Adding Second Propane Tank

[azpopup17]

This looks fairely simple and the second tank would mount where the battery is located.  Has anyone had any experience with building the additional support rack on the tongue for the battery after adding a second propane tank.  The pop ups that have this from the factory look like rack is just riveted to the frame on angle steel or iron.  They have angle iron or aluminum at Home Depot.  I was going to try the aluminum but wondered if anyone has done this.  

Thanks.

[AustinBoston]

I used the factory rack, but that was before Fleetwood jacked up (doubled and tripled) it's accessory/parts prices.

The factory battery tray is some heavy flat steel (not angled) that is screwed/riveted to small holes I drilled in the A-frame, then the tray is bolted onto that.

Today I would do exactly what you are proposing.  I would get some angle iron (aluminum would be OK and might be easier to work with).  I would run across the tongue so that one side of the angle will securely support the underside of your battery box.  Adding additional angle iron (with the bottom piece of the angle away from the box) will keep the battery box from sliding sideways.  Finally, either bolt the box to the angle iron or put a strap around the box to keep the box or battery from bouncing out of the angle iron.

Make sure to seal the screws/rivets so that moisture can not enter the frame, and use as few holes as possible in the frame to do a secure job.  

When drilling into the top of the tongue, you are drilling into the most important part of the structure of the frame piece.  A few holes is not a problem, but making it full of swiss cheese holes will compromise it.

Austin

[wavery]

I just carry a spare tank in the TV on the occasions that I feel one may be needed.

[azpopup17]

I went ahead and did it.  Just bought some 1.25" angle steel, some rivets, and tool (first rivet job for me).  I also painted it black to match the frame.  It looks good.  I just copied the layout on the ones at the dealer for the most part.  Total cost was about $28 (plus rivet tool).  I am guessing the dealer would be much higher.  Now I will have plenty of propane and some more weight on the tongue.  

I never thought about sealing it.  The ones at the dealer did not appear to be sealed.  It would take an eternity for the frame to rust considering the thickness of the frame.  Not a problem in AZ.

[AustinBoston]

I never thought about sealing it.  The ones at the dealer did not appear to be sealed.  It would take an eternity for the frame to rust considering the thickness of the frame.  Not a problem in AZ.

I always assume that many people will read my posts (you would think that would keep me from saying so many stupid things...), so even though rust might not happen for you for 250 years, it might be a problem for someone on the Oregon coast after just a few years.

Anyway, I'll bet your work lasts beyond the life of the camper.

Austin

['tiredTeacher]

I decided to go to dual bottles. On my Starcraft, the single bottle mount was bolted on. I went to an RV supply store, bought a kit that mounts two bottles, and bolted it in place. I didn't spend the money on an automatic change-over valve, so if one bottle goes empty I just move the supply hose to the fresh tank.

[azpopup17]

I will also be doing the manual switch over for now.

I am impressed with the thickness of the frame after seeing it drilled through.  Definately a solid chassis.

[DoubleD]

I added an extra bottle to our PU, also.  Actually the rail that the bottle rides on had the holes drilled and ready to go on the other side of the rail.  All I had to do was buy the J bolts and tighten her down.  No auto changeover valve, I manually change when one is empty.  The advantage for me is that I can run one bottle completely out and switch over to the next, then refill the empty at my leisure.  Now I don't worry about running out at the worst possible time.