Underslung Water Tank and Tyre Pressure Sensor

[HairBear]

Hi, I'm new here! Hoping I can pull on collective knowledge as I've not been able to find anyone with the same problem as me.

I bought a 69L underslung water tank to mount in the gap in front of the spare wheel. After removing all the trim I have found that there is a tyre pressure sensor mounted right where one of the tank brackets should be drilled into the chassis. The manufacturer says the tank is compatible with transporter and californias T5/T6 and T6.1 (no 4motion). Mine's a California T6.1 Beach 5 door 2WD (LHD as I live in Spain) and so should be compatible.

I've not seen anyone mention this type pressure sensor and the photos I've found of people mounting this never seem to include this sensor. At the moment the only option I can see is to cut the sensor bracket off and try to mount it elsewhere, but I'm loathe to take an angle grinder to the chassis of my lovely van.

I'm attaching pictures of the tank, the sensor and the failed attempt to mount in case anyone has seen this before and has any potential solutions.

Thanks!

 

[Sasquatch]

Google suggests that is a TPMS receiver/antenna, which receives the signal from the actual TPMSmon each wheel.

 

[HairBear]

Google suggests that is a TPMS receiver/antenna, which receives the signal from the actual TPMSmon each wheel.

Thanks Sasquatch. That’s what I found too when searching the part number. I was hoping someone else had run into this sensor when installing a tank and had an elegant way of dealing with it.

 

[Sasquatch]

I think I'd move it a few inches to the left and cable tie it to the lower surface of the top part of the spare wheel hanger bracket.

Sadly I can't see a way aroh d removing the original mounting if you want tomgetnthat tank in there.

 

[sparkzer]

there are only 2 options as i see it

1) move the sensor
2) modify the cradle supporting the tank so it picks up on the chassis to the side of the sensor. the main part of the cradle can remain in its current location. how that is done will largely depend on your abilities, tools to hand or help available locally to you. Id personally cut of that bracket and weld in a new bit to make it fit and paint it, but i do have a fully equipped workshop. you could find an engineering company locally to you to do the same or if you wanted to DIY, you could cut the bracket (probably on the long flatside) and use another bit of metal and nut and bolt it together (making sure the bolts point outwards and no sharp edges to damage the tank).

good luck!

 

[HairBear]

Thanks @sparkzer, I have some very basic welding skills, but none that I would trust with 70kg of water while at 110km/h on the motorway

I think that sensor bracket looks like it may just be spot welded or glued in place so I may have a go at removing and bolting/welding it a little to the left.

 

[sparkzer]

Thanks @sparkzer, I have some very basic welding skills, but none that I would trust with 70kg of water while at 110km/h on the motorway

I think that sensor bracket looks like it may just be spot welded or glued in place so I may have a go at removing and bolting/welding it a little to the left.

Yes, looks like a couple of spot welds, you could probably either drill them out or they would likely even 'pop' with a bit of levering. you could probably then reattach a bit to the left using screws...

In fact looking at the picture again you might be able just break the right hand spot weld, slide your new bracket behind the existing sensor bracket then bolt through both the sensor and tank bracket with the new fixings?