cheri
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1967 Vanbrook Trunkback
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Post by cheri on Apr 14, 2014 16:18:42 GMT -8
While working on the roof, I disconnected the toilet vent, which got me thinking, which got me reading, which got me kind of grossed out. When I got this trailer, I cleaned out the trunk of the old girl and there was this flexible plastic pipe which I would not have touched had I known then what I know now. YUK!! I thought it was cool that this trailer has a toilet. Now I'm not so sure. I have driven past dumping stations, but not really given it much thought. I've never had a camper with a toilet, so this is all new to me. The toilet looks as old as the trailer, so I'm sure it needs to be replaced, and I'm not sure it is worth the trouble. The instructions are long gone, so can someone tell me what is involved with dumping and cleaning the plumbing? I'm thinking that "bathroom" is looking more like closet space.
Cheri
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Hamlet
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Post by Hamlet on Apr 14, 2014 16:42:35 GMT -8
Depends on what you really want from your trailer. If you have a larger one, you may want to replace the toilet, get new disposal hose, etc. You can remove the black water tank if you know you will only be in sites that have individual dump stations. OR you can do what many of us have done and get a flushing porta potty. They are simple and lightweight, and the YUCK factor is close to zero. It'll last a couple people several days. No black water tank, no dump hose or pipe to store and carry around.
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John Palmer
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Hi, From a vintage trailer guy located in Santa Ana, CA. It's good to see lots of activity here.
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Post by John Palmer on Apr 14, 2014 18:10:09 GMT -8
I think once you have a trailer "with a toilet", there's no going back, at least that's what my wife told me, LOL.
Same for a refrigerator, over an ice box.
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Post by vikx on Apr 14, 2014 21:16:51 GMT -8
I'm all for the porta potti. Sewer hoses are too dirty. AND: Thetford Aqua Magic toilets have a nasty flaw: the bowl doesn't connect to a flush tube. The "contents" drop down into the tank, splashing the inside of the toilet body on the way. YUK.
On the Deluxe, I removed the old rotted tank and replaced with a porta potti. Owner loves it. I'll be doing the same thing on my SCS; keeping the scrawny shower of course. The PO removed the heater, so will install an on demand in the space and utilize that chimney...
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txoil
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1960 Shasta Deluxe 19
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Post by txoil on Apr 15, 2014 4:19:14 GMT -8
Porta Potti all the way. One added benefit is that since you no longer are putting black water into the holding tank, but sink and shower water only, you are able to empty your waste water tank almost anywhere, no need for a dump station, and you increase your time before action is required with your holding tank (since you have removed a source of input to the tank).
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pathfinder3081
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1971 Shasta Loflyte
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Post by pathfinder3081 on Apr 15, 2014 4:39:10 GMT -8
I'd pass on renovating or replacing the toilet. My memoires of dealing with all of that from sailing is enough to make me skip it. I'm just not there yet and my wife is ok with the bath house or a field privey. If I had a Vintage classic and it had all the provisions in place? Perhaps, but I don't even like camping within a 100 yards of the "camp dumber" places.. Dragg'in those tanks and hoses around.. Yuck!
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Post by bigbill on Apr 15, 2014 6:33:27 GMT -8
Me and the boss prefer a quality porta-potty and use the shower house for shower. Have had every thing over the years and the only time we liked the built in was when we were hooked to a sewer line.
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MarthaS
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1965 Friendship Vacationaire
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Post by MarthaS on Apr 15, 2014 6:52:25 GMT -8
What brand/style of Porti Potti does everyone have and like?
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Ten
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70 Shasta 16SC + 1964 Airflyte
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Post by Ten on Apr 15, 2014 7:01:38 GMT -8
Putting the "yuck" factor aside, the system itself would be relatively easy to test out to see what it needs. Cleaning is about 70% of the job with most old trailers, and running water in the trailer with no leaks is obviously essential. Testing the toilet fixture itself for leakage is easy enough as the fittings and valves should be easy to check. Mounting into the tank can't leak on the out-going side. Then there is the tank. If there are no cracks or breaks in the tank it should not leak. You would need a dump area and equipment to test it however, fill it full of water and see if there are leaks, then let 'er rip.
I am in agreement that the modern porta-potty is a nearly yuck-free alternative. Most are set up with a fresh water reservoir that can be filled with a garden hose, and the detachable waste tank is not so big as to be terribly clumsy in handling. They can be dumped into a toilet in the bath facility, rather than utilizing a dump station. The chemical additives available act as deodorizers, and keep them quite manageable.
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SusieQ
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'62 Shasta Compact
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Post by SusieQ on Apr 15, 2014 7:02:16 GMT -8
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MarthaS
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1965 Friendship Vacationaire
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Post by MarthaS on Apr 15, 2014 7:51:10 GMT -8
That's the one I'm looking at too SusieQ. However, I have to measure how it would work in our closet since we have a built in box over the wheel well and since me and BF are on the rather "shorter" side, will our feet dangle uncomfortably. LOL. Though it may make me feel like a kid again. Maybe someone who has this model will chime in.
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Post by bigbill on Apr 15, 2014 10:45:22 GMT -8
It is either 17 or 18 inches tall I don't remember which. If you go to the web site and click on specs it should give measurements there.
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SusieQ
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Post by SusieQ on Apr 15, 2014 11:54:22 GMT -8
Thetford Curve Portable Potti Specs
Item Weight 13 pounds Product Dimensions 18 x 16 x 18 inches
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cheri
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1967 Vanbrook Trunkback
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Post by cheri on Apr 15, 2014 15:32:36 GMT -8
Thanks everyone. I got the answer I was looking for.
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Post by vikx on Apr 15, 2014 21:26:16 GMT -8
Read the reviews... some like it, some don't. One person couldn't get the mounting bracket, which is the best thing about it. The electric flush doesn't flush the bowl, just adds water, so a manual unit might be as good. I like the height and style. Parts may be easier to find now...
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