16' ccd Bambi drainage system question.

[gbrentsmith]

I own a 16 foot bambi. I dry camp mostly. This model has only one holding tank for grey water and black water. I want to know if it is possible to drain the gray water seperately to the ground. Thus using the holding tank for black water only.

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by gbrentsmith

I own a 16 foot bambi. I dry camp mostly. This model has only one holding tank for grey water and black water. I want to know if it is possible to drain the gray water seperately to the ground. Thus using the holding tank for black water only.

It would require some replumbing of the grey side of the tank, but, yes, it could be done.
You would have to cap off the inlet of the grey water line into the black tank, and put a drain on the grey side onto the ground. Just be aware, that many campgrounds do not allow grey water to be directly dumped on the ground.
A second solution would be more complicated, involving a slide valve from the grey water line to the black tank, and another slide valve with cap to go directly to the ground. This would most likely be the preferred method, although more labor-and parts-intensive. You could then camp at the "no grey water dumping" campgrounds, as well as go out in the boonies and dump away when you wanted.

[gbrentsmith]

Terry, Thanks for the quick response. Another question. Is there a any information out there showing the schematics of the pluming configuration of the bambi ccd 16'?

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by gbrentsmith

Terry, Thanks for the quick response. Another question. Is there a any information out there showing the schematics of the pluming configuration of the bambi ccd 16'?

Schematic should (theoretically) be in the service manual. I can tell you that there is most likely two grey inlet lines going into the combination tank, but it is just PVC, and easy to work with. You should also add a vent to the grey side, if you don't already have one, just to keep from sucking all the water out of your P traps when draining. Again, it is only PVC, easy to work with.

[gbrentsmith]

What's the easiest way to raise a bambi high enough to work underneath.

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by gbrentsmith

What's the easiest way to raise a bambi high enough to work underneath.

I have a pair of 7000 pound capacity automotive-style ramps that I back the trailer onto when I need access. This gives you another 6-8" of room to work. It is, of course, vital to have a spotter watch you, so you don't go too far when backing up the ramps. also, chock the wheels of the tow vehicle while the trailer is in the air, and you are under it.

[rseagle]

An inexpensive alternative would be to use a porta-potty or available facilities while "Boondocking" for the Black. Then everything going into the tank will be Gray. You could dump the Gray on the ground, where permitted and dump the Black from the Porta-Potty in a proper manner.

[NorCal Bambi]

Hi, I have a 63 Bambi that was made in CA. It has a holding tank for black water. The grey water is a separate system that enters the system just below the black water shut off valve. So what happens is the black water is held in the tank until the valve is opened. The gray water just runs through and out to the ground. If your Bambi is plumbed different I would like details. I could send photos of my system if you like. I plan to use one of those extra tanks that sit on the ground to collect the grey water when I am in a camp that does not allow grey water on the ground.
NorCal Bambi

[gbrentsmith]

Been having to much fun camping with the pod to explore the seperation of grey water from black. However, this winter will offer the time needed to experiment with this problem. I would like to see how your Bambi's drainage system is assembled. If you have pictures I would be interested in viewing them.

Later
gbrentsmith

[NorCal Bambi]

Howdy gbrentsmith, Here are some pictures of my drainage system on my 63 Bambi. The assemblage under the floor is currently removed. If you wish I could also take a picture of the unit and send it also. The toilet was replace in 1970 I believe by the literature We recieved with the trailer.

[NorCal Bambi]

More pictures

[dieterdog]

hi all, i too own the grey/blackwater tank trailer and have seriously thought of buying something else. if you do the separation, could you please give me step by step instruction. am a woman and will pass info onto the installer, thanks, dieterdog

[NorCal Bambi]

Dieterdog, I have a black water tank. The gray water is piped in just under the black water tank but does not mix in with the black water. The unit was designed to just allow the grey water to run out onto the ground. This is not allowed in many states. So what I am going to do is hook up a outside portable disposal tank to the hookup under the trailer. When it gets full wheel it to a disposal site and dump it. If you would like I could send you some pictures in the next day or so.
NorCal Bambi