I read an article in the FMC Magazine that endorsed the Polychute sewer hose. I was wondering if anyone uses this setup and how it works for you. I noticed that all the newer Fortravel coaches use something that looks like it. They have a valve on the end that makes emptying the tanks look easy. Here is a link.
Regards, Mark
Polychute (http://www.polychute.com/default.asp)
drain master | waste master | polychute (http://www.drainmaster.com/)
I ordered a Polychute and an extension a few days ago. I will post impressions after I inspect it, and again after it sees some time on the road. I will probably do some modifications to add a twist on gate valve and appropriate hookups for the Polychute.
I also ordered a NoFreezeWaterHose. It is scheduled to arrive today. I don't expect to give the heated water hose a serious test until we go back to Montana or Missouri in the winter. Such a device would have been useful during our recent stay in subfreezing temperatures.
J.D. where did you order it from? Is there any place to buy it cheaper than polychute web site?
Thanks, Mark
J.D.,
I watched the video and am very impressed, but wonder if they make one that fits the larger Thetford coupler that came standard on many Foretravels. I haven't found the need to reduce the coupling. Have you already changed yours to the 3" diameter?
Don,
I emailed Polychute that question and this was the response. Regards, Mark
Dear Mark.
From my experience, the white Thetford fitting is the only exception to our
system. A retofit would be necessary to accomodate our hose. Please call me
for further instructioms if you desire.
Thank You
Mike Ingram
Polychute, LLC.
(714) 840-8002
I changed my bayonet coupling to a Valtera when I installed my Third valve. I wish I had done it long ago. It makes availability of other attachments much greater. There are converter rings Thetford to Valtera available but they are pretty flimsy and don't seal all that great.
My understanding is that Polychute is only available from the manufacturer. It only fits Valterra or DrainMaster's cam connection that would replace the Valterra style twist lock. I plan to install a "twist on" gate valve and Valterra style connector. We'll find out what I can add that will still allow the hose to fit through the trap door.
I found the Polychute on my doorstep a couple of hours ago. The extension did not arrive at the same time. (??) I order them both last weekend.
It is a bit less impressive up close than in the video. The interior is smoother than most hoses, but is not smooth. It appears to be a layer separate from the external shield that includes the plastic coil to provide some rigidity. The fittings on each end appear to be sturdy and functional. I've not tested anything yet.
I measured the shortest length at seven feet. They claim the extended length is 16 feet. I haven't measured. I did order the 7-16' extension. I frequently dump the tanks at the RV sites at a city park near my home. The architects did not consult anyone with knowledge of RV pads and hookups. Some of the spots may require a 32' hose!
We are headed to NAC on Sunday afternoon, and then on to Oklahoma for a couple of days. We'll see how Polychute does on its initial trip with us.
Please keep us posted and let us know if you think it is worth the $
Any new information on this? Also, where do you store the hose? Comes with a plastic tub for the hose that is 25 1/2 x 17 1/4 x7 which will fit only in my large passenger bay on the curb side.
John,
We have used the Polychute a few times, and I am pleased so far.
I cut off the drain pipe near the "wall," installed a Valterra fitting, and a twist on waste gate valve. The Polychute works great with the bay door open. It is the first hose system I have used that doesn't leak. The third valve and viewports allow back flushing the black tank with grey water, and viewing the effluent.
I can't close the bay door with the Polychute hooked directly to the gate valve. With two 90 degree fittings, I can almost close the door, but the bottom stays out far enough that the bottom latches won't engage. Normally, one only needs to have the hose attached when dumping tanks. However, we have effluent from an RO system while we fill our fresh water tank. For that, I add the two 90 degree fittings and leave the door almost closed. The effluent is discharged into the upper 90 degree fitting via a small port.
I store the two hoses, main and extension, in their shallow containers in the main storage bay on the driver side. On our coach, they are stored very near the service bay. It seems to take no more space to store than a couple of the hoses I used to use. The fittings to attach to the coach are large and incompatible with the stock Thetford fitting. Some adjustments must be made in that area.
I am pleased, but can only give a conditional recommendation because of the fitting and clearance issues. It is not "plug and play" (plug and dump?).