Few days ago I was going to flush the black and grey tank. As I mentioned in this post (https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=40319.0), the connector at the end of sewage hose is thetford not the regular valterra.
I bought the Valterra Universal Adapter T052285VP
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51hT70I-5AL._AC_.jpg)
The space is really tight.
(https://www.foreforums.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=4505)
I am unable to fit in the 45 elbow downward. I can only connect the 45 elbow upward. That is not optimal at all.
(https://www.foreforums.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=4504)
I then bought Thetford 01665 Curved Hose Adaptor (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006H93CS).
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/414lM-xgWDL._AC_.jpg)
It is going to work if I connect the hose using clamp. But I don't want to cut my new camco Rhino flex hose.
So I decide to switch the connector out to the regular Valterra connector. Also both the black and grey tank valve are leaking. So it is a good time to change both out.
The biggest challenge is the space. It is so tight that I can't even put my wrench in place. Especially with the fiber glass board in place.
@stump said he removed those boards just to gain access to the valve. I think that is great idea. So first step is to remove those board. I can have better access to the valve. It is still very tight. When they design the coach 30 years ago, replacing valve was definitely on top of there list. The bolt and nuts at the bottom right of the valves are pain in the *** to remove. It was very struggling.
With enough patience, I am able to get both valves out. I thought that is the hardest part. But I didn't realize that the installation of the new one is even harder. >:(
(https://www.foreforums.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=4506)
(https://www.foreforums.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=4508)
There are many posts mentioned about cut the old Thetford connector out. I was not sure what does it mean to "cut" it out. I read a post about using a hot air gun to remove it. So that was I tried first.
(https://www.foreforums.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=4507)
With enough temperature, the white materials used by the thetford connector turn into very sticky material. It is not easy to separate them from the black ABS hose. It is going to take forever to complete separate them. So I decide to cut the connector out.
That was so much easier ;D . Just 5 minutes with a hacksaw, it is done.
Then use the Oatey 30889 ABS cement (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000V4HA4E) to glue the Valterra T1029-2 (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0006MRRWG) to the other end. The adapter is changed from thetford to valterra. :D
Installing the new valves were a little bit tricky, I read from some posts that some plumb silicon grease can help keeping the gasket in place while installing. I use Danco Silicone Facet Grease (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000DZFUPC).
The biggest challenge is to install the bolts and nuts. Especially the lower side of the bolts and nuts. There is no space at all. I have to take off my glove to use bare hand blindly trying to start the thread to the bolt. It is almost impossible. I think the later coach design take care of this issue. Looking at the picture, there is much more space around the waste water valve to work with.
I didn't take any picture since my hand get so dirty as you can imagine.
Eventually, I got all the bolts and nuts tighten. Tested with some water. It seems no leakage at all. I hope I don't have to deal with replacing both waste water valves any time soon.
Most owners making this conversion simply cut the Thetford connector off the end with a hacksaw, which is what you ended up doing. The only reason to try removing it (without cutting) is if cutting it off would not leave enough remaining pipe to attach the Valterra connection.
That looks like a REALLY tight and difficult place to work. Congratulations on a successful modification. Perseverance pays! ^.^d
Well this was timely, as I spent the day researching Thetford connectors, adapters and hoses. It's time to replace m sewer hoses before I have a problem, and at the end of the day, if I can't purchase a Thetford size bayonet on a hose, I'll cut the end off a hose and replace it with my white Thetford Bayonet, carry an adapter and a spare Thetford bayonet.
On my installation I would need to build a whole new water water manifold to experience the Valterra connection first hand.
I'm waiting on an e-mail from Thetford regarding the size of their new Titan hose set.
Good luck Running Odometer!
Please share what you find out from Thetford. Inquiring minds want to know.
Richard
Toolmaker, I was under the impression that the thetford connector is a standard size as is All brands of Valterra connectors. I have the add on thetford to valterra. But it pushes things out far enough to cause an issue with the bay door closing. I really don't want to cut the pipe at this point.
Be interesting to hear what Thetford tells you. Be sure and post up their response. ^.^d
I can understand not wanting to cut off the white Thetford end it one can not effect a repair by glueing on the new Valtarra end. But I'd suggest cutting it off is perhaps a far better solution, today than trying to live with and then find the harder to locate Thetford items in the future. I have never seen a Thetford hose or attachment at ACE, True Value, Home Depot, Lowes, or RV park store, ever. And we all know that one faithful day, we will need a new hose, or connector or sewer end piece to take care of business.
And I also carry a "third valve" that I can install if I should find my black or grey valves are leaking. The 3rd allows me to install it, and then on my schedule replace and repair the problem.
I recently changed mine and put a third valve on. I had tried the twist on adapter and valve but always had drips while dumping not to mention the door not closing.
It was a chore but worth it. Tonight I took the coach to dump it for the first time. I believe it's the first time ever I didn't need a pan under the connection just in case.
For the time being, I've ordered a spare Thetford end, and an adapter for use with the honey wagon. My problem is that I live with heart failure and have been doing so for a long time plus I have a long to do list. So some maintenance is less than optimal, such as purchasing new hoses and connecting one to a Thetford fitting.*
Because of the extremely high humidity, this week past, doing anything outside more than walking the dog and grocery shopping has been a deal breaker, although I did finish painting four octagonal plywood jack pads.
Art Joly
* Plus I need to pull the grey water tank and install an inlet gasket.
I'm going to keep digging for official information, and I want to know when Thetford deprecated the Thetford bayonet, but the denizens of Amazon have concurred that the Thetford bayonet is not interchangeable with the Valterra. Too bad. Our U225 is relatively low slung and that square door really is the lower limit for fixed plumbing.
Besides; I installed new Valterra valves last year.
When we bought our coach the first thing I did was cut the Valletta hose connector off, bought a dump valve from Amazon with the Tetford connector on it and glued it to the sewer pipe, total time 20 minutes.
Works like a gem, can connect the sewer hose and close the compartment door.
Well worth doing, good luck
I think the overall diameter difference between the two is about .25 inch.
I converted mine about 5 yrs ago while adding the third valve. Mine works with the door closed if need be but the only time it is connected is when I am dumping. I added an aluminum pan under the hidden valves to catch any leakage. So far it is staying clean. I like the hose options for this connector. Mine have caps on both ends and collapse to about 40" long from 10 ft stretched out.
Amazon.com: Valterra 20-Foot Dominator RV Sewer Hose Kit, Universal Sewer... (https://amazon.com/manguera-valterra-dominator-sewer-Negro/dp/B00BDEPJ1W/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1XNJ70B02EEV7&dchild=1&keywords=valterra+dominator+sewer+hose+kit+20&qid=1598669808&sprefix=Valterra+domin%2Caps%2C561&sr=8-1)
Instead of a hacksaw, a undercut saw works the best! Cut our end off right after we purchased the coach. Lately, I cut off the cables that go to the valvIes that are hidden behind the wall and have had zero issues since. Easy dump, etc. with just one valve!
I know many on here thought that was crazy, but the new coaches only have one valve now. The only reason you had two valves to start with was at one time, it was okay to dump your grey water on the ground. Not anymore, so please don't do that!
Flame suit on!