Water tank support

[PNW Fireguy]

Can anyone tell me how the water tanks are installed in the Montana’s? Are the cross members between the frame irons a top the corroplast the only thing supporting the water tank and it’s weight?

[RichR]

Most have straps under/around to hold them up. Plus maybe cross members.

[Mudchief]

There are 3 straps that support the tank. The two angle supports are there to support the tank if the straps break.

[PNW Fireguy]

Thanks. I am assuming that the spray insulation surrounds the tank as well. I am going to have a hitch fabricated and installed and possibly install a power cord reel as well. I am going to start taking the nails out tomorrow.

[Mudchief]

There are no insulation around the tank. They put foam around the drain.

[scottz]

On my unit there are

1. two angle iron supports above the coroplast that run between the frame rails and support the long sides of the water tank on the bottom
2. three straps above the coroplast running between the two angle irons
3. below the coroplast, there are two channels that run between the frame rails supporting the bottom of the tank

Here is a thread with some photos.

http://www.montanaowners.com/forums/...ad.php?t=74313

Since the long angle irons are welded to the frame, I think the factory installs the tank from the top before the floor is put in place.

[rohrmann]

Actually, the construction starts with the frame upside down, and tanks, electric, hydraulic, and anything else that is placed below the floor level is installed, then the coroplast is installed, and the suspension. It is possible that the fresh tank comes in from the top, not real sure about that. Then the entire unit is flipped over and the rest of the build continues.

[Texan]

Bob, have you done any bracing on your fresh water tank. I know you have on the black and gray and I have also but wondering how hard it is to do the fresh water. Don't dry camp much but don't want to drop the fresh water tank on the road like some have when traveling full.

[Mudchief]

Texan, on my unit the 2 angle iron that go side to side were too close. If the bands broke it would allow the tank to drop to the ground. What I did was to move the front one about 8 inches to the front. Now it will keep the tank from falling to the ground.

[PNW Fireguy]

I thought perhaps the sprayed insulation around the drain filled the cavity... not. Now at least I know there is plenty of clearance from the tank to drill the frame for power cord reel but one modification at a time.

[beeje]

One of the rails/side to side supports should not be welded in place. It is probably just screwed in place with self taping screws like mine were. Mine only had one screw per side holding the rail on. I added 2 through bolts to each side.

Think about it. If both rails were welded in place, replacing a tank would be a nightmare.

[Texan]

Originally Posted by Mudchief

Texan, on my unit the 2 angle iron that go side to side were too close. If the bands broke it would allow the tank to drop to the ground. What I did was to move the front one about 8 inches to the front. Now it will keep the tank from falling to the ground.

Thanks Dennis, I think I will tackle that problem. You love dry camping so i know you don't want to lose a tank.