Water Tank Straps vs Brackets vs Cradles
What Is Actually Safe for Camper Van Water Tanks
Mounting a water tank under or inside a camper van creates immediate anxiety for most builders. A full tank is heavy, constantly subjected to vibration, and critical to daily living. Choosing the right mounting method matters just as much as the tank itself.
This guide explains the three most common mounting approaches used in camper vans, how they differ, and which methods builders trust long term.
Why Water Tank Mounting Method Matters
A full water tank can weigh hundreds of pounds. Improper mounting can lead to movement, abrasion, stress fractures, or complete failure. Many of the manufactured RV’s have tank brackets that fail over time because of poor engineering. A good mounting system spreads load evenly, resists vibration, and ties into factory structure rather than thin sheet metal.
This is a safety decision, not just a convenience one. Fortunately, all NW Conversions water tanks come with strapping.
Water Tank Straps
Simple and Common but Not Always Ideal
Strap based mounting systems typically use flexible ratchet straps or rigid metal bands to hold a tank in place.
The soft straps are inexpensive and quick to install, which makes them popular in DIY builds and temporary setups. However, they rely heavily on tension and friction, which can change over time as straps stretch or loosen.
When Strap Systems Make Sense
Strap mounted systems work best for interior water tanks where space is tight and cabinet dimensions do not allow for the extra one inch typically required by aluminum mounting brackets. They are also a good choice for builders who want quicker and easier access to the tank for future service or inspection.
Straps are generally not recommended for large exterior or undermount tanks, where the added weight of a full tank benefits from the rigidity and load distribution of hard mounted brackets.
Rigid Metal Brackets
The Most Common Builder Choice for Undermount Tanks
Rigid bracket systems use formed metal straps or brackets shaped to the contour of the tank that align with factory holes on the wall of the van and then call for you to through bolt or fasten to the floor.
For rigid straps on the undermount tanks, these brackets bolt into factory mounting points, pinch welds, or reinforced underbody structure. Because the tank is mechanically supported rather than suspended by tension alone, brackets distribute weight evenly and resist vibration extremely well.
This is why most professional builders use rigid brackets for undermount tanks.
Full Cradle Systems
Maximum Support With Added Complexity
Cradle systems surround the tank with a metal frame or cage. Most spare tire carriers make use of the factory cradle for the spare tire.
They provide excellent support and protection from road debris, but require more fabrication, more hardware, and more install time. Cradles are often used in off road builds or when tanks are mounted in exposed locations.
Downsides of Cradle Systems
Cradles add weight and complexity. They are also not publicly available or included with tanks sold on market, which means you’d have to fabricate your own or have your builder custom make a tank cradle.
They can also reduce access to fittings and valves unless intentionally designed with service panels. In many van builds, a full cradle provides more protection than is actually necessary.
Wheel Well Tanks Have Different Mounting Tradeoffs
Wheel well water tanks deserve separate consideration because they are mounted inside the van rather than underneath it.
Rigid metal straps are often used with wheel well tanks because they create a very secure, fixed installation that does not move over time. This makes them simple, strong, and confidence inspiring. However, rigid straps are a more permanent solution. Once installed, accessing plumbing fittings or removing the tank later usually requires unbolting hardware and partially disassembling cabinetry.
Soft ratchet straps or bracket style mounts can be easier to service on wheel well tanks. They allow the tank to be loosened or shifted slightly for plumbing access without fully removing it. This flexibility can be helpful for maintenance, upgrades, or troubleshooting.
Builders often choose between rigid and soft mounting based on whether they prioritize long term rigidity or future service access.
How Builders Choose Between Straps Brackets and Cradles
Most builders use whatever comes in the box with the water tank they purchase, otherwise, the decision usually comes down to three factors:
Tank size and weight
Mounting location
How often the system may need to be serviced
Large undermount tanks benefit from rigid brackets or cradles. Interior wheel well tanks offer more flexibility in mounting style depending on service needs.
Mounting to Factory Structure Matters More Than Hardware Type
Regardless of which system is used, where you mount matters more than how. Good mounting systems tie into factory crossmembers, frame rails, pinch welds, or reinforced underbody points. Mounting into thin sheet metal alone is a common mistake and should be avoided.
Vibration and Long Term Reliability
Vans experience constant vibration. Rigid mounting systems eliminate movement and handle vibration better over time. Soft strap systems work well as they are like ratchet straps, but they should be inspected periodically to ensure tension has not changed.
Serviceability and Access Considerations
Mounting systems should allow access to:
- Drain ports
- Dump valves
- Sensors
- Plumbing fittings
Bracket systems often strike the best balance between strength and accessibility, especially for undermount tanks.
Builder Recommended Mounting Approach
Based on real world installs:
Interior wheel well tanks
- Rigid straps for permanent installs
- Soft straps or brackets for easier service access
Undermount gray and fresh tanks
- Rigid metal brackets tied into factory structure
Exposed or off road tanks
- Cradle systems when protection is required
Final Thoughts on Water Tank Mounting Hardware
Straps, brackets, and cradles all have valid use cases. The key is matching the mounting method to the tank location, weight, and how much future service access you want.
When mounted correctly, both interior and undermount water tanks are safe, reliable, and widely used across professional van builds.
