Leaking Black Tank

[Dmcgrew]

I own a 2014 3402 and on my last trip after two days I began to smell a nasty odor, investigation found raw sewer leaking from beneath the front of the RV. Upon arriving home I dropped the bottom beneath the black water tank and found the tank was leaking significantly. I drained and flushed the tank and then filled with clear water and let it sit over night. No leak was seen in the morning. I then pushed on the bottom of the tank and water spilled out of the front of the tank, this is the opposite end from where the vent, toilet drop and drain are located. The leak was from the top of the tank not near the clean out spray connection.

The tank was dropped and I found the top front seam was broken with 12" of the top plastic split. Has anyone else experienced this type of tank failure? Any ideas as to what would cause this?

[1retired06]

Yes, but the bottom seam. Did not figure out why. I avoid traveling with full tanks even though I know that is what they are for. Good news for us, it only happened once. I repaired myself since we were out of warranty. Some folks have determined the cause to be lack of adequate bracing for the tank, on certain installs.

[richfaa]

Two Montana's a 06 3400 and a 13 3402 Big Sky Total of 7 failed holding tanks 5 on the 06 3400 2 so far on the 13 3402. 06 3400 2 gray, two galley,one black
13 one galley, one gray. We do not travel with fluid in tanks. The two tanks in the 13 big sky failed while sitting on our winter lot in Florida.. Some failed at the seam some at the inlet.

[Dmcgrew]

Wow!! sounds like I have been lucky to only have one of the poor quality tanks fail. Does anyone know of better quality replacement tanks from after market source

[Art-n-Marge]

Dmcgrew... have we all become so resigned to settle on lesser quality? I find your statement, "... lucky to only have one of the poor quality tanks fail." quite humorous and ironic that you actually feel lucky. I do get your sentiments and only wonder that the aftermarket source sells you the same quality tanks being installed at a factory. How does one know?

[tanner1070]

I had the exact same problem. Leaking at the front seam and beyond in both directions of the black tank. I caused it myself...while back-flushing the tank after draining it I got to talking to a neighbor and lost track of time. I suddenly heard a loud POP and immediately realized what I had done.Still had a thousand miles and two weeks to go before I could get home to fix it. Got it all patched up now with Plasti Seal. Suppose to be stronger than new. Plan to re-install it this weekend. Lesson learned...