I have the standard (Thetford?) connection on my (4"?) dump hose to connect to my coach's dump outlet but nothing on the dump end of my hose. I have been informed that many RV parks require an adapter that securely connects to the opening of their sewage system. Can someone point to this part? I get confused when everything I see seems to be for smaller diameter hoses with a connection that won't connect to my outlet.
Yea, that standard Foretravel hose setup is great at a dump station but not appropriate for continuous hookup. I think the best way to go is cut off the stock pipe and install a standard bayonet or other type with the proper 90 degree end with gasket. Here's an example. There are many threads with lots of different approaches to this problem which all of us with the old coaches share.
The drawback is that once you make this change your hose will no longer stow in the factory provided pipe. Several threads on this issue too. I used to keep mine in a container but ended up rigging up something permanent.
jor
I use this one and it will fit in the FOT storage tube if you take off the flange that goes in the ground pipe.
Amazon.com: Valterra F02-3103 EZ Coupler 90° Universal Sewer Adapter-Red:... (https://www.amazon.com/Valterra-F02-3103-Universal-Coupler-Adapter/dp/B000QA0SJM/ref=sr_1_78?crid=2S9Z7YB1Z8Y81&keywords=rv+sewer+hose+fittings&qid=1558288355&s=gateway&sprefix=rv+sewer%2Caps%2C250&sr=8-78)
Rich
Slim,
There are a zillion different adapters to go on all the different hose styles. If you want to keep the Thetford end on your coach dump pipe, then you will have fewer choices in fittings. Check on Amazon and Camping World for a wide selection.
The 4-in-1 grey pipe with multiple diameter threaded end and translucent 90 (shown in JOR's post) is what we carry, and it has worked one way or another in every place we have stayed. Most times it will screw securely into the "dump pipe". Sometimes it will only sit loosely in the pipe and has to be held down by a weighted object (like at FOT's dump station where they kindly provide a calibrated rock). We occasionally encounter a dump pipe that is deeply recessed in the ground to where the threaded connection will not thread in, so you just have to improvise.
We never leave our dump hose continuously hooked up. We dump tanks and put it away. Doing it that way I don't have to worry so much about the "security" of the connection.
Thank you all for the input and ideas. The adapter that Rich points to appears to be the easiest solution -- especially because it will go into the holder on this coach -- but it doesn't list the size of hose it will fit. Can anyone confirm that this adapter will fit a 4" hose? I know what size hose came with my 1993 Foretravel but I have no idea what size they were using for the 2002 U270's.
The hose itself should be same size - whether hooked up to a Thetford or Valterra adapter on coach end.. EDIT" this may not be true of all coaches - but is on our 2003. Our's uses 3" hose and fittings.
Here is an easy adapter to use. With this you can then use standard Valttera fittings and hoses. Amazon.com: Valterra T05-2285VP Universal Adapter - Thetford to: Automotive (https://www.amazon.com/Valterra-T05-2285VP-Universal-Adapter-Thetford/dp/B0006N5S6C/ref=asc_df_B0006N5S6C/?tag=bingshoppinga-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid={creative}&hvpos={adposition}&hvnetw=o&hvrand={random}&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=e&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl={devicemodel}&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4584138857931278&psc=1)
I use this on the sewer dump end. It can be easily removed to stow the hose. : Camco Easy-Slip 4-In-1 Sewer Adapter With Elbow | Camping World (https://www.campingworld.com/easy-slip-4-in-1-sewer-adapter-with-elbow-13740.html?cgid=sewer-adapters-valves-fittings)
I use this if I need to join 2 hoses: Camco Easy Slip RV Internal Hose Coupler | Camping World (https://www.campingworld.com/easy-slip-rv-internal-hose-coupler-14502.html?cgid=sewer-adapters-valves-fittings)
I use these hoses - some other places offer it in 15' versus 10' lengths: Camco RhinoFLEX Sewer Hose, 10' | Camping World (https://www.campingworld.com/rhinoflex-sewer-hose---10-ft-630056.html#q=sewer%2Bhose&lang=default&start=21)
I use this on the coach end along with the 1st adapter above: Valterra 3" Valve Hose Adapter | Camping World (https://www.campingworld.com/45-degree-clear-hose-adapter-22169.html#q=sewer%2Bhose%2Badapters&lang=default&start=12)
Just to be clear, the 1993 U225 has a 4" Thetford adapter and requires a 4" sewer hose. It is NOT 3".
My 1982 Foretravel used the same Thetford connection and a 4" hose.
I could be wrong but am guessing that sometime AFTER 1993 Foretravel started using 3" equipment which seems to be the norm these days.
What I find most frustrating about this is that few of the equipment sellers mention hose sizes in their ads.
We had just upgraded to a tight fitting seal for the sewer before our last trip. I am so glad we did. At one park there had been a lot of rain and I suspect their septic wasn't perking as it should. I opened the dump valve and the hose stayed full all night. It was some time the next day before the septic system would take the rest of what was in the tank. Had we just stuck a loose end into the sewer it would have been a real mess before I could shut the valve.
1998 U270 still has 4" Thetford. Bought adapter to use standard hose sets
I got to thinking about that statement, and came up with (perhaps) a simple solution. The gray multi-thread adapter I currently use has 3", 3.5", and 4" male threads. Almost all of the fixed sewer pipes I have encountered are 4" I.D. female thread. I am going to find a short (12" or so) piece of ABS pipe with 3" internal (female) threads. I think this ought to screw onto the bottom my gray adapter using the smallest male thread. It will function as a extended "probe" for the adapter.
If I encounter a sewer pipe that deeply recessed to where I can't attach my normal adapter, or one where the internal threads are completely destroyed, then I will add the short section of 3" pipe. This should stick down into the 4" sewer pipe deep enough to make the dumping process much more secure. If weighted down, it ought to prevent the dump hose from trying to jump out of the pipe.
Not as good as a secure threaded connection, but better than just laying my hose loosely on top of the sewer pipe.
I've encountered RV dumps that have used all three of the diameters used in the adapters listed, plus unthreaded pipes that require a rubber donut to secure.
Well, as has been said, there are zillions of RV hoses and adapters. Is there a "standard" now? I sure don't see one but it does appear that the "standard" hose has become 3" and my coach is set up to use 4" hose.
I found the following adapter on ebay which the seller says "fits standard 3 inch bayonets" but the item description says (note the use of 3" twice):
"Allows standard waste valve fittings to be used on white Thetford® valves
3″ standard bayonet x 3″ Thetford® bayonet".
In 15 years I have never had a problem with dumping at a dump station with my 4" hose. All I am trying to do now is be prepared to hook up at a variety of RV parks without bringing a zillion hoses and adapters and having to test and change them in unsanitary conditions.
I believe this is the adapter Realmccoy is referring to and hopefully it will get me out of the Thetford world and into the "Valterra" or "Camco" world" but it would sure be nice if there was a fitting for the downstream end of a 4" hose that would solve the RV park hookup problem AND fit into my dump hose chute.
Valterra T05-2285VP Thetford to Valterra Bayonet Waste Valve Adapter... (https://www.ebay.com/itm/Valterra-T05-2285VP-Thetford-to-Valterra-Bayonet-Waste-Valve-Adapter/162488969961)
My post above has that same adapter available from Amazon.
Read the questions and answers at the Amazon site as well. Amazon.com: Valterra T05-2285VP Universal Adapter - Thetford to: Automotive (https://www.amazon.com/Valterra-T05-2285VP-Universal-Adapter-Thetford/dp/B0006N5S6C/ref=asc_df_B0006N5S6C/?ie=UTF8&tag=foreforums-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957)
And the down hill side of the adapter is standard Valterra fittings and hoses - also linked in the post above.
I use the foam tapered seal that slides over my hose and kinda seals the top of the dump connection.
Thanks for clarifying that Dan. I'm hoping there is a simpler solution that fits into the standard Foretravel poop tube holder. All I need is a downstream adapter that fits onto the existing hose, goes into the tube and connects to the RV park sewer.
* FWIW, the prices are almost identical but the ebay seller offers free shipping for the $9.09 cent adapter and Amazon offers free shipping but only for orders over $25.
That sounds great Mike, kinda. lol. Can you provide a link to the foam tapered seal?
Pic added , should suffice.
I also don't plug in when the dump is close to neighbor until I'm ready to leave.
I have only seen the foam tapered seals for the 3" Valterra hoses. Camco Foam Rubber Sewer Seal | Camping World (https://www.campingworld.com/foam-rubber-sewer-seal-4496.html#q=sewer&lang=default&start=20)
I use the Prest-O-Fit system. The hose fits the FT storage tube. I keep the black ring that maintains the hose end shape during shipping and use it on the end of the hose when it isn't connected to the dump fitting.
"That sounds great Mike, kinda. lol. Can you provide a link to the foam tapered seal?
I have only seen the foam tapered seals for the 3" Valterra hoses. Camco Foam Rubber Sewer Seal | Camping World
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I do remember having to do something to get my new hose on the Thetford fitting. I t may have involved a heat gun, a die grinder, zip ties, and a bad attitude. The OE hose fits and I have a modified connector to the new section of hose.
I put the a Prest-Fit-Blueline-Connector
Prest-O-Fit Blueline Pushover Quick Connector (https://www.prestofit.com/RVSanSubPages/PushoverQuickConnector.html)
on the hose. This fits in the storage tube just fine.
Then a : Easy Slip Elbow Fitting and 4-in-1 Adapter for RV Sewer Hoses Camco RV Sewer... (https://www.etrailer.com/RV-Sewer/Camco/CAM39144.html).
I clamp it just to be sure with a Camco big hose clamp
hth
This is an easy fix. Just cut off the Thetford end and install this adapter, then you use a 3 inch hose from then on. No guessing, or mismatched hoses, etc. Did this on our '98 and now on our 2000. When you use the adapter that converts the Thetford to the Valtarra, you open yourself up to just another place to leak, etc.
Amazon.com: Valterra T1029-2 Termination Adapter - 3" Bayonet x 3" Hub:... (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006MRRWG/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
This is the product to order. Hope this helps!
FYI; be sure to use the glue for the black PVC to glue this fitting on!
THANK YOU! This seems to be the simplest solution by far. 2 items for less than $20 on ebay....
Prest-O-Fit 1-0002 Blueline Pushover Quick Connector 764842100020 | eBay (https://www.ebay.com/itm/Prest-O-Fit-1-0002-Blueline-Pushover-Quick-Connector/163284829035)
Camco Easy Slip Elbow and 4-in-1 Sewer Adapter with Easy-Slip Rings -Securely... (https://www.ebay.com/itm/Camco-Easy-Slip-Elbow-and-4-in-1-Sewer-Adapter-with-Easy-Slip-Rings-Securely/123766204309)