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Topic: 1988 Water tank replacement (fresh water) (Read 230 times) previous topic - next topic
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1988 Water tank replacement (fresh water)
Anybody done this recently? Contemplating a fly-in purchase of an 1988 mp with a compromised fresh water tank. Replacements unavailable at MS. Help !
Re: 1988 Water tank replacement (fresh water)
Reply #1 –
Here are links to four sources of RV fresh water tanks; there are probably more.

RV Water Tanks | Camper Fresh Water Tanks

http://www.tank-depot.com/product.aspx?id=162

Rectangular RV Tanks

RV Fresh Water Tanks, Accessories, 6, 15, 40 Gallon Water Tank Systems

You would need to know the exact size and configuration of the current tank  in the '88 you seem to be planning to buy, and also the fittings and hoses required to install and plumb it. If the factory isn't able to help with the specs, it would seem that you'd need to take the measurements details from the rig itself before ordering something that might not fit.

In what way is the water tank "compromised"? Is the issue something that could be repaired instead of replacing the whole tank and connections?
2003 TK has a new home
Re: 1988 Water tank replacement (fresh water)
Reply #2 –
Quote from: Mark Saleby  - 
Anybody done this recently? Contemplating a fly-in purchase of an 1988 mp with a compromised fresh water tank. Replacements unavailable at MS. Help !
Remove the water tank, clean it exceptionally well, and then take it to a plastic fabrication shop, preferably one that deals with RV tanks.
Contact your local RV shops and find where they get their tanks repaired or built.
The tanks are made of thermoplastic that an be hot-air welded, if cracked. New outlets can be 'spun' welded in.
Forget about glueing the damage, weld it.

Since the plastic is almost 30 years old, it may not be repairable.
Tanks can be custom build out of flat plastic panels, air-welded together.

Do check the area around the water tank for rot, a bad water tank usually means a leaking water tank.
The water tank is above the floor, a leak could rot the floor framing, check this out well.
Damaged floor framing is just about impossible to repair. Walk away if any signs of rot are present.
There are way too many old LDs with rot.  90% of 25+ year old LDs, that I have looked at, have rot, especially in the overhead bunk and in the rear wall and windows.
Beware, especially on a sight unseen purchase.

Not sure how far I would be willing to travel to see a thirty year old LD. IMO, anything that old is hobby vehicle.
I always recommend buying a post 1990 LD, when the leak prone front cap was replaced with the molded plastic cap.
The leak prone front window was also removed at this time, a definite upgrade.

Larry

Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: 1988 Water tank replacement (fresh water)
Reply #3 –
How do you even get the tank out without removing the entire side of the LD?
1997 TK
Re: 1988 Water tank replacement (fresh water)
Reply #4 –
I have a '88 mid bath and a plan sheet. Let me look at the plan sheet.
Rodney
1988 Mid Bath
Re: 1988 Water tank replacement (fresh water)
Reply #5 –
Its not the same hes dealing with a Multi Plan
2009 Kodiak 32 foot Island Bed
Re: 1988 Water tank replacement (fresh water)
Reply #6 –
Where is the multi plan water tank located? 
I assume, under the sink and stove?? I found pictures of an '89, not there.
So ... where is the water tank? 
Rodney
1988 Mid Bath
Re: 1988 Water tank replacement (fresh water)
Reply #7 –
Many times floor repairs in limited areas ARE possible, I've done it myself on an '83, but since I already owned it and had used it for many years, i had nothing to lose. It is a big risk when an unknown purchase. That said, EVERY water tank can be accessed and removed from inside the rig, usually involving just the removal of a lot of screws and some minor hidden woodwork.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: 1988 Water tank replacement (fresh water)
Reply #8 –
Thank you all for the input.I'm aware of all the caveats and will be buying a round-trip air ticket in case there is undeclared rot.
The information about repairability of plastic tanks particularly valuable, Thank you. Obviiosly the MP photographs extremely well or I would not be contemplating this adventure !