I'm Thinking Replacing Our Microphor

Topic: I'm Thinking Replacing Our Microphor (Read 1867 times) previous topic - next topic

I'm Thinking Replacing Our Microphor

March 22, 2013, 10:37:25 am

Good Morning!

Rather than helping Microphor employees send their kids to college I'm thinking to help other folks with that.

SeaLand Traveler from Dometic - 511+ - Lo Profile looks interesting. It might even be the same toilet we had in our Lazy Daze days. Regularly $353.00 On Sale for Only $257.56

SeaLand 4300-4400 Series Marine Toilets are more expensive and look more like our Microphor. $600+

Anyone have experience with replacing a Microphor with toilets like these? Any thoughts to suggest? Recommendations?

How are bolts secured in Foretravel floors?

Both the above toilets are secured with 4 bolts. I'm not sure the existing bolt layout will match what's needed with new toilets.

We have tile floors except in the bedroom. Tile installed by second owner. Will that mean I'll need two wax seals under the toilet?

best, paul

Re: I'm Thinking Replacing Our Microphor

Reply #1 – March 22, 2013, 10:42:17 am

Paul... we have the high profile Sealand Traveler (original to the coach), since the black tank is directly below the toilet. From other threads, I thought that electrical toilets were used when the black tank was NOT directly below. Is your tank directly below - or will it need an electrical toilet (not a Traveler) to "assist" the flush/transit?

Re: I'm Thinking Replacing Our Microphor

Reply #2 – March 22, 2013, 11:19:54 am

Thanks Paul for starting this thread. I too am interested. Will be watching this thread with great interest. (How does one determin the black tank location is in their coach? Not to Hijack you thread but we have a 2002, U320, 36' with an enclosed toitee located on the driver's side. Would appreciate a PM from some one.)

Re: I'm Thinking Replacing Our Microphor

Reply #3 – March 22, 2013, 11:24:03 am

The manual for my Microphor has the following, Pat:

"The Model LF-220 Microflush Toilet is an electrically operated drop-through type toilet using approximately two quarts of water per flush. Wastewater is flushed from the bowl through a Hopper and drops directly into a holding tank. A Flapper valve at the bottom of the bowl holds fresh water in the bowl and seals out odors from the holding tank."

I BELIEVE this is the model I have. I certainly detect no vacuum when the flapper valve opens.

best, paul

Quote

Paul... we have the high profile Sealand Traveler (original to the coach), since the black tank is directly below the toilet. From other threads, I thought that electrical toilets were used when the black tank was NOT directly below. Is your tank directly below - or will it need an electrical toilet (not a Traveler) to "assist" the flush/transit?

Re: I'm Thinking Replacing Our Microphor

Reply #4 – March 22, 2013, 11:25:23 am

Scott,

Simple really, look down the hole with a flashlight. If you can see into the tank you are above it. If you see a pipe bend you are not. Also look at the top of the tank and see if there is straight pipe leading down from where the commode is located. On my 1995 it is located above the tank.

Keith

Re: I'm Thinking Replacing Our Microphor

Reply #5 – March 22, 2013, 11:31:49 am

Well, Paul... you've really piqued my curiosity... what is the reason for an electric toilet if it is located directly over the tank... which is certainly sounds like it is (pending Keith's suggestion to have a look with a flashlight)?

PS Between toilets and bidets... I really need a change in topics... maybe back to cooking and cleaning!

Re: I'm Thinking Replacing Our Microphor

Reply #6 – March 22, 2013, 12:10:10 pm

Quote from: Patricia – March 22, 2013, 11:31:49 am

Well, Paul... you've really piqued my curiosity... what is the reason for an electric toilet if it is located directly over the tank...

It is a water saving feature as some can be set to dispose of the "stuff" with as little as one quart of water. Amount of water used in ours is programmable.

Roland

Re: I'm Thinking Replacing Our Microphor

Reply #7 – March 22, 2013, 12:16:12 pm

Thanks, Roland... programmable water-saving... makes sense! Glad that ours is strictly mechanical... one less electrical (translation: complicated) thing to worry about!

Re: I'm Thinking Replacing Our Microphor

Reply #8 – March 22, 2013, 12:24:51 pm

It is a great appliance......when it works.

Roland

Re: I'm Thinking Replacing Our Microphor

Reply #9 – March 22, 2013, 12:49:47 pm

Well, Pat, the flapper valve is electric and the control of how much water in each flush is electric.

And then there's the piece de resistance:

"After the Flapper has closed, fresh water continues to enter the bowl to a predetermined level until the Timer closes the solenoid valve.

An adjustment on the Timer allows adjustment of the water level in the bowl to compensate for water pressure fluctuations. A vacuum breaker is provided as an anti-siphon device."

best, paul

Quote

Well, Paul... you've really piqued my curiosity... what is the reason for an electric toilet if it is located directly over the tank... which is certainly sounds like it is (pending Keith's suggestion to have a look with a flashlight)?

PS Between toilets and bidets... I really need a change in topics... maybe back to cooking and cleaning!

Or kinder küche kirche (running and ducking... ;o)

Re: I'm Thinking Replacing Our Microphor

Reply #10 – March 22, 2013, 01:05:59 pm

Quote from: Paul Smith – March 22, 2013, 12:49:47 pm

Or kinder küche kirche (running and ducking... ;o)

Yeah, yeah... with my "cooking and cleaning" remark, I did ask for that one! (I learned enough market Dutch--from our year in Antwerpen--to know why you ducked and ran! ha ha). But I'm waaaaaaay past the "kinder" part of that one... which is why women of "a certain age" no longer have children.... I'd forget where I left them!

PS After your description of the electric Microphor's features... my new bidet does not seem quite so "fancy"!

Re: I'm Thinking Replacing Our Microphor

Reply #11 – March 22, 2013, 01:20:04 pm

A probe (don't ask ;o) proves there's no pipe bend 24 inches+ below the floor.

I assume the tank is there since I haven't seen it fall off lately.

Opening the flapper manually works, too.......... ;o)

best, paul

Quote

It is a great appliance......when it works.

Re: I'm Thinking Replacing Our Microphor

Reply #12 – March 22, 2013, 01:22:14 pm

We have the Sealand Traveler manual pedal short pedestal model that is mounted on top of a raised floor 'box'. Our toilet is NOT directly over our black holding tank. The reason for our 'box' is there is an angled ABS pipe from toilet to top of tank that is a short distance foward from under toilet. All works great and recommended. Toilet is bolted to floor flange with two bolts. We understand you desire to change from electric to manual toilet.

Re: I'm Thinking Replacing Our Microphor

Reply #13 – March 22, 2013, 03:13:33 pm

Paul,

I have removed the LF-220 from my 2000 U320 several times. It is fastened to the plywood floor through the tile by four lag bolts.

FOT said it was a must to replace the wax seal with the one with the plastic reinforcement in the wax. There are several wax seal models to choose from at the hardware store. I chose the middle priced one with a ten year warranty. I found that the tile floor requires a seal with more wax than the standard, inexpensive one.

Good luck, the thing is heavy for one person to handle but easily managed if you have room for a helper, our private potty room did not.

Cheers!
Bob

Re: I'm Thinking Replacing Our Microphor

Reply #14 – March 22, 2013, 05:01:03 pm

Wow, by pushing the flapper open by hand it is very easy to break the plastic rod/crank assembly that is connected to the flapper valve. You should not flush a Microphor toilet manually unless you like buying expensive replacement parts. Been there, done that. Other than that (as Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf would say)... you have a fine toilet.

Jim

2002 U320

Re: I'm Thinking Replacing Our Microphor

Reply #15 – March 22, 2013, 05:10:40 pm

Thanks!

We're back to bailing again, Kathleen... ;o)

best, paul

Quote

Wow, by pushing the flapper open by hand it is very easy to break the plastic rod/crank assembly that is connected to the flapper valve. You should not flush a Microphor toilet manually unless you like buying expensive replacement parts. Been there, done that. Other than that (as Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf would say)... you have a fine toilet.

Re: I'm Thinking Replacing Our Microphor

Reply #16 – March 22, 2013, 05:38:10 pm

Am going to be replacing my Sealand Traveler with something like the Aria® Classic for the Elongated seat. If memory serves me right, they came out with a new model very similiar to a elongated residential size, but can't remember the name.
http://www.thetford.com/Portals/0/PDFs/Toilet-Conversion-Chart-Oct2012.pdf

Re: I'm Thinking Replacing Our Microphor

Reply #17 – March 22, 2013, 08:46:06 pm

How about this one, Pat?

http://www.thetford.com/Home/Products/PermanentToilets/AriaClassicwandwoWaterSaver/tabid/86/Default.aspx

I like it!

best, paul

Quote

Am going to be replacing my Sealand Traveler with something like the Aria® Classic for the Elongated seat. If memory serves me right, they came out with a new model very similiar to a elongated residential size, but can't remember the name. < http://www.thetford.com/Portals/0/PDFs/Toilet-Conversion-Chart-Oct2012.pdf

Re: I'm Thinking Replacing Our Microphor

Reply #18 – March 22, 2013, 09:20:22 pm

Quote from: Paul Smith – March 22, 2013, 08:46:06 pm

How about this one, Pat?

I realize you are asking the "other Pat," Paul.... but, as the "other-other Pat," I'm thinking maybe you need to look at this one.... it has a built-in bidet!!

http://www.thetford.com/HOME/PRODUCTS/PermanentToilets/TecmaSilenceMarine/tabid/544/Default.aspx

Re: I'm Thinking Replacing Our Microphor

Reply #19 – March 22, 2013, 09:32:28 pm

Quote from: Patricia – March 22, 2013, 09:20:22 pm

I'm thinking maybe you need to look at this one.... it has a built-in bidet!!

http://www.thetford.com/HOME/PRODUCTS/PermanentToilets/TecmaSilenceMarine/tabid/544/Default.aspx

Oooh - the bee-day model is "the next level of elegance"

Re: I'm Thinking Replacing Our Microphor

Reply #20 – March 23, 2013, 10:08:21 am

I have nominated George & Pat for the "Freshie Fresh" award, recognizing outstanding achievement in advancing the cause of Meticulous Personal Hygiene in a Motor Home. They are always on the forefront of "Wow! ... Really??" and I am proud that they are my friends.

Re: I'm Thinking Replacing Our Microphor

Reply #21 – March 23, 2013, 10:15:54 am

Quote from: PatC – March 22, 2013, 05:38:10 pm

Am going to be replacing my Sealand Traveler with something like the Aria® Classic for the Elongated seat.

An aria in music was originally any expressive melody, usually, but not always, performed by a singer. The term became used almost exclusively to describe a self-contained piece for one voice, with or without orchestral accompaniment, normally part of a larger work.

I hear you, loud and clear. Good choice.

Chuck

Re: I'm Thinking Replacing Our Microphor

Reply #22 – March 23, 2013, 10:59:17 am

From a previous post:

We also replaced the Microphor toilet. Never did like it very much as it was too low and the parts are hideously expensive - the "hopper" needed replacing ($800 just for the parts) so we put in an electric flush Thetford Aria Deluxe II that is much taller, has a switchable water mode for dry camping, and only costs $600. The base is narrower than the Microphor but Ricky filled in the holes in the ceramic tile with a perfect color match.

http://www.thetford.com/Home/Products/PermanentToilets/AriaDeluxeII/tabid/82/Default.aspx

Re: I'm Thinking Replacing Our Microphor

Reply #23 – March 23, 2013, 10:30:40 pm

Love this thread. $:-\$

Re: I'm Thinking Replacing Our Microphor

Reply #24 – March 23, 2013, 10:58:43 pm

Personally, I'm waiting for Apple to come out with the "iPoop". Complete flushing and bidet control via your iPhone. I can't wait to see what "gestures" they will come up with for touch screen. I just finished reading Steve Jobs biography and the other night I had a dream that Apple came out with the "iCar" - no steering wheel just a glass screen and you gesture an invisible steering wheel. Reminds me when I was removing the decals on my Unihome a few years ago: removed the "U", then "N" and there it was - the "iHOME".

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