Disaster at camp Foretravel!

Topic: Disaster at camp Foretravel! (Read 1922 times) previous topic - next topic

Disaster at camp Foretravel!

October 28, 2012, 04:16:22 pm

While away from the coach this morning we got a call from another member that our coach had water running out of it from various places! Long story short is that the solenoid for the flushing valve malfunctioned and filled up the black water tank then started running thru ought the coach. The only bay that doesn't have water in it is the generated bay. Moral of the story is: shut your water off before you leave the coach!
On the bright side, we are here at FOT already.

Re: Disaster at camp Foretravel!

Reply #1 – October 28, 2012, 04:25:53 pm

Oh, no!! A dreadful scenario, but not unheard of, to be sure. I sometimes think I worry too much ... but have gotten into the habit of turning off the water pump AND the VacuFlushMagnumOpusTurboTurd3000 electric toilet when we are going out for the day. If we are hooked to shore water (which is not generally the case, as we prefer to fill and then use our onboard tank) we shut the valve off. You just never know when a leak will happen! So sorry!!!

Just another thought ... when you are having the damage assessed, make sure they check the wax ring seal at the base of the commode. If the water came up inside the coach from the black tank, that seal has probably been compromised and will need to be redone ... otherwise, you will have leaking again and perhaps an odor problem. Don't ask me how I know.

Re: Disaster at camp Foretravel!

Reply #2 – October 28, 2012, 05:07:12 pm

What model toilet is that? We also have an electric flush toilet, a Thetford Aria Deluxe I think. I thought it had too much water it the bowl one morning, but hasn't happened again. I am still worried about it though.

Re: Disaster at camp Foretravel!

Reply #3 – October 28, 2012, 05:11:31 pm

There is the solonoid valve that can malfunction and don't forget that the vacuum breaker can also malfunction and cause an overflow. Even though you turn off the water pump there is still substantial pressure in the lines and if either of the offending items decide not to operate correctly there will be several gallons that will still come out. Best to put a manual quarter turn valve right at the toilet inlet or maybe an additional solonoid. (info for Microphor Model LF-220)
Good luck,
Rick

Re: Disaster at camp Foretravel!

Reply #4 – October 28, 2012, 05:34:15 pm

Darn the luck, sounds like a wet mess,,I think I'll keep my foot flush now

Re: Disaster at camp Foretravel!

Reply #5 – October 28, 2012, 06:33:41 pm

When Carol & Jeff were in Moab with us we did a Pourtravel in their coach. I had occasion to use the VacuFlushMagnumOpusTurboTurd3000. Pardon the pun but it scared the carp out of me! That thing could swallow a large child!

see ya
ken

Re: Disaster at camp Foretravel!

Reply #6 – October 28, 2012, 08:36:02 pm

Big Bummer

Re: Disaster at camp Foretravel!

Reply #7 – October 28, 2012, 08:39:18 pm

Well ... when you hafta flush "sideways" you WANT a turbo! Seriously ... I would be just as happy with a traditional foot pedal, but alas, we have a floor plan that dictates otherwise. Having a china commode IS nice ... but there are complications with fancier devices, to be sure. For instance ... a seat replacement for the Magnum Opus costs about $85!!!

Sounds like purchasing at the Pentagon!! The hinges are NOT in a standard placement, so you can't just waltz into Lowe's or Home Depot. I am not sure about the Microphor ... but the one we had in our '95 was a lovely Pearl Grey, and would have been difficult to match. It is now Keith & Joyce Elms decorating dilemma, in any case!!

Re: Disaster at camp Foretravel!

Reply #8 – October 28, 2012, 09:48:32 pm

Dick and Rick, we have the Thetford model, has one large and one small blue button. Large one is for flushing and the small one is foe rinseing. From other people's experience here, it sounds like a circuit board has gone bad.
At this time, the carpets are gone and there are 4 blowers and one dehydrator inside the coach. Needless to say, we are in a hotel tonight, and probably a few more until we get things sorted out. I'll be talking to Cory and our insurance company tomorrow to see what the next step will be. Stay tuned for the next chapter, coming soon,
Richard B.

Re: Disaster at camp Foretravel!

Reply #9 – October 28, 2012, 10:05:22 pm

Quote from: rbark – October 28, 2012, 09:48:32 pm

I'll be talking to Cory and our insurance company tomorrow to see what the next step will be.

Richard and Betty,

So sorry this happened to such nice folks!

I don't know who your insurance company is. If it happens to be Progressive, our experience with the claims rep who has the East Texas area (at least back in 2010) is that he is very familiar with Foretravels and made the claim and repair process go very smoothly.

Michelle

Re: Disaster at camp Foretravel!

Reply #10 – October 29, 2012, 05:00:14 am

Richard and Betty, that is just horrible! I'm glad to hear the carpet is out and you are able to get things dried out.

On the bright side, Betty will get her new carpet!

Re: Disaster at camp Foretravel!

Reply #11 – October 29, 2012, 11:54:15 am

I had to chuckle when I read this post, not for your disaster but it reminded me of a severe brain cramp I had, not too long ago. We had a leak in the Microphore mechanism when we purchased the coach. Apparently the previous owner also recognized the issue as they had a small container below the "tank" area to catch the water. I did not think that was a good solution so I decided to address the issue properly. During my efforts to repair the leak I developed several others. Had to get parts from Microphor including the "brain" of the system. Understand, now, that after I addressed one of the leaks I kept flushing the toilet to see if I had fixed it. I kept this up until all the visible leaks were resolved. But dang it something was STILL LEAKING and the carpet in the bathroom was getting wetter and wetter. I don't want to tell you how long it took me to discover that the black water tank was full.

Life is good. Hope you get fixed up better than new.

Roland

Re: Disaster at camp Foretravel!

Reply #12 – October 29, 2012, 07:26:29 pm

Richard, what did FOT say about the flood and more importantly, the repair?

Re: Disaster at camp Foretravel!

Reply #13 – October 30, 2012, 06:16:32 pm

Carol, thanks for the tip on shutting the water off. I haven't made that a habit as of yet. Figured we were only going to be gone for an hour or two so never shut the water off. My bad! I will have a sticky above the door saying something till I remember to shut water off when we leave the coach from now on.

txforetravel,
FOT has not said anything as of yet. Late yesterday, the insurance adjuster said we could move to the paint shop as that wouldn't interfear with the drying process.
Will move to FOT tomorrow and then they will fix the toilet and then we will start discussing what will need to be done. The Ins. agent came today and took lots of pictures and talked about some options but I think he wants some input from FOT about replacing carpet and the like. We still have no idea how long this process will take.
Richard B.

Re: Disaster at camp Foretravel!

Reply #14 – October 30, 2012, 06:56:54 pm

That progress! As for new carpet install, now that the old is out, David F's group can install it in a day or so. The big quesiton will be what to pick out for new carpet!

Re: Disaster at camp Foretravel!

Reply #15 – October 30, 2012, 07:04:15 pm

I cannot sing the praises for tile or hardwood flooring loudly enough!!!

Re: Disaster at camp Foretravel!

Reply #16 – October 30, 2012, 07:08:57 pm

Quote from: Dave Head – October 30, 2012, 07:04:15 pm

I cannot sing the praises for tile or hardwood flooring loudly enough!!!

Thats' what I'm thinking. On another note- had a client a few years ago have same problem. Soaked his carpet and pad. He dried those out and wanted me to re-install it. It was black water tank that backed up. Yup- he wanted the old carpet reinstalled. Talk about cheap. I threw my clothes away after I got home.

Re: Disaster at camp Foretravel!

Reply #17 – October 30, 2012, 07:13:27 pm

Quote from: rbark – October 30, 2012, 06:16:32 pm

The Ins. agent came today and took lots of pictures and talked about some options but I think he wants some input from FOT about replacing carpet and the like.

Our experience with Progressive/Shawn is that he'll likely get a figure from FOT for installing the exact (or as close to) product as was originally there and use that to figure out your claim. I believe they can do a supplemental claim if in doing the actual job more water damage is discovered, so don't worry that the original is cast in stone.

Now, at least with our claim, when you actually do get down to replacement, you can do what you want and just pay the difference out of your own pocket. For example, in our claim our original satellite dish was a single LNB dome. The claim was to replace like with like; we paid the difference and had an HD dish installed instead. Progressive had no problem with something like that. So if you don't want carpet, you can probably pay the difference and have tile or hardwood installed instead. Or just a carpet you like better.

Michelle

Re: Disaster at camp Foretravel!

Reply #18 – October 30, 2012, 11:46:58 pm

Leaving water turned on when not home has caused serious problems in stick-homes and motor-homes. David Flannigan knows about BOTH first hand.

Re: Disaster at camp Foretravel!

Reply #19 – October 31, 2012, 03:24:30 am

Tile is heavy, (I know, I took out my carpet and hardwood to install) but I like the look. If I had to do it over again (which I may) my leanings now are the good looking vinyl products.

But you are at the right spot to make a VERY well informed decision

Re: Disaster at camp Foretravel!

Reply #20 – November 01, 2012, 09:39:33 am

There is a composite product called Duraceramic by Congoleum that is lighter weight than true ceramic but look very much like it. It is installed the same way as true ceramic. It is also more flexible and is a bit quieter and warmer. If I am forced into replacing our beautiful burgundy carpet, Peggy says we either shave the dog or get a light colored floor, I will probably go with the Duraceramic.

Re: Disaster at camp Foretravel!

Reply #21 – November 01, 2012, 10:18:19 am

Kent,

Concur on Congoleum Duraceramic. We installed it a couple of years ago and have been very happy with it. Lighter and more flexible than ceramic, substantially lighter and you would have to get down on your hands and knees to see any difference in the look.

http://www.congoleum.com/res-products.php?product_line=duraceramic

http://congoleum.chameleonpower.com/product.aspx?sku=RA-41

Re: Disaster at camp Foretravel!

Reply #22 – November 01, 2012, 10:26:12 am

Ask David about Karndean flooring,FT used it in some of there coach's.

Re: Disaster at camp Foretravel!

Reply #23 – November 01, 2012, 05:45:44 pm

We also saw the cork floor Dave and Nancy Abel installed in their. I looked great, is warm to the touch and also provides noise reduction better than any tile. I'm sure it is lighter weight as well. Maybe Dave will respond with more detailed information.

Dave, I think we would like to do the same thing in our coach but my shoulder hurts. When are you going to be back in Oklahoma?

Re: Disaster at camp Foretravel!

Reply #24 – November 01, 2012, 07:26:42 pm

Howdy Kent,
Thanks for the shout out... Here's a link to some information on Cork Flooring:
http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=16001.msg100549#msg100549

I know how your shoulder hurts!! LOL,, Actually would be glad to help you out..Kind of fun installing a cork floor, but lots of up and downs.. I've noticed the ground (floor) is futher away than it used to be!! LOL. Currently in Pryor, OK headin' to Miami tomorrow for a few weeks..
Hope all is well, ttyl, Dave A

Affiliate Notice