Another Newb cake issue to amuse you experts.

[Ohiosnowbird]

Our blackwater tank split on the side of the tank. The icicles are pretty spectacular, they’re orange. We think the heating element failed and now we have this to deal with. In looking at replacing the tank, that seems like the impossible task, especially in this cold. We’re going to have a few nice days here, so Mother Nature may help. How do we patch the tank? Can anyone help with suggestions? Thanks in advance.

 

[Laura & Charles]

Do I recall correctly, is this the same black tank that fell off in the yard?

 

[Ohiosnowbird]

Do I recall correctly, is this the same black tank that fell off in the yard?

Yes. We are becoming intimately familiar with this tank.

 

[Bearcatrp]

Suggest you burn that RV down, claim insurance, then buy a different brand RV.

 

[Ohiosnowbird]

Suggest you burn that RV down, claim insurance, then buy a different brand RV.

Can’t tell you how many times hubby has said this. On the brighter side once we fix all these stupid things, we’ll have a better camper. Won’t we?

 

[Onyrlef]

Go to WalMart and get some Flex Seal Tape. It really does work. I used it on a split in a black tank myself. I was skeptical but surprised at how well it worked.

 

[IBTripping]

If you can dry out and clean off, I'd try using Eternabond tape. I always carry a roll with me for those kind of repairs.

 

[MN Blue Skies]

Maybe I'm missing something. That's a fairly new Class C. Why wouldn't you just fix it instead of patching it?

 

[JudyJB]

Seems like they are currently in Ohio and it is too cold to work on it in depth. I am not sure of their situation, but I would head south as fast as possible, so things won't freeze so easily.

I say this because several years ago, I was visiting my son in northern Ohio in October while getting what I thought would be some quick medical tests before heading down to Florida. Unfortunately, my doctors kept coming up with additional medical tests, and I ended up staying in very cold Ohio until about Nov 20, at which point I finished the last test, and headed south FAST before anyone thought of any other reasons why I should stay there in the cold and snow!!!

 

[Onyrlef]

The flex seal tape will work once you've drained the tank and the ruptured area returns to shape. Later it can be plastic welded and will be good as new. Strapping the tank instead of letting it hang from those brackets alone would be better however.

 

[Ohiosnowbird]

Go to WalMart and get some Flex Seal Tape. It really does work. I used it on a split in a black tank myself. I was skeptical but surprised at how well it worked.

We’re going to get the flex seal tape. Hubby has to determine if it’s ABS or polypropylene. The flex seal tape will be used alone if it’s polypropylene. If it’s ABS you’re going to patch with ABS glue + ABS particles (gleaned from the Internet) + the Flex seal tape over the top of the patch. At least that’s the plan.

 

[Ohiosnowbird]

Seems like they are currently in Ohio and it is too cold to work on it in depth. I am not sure of their situation, but I would head south as fast as possible, so things won't freeze so easily.

I say this because several years ago, I was visiting my son in northern Ohio in October while getting what I thought would be some quick medical tests before heading down to Florida. Unfortunately, my doctors kept coming up with additional medical tests, and I ended up staying in very cold Ohio until about Nov 20, at which point I finished the last test, and headed south FAST before anyone thought of any other reasons why I should stay there in the cold and snow!!!

Yes we’re at home in Ohio. Our plan was to head south after Christmas. Next year the plan will be to head south after Thanksgiving! This surprise snap of very cold weather has been a real test of this rig!

 

[Ohiosnowbird]

Maybe I'm missing something. That's a fairly new Class C. Why wouldn't you just fix it instead of patching it?

Our rig is a 2023. We looked at replacing the black tank but it is more involved than we want to do right now. Patching seems to be reliable enough. We’re heading south after Christmas.

 

[Onyrlef]

We’re going to get the flex seal tape. Hubby has to determine if it’s ABS or polypropylene. The flex seal tape will be used alone if it’s polypropylene. If it’s ABS you’re going to patch with ABS glue + ABS particles (gleaned from the Internet) + the Flex seal tape over the top of the patch. At least that’s the plan.

It’s unlikely, but not out of the question that it’s ABS. Yeah, the ABS glue heats up and will kind of weld the patch in. I’d look at welding the area later and strapping the tank, it will last forever.

 

[Ohiosnowbird]

It’s unlikely, but not out of the question that it’s ABS. Yeah, the ABS glue heats up and will kind of weld the patch in. I’d look at welding the area later and strapping the tank, it will last forever.

It’s polypropylene. We went with the tape you suggested. Thanks!

 

[JudyJB]

Yes we’re at home in Ohio. Our plan was to head south after Christmas. Next year the plan will be to head south after Thanksgiving! This surprise snap of very cold weather has been a real test of this rig!

I headed to Florida in mid-October last year (2023) and really enjoyed the lack of crowds in the couple of months before Christmas. Less traffic and easier to get reservations, so you will enjoy it earlier. (I'm out west this winter.)

 

[oldwildman]

It’s unlikely, but not out of the question that it’s ABS. Yeah, the ABS glue heats up and will kind of weld the patch in. I’d look at welding the area later and strapping the tank, it will last forever.

I've had a crack or two on my motorcycle plastic trim. Old Goldwing so lots of plastic. I used fiberglass mesh that is used in drywall and plaster work to strengthen the repair. I put a thin coat of abs glue on and quickly embedded the mesh into it. Used a couple of layers on one stress prone area on the luggage case. That was some years ago and no sign of new cracks.

 

[John From Detroit]

I had one year where I hit the road on Tues before Thanksgiving ee
And another on Jan-2
Both were 2006.
The Thanksgiving...AM I went to Fenton Mi in the AM and took a test (passed) Home and PM went to the 4th of 6 classes designed to help me pass the test to let them know I tested out successfully then West and south.
Got a tad cold just before I turned left.

 

[Adventurous Traveler]

I would suggest the fix mentioned by oldwildman. A friend of mine had a blowout on an interstate that ruptured his black tank. He went to Walmart, bought some fiberglass mesh and sealant, and patched the tank up at the next campground. It lasted until he sold the rig a couple of years later.