Visit our Popular Forums

Peter417 · 09-05-2020, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bubba L

On our 66 Safari the shower trap was probably like yours sticking pretty far below the floor in a round plastic cover. We eliminated that and installed a Hepvo in-line trap. But you do need a trap to prevent odors from the grey tank. Good luck

Hepvo looks perfect. Thanks for the recommendation. Is there anything I should know about the installation?

Bubba L · 09-06-2020, 05:53 AM

When installing the Hepvo, just follow the directions for correct positioning. Try and place it where you can replace it in the future if need be. I’ve never had to replace one, but nothing is perfect.

docflyboy · 09-06-2020, 06:36 AM

Could you post a sketch of your drain layout. I didn't take that part of my trailer apart, and would like to know how it was tied together. thanks, Jerry

Peter417 · 09-06-2020, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by docflyboy

Could you post a sketch of your drain layout. I didn't take that part of my trailer apart, and would like to know how it was tied together. thanks, Jerry

None of my plumbing is original. Does that matter?

Lance M · 09-06-2020, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter417

I have not read all the responses yet I just want to see if you guys can help with this as well. The grey tank sets under the bathroom sink. This 90 fitting drops things down about 2 inches. Because of this the valve is just a little to low to be contained in the frame. Is there some other 90 fitting that can tuck things up a little tighter to the floor? I am willing to reduce flow.

Try a 90 degree vent elbow.

Peter417 · 09-06-2020, 02:05 PM

It looks like the grey tank only has one inlet. I need to confirm that. It also looks like the little 3-4 inch section of pipe going straight down into the tank could be shortened an inch to move the tank up. Does anyone have any thoughts on that?

Peter417 · 09-06-2020, 03:18 PM

Here's one I had not thought of, is there any way to break this connection from the tank to use the vent 90?

Lance M · 09-07-2020, 07:10 AM

The outlet of the tank should have a threaded fitting that accepts MPT.
something like this or this.
If it is all glued slip fittings, you'll have to re-do a few things.

Peter417 · 09-07-2020, 11:42 AM

Ok after closer inspection It does appear that the fitting on the top and bottom are both threaded.

I think I'm back to the drawing board if I want to do this from underneath though. The 9 fitting that is used now is a male female 90. If I go with the vent 90 I will have to use a small section of pipe to glue the male mpt to the male vent 90.

Unless someone knows where to get a male mpt for the tank I don't think this work.

Wait I just saw your link...

Peter417 · 09-07-2020, 11:46 AM

I'm putting a parts list together. Thanks Lance!

Peter417 · 09-08-2020, 06:39 AM

My plans have been crushed. I have been operating with the assumption that the caravel had a 4 inch frame. Since it has a 3 inch frame this is going to be a lot more work. The 2" Valterra valve is 3.5" tall. I will have to go down to a 1.5 valve. I am having a hard time finding the total dimensions on that.

I did go to the local big box store to get some fittings, but they basically don't carry abs.

Atomic_13 · 09-08-2020, 02:55 PM

Lowes in the KC area has a good selection of ABS. Perhaps they will as well near you?

Peter417 · 09-09-2020, 10:36 AM

That's actually where I checked. I am looking into some plumbing supply shops now.

Lance M · 09-09-2020, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter417

That's actually where I checked. I am looking into some plumbing supply shops now.

I've had good service from supplyhouse.com and also zoro.com

Finding ABS in stores is kinda hit or miss. Lowe's and a Ma and Pa hardware store are the only local places that carry ABS. You can use PVC fittings if need be.

Peter417 · 09-09-2020, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lance M

You can use PVC fittings if need be.

What are the drawbacks of that? I assume you need some kind of special glue?

Lance M · 09-09-2020, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter417

What are the drawbacks of that? I assume you need some kind of special glue?

I'm not aware of any drawbacks. They both work fine. I prefer ABS, but that's probably due to familiarity. PVC to ABS you need the multi purpose cement.

dbj216 · 09-09-2020, 01:10 PM

Cute little puppy trailer. They are very popular, and they are still made. Perfect for a weekend in the Ozarks. My parents retired in Eureka Springs, Ak. We spent many happy days visiting them in the "mountains". (Hey, I grew up in Iowa.)

I worked on a 66 Trade Wind 24'. Your model year is the same as mine, but boy there are differences. Maybe the grandfather effect. Maybe my sons will say the same thing about me.

I would like to follow along and help where I can so I can thoroughly confuse you. Fitting a tank in the rear of a 66 is a real pain in the rear as the belly pan slopes upward back there. The new body style in 69 provided rear banana wraps and more room.

Some folks, including me, build a "tank compartment" that extends maybe 3" below the frame rails, and usually as close to the axle as possible. Here is a photo of my 27 gallon grey and 27 gallon black tanks I put in my Trade Wind. And a photo of my tank compartment. Don't laugh, my wife's 86 Limited has the same thing, and my 75 Overlander has the same thing. I believe Airstream is building trailers today with the same thing.

The toilet location in the Caravel does not lend itself to this. I had to move my toilet in the Trade Wind from the rear window area forward and inward. You might consider a "dry" toilet, and then installing a sizable single grey tank, again right behind the axle. Grey tanks have more flexibility in locations.

The vintage Airstream hobby is a lot of fun. And you and your family have a real gem in your Caravel. A better waste water system would be a real improvement. Your grandfather was on the right track.

David

Peter417 · 09-09-2020, 01:30 PM

27 gallons of black water capacity is a pipe dream. Oh I would love to be able to pull that off.

Speaking of that, I did speak with Zach at vintage trailer supply. He thought he would have the 11.5 gallon tank back in stock next month sometime. That tank should get us through a long weekend. There may be some hefty furniture removal to get that installed though. That will be a discussion for a later post.

I don't think I am quite ready to give up the dream of a beautifully smooth and clean under belly. The worst part of it all is, this caravel has a 3 inch frame and I believe you have a 4 inch frame. There is not even a boat shower bilge that will fit in that space. 4.5 inches is the smallest I can find.

Where did you have your custom tanks made?

steinVT · 09-09-2020, 03:04 PM

I added black and grey tanks to my '56 Safari, all above floor. The Safari is a front kitchen/bath model which complicates belly tanks. The shower is drained via a boat shower sump that is supported from below. It extends through a hole in the floor, even with the 4" frame.

A 10 gallon is below a dinette seat and a 16 gallon tucked into the corner in the kitchen. I use a macerater pump to clear out the kitchen gray water, pumping it through the black tank. All of our tanks were off the shelf. Lots of ways to solve this problem.

Great little trailer by the way. Nice starting point. - Mark

dbj216 · 09-09-2020, 04:15 PM

Inca Plastics in California molds a bunch of different configuration tanks. They have been making RV water tanks for decades. You can download their catalog and then search for a tank that would fit the space you have. The tanks I bought were about $250 each and another $100 to ship. Many folks find Inca hard to do business with, maybe because they are a big molder and find "one-sies" a nuance. I don't know. I find email is better than phone mail with them.

I have purchased 5 tanks from them over the years.

David