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Catman6 · 11-08-2009, 06:46 PM

I thought I'd bring this to the attention of the people who are just buying their first Airstream trailers. Not all of the trailers will have the universal size outlets for the sewer drain line connection. If the dump hoses you're buying at the store [camper dealers or where ever] don't fit, don't be alarmed. In fact, you should check the outlet cap [the name will be formed in to the cap] before you go to get your new hose. If you have a Thetford system - as I do - you will need to get an adapter. Don't get discouraged, it's an easy, and cheap [$10 or less] fitting to get. Go to a camper dealer and tell them you need the adapter for a Thetford sewer system. It's best if you take your cap to match up to the adapter [to the inside dimension]. After numerous trips, and a bunch of dumb looks from the younger counter help, and older man at Chesaco RV realized that what I had, and sold me the adapter I needed [$6.99].

Roadrunner · 11-08-2009, 07:19 PM

Catman...good point. This holds true for those of us that have purchased older units. We have a Bounder and assumed our hose would fit our "78" Ambassador...wrong. Fortunately I found this out before heading our for our first trip in the Airstream.

Bob

david686 · 03-12-2010, 12:53 PM

Me too! I also have a Thetford system and the used AS came with several hoses that didn't fit and the one that did broke. I did get the adapter from Airstream web site but I would like to change out the fitting on the trailer so that it can be used by the 'standard' size fittings. Does any one know where I can get a 'male' standard size fitting for the holding tanks?

Jammer · 03-12-2010, 01:27 PM

I believe that you have to replace the valve.

david686 · 03-12-2010, 01:33 PM

It is not the valve that I want to replace it is just the connection fitting that is attached to the waste dump tube coming from the valves.

Smartstream · 03-12-2010, 01:41 PM

Your RV supply should have the fitting. You have to cut off the old one and glue the new one in it's place. Make sure you have enough pipe left to glue on the new fitting. I did mine and it was less than $10.

Cheers, Dan

david686 · 03-12-2010, 01:52 PM

Thanks Smartstream, I have done a lot of PVC type work, but I have web-surfed many sites and have not found any that list such a fitting. It is a 3.5" OD with a 3" ID size pipe coming from the 'Y' that connects the 2 holding tanks. Just want to change it because there seems to be many more suppliers of the 'standard' size hoses that the Thetford system.

Aage · 03-12-2010, 01:53 PM

Much simpler to just keep the Thetford end + the adapter. Cutting and pasting the other style on strikes me as a job that may be beyond the novice trailerite.

Plus glue doesn't always improve with age; why tempt fate?

Smartstream · 03-12-2010, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by david686

Thanks Smartstream, I have done a lot of PVC type work, but I have web-surfed many sites and have not found any that list such a fitting. It is a 3.5" OD with a 3" ID size pipe coming from the 'Y' that connects the 2 holding tanks. Just want to change it because there seems to be many more suppliers of the 'standard' size hoses that the Thetford system.

It probably isn't a fast moving item so you might not see it listed but my local RV place had it on the self and we are kind of out in the boonies here so I don't think it is too hard to find. You wll probably have to talk to the old timer not the kid behind the counter.

Cheers, Dan

david686 · 03-12-2010, 02:29 PM

Thanks guys, just don't want to be left on the road with a "full tank".

Aage · 03-12-2010, 08:58 PM

Good thought, david686. And EYE wouldn't want to be left wid a connection that had fallen off, leaving only a fond memory of some glue, and an (shall we say) "interesting" problem!

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Aviator · 03-13-2010, 03:37 AM

The Thetford end on my '97 was just glued on from the factory. It was a 10 minute project to cut it off with a hacksaw, and glue on the "standard" fitting. If the proper primer, and ABS adhesive is used, there is no more chance of it falling off than the original from the factory. The adhesive in essence welds the plastics together.

Roadrunner · 03-13-2010, 05:18 AM

craig...where did you find the permanent fitting? It's hard enough to find the adaptor. Thx!

Bob
TAC PA-5

Aviator · 03-13-2010, 08:52 AM

I picked mine up at Camping World/DandyRV in Anniston, AL. There are two pieces. A 3" male-male connector, and the 3" "standard" end.

Measure the 3" pipe to the Thetford end, and cut so that you end up with the same overall dimension after the new parts are installed.

Aage · 03-13-2010, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aviator

If the proper primer, and ABS adhesive is used,

Lotsa room for problems with an "if" in the solution, especially for newbies...

The "slinky" we bought (a common brand, sold in most RV stores) came with the adapter. Problem solved, done, finshed, over.

And those adapters are sold everywhere, certainly not a scarce item.

Of course, it's your fly and your sledgehammer...
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kmpro · 03-21-2010, 03:51 PM

Adapters are sold everywhere, but they only have 2 locking ears on them. Anyone know where to get an adapter with 4 locking ears on them? With 2 you always have some kind of a drip when dumping, so if 4 locking ears are not available the Thetford goes to the trash and new universal ones installed so I can use my poop pump at home. Priming and glueing plastic pipe is not rocket science, and dealing with an off-standard size is a locatable pain.
Mike

DD.KARAOKE · 03-21-2010, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kmpro

Adapters are sold everywhere, but they only have 2 locking ears on them. Anyone know where to get an adapter with 4 locking ears on them? With 2 you always have some kind of a drip when dumping, so if 4 locking ears are not available the Thetford goes to the trash and new universal ones installed so I can use my poop pump at home. Priming and glueing plastic pipe is not rocket science, and dealing with an off-standard size is a locatable pain.
Mike

I recently found them at Walmart

Aage · 03-21-2010, 05:10 PM

Funny, I don't get the drip. Maybe you got a bad adapter?

JFScheck · 03-21-2010, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by david686

Thanks guys, just don't want to be left on the road with a "full tank".

That could be quite "YUCKY"!!!

Sav'h Steve · 03-21-2010, 05:49 PM

Is this the part # that fits the dump valve on an Excella? My dump valve has OD of 3 3/4" and old one has one of the tangs broken off.

I just bought a hose, 3" I'm sure, to replace the old one and found it didn't fit on the valve. Just ran across this post and thought I'd research the Thetford adapter.

Found this Thetford 01665 that says it adapts to a 3" hose. Amazon has it for $18 and free shipping w/ a $25 order - not a problem just add in a book.

Haven't checked the local RV parts yet. Just thought I'd check on the size...

Steve