Foretravel Owners' Forum For owners and Fans of Foretravel Motorcoaches September 14, 2025 ...

My issue is that the bowl won't hold water, despite being only a couple of years old.  I tried wiping the contacting surfaces of the flapper valve with very fine sandpaper to no effect.  If there is a simple fix, I'd like to hear it, otherwise I will be looking for a conventional unit.

Our Microphor toilet is working well at 15 years old.  Try wiping the gasket with a bit of silicon plumbers grease. We do it once a year or so.  Make sure your water level adjustment leaves the entire gasket under water. If you have to replace it then Tim's suggestion looks like a good one.

Sven, it is a 16 year old coach. Things are going to need attention. Take them one at a time and get them fixed. We have had our coach for six years and there is usually something on the fix list and always something on the improvement list. Do the maintenance. Fix what needs to be fixed. Then enjoy your coach.

If you are directly over the black tank ... go manual. there is no need for electric gizmos. A commode should not need a "brain" to operate!  We went with manual and still maintained our vacuum system, which is separate from the commode, itself.  I am MUCH happier!  Nothing stops a trip faster than a commode failure.

I like the microphore.

Replaced the seal.

Before considering a manual in place of an electric, just a quick heads up: verify that your toilet is located directly over the black tank.

Sven,

The Foretravels from a few years earlier used the Sealand Traveler manual toilet.  I believe they are the model 511 low profile.  They currently sell for about $250 - $300.

If you are going to be buying gaskets, taking it apart to repair, etc, then weigh the cost/convenience of putting in a new manual toilet with fresh seals.

Take some time to enjoy all that work you've put into your rig.  And if you really get down... consider taking a walk through some new Class A's of various price ranges to regain some perspective in terms of fit, finish, cost, etc.

Chris

Actually ... the two systems are separate. After consultation and verification with a Dometic/Sealand representative  ... who had 22 years of experience and an intimate knowledge of Foretravels!!! ... I replaced our Sealand Magnum Opus Vacuflush commode with a manual unit. (For a small fee I am willing to share that expert's name and direct phone number. ;-)) The installer had some headscratching to do to keep the status light that indicates a vacuum has built up in the line and that the system is ready to WHOOSH stuff along to the black tank, but he managed it.  I think a more important caveat is to make sure that you use plenty of water, a single ply tissue, and keep the seals in good shape.