water tank came loose while travelling

my water tank came loose and was dragging on floor, had to dissconnect Tank is now damaged, ANY SUGGESTIONS!

I think I would be on the phone to A/S tomorrow AM in the strongest terms assuming the year build is fairly recent even if not in warranty. That should not happen. I have heard of others having similar problems with different models.

While I sympathise with these situations, surely it's up to owners to check the condition of the straps and fixings of water tanks. When filled or even part filled there must be enormous strain on the fittings hence why Auto-Sleeper recommend you don't drive around with full tanks? As the vehicle ages these fixing are more likely to fail so if others have not checked theirs then do so at your earliest convenience, or ask it to be checked at your annual MOT by the tester as it probably is not even part of the MOT

Having heard of a gas tank doing the same, I'm beginning to think I may install a couple of stainless steel straps or chains, firmly fixed to something metallic on the chassis.

Not necessarily to give additional support, but to act as a safety net if a tank should happen to come loose.

I know it's a remote possibility in either case (or the waste tank) but it would be a once only, fit and forget exercise, and would give some peace of mind if nothing else.

Dave

There is an old (2012) thread on this subject...

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It seems i have been doing the wrong thing as i always fill the water tank to the top before we go away.
I have just check the tank and i can(with force)move the bracket,is that to allow for expansion when full.

Rich

rich g wrote:It seems i have been doing the wrong thing as i always fill the water tank to the top before we go away.
I have just check the tank and i can(with force)move the bracket,is that to allow for expansion when full.
Rich

Me too in that case Rich!

When we had our first van I asked the dealer, and his opinion was, "If it will hold 100 litres Messrs Autosleepers will have made the brackets strong enough to support the weight. No point in providing that capacity if you can't make use of it."

I have always filled our tank to the brim before setting out. Particularly when travelling in France we are often unsure of where we shall stay the night, and could easily go for 3 or 4 days using only Aires if it's a long journey. We always use campsites if we are staying for more than one night, but Aires are very handy for stopping en route, and by no means all of them have facilities.

If you are doing it wrong, at least I have company!

Dave

Sorry I am a bit slow in picking up on this thread, but just to add that it is obviously not uncommon. The second trip out in my new Worcester three years ago and I just happened to spot one of the two straps hanging down beneath the van whilst pitched up - it would certainly have dropped on the return journey if I had not seen it. They seem to be held by self-locking nuts (or not as the case may be). The breakdown mechanic restored it and fitted locking nuts. This is the very last thing that should be allowed to occur and I definitely think that it is a very poor bit of design that permits it. The consequences do not bear thinking about. Time for Autosleepers to take action.

Graham

Royston, what vehicle do you have as your profile vehicle sys none?

I too travel with a full tank at times and if that is not the done thing I might as well get rid and go back to my caravan. 

Peter Brown wrote:I'm on my 4th AS van in 10 years.  I always travel with a full fresh water tank (as Jaytee says what is the point of having a tank if you don't use it) and over circa 80,000 miles have had no problem (with tank fixings!).

Peter #1

Excellent  good result, thanks Peter.

I also travel with a full tank from home , then top up with a watering can every two/three days. I always thought motor homes were self sufficient, caravans on the other hand there is a lot of faffing about as I call it.

Is it the newer vans where the hangers etc. are a bit iffy ? so not built to be as robust as the older models.

That is what I meant Daisy Mae; we converted to MH for that self sufficiency (plus the other benefits)  so if as AS say you should not travel with full tanks then I might as well return to the hassle of a caravan. However Peter (as normal) has restored my faith