Foretravel Owners' Forum

Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: Super8mm on September 12, 2018, 08:46:01 pm

Title: Thetford to Valterra
Post by: Super8mm on September 12, 2018, 08:46:01 pm
Today I went to dump my waste tanks for the first time (they are full of Clorox and water).  Well that didnt happen.

I kept the hoses from my 5er as there were no hoses in the coach when I bought it and they dont fit the the Foretravel.

I think I would rather just change the fitting to the Valterra style.

Is this the part I need?

Termination Adapter (http://www.valterra.com/product/termination-adapter-3-bayonet-x-3-hub/?pcat_id=1450)

Title: Re: Thetford to Valterra
Post by: AC7880 on September 12, 2018, 08:49:13 pm
Yes. And there are instructions on the board about how to remove the current terminator, and what glue to use.  Try search feature, and I'll take a quick look as well.
Title: Re: Thetford to Valterra
Post by: AC7880 on September 12, 2018, 09:10:49 pm
One way: Use a hacksaw blade (blade only) and make several cuts through the Thetford being careful to not cut the underlying pipe. Now use a heat gun or hair dryer, and heat the cut sections of Thetford, carefully using a flat screwdriver and pliers/vice grips to grab and pull sections off.

Once all the old Thetford is removed, use sand paper around circumference of the pipe.  Coat the pipe and new Valterra fitting with Oatey all purpose cement for PVC/ABS,  place fitting on pipe and give it  1/4 turn.  Align the lugs top to bottom, left to right like the removed fitting was, so a curved adapter will line up correctly.

From memory, make sure the glue is good for both ABS and PVC, as I believe you will have dis-similar materials to union.

Someone else may post alternative methods to get old fitting off.
Title: Re: Thetford to Valterra
Post by: AC7880 on September 12, 2018, 09:20:04 pm
FRUSTRATED WITH THETFORD CONNECTIONS (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=9480.msg44528#msg44528) 


Many different designs on on factory layout of sewer plumbing. Different approcahes work for different coaches. 

Title: Re: Thetford to Valterra
Post by: red tractor on September 12, 2018, 09:30:29 pm
While you are doing this install a 3rd valve.
Title: Re: Thetford to Valterra
Post by: Super8mm on September 12, 2018, 09:54:16 pm
Yes. And there are instructions on the board about how to remove the current terminator, and what glue to use.  Try search feature, and I'll take a quick look as well.
I did search and most of the post were very old and no pictures as they kept talking about a 3 valve so I was not sure just what they were talking about.
Title: Re: Thetford to Valterra
Post by: jhardman on September 12, 2018, 09:57:00 pm
Just sayin', I'd consider the drainmaster Wastemaster camlock system! A wonderful upgrade on my coach!

Best of luck on whatever you choose!
Title: Re: Thetford to Valterra
Post by: lenspeiser on September 12, 2018, 09:59:38 pm
Steve,
A third valve sits downstream from the original two. It allows you to dump your black water, close the third valve, open the grey water valve in order to flood the black water tank with grey water, close the grey water, open the third valve and "flush" the black water tank.
That has been one of the best ( and cheapest) mods we have done, and encourage you to do it.

Len
Title: Re: Thetford to Valterra
Post by: Super8mm on September 12, 2018, 10:02:50 pm
Thanks Dan, so it is like peeling a banana  ^.^d 
Title: Re: Thetford to Valterra
Post by: Super8mm on September 12, 2018, 10:04:39 pm
While you are doing this install a 3rd valve.
So I have one valve for the black and one for the grey.  I take it that the 3rd valve goes between the cap and the other 2 valves?
Title: Re: Thetford to Valterra
Post by: Super8mm on September 12, 2018, 10:15:49 pm
Just sayin', I'd consider the drainmaster Wastemaster camlock system! A wonderful upgrade on my coach!

Best of luck on whatever you choose!
Thanks, I saw that a year about when I had my trailer and had forgotten it.  that sure looks easier on the hands if you have arthritis in your fingers.
Title: Re: Thetford to Valterra
Post by: Super8mm on September 12, 2018, 10:16:53 pm
Steve,
A third valve sits downstream from the original two. It allows you to dump your black water, close the third valve, open the grey water valve in order to flood the black water tank with grey water, close the grey water, open the third valve and "flush" the black water tank.
That has been one of the best ( and cheapest) mods we have done, and encourage you to do it.

Len
OK, thanks Len
Title: Re: Thetford to Valterra
Post by: Roger & Susan in Home2 on September 12, 2018, 10:19:50 pm
Recent third dump valve installations (split from another topic) (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=25056.msg197677#msg197677)

Third valve
Title: Re: Thetford to Valterra
Post by: Super8mm on September 12, 2018, 10:30:41 pm
Recent third dump valve installations (split from another topic) (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=25056.msg197677#msg197677)

Third valve
Thanks Roger, he does do great work  ^.^d
Title: Re: Thetford to Valterra
Post by: AC7880 on September 12, 2018, 10:42:46 pm
Thanks Dan, so it is like peeling a banana  ^.^d 

Correct. And not all coaches have room for the third valve some install. Mine does not without serious replumbing.
Title: Re: Thetford to Valterra
Post by: Dakota Slim on September 13, 2018, 09:53:10 am
Steve,
A third valve sits downstream from the original two. It allows you to dump your black water, close the third valve, open the grey water valve in order to flood the black water tank with grey water, close the grey water, open the third valve and "flush" the black water tank.
That has been one of the best ( and cheapest) mods we have done, and encourage you to do it.

Len
A 3rd valve also helps prevent "surprises" when you pull off the cap.
Title: Re: Thetford to Valterra
Post by: Super8mm on September 13, 2018, 11:31:18 am
A 3rd valve also helps prevent "surprises" when you pull off the cap.
I guess that would be like trying to push a weened calf up  a loading chute from behind, not a pretty picture  :o
Title: Re: Thetford to Valterra
Post by: kimosabe99 on September 13, 2018, 03:06:05 pm
Has anyone installed a third valve on an older coach with the narrow compartment?  My 280 doesn't have a lot of room on left side of soil pipe to remove the Thetford connection.

jk
Title: Re: Thetford to Valterra
Post by: Chuck & Jeannie on September 13, 2018, 06:53:13 pm
Jack, and Steve,

Since you have a 36' coach, I don't know what your utility compartment looks like.  Link below to a post showing our setup, along with parts list.  It may or may not be helpful:

Problems with third dump valve mod (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=23338.msg181042#msg181042)
Title: Re: Thetford to Valterra
Post by: Super8mm on September 13, 2018, 07:01:57 pm
Since you have a 36' coach, i don't know what your utility compartment looks like.  Link below to a post showing our setup, along with parts list.  It may or may not be helpful:
Thanks Chuck, I have not remove the panel yet but mine exits like yours does.  I will open it up when I get back next week and see what is there  ^.^d
Title: Re: Thetford to Valterra
Post by: Super8mm on September 18, 2018, 11:40:16 am
Ok, here is a little followup on this topic.

I want to go with the Waste Master due to the ease of getting the hose on and off with arthritis in my hands.

BUT the the bayonet setup for our OEM had a 3.75" OD with the pins cut off.  Waste Master said the only fitting they have is the 3.5" ID, they do not make one to fit the 3" pipe.

So what I am going to have to do is cut off the only bayonet and put on a new style Valettra fitting and cut the pins off to put the Waster Master on over it.

So while I am cutting I will go ahead and add the 3rd valve.  There is always more than one way to skin a cat  ^.^d
Title: Re: Thetford to Valterra
Post by: craneman on September 18, 2018, 11:44:53 am
Ok, here is a little followup on this topic.

I want to go with the Waste Master due to the ease of getting the hose on and off with arthritis in my hands.

BUT the the bayonet setup for our OEM had a 3.75" OD with the pins cut off.  Waste Master said the only fitting they have is the 3.5" ID, they do not make one to fit the 3" pipe.

So what I am going to have to do is cut off the only bayonet and put on a new style Valettra fitting and cut the pins off to put the Waster Master on over it.

So while I am cutting I will go ahead and add the 3rd valve.  There is always more than one way to skin a cat  ^.^d
Is the 3 3/4 od the same as a 3 1/2 id?
Title: Re: Thetford to Valterra
Post by: Super8mm on September 18, 2018, 11:55:20 am
Is the 3 3/4 od the same as a 3 1/2 id?
The 3 1/2" ID needs to slide over the 3 3/4" OD

If I had one to play with I would see if I could mount it in  the jaws of my wood lathe and remove .125 but then if I am going to add a 3 valve I might as well cut it off and add the 3rd valve then cut a short nipple to add the new Valterra style fitting.  The overall length should come out about the same.
Title: Re: Thetford to Valterra
Post by: kimosabe99 on September 19, 2018, 04:31:02 pm
Jack, and Steve,

Since you have a 36' coach, I don't know what your utility compartment looks like.  Link below to a post showing our setup, along with parts list.  It may or may not be helpful:

Problems with third dump valve mod (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=23338.msg181042#msg181042)

Thanks for the link, Chuck. I am posting a couple of pictures of space I have to work in on this coach.  I could probably get third valve in but it might be a case of not closing the compartment door.  The pictures are just aft of divider from the batteries .

jk

Title: Re: Thetford to Valterra
Post by: Old phart phred on September 19, 2018, 08:26:20 pm
You can buy the third valve that is bayonet mounted if you don't have room, just not as convenient.
Title: Re: Thetford to Valterra
Post by: Chuck & Jeannie on September 19, 2018, 11:34:53 pm
I am posting a couple of pictures of space I have to work in on this coach.
That stuff is really crammed in there.  You are right - not much room for mods.  The "temporary" valve mentioned by Phred might be the best way to go.  On our coach with the permanently mounted 3rd valve, I cannot close the utility bay door completely when the dump hose is connected.  The 3rd valve sticks out too far.  This works OK for us because we don't ever stay in one place long term.  I just dump the tanks when required, then remove the hose so the hatch will close and lock.

You have to look at what space you have, and come up with the best solution that works for you.
Title: Re: Thetford to Valterra
Post by: Dave Larsen on September 20, 2018, 10:27:28 am
I guess that would be like trying to push a weened calf up  a loading chute from behind, not a pretty picture  :o
I would much rather be squirted by a calf than the contents of the black tank! 
Sorry, not helpful to the discussion.
Title: Re: Thetford to Valterra
Post by: nitehawk on September 20, 2018, 10:39:12 am
Can "see" that calf episode in my mind.
Was helping an uncle get a heifer (unbred female bovine) into a stock trailer. Uncle had his back up against the heifer's butt and pushing. Heifer was very frightened and excited. She "let go" and my uncle, who didn't have much of a rear end, suddenly had his back pockets full!! Heifer "gift" all the way down his back and in his pockets.
Even worse, because the trailer was along a sidehill, the heifer leapt up and the trailer tipped over and the heifer got away--again!!
Uncle had to drive home in his underwear, with me and the DW in the truck!
Title: Re: Thetford to Valterra
Post by: Super8mm on September 20, 2018, 09:10:52 pm
Yep that is what happens "LOL"