Propane Tank Bracket Failure 2015 5.0 TA
Propane Tank Bracket Failure – 5.0 TA
The two propane tanks on the Escape 5.0 TA are housed in the lower forward compartment. I recently discovered that the tank bracket had become detached. On inspection, the four 5/8” wood screws were completely out and the tank bracket unattached. In my view, considering the weight of the tanks, the wood screws are inadequate to secure the bracket.
The floor of the propane compartment is plywood (perhaps ½” to 5/8” thick). The underneath of the cabinet is covered with foam insulation. On probing, I found that the fiberglass shell is between the plywood and the foam.
I decided to attach the bracket with four 1 ½”, ¼” stainless steel bolds and washers with nyloc nuts. Using ¼” drill bit, I drilled 4 holes through the full thickness. I used my pocket knife to remove a plug of foam around each hole
Attached is a picture of the bracket bolted in place. Note: the central tank hold-down rod has been removed.
I used off-the-shelf spray foam to close the holes carved in the insulation foam.
My propane tanks are now secure!
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