Zone RV (or the diesel tank supplier) used Zinc plated bolts and washers to affix the diesel tanks to the front box. Mine have begun to corrode after only a year, so I’ve replaced mine with the following:
¶ Bunnings:
- 316 Stainless M8 x 100mm Hex Head Bolts (3x 2-packs)
- 316 Stainless M8 Lock Nuts (2x 6-packs)
- M8 Nylon Washers (to reduce galvanic corrosion), 1 pack.
- Alternative to Tef-Gel below: Inox MX4 Lanox Spray (to reduce galvanic corrosion), 1 can.
¶ BCF:
- 316 Stainless 8mm Body Panel Washers (3x 4-packs)
- Tef-Gel. 1 tube. Better alternative to Lanox if you can find it. (to reduce galvanic corrosion)
¶ Tools:
You’ll need sockets or spanners in 13mm (for the new bolts) and 14mm (for the old bolts) sizes.
¶ Steps:
1. There are three bolts per tank. Undo the top bolt and nut only to start and slide the bolt out, using the tip to pop the washer off the front box surface, then again use the bolt to push the aluminium cylinder/ stand-off towards the back so you can remove from the rear of the tank.
2. Prepare your aluminium stand-off by coating the bolts in Tef-Gel, alternatively spray the inside with the Inox spray.
3. Fit the washers to the bolt head. Order goes Bolt head, stainless washer, nylon washer.
4. Slide the aluminium stand off back into the rear, then the bolt in from the front.
5. On the thread now visible at the rear, fit a nylon washer, then stainless washer, then the lock nut.
6. Tighten back up but don’t over tighten.
7. Repeat the process one at a time for each of the two lower bolts. Then repeat starting at the top bolt on the other tank.
Once done, the bolts should look nice and shiny and should not rust. Have fun!