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06-20-2010, 06:05 PM
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#1
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Winnebago Owner
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 177
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Propane Tank Leak
On our recent trip we were awakened by the propane detector. I shut off the valve on the tank and aired the entire coach even though the propane smell was only "slight".
Bubble tests on the tank found the leak to be from a crack at the location where the mounting brackets are welded to the tank on the back side of the tank. See photos of mirror view showing the bracket, magnified bubble test, and tank label.
I contacted Winnabago and they said that although some tanks had been recalled, mine was not one of them. They asked for photos (which I sent) and they forwarded these to Manchester Tank. They declined to offer any assistance and I was forced to buy a new tank at $1300 (did not have the time to shop around as we were on the road).
I was wondered if anyone else had a similar tank failure.
Last comment: Thank goodness we had the good sam extended warranty
jim & debbie, 04 Journey 34H + suzuki toad
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06-20-2010, 06:11 PM
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#2
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Winnie-Wise
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 478
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WOW! THANKS I have a 2004 Journey and will go out and look the tank. Even tho' propane is heavier than air and is supposed to go down to the ground and dissipate that is scary and has real potential for a very major problem. I'm happy you found this before a serious accident happened.
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Bob, Sandi & Marmaduke the Big Pug
SW OREGON 2004 Journey 39K, 330 Cat
If towing: a 2006 Mini Cooper or 1995 Wrangler
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06-20-2010, 07:32 PM
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#3
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Winnie-Wise
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Full Time, TX Home Base
Posts: 432
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The tank could probably be repaired and stamped with a repair stamp at an ASME certified shop for less than a new tank.
Does the new tank have a reinforcing pad at that location.
Ken
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Amateur Radio Operator (KE5DFR)|Full-Time! - 2012 6.7L Ford Crew Cab Dually -2013 HitchHiker Champagne 38RLRSB - Travel with one Standard Schnauzer and one small Timneh African Gray Parrot
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06-20-2010, 08:26 PM
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#4
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Winnebago Owner
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 177
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Ken,
The tank does not have a reinforcing pad. The brackets are set perpendicular to the tank and then welded on one side.
My brother said he would only weld it if we could be sure that the tank was empty, but I was afraid to vent it to the air.
thanks
jim & debbie, 04 journey 34H + suzuki toad
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06-20-2010, 08:35 PM
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#5
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Winnebago Master
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,080
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I believe a ASME certified tank is certified against all defects for a period of 10 years. We had a problem with the blow out plug leaking on our tank (defective weld). Even though the coach was well out of warranty I took pictures and contacted Winnebago. I made sure they understood the problem was a defective weld and also asked they present it to Manchester. Manchester at first wasn't interested in replacing the tank untill I questioned exactly what the 10 year warranty covered. When the response was "defective materials and workmanship" I asked why a defective weld would not come under that definition. With little further discussion they replaced the tank. Our only charges were for shipping and a new tank of propane.
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Hikerdogs
2013 Adventurer 32H
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06-20-2010, 08:56 PM
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#6
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Winnebago Camper
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 26
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Tanks can be welded providing they are steamed cleaned first and steam is run in the tank while welding. This is a proven and accepted method for weld on any fuel tank.
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06-20-2010, 09:50 PM
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#7
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Winnie-Wise
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 296
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The cracked mount appears to be the same as the mount on my 03 Journey. Mine was recalled and they installed a different bracket that wraps around the tank.
I don't know why they would not include the pictured tank also as it appears to be the same.
__________________
ernieh
2019 Phaeton 37BH
2003 Journey DL
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06-20-2010, 11:26 PM
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#8
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Winnebago Owner
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 177
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Thanks for the replies. I was not aware of ASME and the possibility that they could repair the tank. Thanks for info
jim
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06-22-2010, 08:18 PM
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#9
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Winnebago Camper
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 5
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Same problem, same cost of repair, on our 2004 Journey 32T. Winnebago took no responsibility for problem, took forever to ship the replacement, which was 1 of 2 in stock. The recall for similar sounding problem did not include ours with a January 2004 production date.
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06-22-2010, 08:26 PM
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#10
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Winnie-Wise
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 277
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June 22, 2010 at 10:22 PM
Results :3|All records displayed
Make: WINNEBAGO Model: JOURNEY Model Year: 2004 Manufacturer: WINNEBAGO INDUSTRIES, INC. Mfr's Report Date: FEB 20, 2004 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 04V114000 N/A NHTSA Action Number:N/A Component: EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE:LPG TANK ASSEMBLY Potential Number of Units Affected: 5143 Summary:
ON CERTAIN MOTORHOMES, THE LP TANK HAS STRESS ON WELD JOINTS AT THE POINT WHERE MOUNTING BRACKETS ARE WELDED TO THE TANK. Consequence:
THIS COULD CAUSE STRESS CRACKS AT THE WELD JOINTS AND LEAD TO AN LP LEAK AND CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY AND/OR VEHICLE DAMAGE. Remedy:
DEALERS WILL REINSTALL A CRADLE-STYLE CARRIER, AND, IF NECESSARY REPLACE THE LP TANK. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 25, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT WINNEBAGO AT 641-585-6939. Notes:
WINNEBAGO RECALL NO. 90. CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236). Check to Request Research. Submit below.
Make: WINNEBAGO Model: JOURNEY Model Year: 2004 Manufacturer: WINNEBAGO INDUSTRIES, INC. Mfr's Report Date: SEP 23, 2004 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 04V608000 N/A NHTSA Action Number:N/A Component: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY Potential Number of Units Affected: 6201 Summary:
CERTAIN SEAT BELT BUCKLES ON SOME MOTOR HOMES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE LOAD REQUIREMENT OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES." Consequence:
THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE MAY UNLATCH IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN PERSONAL INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT. Remedy:
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BUCKLES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 12, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT AMSAFE AT 1-574-266-8330 OR WINNEBAGO AT 1-800-537-1885. Notes:
WINNEBAGO RECALL NO. 92. CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236. Check to Request Research. Submit below.
Make: WINNEBAGO Model: JOURNEY Model Year: 2004 Manufacturer: WINNEBAGO INDUSTRIES, INC. Mfr's Report Date: SEP 02, 2005 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 05V407000 N/A NHTSA Action Number:N/A Component: EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE Potential Number of Units Affected: 1367 Summary:
ON CERTAIN MOTOR HOMES, THE ROOF VENT FOR THE OPTIONAL 4-DOOR REFRIGERATOR WAS INCORRECTLY LOCATED. Consequence:
THIS CAN ALLOW EXCESSIVE HEAT BUILDUP WHICH HAS THE POTENTIAL TO IGNITE SURROUNDING MATERIALS, RESULTING IN PERSONAL INJURY AND/OI VEHICLE AND PROPERTY DAMAGE. Remedy:
DEALERS WILL RELOCATE THE ROOF VENT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 9, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT WINNEBAGO AT 1-641-585-6939. Notes:
WINNEBAGO RECALL NO. 96. CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION¿S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236; (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO http://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV. Check to Request Research. Submit below.
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2008 Itasca Latitude 39W. Cummins ISB 6.7 Turbo 340HP. Allison 6 Speed. Freightliner XCS. Michelin XRV 255/80R 22.5 LRG. SuperSteer MCU. Safe-T-Plus.
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06-23-2010, 10:47 AM
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#11
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Winnebago Camper
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 5
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Complaint registered with NHTSA after Winnebago again refused responsibility based on VIN of our 2004 Journey 32T. If you have had similar experience with your Journey please register complaint with NHTSA as Winnebago said will only respond when sufficient number incidents are reported. Found cavalier attitude on part of Winnebago disturbing, particularly since this is a significant safety issue.
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08-22-2010, 01:09 PM
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#12
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Winnebago Owner
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 177
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Ticeman,
My mistake, after viewing the backside of the new tank I found that the new tank does in fact have reinforcing pads under the mounting brackets.
jim & debbie, 04 Journey 34H, suzuki toad
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08-22-2010, 02:02 PM
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#13
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Winnie-Wise
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: south NJ
Posts: 423
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Very Interesting. Being a ASME certified welder. My tank is good. We fill the gas lines with nitrogen then weld. Must have been a friday tank from Manchester. Long lunches. C U LATER.
__________________
2001 32-V Suncruiser,Ford V-10, 310 HP, 4 Koni FSD's, KVH Tracvision,trickle charge, awning travel lock, 1 dinning room slide; no roof leaks, 03malibu toad sometimes, Blackhawk all terrain towbar, Roadmaster brake Pro,1 wife,1 westy, life is good!
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