Heh...I have the same tank and the same questions.  I woud up using those black rubber bungee tarp straps to hold mine down.  The straps that came with the tank are pitiful.  Really, I don't think that when the tank (35gal) is full of water it will move any more than a bale of hay would.  I tied my hose in a knot and secured it with a piece of bailing twine for now.  I'm going to get some of those velcro things you get in the electronics dept.  to hold loops of wires together and see if that keeps the end under control.  I got my tank for christmas, and I haven't gotten to use it yet....stupid Illinois weather!

Amanda

quote: Second question concerning the hose. I have it coming down the ladder and used cable ties towards the top but what is best to secure the bottom of the hose and easily undo it? Currently I have a plastic, ratcheting thingy used to store electric cords, etc. to hold it on the ladder so it doesn't flap in the breeze. Better ideas?

bungie cord maybe??

So far as strapping the tank down.... I would buy a pair of ratchet straps, hook either end to the hay rack and ratchet them snug against the tank.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?product_id=893755

I used tie wraps all the way down the ladder rack, used enough slack up top so that the ladder can move (mine is on the door).  I changed the end of the hose to a female connection so that you can just attach the water hose directly to it to fill.  Also the valve that comes with them is kinda crappy and slows flow.  I put a ball valve about waist high from the ground so that I can just swing the bucket under with the bucket strap, turn on the water, and never bend over.  You learn things when your back is out regularly.

Mine works with enough gravity fed pressure that it flows like its pump fed.  Works good I have two trailers setup like that.  If I have another it will be also.

One of the trailers I used to own, came with that same water tank installed in the hayrack.  With the two nylon straps. I added an additional nylon web strap, (that had the adjustabe cam binder) and used this for several years with no problems.

When I stood on my trailers cat walk, I could reach the tank outlet, so I just unscrewed the hose when not in use and re-installed it when I set up camp.

Use the ratcheting tie downs. They will hold the tank secure. Remember, 35 gallons is 280 lbs. on top of your trailer. Water sloshing around changes the weight distribution on CONSTANT basis. That tank will move a lot easier than a bale of hay. It will also effect your driving.

Just use some CAM straps rather than the ratchet straps.  They have less bulk, and elss chance of rubbing a hole in the tank.  You can't torq them down as tight as a ratchet strap. But you can fasten them tight enough to do the job.  I've attached coolers, all my gear for week long white water river tips into my rafts with these type of straps. And they have held up great.

Here is an example of what I mean by a CAM strap.

http://www.strapworks.com/Metal_Cam_Straps_p/cs34h.htm

If your trailer has a mesh bottom or side. You may have to make something to connect the strap to.  Maybe a carrabiner or a heavy wire that you can weave through the mesh.

Sorry if I missed the point.

Anther consideration when using the ratchets and straps, is the longevity of the straps. Most are Chinese and will quickly break down with constant exposure to sunlight. We've had many fail in a year's time of constant usage.

Gard