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VintageRV · 06-01-2010, 09:24 PM

We just developed a rotomolded vintage size gray tank that fits in existing chassis framing in 1950s and 1960s Airstreams. 50" x 21" x only 3-7/8"! It doesn't even drop below the belly pan.

It holds approximately 16 gallons.

Thanks to all those customers who begged us to do this project!

Frank's Trailer Works · 06-02-2010, 03:50 AM

is it now in stock and ready for sale? What is the lead time for having an extra fitting installed?

Minno · 06-02-2010, 06:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VintageRV

We just developed a rotomolded vintage size gray tank that fits in existing chassis framing in 1950s and 1960s Airstreams. 50" x 21" x only 3-7/8"! It doesn't even drop below the belly pan.

It holds approximately 16 gallons.

Thanks to all those customers who begged us to do this project!

Can you make one for the early 70's? It could be deeper with the 5" frame, and a tad wider (53 x 21 x 4 7/8).

memgrove2000 · 06-02-2010, 11:56 AM

I will jump on the early 70's list also...

VintageRV · 06-07-2010, 07:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 62overlander

is it now in stock and ready for sale? What is the lead time for having an extra fitting installed?

Yes, they are in stock and we can spin weld in the fittings with no delay in shipping. We can ship a tank with custom fittings just a few days after the order is placed.

VintageRV · 06-07-2010, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Minno

Can you make one for the early 70's? It could be deeper with the 5" frame, and a tad wider (53 x 21 x 4 7/8).

Hey Minno and Mike,

I have considered doing a larger one for the early 1970s, but at this point I have to prove that the 50s/60s version was a cost-effective decisoin. As you can imagine, the tooling costs are not inexpensive for this kind of thing.

Thanks,
Steve

samb · 06-07-2010, 11:24 AM

Thank you!!!
You saw a need and filled it. I am going to have to think seriously about this being my next project.
Sam

holder310 · 06-08-2010, 06:22 PM

So is there any kind of gray tank that can be installed on a 71 AS? I want to have one installed. We plan on taking the black one out and installing a composting toilet. So do you have any gray tank for me? We don't care if it has to be installed below the floor, but above the belly pan?

Minno · 06-08-2010, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by holder310

So is there any kind of gray tank that can be installed on a 71 AS? I want to have one installed. We plan on taking the black one out and installing a composting toilet. So do you have any gray tank for me? We don't care if it has to be installed below the floor, but above the belly pan?

I've been looking for quite awhile, and here are two web sites where I found a wide assortment of tanks:

http://www.incaplastics.com/

http://www.rvsurplus.net/catalog/display.php?category_id=47

If you want to keep the entire tank between the belly pan and the floor, you'll be more limited on the size you can install. Some places will make a custom tank for you, but custom involves a bunch more money.

The ones I'm strongly considering for Little Girl are in the 35 to 38 gal range, and at least part of the tank will extend below the frame. I plan on placing it in the frame directly behind the axels, and will extend the belly pan down the inch or inch-and-a-half to completely enclose the tank. Kinda like they did for the fresh water tank. Another thought I've had is to install two smaller tanks, and gang them together into one larger gray tank. Jury is still out on exactly what we’ll do.

Chris

holder310 · 06-08-2010, 09:14 PM

thanks for the info Minno... you have given us some good ideas to knock around!

Frank's Trailer Works · 06-09-2010, 03:36 AM

when knocking around those tank ideas keep in mind that the size of a frame bay is 22+/- wide by 57 long. In that you will need to restrain the tank and also make it removable in case of a leak. There are lots of tanks out there, but very few that fit without altering the frame.

I want to give serious praise to VTS for making a tank that can fit without alteration.

holder310 · 06-09-2010, 09:38 AM

Frank, as usual, your advice is priceless. I join you in your praise of VTS and wait with baited breath until they get a tank for the 70s models. thanks!

barts · 06-09-2010, 10:24 AM

For those who really want a custom gray water tank, boat builders frequently construct them w/ epoxy, cloth and plywood. You can build any size or shape desired.
Here's a link...

This will be a bit heaver than a poly tank, but also a lot stronger.

- Bart

Minno · 06-09-2010, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 62overlander

I want to give serious praise to VTS for making a tank that can fit without alteration.

Absolutely! I will second that, or third it in this case.

This new tank is now a strong option that we're looking at - getting two of them and ganging them together to give us 32 gal gray capacity. Not having to modify the frame or the belly pan is a big plus, and two of these, even with the extra fittings, is not that much of a price difference than the other tanks we're looking at.

Frank's Trailer Works · 06-09-2010, 11:21 AM

... each tank will need to be vented. Keep that in mind, when you purchase them. It very easy to drop into the top of the tank within cabinets. The tub drain is also at the same level as the top the tank in this situation so a "P" trap on the tub is essential to keep fumes out. Once the tank is full the grey water will back up in the tub. An observation of mine is that grey water smells much worse than black water. Not sure why this is, but in just 24 hours it is rank as heck.

I want it noted that I do not receive any special treatment or pricing from VTS. I am just a VERY happy commercial customer and am expressing it here. Good service deserves praise.

alclad · 06-09-2010, 01:18 PM

so does that mean the black water tank on a 61 bambi is vented? i knew there was a vent but thought it was only to the galley sink as it takes off from below the sink but below the trap-i think.. the vent pipe does go up in a wall next to the black tank. shower pan would be too low to tie into that vent...
maybe

i am also looking hard at adding that tank from "vts" this summer

thanks
don

Frank's Trailer Works · 06-09-2010, 01:41 PM

all tanks need to be vented. Especially the black. Your trailer is direct drain on the grey. All grey flows right out into the blue boy or ground. The drains for the sinks and shower are tied into the vent just above your black tank. The kitchen sink might also have a vent inside the wall to vent that end. Venting is critical. Think of a straw. When you stick it in a glass it fills. When you put your thumb over the end it will not allow the water to flow back out. A tank is the same way.

TomW · 06-09-2010, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 62overlander

all tanks need to be vented... Think of a straw...

Frank's right. If nothing else, today's RV code backs up what he is saying.

Not to pick on Frank (even though he/I could get over it) I like my Coke bottle analogy better than his straw.

When you're in a hurry to fill a glass from a 2 litre bottle of pop you've undoubtedly encountered glug..glug..glug as the unvented bottle tries its best to empty into your cup quickly.

An unvented tank will do the same thing when you go to empty it.

Tom

Chuck · 06-09-2010, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TomW

An unvented tank will do the same thing when you go to empty it.

Tom

I could care less if it goes "glug glug"; the problem is that the suction this creates will draw the water out of a p-trap, which will thereafter allow dangerous (and just plain stinky) gases into the trailer. (same for your house).