR to Ohio, and then to NC. Also some of the wire wrap underneath had come loose. He refit the wires into the wrap and added some wrap on the wires to the sensors in the water and holding tanks that were not wrapped. |
Posted By: J&Jcf
Date Posted: 30 Aug 2014 at 1:50pm
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Checked my tank supports and all needed tightening. Only one bolt needed a washer behind it.other side of bracket was tight to frame.It was like the bracket was warped or welded poorly. Aok now.
This forum has been very helpful in researching for purchase and information to keep up dated 2011 171 pod purchased recently. ------------- J. - 2011 rpod 171 |
Posted By: frogpod
Date Posted: 03 Sep 2014 at 8:01pm
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Bought a used 2010 R171. Checked the tank brackets after reading these posts. THANKS FOR SHARING. All the bars were the correct length but only 2 screws in each bracket. One of the screws on the fresh water tank was sheared off....leaving one cheap screw holding it up. Added a bolt through the center of each bracket and also put in the missing screws so there now are three screws and one bolt in each bracket. A bolt in the center of the brackets and through the center of the frame should not make the frame weaker....if I recall my structural engineering classes correctly. ------------- Leo and Tami with Coltrane the Jack Russell Terrier 2010 Rpod 171 2003 Toyota Tacoma TRD |
Posted By: Sea pod
Date Posted: 03 Sep 2014 at 10:48pm
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Did the same....through bolted the support on fresh water tank. Like to travel with it full, it seems to pull better with a lower center of gravity. Just finished 3200 miles through the western states with thunder showers and high winds..no problems. ------------- TV..ford 350 Co pilot....Noreen Navigator...rosie |