Another Wetbay gets it's modifications
Last year I got inspired by reading of Don n Tys wetbay remodel. Ours was a simple project but required lots of attention to clearances in a small space. I'm posting a description of entire process. Please someone let me know if this isn't appropriate forum etiquette. Thanks.
Design Notes: I used an old 2002 CAD program to layout the new waste manifold in 3D. We removed the existing fiberglass panels and used 1/8 aluminum sheet with 90 bends to create structural strength. The panels are attached with stainless screws and aluminum angles to the bulkhead walls. There are three panels: Top with Paper towels, coax, 110v outlet, and (space for a second Seelevel control, not installed yet). Vertical side panel contains all the water connections and switch for electrical shoreline reel. The bottom panel has the Valterra handles and supports the storage shelf. Each panel is a sub assembly so that maintenance can be done without removing the others. (This came in handy as initially there was a fitting leak on the shower valve. My wife removed the 5 panel screws, panel and valves as a unit, I redid the connection back at the house and it was reinstalled the next day. Easy fix.) Each panel was cut out after downloading the CAD dwg file into a friends plasma cutter. He then bent the edges to spec in the drawings, After the initial install, everything went to be powder coated. Braided hose and Shark bite fittings were used for water connections to OEM Pex piping. The OEM heating ducts are behind the new panels. The wood shelf is two pieces 3/8 ply cut to fit tight against the bulkhead and opposite wall. The pressure/friction holds shelf boards in place. Space was left at the rear of the shelf and behind the water valve panel to allow air to circulate from the heating ducts.
We will be using a DrainMaster sewer hose, keeping it connected to the waste water manifold and storing it on a shelf in the wetbay. The Drainmaster comes with a shut-off valve and donut at outlet end of hose which works well with a third valve on the manifold to close off both ends of the drain hose when not in use. We gained space for the third valve by removing the OEM tank sensors and replacing the OEM 90 degree DWV ABS fitting at the gray water tank exit with a 90 degree PVC street elbow. (For waste plumbing this substitution does not meet code. A 90 Street will have more flow restriction than a 90 DWV sweep. However, we have seen no reduction in speed of draining of our gray tank. In my opinion the most significant restriction to gravity draining of waste water, gray or black, is in the corrugations in the sewer dump hose. But, I don't have engineering data to back this assumption up).
All the Valterra valve nuts and bolts were changed to stainless socket heads with washers and nylocks. Silicone lubricant used on the valve blade and seals. Threaded pipe connections and rubber couplings allow removal of valves in sections if repairs are needed. Multipurpose cement used on all glued joints. Butyl sealant and stainless hose clamps used at the holding tank nipples, (Same as what FT used).
For the black tank internal flush I had a 1/2 pipe nipple welded to steel plate. This gave me a solid place to mount a quick disconnect. (The quick connect isn't in the photos.)
Installed a Delta shower valve for use as a fresh water faucet. This made a secure mount for a quick connect with its own ball valve shut off. This permits quick changes between a garden hose or the OEM spray wand. (I may make up a 12" length of hose to connect when needed between the water faucet and the black tank internal flush. Contamination of our fresh water system would be prevented by the existing check valve in the black tank flush and using the ball valve to isolate this 12" black flush line from the shower valve before removing it.). Installed a new water filter between the hose reel and the check valve. Coach did not come with one.
Thus far haven't needed extra hose but if we do it we can add a length between coach and Drainmaster. We have 4" and 3" threaded fittings with clips that hold the Drainmaster hose/donut securely in any standard park sewer hookup. No weights are needed. More pictures of these fittings and finished wetbay coming.
Topic: Another Wetbay gets it's modifications