Black tank leak brand new Solitude - Help

[Calbar]

One month old Solitude and we are on the road for another week in Newfoundland. Trailer has an odour because of it and there is liquid on the insulation. Don't know what to do right now for one of the few times since owning an RV. Traded the problem free Reflection for this and a shower leak, screws coming up through the bedroom floor but this one takes the cake. Luckily it is pretty chilly here. Only thing I can think of is to open up the belly here and pull out the insulation without getting soaked. Better suggestions welcome. I cant upload a picture that shows the disgusting mess but I think you get the idea.

Rob

[howson]

Calbar -- ugh. Your action plan seems reasonable to me. After the coroplast comes down (and contaminated insulation removed) flush out the black tank as thoroughly as possible. Unfortunately using the campground facilities may be the best option for when someone has to "go" until that tank is fixed. Only other option I can think of is buying a temporary portable toilet (with disposable bags) and set it up in the shower.

[Cate&Rob]

Hi Rob,

Sorry to learn this. Regardless of when/where the leak gets fixed, you are going to have to drain and flush the area first. A location to do this is always a problem. Campgrounds and dealerships don't want this mess on their property (for understandable reasons). I would start by dumping and repeatedly flushing the tank. Then you may have to move to a location where you can spread a tarp and open the underbelly. Solitudes have a layer of insulation laying directly on the coroplast (which Reflections do not have). This insulation is going to be contaminated, but the good thing is that it will help to absorb what has leaked from the black tank. Gather up the tarp and contents and into a dumpster. With the contaminated insulation gone, you should be able to hose flush the underbelly area before closing up the coroplast. If you are at a remote location when you open the coroplast to remove the insulation, have a full tank of water so that you can thoroughly flush the underbelly using the onboard pump and outside shower hose.

Unless the source of the leak is easily fixable when you have the coroplast down, you will have to use other facilities for the balance of your trip.

(another) Rob

[Calbar]

Thanks Howard and Rob. My wife doesn't want me touching. She is rightfully concerned about warranty. Dumping and flushing the tank is the best I think I will be able to do right now. Our dealer is going to need to deal with this I think. Yes the insulation is soaked. I will be giving our dealer a call on Monday and see what they say.

Dream trailer just turned into a nightmare as my wife just said.

Rob

[Cate&Rob]

I hope you have a better dealer than most . . .

Rob

[howson]

Thanks Howard and Rob. My wife doesn't want me touching. She is rightfully concerned about warranty. Dumping and flushing the tank is the best I think I will be able to do right now. Our dealer is going to need to deal with this I think. Yes the insulation is soaked. I will be giving our dealer a call on Monday and see what they say.

Dream trailer just turned into a nightmare as my wife just said.

Rob

No argument from me on the warranty issue...but...water damage left unchecked for some time can cause further damage or issue. IMHO and worth about .02, I'd drop the coroplast and remove the damaged insulation (letting it air out). That minor work shouldn't cause a warranty issue. An email to GD Customer Service (stating what's being done and why along with the VIN and pictures) should be more than enough to satisfy any concern.

Please report back on what caused the failure.

[Calbar]

No argument from me on the warranty issue...but...water damage left unchecked for some time can cause further damage or issue. IMHO and worth about .02, I'd drop the coroplast and remove the damaged insulation (letting it air out). That minor work shouldn't cause a warranty issue. An email to GD Customer Service (stating what's being done and why along with the VIN and pictures) should be more than enough to satisfy any concern.

Please report back on what caused the failure.

Thanks Howard. This is a concern for sure. Just not sure where I will be able to do it on vacation either.

I will let the members knows failure once I know.

Rob

[Calbar]

I hope you have a better dealer than most . . .

Rob

This is a problem concerns too. Second trailer from the guys up north and they aren't stellar for sure.

Rob

[Cate&Rob]

This is a problem concerns too. Second trailer from the guys up north and they aren't stellar for sure.

Rob

I forgot that I know who you dealer is . . . LOL! I haven’t had service work done there in years . . . so, I can’t comment on their current service department. Building on Howard’s input . . . at best, they are not likely going to be able to get your trailer in for service right away, so you may not want to wait in the summer heat to at least get the contaminated insulation removed and the area flushed. The service department will thank you for doing this and it will make the trailer more livable til it is repaired. It is also possible that you can determine what’s wrong once the coroplast is dropped.

Rob

[Cate&Rob]

Calbar
Hi Rob,
See this related thread about a cracked black tank in a Solitude . . . may be similar to your situation. https://gdrvowners.com/forum/operati...lack-tank-leak If the crack is up high on the tank as shown in the picture on the linked thread, you may be able to use a partial fill of the tank if stationary on a FHU site and you can dump before moving.
Rob

[Calbar]

Calbar
Hi Rob,
See this related thread about a cracked black tank in a Solitude . . . may be similar to your situation. https://gdrvowners.com/forum/operati...lack-tank-leak If the crack is up high on the tank as shown in the picture on the linked thread, you may be able to use a partial fill of the tank if stationary on a FHU site and you can dump before moving.
Rob

Thanks Rob. I saw this one as well. Fortunately or unfortunately so far my tank has not been more than 1/3 full since we kept moving location during the trip. I talked to my dealer and they had me put a pin hole (1/8') or so hole in the coroplast to let some of the liquid drain. I am still trying to get a date from them for this and the multitude of other issues sorted out but that will be another thread.

Rob

[Calbar]

Just received the call from the dealer and they replaced the tank valve which was the source of the leak. They replaced all of the wet insulation as well. Now just time to pick it up and try it again and hopefully all is good now with the leak no more. Fingers crossed.

Rob