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Topic ClosedBlack tank fell from r-pod - Event Date: 03 Nov 2016
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CharlieM View Drop Down
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Posts: 1797 		Direct Link To This Post Calendar Event: Black tank fell from r-pod
    Posted: 17 Mar 2016 at 7:07pm
Originally posted by jstrenn



But then I started doing the math, each tank is a 30 gallon tank.  Thats 250 Lbs.  Divided that in 2 because there are a front and rear bracket for each tank.  So thats 125 Lbs per bracket.  Now divided that in half again because the bracket is mounted on each end.  So now were down to 62.5 Lbs.  I had 2 screws on each end, so divide that in half again so each screw only has to support about 31 Lbs.  Maximum with a fully loaded tank.  

So looking at it like that I don't think there is any need to panic.  I feel each screw is more than capable of handling 31 Lbs.

Just my thoughts...


You're probably correct if the screws are:

a) Present
b) Not twisted off or stripped
c) Installed without gaps between brackets and frame

These conditions are not always met, apparently. I believe #12 or #14 sheet metal screws would be adequate. I don't know what size is being used today. The worst cases are where there are gaps between the brackets and the frame. That puts a bending load on the screws, the weakest mode for a screw.



Charlie
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OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD
PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD
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jstrenn View Drop Down
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Posts: 71 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 Mar 2016 at 6:13pm
I've been reading this thread since it started.  It even prompted me to take a trip out to the storage lot I use and check on the brackets installed on my 2015 RP178.  I crawled under and found everything looked like it fit tightly and found no gaps.  However the screws do seem a little undersized (in my opinion).

But then I started doing the math, each tank is a 30 gallon tank.  Thats 250 Lbs.  Divided that in 2 because there are a front and rear bracket for each tank.  So thats 125 Lbs per bracket.  Now divided that in half again because the bracket is mounted on each end.  So now were down to 62.5 Lbs.  I had 2 screws on each end, so divide that in half again so each screw only has to support about 31 Lbs.  Maximum with a fully loaded tank.  

So looking at it like that I don't think there is any need to panic.  I feel each screw is more than capable of handling 31 Lbs.

Just my thoughts...
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Happy Tripping View Drop Down
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Posts: 473 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 Mar 2016 at 12:01pm
I looked at my 2 year old 171, bolts look secure and close-fitting. 

My guess is that changes in the basic design for additional things - slides, greater length, etc resulted in 'teething problems. I am sure FR will get this straight with time, but they have a clear responsibility to recall all of the defective trailers for appropriate correction, just like all car manufacturers are required to do now.
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Retroactive View Drop Down
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Posts: 270 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16 Mar 2016 at 10:50pm
Those screws are not meant for significant load bearing. I would not trust them with anything more than holding together body or widow panels. Someone threw engineering out the window in favor of saving factory man hours. Through bolt and a few drops of Loc-Tite, that would probably last the lifetime of the RV.
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Posts: 40 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16 Mar 2016 at 9:24pm
In my opinion, perfect from the factory is not properly attached.  If someone hasn't modified them, it needs real bolts or screws to be properly attached. 


Leo and Tami
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cactus View Drop Down
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Posts: 6 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16 Mar 2016 at 9:17pm
I crawled beneath my new 179 and found the tanks were properly attached. Several other small items need to be taken care of and that is scheduled for Tuesday.

cactus
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Podinaroundbc View Drop Down
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Posts: 34 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16 Mar 2016 at 8:42pm
Thanks for the heads up. Will check ours this weekend.
Art & Brenda

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StephenH View Drop Down
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Posts: 6289 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 Mar 2016 at 10:04pm
I will wait and see what it looks like after the dealer repairs it. If I don't like it, I will put at least one bolt through the frame on each bracket, possibly two per bracket.

Jato,  Overall, I really like my R-Pod 179. The rust I spotted has already been wire-brushed and painted. The worst spot looks like there was something on the spot, possibly a support while the frame was being painted. There did not appear to be any paint on that spot.

This cross-member problem is something that should have been fixed a long time ago. Perhaps the actual number of incidents where tanks have fallen off are so low that the bean counters figured it was more cost effective to repair the ones that broke rather than fix it right on all of them. Everyone who has had a tank come loose or fall of needs to report this to the NHTSA. That is probably the only way it will get enough attention to actually be fixed.

The good thing is that Forest River will cover this defect. The bad thing is that it means an extra two trips to the dealer. Once this week to take it there and another to pick it up the next week. I don't think Forest River will cover my mileage expenses to do this.

On top of that, we had a thunderstorm with large hail that dented up our new car. Ouch Some of the hail measured quarter-sized or a little larger. While the dents are not large, there are a number of them.
StephenH
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Planetwister View Drop Down
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Posts: 22 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 Mar 2016 at 9:55pm
Originally posted by marwayne

I put a strap under my fresh water tank, I will put a strap on the other 2 tanks.



Great idea! I will be doing the same
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marwayne View Drop Down
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Posts: 1002 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 Mar 2016 at 7:52pm
I put a strap under my fresh water tank, I will put a strap on the other 2 tanks.

If you want something done right, do it yourself.
2011 RP172, 2016 Tundra 5.7 Litre, Ltd.


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