Has anyone changed their old Thetford toilet? I got my new LARGER "Bravura" toilet (also made by Thetford), and I am trying to figure out how the old toilet is attached. I know it is held to the flange with two screws, but I can only see the front screw by the pedal assembly. How do I reach the back one (I'm assuming it is back there)? Is there an access panel, or do I need to lift off the bowl assembly some how? Any help would be great!
Marc
There should be a access cover that you can pop off to get to the back bolt. It will require a long extension to get to it as you will need to reach from the top rim of the old unit to the floor. I think the access cover is in the back left corner under the seat.
__________________ Brett G WBCCI #5501 AIR # 49
Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something. -- Plato
Logic is the one way you can go wrong with confidence - Charles E. Kettering
How did it work out? Did the screws match up to your hold toilet? How is the newer "clog-free flush blade"? My blade won't retract all the way and it really stinks! I tried to clean it out to no avail. With four in the RV (including two kids), I figure the redesigned unit will work much better.
How does time fly by? I bought everything I need, all I need is "time." (I looked at the local Wal-Mart for it, but it was sold out! ) Anyway, my family is leaving me for the Thanksgiving day weekend (I can't get off work ), and I have plans to bring the trailer home during this time and work on the toilet and replace my overhead 12 v lights. I'll take during replacement photos and post. Currently, I'm sewing new cushion covers for the foam that we bought to replace the old ones.
Stay tuned!
Marc
I know, it's awful to get stuck on this subject. The major reason for my "upgrade" is tha the Bravura is bigger (longer) in the seat area. My daughter first saw the old seat and said "oh look, a toilet trainer seat." I was wondering how I'd get off of it if I got stuck ! Anyway, the new seat is bright white, much cleaner looking then the yellowed plastic old seat. I'm also hoping the new seat doesn't let as much black tank odors escape as well.
Marc
I will be holding my breath to see what you think of the redesign. Supposedly the seal is now serviceable without taking the whole stinking thing apart.
When the whole thing is done, you can sit back, relax, and take a load off your feet!
I scraped out my seal tonight with a coathanger trick mentioned on another thread. The blade closes 99% but still lets some fluid by. It should hold me off until finances allow a sporty new Bravura class throne!
I started the replacement. Pictured is the old toilet (with secret hidden compartment behind the seat - all this time I thought it was just padding - thanks Argosy guys!)
Here's where the front nut is, it's under the front pedal. In retrospect, this is probably where the escaping gasses (not while occupied! ) came from - the nuts were a bit loose.
This nut is pretty much blind - you can feel and loosen it best approaching from the curbside and feeling behind the toilet. I used a SHORT spanner to loosen it and then spun it off by hand. I actually used my camera (point it and look at the picture) to figure out where the nut was.
Here's the base (minus the seat and cover). Still working on attaching the plumbing-I had to get some adapters.
Oops! sorry to keep you in suspense guys, but I'm having technical difficulties with the last pictures I'll try to update tonight!
I've got a 73 26' Argosy and it appears to be the same as yours. I looked into replacing the toilet and couldn't find one that would fit in because of the top lid offset -- The hinges on the old one are set forward to miss the backrest.
Watch the horizontal distance between the bottom outlet of the new toilet and that top hinge to ensure that you can open the new top all the way. If it fits, I'd like to know the exact model number of the new toilet.
I wound up replacing the whole trailer with a '99 25' Safari, although I've still got the old one for sale. I managed to get mine off and only replaced the bottom valves (input and output).
We have had our AS 30ft Excella since last April. A new 2001 silver anniversary model which we fallen in love with. The bathroom was a big selling point for us however the Thetford toilet did pose a problem. The company is here in Ann Arbor and I have dealt with them on many occasions in previous years regarding other models of their toilet line. But for your information I have now replaced the toilet twice (third one including the original) with no cost to me. I have the Bravura, tall, installed currently and it seems to be working just fine. The other two had a flush blade that would not hold water and allowed odors to escape into the living area. Furthermore the blade would not return to its closed position without releasing the foot pedal with a jolting action. Even then most times it was not successful. Nonetheless, the company has stood behind its product without question. And for me the installation was simple; no more difficult than changing the water closet at home.
Cheers.................