Re: [VACList] dump hose

["Robert Gill" <gillguy@xxxxxxx>]

Scott
I'm not sure how the dump connection on a '57 is supposed to be. Most all 
the Airstreams I have seen have the Thetford dump valve which has 4 tabs 
that your sewer hose connection will lock onto by twisting the hose 
connection onto the fixed (stantionary) dump valve.
There is a Universal fitting that will adapt to the Thetford dump valve 
which will allow you to use Valterra fittings and the Sewer Solution 
(available from Camping World and other RV parts stores). I found that it's 
a good idea to carry one of these universal connections just in case the 
Thetford fitting on the hose gets broken. I had this happen back in January 
and could not find a Thetford anywhere. Of couse it was on a weekend camping 
trip and most part stores were closed, not that there were many around, but 
I needed to hook up the sewer hose exspecially since my trailer doesen't 
have a gray tank. I found a Universal one that works, but I ordered two new 
Thetford ones once we got back home.
Now about the dump valve itself: If you do have a slip on type connection as 
you said and want to change it. I personnally would go with the Thetford. 
You've heard the adage "You get what you pay for", right? The Valterra will 
cost about half the price of a Thetford, but I think you'd be replacing the 
Valterra long before the Thetford one. When I first retired from the 
military I went to work selling RV's, I learned alot about other brand 
trailers and their parts, and learned alot from the full timers in SOB 
trailers. When it came to the dump valves I noticed that they got replaced 
pretty regular, which I thought was odd because the one on my '73 Airstream 
was original. Well when it went south I installed a new Thetford. My 
thinking is that I shouldn't have to replace that sucker again for at least 
25-30 years.
Hope this helps in some way.
Bobby