Toyomafia - The Clubhouse. 151.880

I think I mentioned it a while back, but our last camping trip, we arrived at the lake and after setting up the travel travel, I noticed hoses hanging down. Upon inspection I saw that the fresh water tank had fallen out on the way, ripping everything out with it. I still have no clue how I didn't feel over 300lbs just falling off,or how it didn't hit the tires or anything else.
Anyways upon returning I found out that it's a dealer only item and unlike vehicles, they usually only make parts a few years afterwards (trailer is a 2014). Found one dealer that could locate the tank for $119, but suggested I wait for freight charges to settle down. 4 weeks later said dealer was unable to order the tank. After many, many phone calls I found another dealer who after much searching found one and recommended I order it immediately or probably never get one again.
Four more weeks and at a new and improved cost of $159 and a freight charge of $181(plus just under $100 for fittings, hose,etc), I now have a new water tank.
Turns out that all that held all that weight was a thin cheap ass piece of angle iron that you could twist in your hands. The tank just sits on the little edge you can see in the pics on the angle iron, nothing supporting the bottom (old one was bowed down)
So. Plan is- step 1- hammer the fuck out of the old support to straighten it and weld another piece of angle for reinforcement. This step is done along with welding a couple of bolts to the side of the angle iron so I can add straps (like what holds up a gas tank). Ordered metal strapping usually used to anchor sheds and mobile homes down that Amazon should deliver tomorrow.
What a fucking PITA.

 

Maybe, but that makes no sense. You are heading to a spot with no water available so you have a water tank, but don't bring water in it. Honestly I think it's cause they make them as cheap as possible and also as light as possible so they can say it's 1/2 ton towable. Unfortunately as light as possible equals thin, lightweight materials that are not up to the task.

 

You think it's been a headache up until now, just wait until tomorrow when I make my wife climb under the trailer to hold up the tank while I try to get the bracket in place and the bolts tightened.