Thetford valve replace

[cwf]

Anyone done the waste valve job on. 1999 excella 34 center bath. ?

Trying to find correct valves before I start the job.

[Bill M.]

Done a valve rebuild on a 1988. Check Outdoors mart and vintage trailer for parts. On my trailers the valve is cemented to the tank, so it is much easier to do a rebuild if that is sufficent to correct the problem.

[cwf]

Originally Posted by Bill M.

Done a valve rebuild on a 1988. Check Outdoors mart and vintage trailer for parts. On my trailers the valve is cemented to the tank, so it is much easier to do a rebuild if that is sufficent to correct the problem.

Thanks!

[cwf]

Valves done. Access panel cut and cover made

[A W Warn]

Channing,
I'm resurrecting your thread in hopes that you will share more details and perhaps a photo or two. The black water valve on my 99 34' has a drip drip drip...... I've been hoping that the drip would stop once the valves were wet, but it has not.

Did you rebuild your valves or replace them?
What size access hole did you cut and how did you figure out where to make the cuts?
Can both valves be accessed through the same opening?

[Lumatic]

I switched them out to Valterra, or rather had a local AS dealer do it. It is not a fun job on your back with no room. The did a good job, did not cut an access hole and the price was about $500 for both valves.

[A W Warn]

Thanks, I would like to see how the conversion to the new valves was done.
It's going to be a DIY project for me. I have worked on tanks and valves from the 30' 1970's models but not any on the 90's models. There will be a learning curve, but I'll get it done. Just trying to gather info before digging into the belly.

[CRH]

A.W.,

I did the job on my 95 25 ft last summer. I cut an access hole and made a panel of a scrap street sign.. I replaced my valves instead of rebuilding. I stayed with Thetford. I think the cost of new valves and some plumbing pipe made the parts cost of the job about 170 bucks. The job took me about 6 hours because I took my time and had to drag this tool and that tool out figuring what I needed for what. After I was educated, I could have turned around and done a second trailer in under 2 hours.

[sandlapper]

Same with me. Spent more time looking, pondering, gathering, than working.

One thing I found especially helpful was backing my trailer with the rear end sticking out over a small terrace on my property. Gave some much needed clearance underneath to work in. Plus I was lying on grass instead of concrete or gravel.

I did a rebuild. Bought a new Thetford valve from the local RV dealer, used the parts I needed. Works great.

BTW...once on a trip through JC I saw a tech working on the tanks of a Classic. He had the entire area of the valves torn out, parts lying everywhere.. I overheard his comment to the owner that the Thetford valves were the best. Airstream has since switched to Valterra, which are much cheaper, easily found at any RV dealer, and can be changed out in minutes. I prefer the Thetford myself but switching to Valterra might not be a bad option.

[A W Warn]

The JC mechanic may have a point. The Thetford valves enclosed in the belly may warrant the extra expense for better quality. They have lasted 17 years!
On my Safari I can access both Valterra valves from the outside. I've change one of them. It took about half an hour.