1969 23 ft Airstream Safari

[russellsue]

I just bought a 1969 it is terrific. My question is the procedure to drain the black water tank It comes with a tube that locks on and protrudes thru the bumper. It is rigid and straight.How can I attach a flexable hose so it can reach the dump drain at the campgrounds.
Thank
Russ

[TG Twinkie]

A picture of what you have would help.

[russellsue]

Im not good with pictures I will try to discribe it in the rear there is a outlet with a lever much like the ones on new trailers ther is a ridge tube that attaches to the outlet on the trailer and sticks out the rear thru the bumper. It looks like a bayonet fitting. My question is how to attach a flexable hose. 1969 23 ft safari.
Thanks

[xrvr]

Get a hose with the oposite fitting to your bayonet fitting. There are two different sizes. Go to camping world website to look at pictures of fittings and you can probably figure out what you need. Hope this helps. Jim

[mimiandrews]

If a previous owner has not modified the trailer, your '69 model will probably have a Thetford fitting on the black tank drain. Most hoses today have the Valterra fitting, which is a slightly different size. You will need an adapter.

Most camping stores sell them, and they're not expensive. Buy a couple so that you have a spare in case you break an "ear" off of one. You are right that it works kinda like a bayonet fitting.

Buy a good hose. The thin ones don't last long. Leaks are bad.

I found that I needed at least a 20' hose, so I carry that with an extra 10' section in case the sewer hookup is really far away.

Best of luck and welcome to the forums.

[Melody Ranch]

Your 69 sounds great! If your unfamiliar with the black dump your probably not familiar with the grey water "system." When you get the Valtera adaptor (highly recommended) get a cap with the drain hose fitting. This is handy if your in a place where you can drain grey and not black. You will not flood your shower and floors with the grey water which has no place to go with the caps in place and the drain sealed.