30 gallon metal drum as greywater tank.

[debit.servus]

knowing Harbor Freight,  it's made out of recycled scrap metal.  you know Buicks, Pontiacs,  Fords,  Chevys,  etc, etc.  highdesertranger

Which means lining the tank, unless somebody can verify it's a metal that doesn't rust with water contact.

www.amazon.com/POR-15-FUEL-TANK-SEALER-HALFPINT/dp/B001NGB57M/
Can this liner be a water barrier?

 

[highdesertranger]

well if you mean it's ferrous, I would say yes. let's face it at that price it's not stainless or aluminum. you do realize that the tank and liner you linked to is adding up to 50 bucks and you still have to modify it. I still say you could find a used one for about that and you wouldn't need to modify it. highdesertranger

 

[highdesertranger]

to do a quick check on the tank try to stick a magnet on it. if the magnet sticks it's ferrous=easy to weld, magnet doesn't stick non-ferrous can be weld but more specialized. highdesertranger

 

[debit.servus]

highdesertrangerwell if you mean it's ferrous,  I would say yes.  let's face it at that price it's not stainless or aluminum.   you do realize that the tank and liner you linked to is adding up to 50 bucks and you still have to modify it.  I still say you could find a used one for about that and you wouldn't need to modify it.  highdesertranger
Very true with parts costs, do not forget the fittings haven't even been accounted for. It would be an easier decision If used RV tanks were available at an everyday low price...

to do a quick check on the tank try to stick a magnet on it.  if the magnet sticks it's ferrous=easy to weld,  magnet doesn't stick non-ferrous can be weld but more specialized.  highdesertranger

Great Tip!

Alternative Solutions in Campbell has 15 gallon closed top plastic barrels for $60, thinking about buying two and mounting them behind the gas tank, use one for freshwater (to replacing the freshwater tank under the bed to get more tool space) and one for greywater. If I go that route how to securely strap it under the van using common hardware store materials?

The tank is 50%, the mounting is 40% and the plumbing is 10%.

Every idea in this thread I am thinking would cost about the same over the same time period.

 

[travlinman and wife]

Go to northern tools  type in 8 gal plastic tanks. they do have diferent sizes . I have had two of these for 8 years with no problem but they are on the inside

 

[debit.servus]

An earlier post asked how to secure a drum or cylinder shaped tank under a vehicle. I would suggest making a support saddle to go between the floor and tank. It would be flat on the floor side and be shaped to match the diameter of the tank. Metal would be best but you could make something serviceable from pressure treated wood. Make some U-Bolts from all-thread rod that go around the tank, through holes in the saddle,  through the floor and through some large washers or drilled plate. Run some hose over the rod where it will contact the tank and use locking nuts on the bolt. Just an idea without having any thought of what the area under the vehicle would look like.

Guy

I finally got a picture of the drawing with what I am envisioning. Notice three straps incase one bolt breaks on one strap, so the whole tank doesn't fall and break.

Could somebody reccommend suitable materials and where to buy them, and for the best price? OK with spending a few $ more for significantly better quality. The tank is a 15 gallon plastic barrel, Alternative Solutions can deliver to San Jose, a 15 gallon plastic barrel for about $60.

 

[SoulRaven]

Since your van was a camper van to start with, didn't it already have a grey/black water tanks?

Most van and RV tanks are rectangular anf flat bottomed. I am concerned that a round one might hang to low...

30 gallons = 240+ pounds when full, so I'd want some really heavy duty straps. I'm thinking some heavy duty large capacity truck fuel tank straps from a wrecking yard might be a good choice.

 

[debit.servus]

Since your van was a camper van to start with, didn't it already have a grey/black water tanks?

Most van and RV tanks are rectangular anf flat bottomed.  I am concerned  that a round one might hang to low...

30 gallons = 240+ pounds when full, so I'd want some really heavy duty straps.  I'm thinking some heavy duty large capacity truck fuel tank straps from a wrecking yard might be a good choice.

The previous owner wanted to add a greywater tank, wish he did so I wouldn't have to have this conversation.

Yes RV tanks are square and boxy, but cost too much. Looked on EBAY and 15 gallon tanks are $100+, and that is just for the tank.

Thinking about buying thick steel bars and drilling holes where needed, as gas tank straps are hard to adapt.

 

[SoulRaven]

I was thinking semi truck fuel tank straps...

 

[VJG1977]

The previous owner wanted to add a greywater tank, wish he did so I wouldn't have to have this conversation.

Yes RV tanks are square and boxy, but cost too much. Looked on EBAY and 15 gallon tanks are $100+, and that is just for the tank.

Thinking about buying thick steel bars and drilling holes where needed, as gas tank straps are hard to adapt.

You can find this steel strapping that plumbers and builders use.  It comes in different gauges.  The smaller the number the thicker the strap.  You will have to check the weight rating and pick one that will more than hold the loaded 30 gallon drum.  I would use three or four straps.  Different styles have nail or bolt holes

at HD and LOWES

 

[WheelEstate USA]

My question would be, why you would need/want  that much grey water in a van??

 

[highdesertranger]

Jay he goes to Burning Man, no grey or black water can hit the ground. that would be my guess. highdesertranger

 

[debit.servus]

You can find this steel strapping that plumbers and builders use.  It comes in different gauges.  The smaller the number the thicker the strap.  You will have to check the weight rating and pick one that will more than hold the loaded 30 gallon drum.  I would use three or four straps.  Different styles have nail or bolt holes

at HD and LOWES

This is what I was looking for. Going to aim for a 2 to 1 safety ratio, meaning twice as strong as it needs to be.

My question would be, why you would need/want  that much grey water in a van??

Well I was originally thinking about 30 gallons, but then thought of water usage for BM 2014 & 2015; 15 gallons should be sufficient, especially with a greywater evaporative pond to evaporate some of it on playa.

Jay he goes to Burning Man,  no grey or black water can hit the ground.  that would be my guess.  highdesertranger

Yes, plus the fact that when full-time want to minimize the time dealing with greywater by having it flow into a tank. The tank being of a sufficient capacity where dumping happens twice a month, saving time, fuel and money on dump station costs.

Also, Would be great to neutralize greywater so it can safely be dumped in nature without harming the enviroment.