Underbelly cover

[nguyenbio]

Just picked up our new 2014 303rls. I was cleaning it and noticed that the underbelly corrugation was no sagging, but a little loose in the center. All the edges are still screwed in but it seems like there are not any screws holding the center up to any crossmembers. I can push on the center with my hand and it flops up and down a good 5 to 6 inches. My travel trailer I traded in was a low unit and the underbelly cover was solid. The 303 is brand new and we have not used it yet, so a plumbing leak is not my concern. Can anyone confirm if this is normal in the reflection line?

Thank you in advance!

[huntr70]

The underbelly is not secured in the middle.

Most of the brands are only attached along the frame rails.

[Mr Lucky]

My current trailer has the aluminum strips going across my underneath with self tapping screws in the cross members. I did have to add some self tapping screws along the outside edge. Screws I picked up at Home Depot. I also have a 303 on order and if I feel its a little loose in the middle I would probably loosen a couple of the self tapping screws look inside with a light and if there is nothing along the cross beam maybe add a couple of self tapping screws. I will crawl under the 303 to check things out. Hopefully it's nice and sealed up!

[Broda2675]

We have a 2016 303RLS. Same issue with the underbelly as you reported, 5 to 6 inches sag in some areas. I too pressed up on these areas and listened for water - nothing, also felt for abnormal weight like maybe a tank fell down - nothing. Did you ever find out if this was normal? Did you do anything to help support the bottom, like adding metal cross supports?

Thanks Roland

[mbaker]

This is what's above that cover. There are no locations to attach more screws. Some of the sag is due to wires hanging down (I fastened them up), some is from the insulating sheeting bunching (I straightened that). After I put it all back there was less sag, and nothing pushing on it; however I did end up putting an aluminum L-bracket support across, from rail to rail, and now it's well supported.

Ben

[mbaker]

I also fixed the rust. This was all when I added SeeLevel gauges.

Ben

[Broda2675]

Thx Ben, nice pics, helps to understand a bit more what's in there.

[Mr Lucky]

This is what's above that cover. There are no locations to attach more screws. Some of the sag is due to wires hanging down (I fastened them up), some is from the insulating sheeting bunching (I straightened that). After I put it all back there was less sag, and nothing pushing on it; however I did end up putting an aluminum L-bracket support across, from rail to rail, and now it's well supported.

Ben

Just wondering what is holding the tanks up? hard to see braces. I have a 303 to. Thanks for the pictures now I know were my tanks are.

[Scott and Jan]

Thanks for the pics, helps understand how it all works. Keep saying I'm gonna pull our underbelly to add braces under tanks after hearing a few reports of tanks falling out. Rather be safe than sorry.
Mr Lucky, to answer your question, from what I've read, the tanks have a molded lip on the top and they hang on frame from these. Some have deformed and collapsed toward the center then fall out. I think bracing underneath would help keep that from happening.

[Cate&Rob]

Mr Lucky, to answer your question, from what I've read, the tanks have a molded lip on the top and they hang on frame from these. Some have deformed and collapsed toward the center then fall out. I think bracing underneath would help keep that from happening.

Scott is correct. Recent production reportedly has auxiliary metal straps under the tanks even though the primary retention plan is still the molded lips that hang from the frame.

Rob