Back to working on the holding tank…
As previously noted (here), a platform on which to mount the waste water tank, raising it about five inches, was needed to provide room for the necessary dump valve and plumbing.
My plan was to build a steel platform and mount it to the steel structure in the floor with the tank strapped to the platform.
What could possibly go wrong with a hundred gallons of sewage sitting on a platform in your motorhome while driving around town??
I couldn’t think of anything either…
I ordered a bunch of 2″ x 1″ 16 GA (.065 wall) rectangle steel tubing as well as two inch x 1/8″ flats. I ordered from MetalsDepot.com and was very pleased with the low shipping cost and quick delivery.
When I started this project, I purchased a bunch of tools. This was partially needed as I had gotten rid of most of my tools (for my short lived, new life on a boat) but also because I was wanted to do things right (or at least “more right”). A rechargeable tool set (drill, driver, circular saw, reciprocating saw, and oscillating saw), angle grinder, 110 volt ARC welder, and a metal chop saw. These have all been HEAVILY used and I love all of them. For this task, the chop saw made the task EASY. I love it!
So, I have done lots of welding the last few days. The good news is that my most recent welds look respectable. The bad news is that the first few look really bad. 🙁
Those of you that know how to weld, please hold your tongue and let me continue to think that is a reasonable looking weld (and ignore the weld on the side please). I am an amateur and I know it… 🙂 Welding is one of those things, for me at least, that you can easily visualize in your head but actually doing it is so much more difficult.
It has occurred to me that I am now old enough to warrant having a work table for everything I do. Kneeling and working at ground level is, apparently, for younger folks and it seems that I am no longer a younger folk. At least that’s what my back and legs are telling me.
The platform was then painted black, some foam added to prevent the steel from rubbing thru the tank, and it was attached to the frame rails with U-bolts. Some ratcheting straps are on order and they will be used to strap the tank to the platform.
Nice, if you decide on another adventure where downsizing is called for…. I call dibs on a all your cool tools!
Welding can be pretty tricky but obviously you have figured out how to make decent welds. I’m not a professional welder either so I know partially what you were going through. I used to use a stick arc welder but have no clue how to use the unit you have.
Regarding cutting the metal, I would have used a cutting torch and the results would look nothing like the neat job you have done. If I have metal work to to in the future, I will definitely consider getting a metal chop saw.
I am not sure how you are deciding what has to be done and in what order but this project is really coming together. You are really good at this stuff!!!
Thanks Pete! Yes, a metal chop saw is a WONDERFUL thing. Actually… all power tools are pretty wonderful!! 🙂 Prioritization has been a challenge. If I were doing it start to finish and then using it, I would do it much differently. Since I need to start living in it is pretty soon, I am focusing on the things I need to survive. That boils down to some basic electricity, water, toilet, and bed. LOADS of niceties are on the plan but they are further down the road.