Water tank dropped on driveway

[Fedfire37]

I have a 2015 Z-1 211RD TT. I was filling my fresh water tank with the garden hose like I have many times. I went to do some weedeating while it filled. I heard a loud bang over the sound of the weedeater. My 40G fresh tank was laying on the driveway with both straps broken where they bolt to the frame. I don't know if the vent was clogged and caused an over pressure? Either way, if it's not covered under my extended warranty and it's up to me to fix, those flimsy straps are going in the scrap pile. Glad it didn't happen on the highway!

[mark5w]

Here's a thread that should help you. http://www.crossroadsowners.com/foru...too-11899.html

[morphrider]

I keep reading more and more about this type of issue. I think I will be doing some preventative maintenance very soon on mine. I have always wondered about the sagging I get during fill up time...

[Bowhunter]

Hey fedfire, it's good it happened in your driveway. This is the worst design, given that in my case 54 gallons asking two straps held by tech screws to the frame to support 400 lbs. I'm not an engineer but the moving compounds that force by maybe at least two??
Check my previous posts on fallen fresh water tank. Can be done by yourself, if you have the enclosed belly (hardest part of project) another hand is helpful. Check my photos and those posted by others. I've since added two additional aluminum "C" channel for added protection. I saw this by another CR poster, and I figured why not? More is better. Good luck. I'll try to attach recent photo of the added c channel.

[Fedfire37]

Thanks for the replies. I have the dealer coming out tomorrow to fix it. The only thing my extended warranty doesn't cover is the cost of the $10 straps. I intend to reinforce it additionally as others have as well. It actually bent the factory C channel on the back side which probably allowed the tank to slip out and shock load the straps. Both straps broke clean where the holes are drilled for the tech screws.

[r2millers]

Yes, that c channel isn't very secure once the tank is full.
I have side by side tanks with about a 4" gap between and when my black tank fell...at a campground...I was filling it back up after dumping with my San I tee. I know they don't recommend using the sank i tee unless the drains open but that's another discussion.
I put a gusset between tanks to support the c channel from flexing out and reinforced the opposite side to eliminate the issue again.
It's such a known failure point, yet, that one tech screw process seems to still remains at the factory.
Go figure.

[Fedfire37]

Just got it back from the dealer today. Warranty covered all but $20.15 for screws, nuts, and great stuff. They reinforced the C channels and welded ears on the bottom of the C channel to bolt angle iron across the tank in 2 places running front to back. I don't think I'll have this problem again.

[MartyinSC]

Originally Posted by Fedfire37

Just got it back from the dealer today. Warranty covered all but $20.15 for screws, nuts, and great stuff. They reinforced the C channels and welded ears on the bottom of the C channel to bolt angle iron across the tank in 2 places running front to back. I don't think I'll have this problem again.

I have the exact same year, make, and model. Did they talk of any recall, i.e. to fix this before disaster strikes, or only to fix those that break?
I'd like to have them do this fix for me.

[Bowhunter]

Similar to my posts, "fallen water tank" glad it worked out for you.
It seems to be an accident waiting to happen, given 400 lbs resting on two rails. The straps in my opinion are useless. Maybe only to arrest a complete exit of the tank.
If you could post pic for others to view would be helpful.
I'm out of warranty, and I fixed myself but this is potential problem for others.
Glad it worked out for you.

[Fedfire37]

I will post a couple pics when I get home Thursday.

[Bowhunter]

Great! Look forward to seeing pictures.
I think for those of us who boon or dry camp, it's not a question of if but when a FW holding tank will fail.

[r2millers]

Nice fix Bowhunter. Never have to think about it again!
Now, how about the the other(s) tanks?

[Dayle1]

Originally Posted by Bowhunter

Similar to my posts, "fallen water tank" glad it worked out for you.
It seems to be an accident waiting to happen, given 400 lbs resting on two rails. The straps in my opinion are useless. Maybe only to arrest a complete exit of the tank.
If you could post pic for others to view would be helpful.
I'm out of warranty, and I fixed myself but this is potential problem for others.
Glad it worked out for you.

That is how I fixed the tank on my previous Cruiser. Keeps the cross members from flexing and the plywood from bowing. Haven't done anything on this Cruiser and while I never travel with a full tank, I do fill it on occasion.

[Bowhunter]

Fingers crossed on the waste tanks, but I always empty both completely before CG departure. The only worry is the 400 lbs of FW en route to CG prior to initial set up.

[Fedfire37]

[DavisK]

I want to add some support to my tanks too for the peace of mind. I believe that I will drop the belly to do it. While I have it down, I'll add some insulation before putting the belly back in place.

[morphrider]

Originally Posted by morphrider

I keep reading more and more about this type of issue. I think I will be doing some preventative maintenance very soon on mine. I have always wondered about the sagging I get during fill up time...

Well, procrastination got to me. On a trip from Colorado to Kortez dam in Wyoming last weekend when out in BFE my rear strap broke. Luckily my brother was behind me, flagged me down and we were able to strap the water tank with ratchet straps. Tank didn’t fall, but now I for sure need to do this. I was thinking just adding L-metal that’s readily available. Will be better than those straps anyway.