Toilets!

spinolio · 05-02-2003, 12:46 PM

Since I'm going to be full-timing in my new (to me ) '83 310 MH, I'm looking to replace the old Thetford Galaxy/Starlite toilet. Ideally I'd like a china bowl. I've checked with Thetford and they don't make a china bowl in a low profile as is required in my rig. They suggested their Bravura model. I've seen other posts and those who'vre installed the Bravura seem pleased with it. My problem is it's a full 1 1/2 inches longer than the old throne. With the already cramped quarters in the 310's head this would make a difference. On further research I found that SeaLand (Dometic) makes a model they call the Traveler. it is only 5/8 bigger than the old Galaxy an has a round front instead of square. It would seem to be the obvious solution to my problem, problem is I don't know if it will fit. Does anyone have any experience with the SeaLand toilets in an AS??

Any help would be most appreciated

85MH325 · 05-02-2003, 05:30 PM

I bought a new Thetford to replace our old one thinking that the new one should bolt right on with the same pattern and take the same footprint. That's what I get for thinking. So, with some quick redesign, I overlaid the raised floor with 1/2" plywood and cut the overhang off in a nice smooth arc that supports the new footprint. I cut a 2x4 down to the same arc and screwed it into the bottom of the new plywood and to the vertical face of the existing base for support. the flexible collar that attaches the base to the plumbing is long enough to handle the extra 1/2" and the whole thing turned out quite nicely. It is a little tough to fit the carpet onto with the curved surface, but it makes it so you don't whack your shins going in and out of the bath. Attached is a photo of the new commode installed. You can see the arc cut in the front. It's a fairly inexpensive way to upgrade.

Silvertwinkie · 05-02-2003, 08:20 PM

You know, I think it's all a big scam. The reason I say this is because how much new technology has there been with the head? Different plastics?? New type of valving?

I can't believe why they would need to change the way it bolts to the floor. I mean, how technical can it really be to add water to a bowl only to let it drop through a hole into a tank.

Can't understand why, but of course, me being an armchair general, it makes sense to me that it should stay the same, but who knows.....

Regards,

Eric

85MH325 · 05-02-2003, 08:38 PM

Yeah, isn't it amazing that it is soooo difficult to make a very nice new commode with the same bolt pattern as their old line? Can you say "Planned Obsolescence"? Can you say "$75 an hour shop time"? Frustrating, eh? It sure was for me!

Even if they made huge advances in ergonometrics and comfort for the toilet-seat challenged, I still don't see the reason for making the bolt pattern different.

Somehow it seems every project that ought to take 30 minutes takes an entire day!

Silvertwinkie · 05-02-2003, 08:45 PM

"the toilet-seat challenged"

That one is a marquee saying....I almost lost it as I read it.....

I agree. What a total farse.....But what you did looks like a very nice job.

Perhaps you could teach Airstream, let alone Thetford a few things...

Regards,

Eric

85MH325 · 05-02-2003, 08:57 PM

I have to say, Eric, that I don't have a clue about carpentry. It just seemed like the easiest fix.

However, the best part of this (you're not gonna believe this...) is that I sold the old, broken toilet for parts on *Bay for $32 plus shipping!!!

Now are you rolling on the floor?

Richard Vroom · 05-02-2003, 09:01 PM

I have an 85 Sovereign 25' trailer and just replaced the old plastic toilet with a new light weight China Sealand Toilet that weighs only about 22 lbs. It is so much better and cost only about $130. It screws onto the same old base that was there. Took very little time to change. I belive Airstream has been using these in some of their new models.
Richard

spinolio · 05-13-2003, 02:41 PM

exactly the info I was looking for

femuse · 05-13-2003, 03:41 PM

I must have missed this post:

our 1990 has a Traveler. As far as we know, it's original.

Richard Vroom · 05-14-2003, 08:13 AM

Here is a photo of my Dometic Traveller toilet by Sealand. It just attached to the old base that my plastic thrown was attached to and is a proper china toilet weighing 22 lbs approximately.

http://www.airstreamphotos.com/photo...papass=&sort=1

Sincerely,
Richard

qqq · 07-03-2003, 01:29 AM

Vroom,

Did you beef up your SUV's suspension ? how does your combo handle ?
It looks real smart & I love the floorplan, much better than those with end bathroom.
Nice winter storage area too

Hart

Richard Vroom · 07-07-2003, 11:23 AM

Nothing has been beefed up. My 25' Sovereign weighs in at 5700 loaded and the Merc weighs 5400. It runs extremely stable with no sway, just could use a little torque. On the flat it is all fine, but hills slow me considerably. I only have a 6 cylinder with 220 HP.
Richard