Re: [VAC] Potty problems

[Gary and Sandi Danio <danios@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi Tim,

We have a similar layout and I have done seen the elephant on this one.
Where is it leaking from. exactly? There are several places in the
un-necessary amount of copper tubing joints/valves/Ls and Ts where leaks
can occur. Then there is the gasketed join between the ceramic bowl and
the bottom flush mechanism. And then there is the horn from the
fiberglass holding tank up into the bottom of the flush apparatus. Any
one or several of these can leak and cause problems. We discovered ours
as we were on our way back from the '98 Int'l rally in Boise, ID heading
back to North Carolina. Pulled into a station to refuel and a nice lady
asked if that thing dragging along under the back of the Overlander was
really supposed to do that. The sheet metal (not aluminum) pan that holds
the fiberglass brown tank, had rusted through and the weight of it (no,
it wasn't empty) caused it to come down through the aluminum belly pan on
one side and drag along the pavement. Got home alright, but I'd love to
go back and see how big that tree has grown compared to it's mates.
Pulled everything out of "the one-stop compartment", built a
new aluminum tank to hold the repaired fiberglass tank, re-plumbed
everything with PEX and Flair-it fittings, globe valves and a macerator.
Eliminated a bunch of plumbing to the toilet (bowl wash-down, one sprayer
and the anti-syphon since now no water goes into the toilet from any
source other than the combo shower/sink/toilet sprayer). Also fabricated
a rack which holds-up the tank configuration from underneath, bolted to
the frame, so it can be lowered as a unit should it ever become an issue
in the future. Bottom line: I think it can be fixed if the bowl itself
isn't cracked beyond repair. I'd bet a fair number of new RV toilets
could be fitted. The toilet seat would be removed, the new unit slid in,
bolted down and the toilet seat replaced over the hole in the plastic
surround. I took the opportunity to install a bigger seat, so can't use
the folding upholstered cover.

Good luck, if any questions, write  us,

Gary and Sandi