otfiddler
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We're from Texas --- what country are YOU from?
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'67 Shasta Compact
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Post by otfiddler on Sept 28, 2015 16:16:11 GMT -8
My '67 Shasta Compact has a 9.5 gallon galvanized water tank forward of my Duo-Therm heater, on the passenger side of the vehicle --- when I drain my sink, the water goes through this tank and out through a drain beneath the tank.
What's the purpose of this tank and why is it set up this way?
Larry
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Post by bigbill on Sept 28, 2015 18:37:02 GMT -8
If this tank is in the drain line it is a gray water holding tank it most likely has a shut off valve or cap to prevent it from draining. I didn't think that a compact had a gray water tank originally but who knows. I thought the only tank was for usable water. Most Shastas made then the sink drained out the side of the trailer and you caught it in a portable tank or bucket.
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otfiddler
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We're from Texas --- what country are YOU from?
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'67 Shasta Compact
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Post by otfiddler on Sept 28, 2015 19:41:07 GMT -8
Kinda surprised me too --- the fitting exiting the tank, beneath the floor, is a cast iron elbow with a free end that looks like it was made to slip a hose over. Perhaps I'll post photos tomorrow.
Thanks, Larry
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Post by vintagebruce on Sept 29, 2015 7:18:17 GMT -8
Look forward to seeing your photos. I too believe that the original set up from the factory did not have that tank. Especially since cast iron drop lines would seem to be passé by 1967. If it works for you, no problem keeping it. If you want that space for something else, I believe the Undocumented Add-On Grey Water Holding Tank Police Division (UAOGWHTPD for short) was recently disbanded due to budgeting restraints, so if you keep it, you shouldn't have to keep looking over your shoulder as you enjoy your Compact...only when you are backing it into position.
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otfiddler
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'67 Shasta Compact
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Post by otfiddler on Sept 29, 2015 8:56:15 GMT -8
Probably actually ductile iron pipe rather than cast iron, but I'll get back to you on that, after I get myself mobile and take and post photos. This trailer's so new to us that we're still figuring out how we want to use it, so we don't yet know how we want to modify it to suit our needs. As of now, the "two jugs" fresh- and gray-water method discussed in another thread appeals more than the sealed galvanized tanks with an unknown quantity of who-knows-WHAT-kind-of-sludge sealed inside, but Our Mileage May Vary, as they (more or less) say, and we may change my mind and keep all "in situ".
I appreciate the levity, Bruce, and I'll remove my disguise, since the UAOGWHTPD is not currently operating (as far as we know) --- life's too short to be serious ALL the time!
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otfiddler
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We're from Texas --- what country are YOU from?
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'67 Shasta Compact
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Post by otfiddler on Sept 29, 2015 14:55:41 GMT -8
OK, here's the photos --- first, a view looking at the outside of the trailer, of course.  Next photo is inside looking forward, showing the plumbing running beneath the refrigerator and above the 16-gallon "fresh-water" tank.  Next photo is inside looking forward, showing the plumbing running beneath the sink --- the "mystery tank" is connected to the hose running off the right side of the photo, connected to the large black ABS pipe.  Next photo is inside looking down and forward, showing the inboard end of the hose, connected to the large black pipe, and the outboard end of the hose, connected to the tank inlet.  Next photo is inside, looking down, showing the top of the "mystery tank" and the hose connected to the tank inlet. This shot shows the size and location of the tank.  Next photo shows a close-up of the tank inlet where the hose connects.  Next photo is looking up at the barbed ductile iron pipe and the underside of the "mystery tank" where the outlet connects to it.  Next photo is looking forward at the tank outlet beneath the trailer and shows its location better.  So, what do all the other '67/'68 Shasta Compacts look like in these areas, pray tell? |
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Ten
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70 Shasta 16SC + 1964 Airflyte
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Post by Ten on Sept 29, 2015 15:58:44 GMT -8
OT-- This is definitely an add-on, probably prompted years ago by a particular situation...one which may never be duplicated, and also one that may never be truly explained. I think the ingenuity of adding such a holding tank to a Compact is to be commended, but however may not be functional for anyone else besides the original creator. Since it is a grey-water catch, a simple shutoff would keep the tank full till it is in a position to be drained. It probably would not be missed if you decided to remove all that extra stuff. The original setup was a simple drain through the sidewall to let the sink out.
If a holding tank would make sense to the type camping you want to do, I would pressure-test the tank, and if rust and time have not robbed its structural integrity, it would certainly work okay, and a little bleach through it a few times may provide some peace-of-mind regarding 35-year-old gunk. If it don't suit ya, then removing it certainly should provide a lot better peace-of-mind regarding 35-year-old gunk!
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otfiddler
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'67 Shasta Compact
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Post by otfiddler on Sept 29, 2015 16:30:52 GMT -8
Thanks for the info, Ten! Now that you've told me where to look I can see what was added.
First time I tried my sink, I uncapped what I thought was the sink drain on the driver's side of the trailer and was very surprised not to see any water come out of it.
After pumping a gallon or so into the sink, with nothing coming out of the drain pipe, I noticed a puddle forming beneath the trailer and was mighty curious as to why ... imagine my surprise, as they say, when I found a second water tank!
Thanks again for the benefit of your experience --- as I said, I don't know yet what I'm going to do with it, but at least I know what I'm dealing with.
Larry
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Ten
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Post by Ten on Sept 29, 2015 16:56:08 GMT -8
Knowing where you are starting from makes it easier to know where you want to go. Or words to that effect.
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