Plastic Holding Tanks

Carle · 07-26-2007, 05:02 PM

I have a holding tank that is sagging a little near the discharge opening. This causes the opening to not be horizontal which makes the match-up with the dump valves not parallel and difficult to keep sealed. Fortunately, it's the gray tank.

Does anyone know why I can't or shouldn't heat the tank a little with a heat gun and push it back into shape to align it like it should be?

Carle McFarland, 2004 Journey 36G

Carle · 07-26-2007, 05:02 PM

I have a holding tank that is sagging a little near the discharge opening. This causes the opening to not be horizontal which makes the match-up with the dump valves not parallel and difficult to keep sealed. Fortunately, it's the gray tank.

Does anyone know why I can't or shouldn't heat the tank a little with a heat gun and push it back into shape to align it like it should be?

Carle McFarland, 2004 Journey 36G

John_Canfield · 07-27-2007, 02:42 AM

That kind of plastic might have strange consequences when heated. I have experimented with repairing plastics after I bought a plastic "welding" kit which uses heated compressed air and plastic "welding" rods. There is a critical temperature where the plastic is pliable and then with a little more heat, it melts. All of my efforts were a dismal failure and the kit is now gathering dust.

I think that's one to run by the Winnie factory techs.

Carle · 07-27-2007, 07:44 AM

Thanks John,

I talked to Winne tech today to ask if there was a reason why the plastic (polypropoline) should not be heated. He said the idea sounded like a good one but, of course, could not guarantee success.

I tried it and it worked. The system is now back together and it fits better and does not leak. I hope it stays that way.

Carle McFarland, 2004 Journey 36G

RocketDork · 07-27-2007, 08:53 AM

If there is space, I think I would fabricate some sort of support for the area. That would ensure that you don't have the problem again.

Carle · 07-27-2007, 01:36 PM

Thanks RocketDork,

I examined the area pretty closely and concluded that if I put in an additional support, it would have to be a thin piece of pretty strong sheet metal that would stretch between two tube frame pieces. I'll wait and see what happens, but thanks for your thoughts.

Carle McFarland, 2004 Journey 36G

Paul Heuvelhorst · 07-27-2007, 02:56 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">...if I put in an additional support, it would have to be a thin piece of pretty strong sheet metal that would stretch between two tube frame pieces. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
"Plumbers Tape", the perforated metal strapping, available at any good hardware store, sounds like the thing you need to provide the additional support. Use 1/4" bolts at each end to ensure a solid support to the frame.

Carle · 07-27-2007, 03:28 PM

Paul,

Good idea but no room. 'Plumbers tape' is a good support for vertical applications at the edges. This item needs support under the middle and no space is available to hang anything on.

Thanks anyway.

Carle McFarland, 2004 Journey 36G