'72 Tradewinds Land Yacht--fresh water inlet?

[nadiar79]

Can anyone tell me what this part is called so that I can try to find another one. The first picture is taken from the outside of the trailer with the door pulled down to enable putting water into the fresh water tank. The second picture is taken from the inside looking out. This square part seems to be plastic and is obviously broken.

[Belegedhel]

Originally Posted by nadiar79

Can anyone tell me what this part is called so that I can try to find another one. The first picture is taken from the outside of the trailer with the door pulled down to enable putting water into the fresh water tank. The second picture is taken from the inside looking out. This square part seems to be plastic and is obviously broken.

It is called a "fresh water fill port/door." I need to replace mine as well, but have found no drop in replacement.

[nadiar79]

Thanks for replying. We were also thinking that a replacement would be hard to find.

[idroba]

It was a Thetford part originally. I wonder if Andy at Inland RV has them or can tell us if they are available any longer.

[Belegedhel]

I'm not too jazzed about the design of the original. When it rains, an unexpectedly large amount of water gets collected by the fill port, which would contaminate my fresh water were I not currently collecting it in a bucket. I'm thinking of replacing it with a stainless steel fill port for a boat, but this option doesn't make any allowance for the breather lines.

[kidjedi]

Originally Posted by Belegedhel

I'm not too jazzed about the design of the original. When it rains, an unexpectedly large amount of water gets collected by the fill port, which would contaminate my fresh water were I not currently collecting it in a bucket. I'm thinking of replacing it with a stainless steel fill port for a boat, but this option doesn't make any allowance for the breather lines.

Agreed. My AS is currently just a shell with insulation, but when it rains water pours in the original city water inlet. No good. I actually have the inside of the inlet covered with tape right now to prevent this. I'm researching water inlet options, but can't figure out why the only recessed inlet offerings are plastic, and all the metal (brass, chromed brass, etc.) options stick out. I guess I will end up putting a metal inlet either on the bumper, or under the AS on the belly pan, as I don't want the water hook up sticking out the side of the AS.

[HiJoeSilver]

I replaced mine for the reasons mentioned above. They let in dirt when the rain runs down the trailer side, plastic was brittle and broken and there aren't direct fit replacements available. I followed another members path and used a marine fill and vent. Had to cut a "patch" to fit them over the hole that the removal of the old pos left, but it came out pretty nice. (I know there was a rivet missing below.)

[HiJoeSilver]

I also added a New fresh water inlet, the one in the bumper frame less than 6" from the sewer connection just wasn't working for me.

[kidjedi]

Originally Posted by HiJoeSilver

I also added a New fresh water inlet, the one in the bumper frame less than 6" from the sewer connection just wasn't working for me.

I haven't decided where to run my grey tank outlet yet, so I should be able to avoid the "both holes in the same place" syndrome.

I like the look of the inlet you used, but I wish it were actually metal instead of chromed plastic, especially with how much it will get banged with the hose nozzle. I may have to end up fabricating the recessed part and using the protruding metal marine inlet.

[kidjedi]

Originally Posted by HiJoeSilver

I replaced mine for the reasons mentioned above. They let in dirt when the rain runs down the trailer side, plastic was brittle and broken and there aren't direct fit replacements available. I followed another members path and used a marine fill and vent. Had to cut a "patch" to fit them over the hole that the removal of the old pos left, but it came out pretty nice. (I know there was a rivet missing below.)

I do like the look of that flush mount inlet. How much of a pain is removing the cap for filling? The location of the original inlet also seems odd (going through the outside, into the sink area, through the floor, and finally to the tank --not to mention being pretty conspicuous right in the middle of the side of the AS). I will likely relocate to a position that makes a little more sense.

[HiJoeSilver]

"How much of a pain is removing the cap for filling?"

Not very, they have a 'key' that goes into the face to remove and replace and there are 'keys' that have a little bit of a handle for leverage if needed. It's not something you're opening and closing too often.

"I wish it were actually metal instead of chromed plastic"
Me too, but the rv industry demands cheap. A 90degree elbow between the hose and inlet can help cut down wear.

[Monza]

Originally Posted by HiJoeSilver

I also added a New fresh water inlet, the one in the bumper frame less than 6" from the sewer connection just wasn't working for me.

Kinda confused? Did you mount two fresh water inlets beside each other?

[HiJoeSilver]

Originally Posted by Monza

Kinda confused? Did you mount two fresh water inlets beside each other?

Farthest left one is for fresh water from a pressurized source(hose).

The two on the right are for filling the fresh water tank for use when boondocking. Of those two the round one is a marine fill for Gravity filling tank, the small thing next to it is a vent for the tank. The original crappy flip out door incorporated both fill and vent, which was possible since it didn't seal tightly.

[Monza]

Thanks for the reply. I think I'll do my '73 like your set up.

[HiJoeSilver]

The hardest part for me was getting the fill hose between the marine fill and tank connected. My replacement tank came with 1-1/4" inlet vs the original 1-1/2" so I had to get some different size hose and an adapter(not easy to find) to join the 1-1/2 to 1-1/4 hose. Getting the new hose on the adapter barbs was a PITA.
Otherwise making sure the spot for the new pressurized fresh water inlet had clearance behind it and nothing in the wall to hit. Then drilling a big hole in the side was a little nerve wracking, you only get 1 chance and don't want to f it up. If you go that route hit me up on suggestions for drilling the holes.

[rugjenkins]

Highjoesilver where did you get the vent cover? That's looks great! I've already placed the same marine fill.

[HiJoeSilver]

Got it on amazon. It says 5/8" but it fit the 1/2" black poly tubing that I used for the vent. Depending on what you've got on your tank vent you may need ya adapt from 1/2" to 5/8". They have some different looking ones on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/Perko-0506DP4.../dp/B0009TNKCM