[VAC] Re: fresh water tank removal

["Harvey Barlow" <harveybarlow@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Derek,

I replaced one on a '93 Excella about two years ago.  The tank is secured
from the underside inside a metal tank cover which is mounted with a series
of bolts through a lip around the perimeter of the cover.  On the '93, the
belly skin did not cover and conceal the tank cover.  It was visible and
accessible from under the trailer.  The only attachments were the fill line,
vent line, suction line to the water pump, and wires for the tank gauge that
must be removed from above.

Earlier A/Ss completely enclosed the underside of the trailer with belly
skin which runs from stem to stern and is attached using pop rivets.  You
will have to drill out the pop rivets and drop the belly skin to gain access
on a '73 if I remember correctly.  Once the belly skin is removed I think
you'll see what needs to be done to drop the tank and it should be a
relatively easy job.

Make sure, of course, that the trailer is safely supported on stands.  I
feel more comfortable working under one when the frame is resting on several
stacks of concrete blocks with a small block of wood between trailer and
each stack of blocks to protect the belly skin.

Harvey Barlow
WBCCI # 1171, WDCU, VAC