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Topic: Doin some work today on Jeff's coach (Read 1374 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Doin some work today on Jeff's coach

Reply #25 –
I'm not sure if this OE or not, but it's a huge pain to open and close the valves. Not a fan of Valterra either, they don't last long and finally stick. As to the questions, we've done "the drain" both ways: draining black & using grey for the flush and leaving the grey open and hitting the black before we do dishes or shower. Both ways have worked fine. We don't throw tp into the black, a little sack works for us. Now? When sitting on the hook, we leave both valves open all the time.  ^.^d
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: Doin some work today on Jeff's coach

Reply #26 –
Mike, your black tank will get cleaner if you don't leave the valves open when connected. Wait until it gets full, or at least until you are ready to un-dock and head out.
1993 U300 40ft GV SE
Build # 4344

Re: Doin some work today on Jeff's coach

Reply #27 –
Well ... FWIW, here are my thoughts.  It is my understanding that in many new coaches, there IS just one big tank for all waste water. If I am wrong, someone please correct me.  Separate tanks may have made more sense "back in the day", when many areas allowed grey water to be "dribbled" onto the ground over time, instead of just dumped into a sewage system. There were even "sprinkler" heads for the ends of hoses, I believe. Microorganisms are ESSENTIAL for breaking down solids, and are what are introduced into septic systems to keep them from clogging up. If you are afraid of rampant proliferation of harmful eColi or staph bacteria in your tanks if they are allowed to commingle, I want to gently suggest that there are many more urgent things to worry about.  I do NOT use ANY kind of chemicals in my black or grey tanks. We dump the black, close the third valve, open the grey and let it find it's way to the opening of the black tank. Close the grey and open the third valve and watch what comes out through the clear elbow. Repeat. When the black looks pretty clear, we close that one and finish dumping the grey. Occasionally we use the tank washer for our black tank, but it is almost always anticlimactic.  The Third Valve process works well. I use Dawn detergent for dishes and make my own All Purpose Cleaner with water, white vinegar, a bit of Dawn and a touch of alcohol. For my tanks, after dumping I pour in a generous slug of plain, old white vinegar. We have no odor. In hot weather I may add some extra vinegar for good measure.  Clorox kills the "bugs" that will break things down and is also harmful to septic systems in many campgrounds that rely on enzymatic additives to keep their systems working well.  If you REALLY want to add something to your tank, try some liquid enzyme ... a capful is more than sufficient for a black tank or grey (which can be stinkier than the black!!). 
Carol & Jeff Savournin
Usta have a '93 U225 36', Usta have a '95 U320 40', Usta have a '02 U320 40'
Usta have a 2006 Born Free, Usta have a 2011 Phoenix Cruiser
Usta have a 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4dr
"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life."  Steve Jobs

Re: Doin some work today on Jeff's coach

Reply #28 –
Quote from: Jeff & Sandy –
Mike, your black tank will get cleaner if you don't leave the valves open when connected. Wait until it gets full, or at least until you are ready to un-dock and head out.

That's an old saw: it makes sense, but it seems to work well either way,  IMHO & experience.  :)
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: Doin some work today on Jeff's coach

Reply #29 –
Here is my write up on the third valve installation.  Search for "third valve"

Recent third dump valve installations (split from another topic)

Richard, i asked the same questions about mixing tank stuff.  In the newer coaches they have a unified holding tank for everything.  Not that that makes you feel any better but that is how it is done in homes with septic systems.  Gray water and black water drain lines are separate until they get to the main lines going to the holding tank(s).

With a third valve you gain a redundancy in containment as has been mentioned.  We connect to the third valve (we can use a 45° fitting and close the bay door, not every configuration has room for that.)  open the third valve, open the black valve, go with the flow.  When flow is done, close the third valve, leave black valve open, open gray valve for about 5 seconds, close gray valve, open third valve and let that flow out.  Repeat three or four times.  The black tank outflow will be just gray water.  Close the black valve, open the gray valve and let the gray tank finish emptying.

If you have the see through plastic fitting you will see what is going on. Not a pretty picture but useful

The gray water tank should be largely full when you start flushing water from it into the empty black water tank. Gravity and water pressure make this a one way event.

The third valve is working well for us.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Doin some work today on Jeff's coach

Reply #30 –
Quote from: Jeff & Sandy –
Mike, your black tank will get cleaner if you don't leave the valves open when connected. Wait until it gets full, or at least until you are ready to un-dock and head out.

We found by doing that method trashed the sensors in the tanks. On the FT, they're  trashed because the PO followed that advice. Just sayin'
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: Doin some work today on Jeff's coach

Reply #31 –
Quote from: oldgrayrider –
Jeff/Hans,

Thanks for details. I am now using a similar Valterra twist-on but it required an adapter to fit the Foretravel plumbing stub - not ideal with all the potential leak points. Is the stub different on your coach?

Thanks
David
David...When I did the install on my coach and Jeff's I cut the old Thetford flange off then measured where I needed to be and recut to that point. I wanted to be able to close the door on our coach with the line attached. On Jeff's coach the cut was abit generous since he runs his power cord outside the door closure (not sure I relayed that correctly). PM me if you need more info or just to chat FT stuff.
 :)
Hans
Hans & Marjet
1995 U300 "Ben" (#4719)
3176B Cat,4060HD,Jake
SKP#139131
Motorcade#17579
2006 Honda Element (towed)

Re: Doin some work today on Jeff's coach

Reply #32 –
Hi Roger
Thank You for the redirect to your write up. VERY well done, Sir.
Now I can see how it's done. b^.^d
Ric
Previously:'66 VW Bus"Turtle 1";'65 VW Riviera Camper "Turtle 2";
';'91 VW Syncro Camper"Syn";'92 Barth 30' -"The Big Easy"
Currently: 2000 FT U270 40', #5634 -
"Le Bons Temps"; 2003 CRV
Ric & Leslie
"Laissez les bons temps rouler!"

Re: Doin some work today on Jeff's coach

Reply #33 –
Quote from: Roger & Susan in Home2 –
Here is my write up on the third valve installation.  Search for "third valve"

Recent third dump valve installations (split from another topic)

Richard, i asked the same questions about mixing tank stuff.  In the newer coaches they have a unified holding tank for everything.  Not that that makes you feel any better but that is how it is done in homes with septic systems.  Gray water and black water drain lines are separate until they get to the main lines going to the holding tank(s).

With a third valve you gain a redundancy in containment as has been mentioned.  We connect to the third valve (we can use a 45° fitting and close the bay door, not every configuration has room for that.)  open the third valve, open the black valve, go with the flow.  When flow is done, close the third valve, leave black valve open, open gray valve for about 5 seconds, close gray valve, open third valve and let that flow out.  Repeat three or four times.  The black tank outflow will be just gray water.  Close the black valve, open the gray valve and let the gray tank finish emptying.

If you have the see through plastic fitting you will see what is going on. Not a pretty picture but useful

The gray water tank should be largely full when you start flushing water from it into the empty black water tank. Gravity and water pressure make this a one way event.

The third valve is working well for us.

1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Doin some work today on Jeff's coach

Reply #34 –
Did your coach come with the electric valves originally? Mine is a 1999 U320 and I thought it would be the same as your dump setup.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Doin some work today on Jeff's coach

Reply #35 –
Thank you Roger. It was Don's linked thread that inspired me to spend a few coach bucks in my basement. His is just amazing.

"Did your coach come with the electric valves originally? Mine is a 1999 U320 and I thought it would be the same as your dump setup

craneman, not sure if you mean me, but mine are manual.
1993 U300 40ft GV SE
Build # 4344

Re: Doin some work today on Jeff's coach

Reply #36 –
Quote from: mike leary –
We found by doing that method trashed the sensors in the tanks. On the FT, they're  trashed because the PO followed that advice. Just sayin'

Ahh, I get it.  Our coach didn't have tank gauges when we bought it. The PO was in the middle of a project and didn't get it finished. He had added a back-up/side camera's and put a new color monitor in. The Javalina was missing. Rather than try to find a replacement we put SeeLevel gauges in.
1993 U300 40ft GV SE
Build # 4344

Re: Doin some work today on Jeff's coach

Reply #37 –
I guess the quote didn't go through, I was referring to Rogers post as his coach is the same as mine just 2 years newer. I looked in my wet bay and don't think I have enough room below the outlet to get the valve between the abs and the floor.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Doin some work today on Jeff's coach

Reply #38 –
Craneman,
When you get it all the covers off and all that is there is the plumbing it is fairly flexible.  I took careful measurements of where the third valve had to go to fit correctly and allow a 45° fitting to fit (they are not all the same, the Valterra 45° fir the Camco one did not). Then I took the old valves apart to get the outer part of the plumbing out, cut it off, reinstalled it with the new valve bodies.  Ot the end where the third valve glues on I put a 1/2" block under the 3" pipe.  Plenty of flex for that to happen and then glued on the third valve.  With the original fiberglass cover in place it may have been preventing the pipe from moving upward.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Doin some work today on Jeff's coach

Reply #39 –
Thanks Roger,
I will add that to the do list on the FT.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Doin some work today on Jeff's coach

Reply #40 –
Quote from: oldgrayrider –
Jeff/Hans,

Thanks for details. I am now using a similar Valterra twist-on but it required an adapter to fit the Foretravel plumbing stub - not ideal with all the potential leak points. Is the stub different on your coach?

Thanks
David

I cut off the end of the pipe and permanently installed the valterra end and cap
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: Doin some work today on Jeff's coach

Reply #41 –
Most newer rvs do have only one waste tank combined black/grey. When boondocking at music festivals I always fill up the grey before black and use my third valve to allow me to cascade the grey into the black tank for additional storage before moving to dump. These places have a fresh hookup but no sewer connection. It really helps with "shower anxiety" for the girls.
Matt
95 U300, 78k miles
Cat 3176 Jake Brake, HD4060.

Re: Doin some work today on Jeff's coach

Reply #42 –
Bob,

Did you install a twist on type cap (glue to coach end, twist-on to the hose end)?
David & DC
97 U320 40' WTBI M11 450 #5153
01 Wrangler Sport
Near Palacios, TX

Re: Doin some work today on Jeff's coach

Reply #43 –
Quote from: oldgrayrider –
Bob,

Did you install a twist on type cap (glue to coach end, twist-on to the hose end)?

Yes.  Enough room to use the clear third valve temporarily to back flush the tanks if needed
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4