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toastie · 10-14-2008, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by utee94

Hi toastie,

I'm interested in your plan for evacuating the gray tanks. Will you tie the two together in some way, and if so will you then tie the outlet into the black dump valve as is fairly common in the industry? Or will you evacuate them separately with separate dump valves?

Your work looks great, keep it up!

-Marcus

Hi Marcus

Yes, I will tie the 2 grays together, will run a line up to a small pump (12V) then down to the back gray tank. I want the rear for kitchen only and will use a trap at the kitchen sink. The front gray tank is only for shower and a very small sink with trap, the shower will have no trap just a small rubber drain stopper. The plan today is to go only with one black
dump valve. Open for any comments.

Toastie

3Ms75Argosy · 10-14-2008, 11:27 PM

Just a thought about no traps... will that allow smells from the grey tank to go up into the shower? There is a small low profile L fitting that has a trap built in by Camco.. it has a 1/2" barb off the end.

So the grey will pump into the black after if flushes.. is this the plan?
Marc

Frank's Trailer Works · 10-15-2008, 03:54 AM

Here are my questions.....

Does the tank hang down below the frame and belly?

Are the tanks going to be removable from below incase anything might occur to them or do they drop in from the top?

I used a grey water tank very similar to yours. It hangs down below the belly and can be dropped from below incase of some troubles. I do not like the use of pumps to empty the tanks though. I think gravity should do the work for you. That side discharge will empty the tank in about 30 seconds.

toastie · 10-15-2008, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3Ms75Argosy

Just a thought about no traps... will that allow smells from the grey tank to go up into the shower? There is a small low profile L fitting that has a trap built in by Camco.. it has a 1/2" barb off the end.

So the grey will pump into the black after if flushes.. is this the plan?
Marc

Marc

The only water that goes into the front gray tanks is antibacterial soapy water, there will be no feedback from the rest of the system, plus there will be a rubber stopper if needed. Our 1965 Caravel has no gray tank just a black, and with 3 trap and we get no feedback from those trap with stagnate water in them.

Toastie

toastie · 10-15-2008, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 62overlander

Here are my questions.....

Does the tank hang down below the frame and belly?

Are the tanks going to be removable from below incase anything might occur to them or do they drop in from the top?

I used a grey water tank very similar to yours. It hangs down below the belly and can be dropped from below incase of some troubles. I do not like the use of pumps to empty the tanks though. I think gravity should do the work for you. That side discharge will empty the tank in about 30 seconds.

Yes they will hang down, the tanks are 9" deep and they will be removable from the bottom.

tinman54 · 10-15-2008, 11:45 PM

Toastie,Nice progress I am trying to get caught up on your project,it looks real good.I am trying to find a good place to get an axle and tanks for my 54 cruiser,I think I found an axle place today locally,I didn't want to pay those big shipping charges,I want to do the same as you and bring them the old axle for measurements.Where did you find your tanks,cost? Our 54 didn't have any tanks so I have been trying to find work like yours to go by.
Thanks for all the pictures and notes it helps a lot and is very encouraging to us new guys.
Doug

toastie · 10-16-2008, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tinman54

Toastie,Nice progress I am trying to get caught up on your project,it looks real good.I am trying to find a good place to get an axle and tanks for my 54 cruiser,I think I found an axle place today locally,I didn't want to pay those big shipping charges,I want to do the same as you and bring them the old axle for measurements.Where did you find your tanks,cost? Our 54 didn't have any tanks so I have been trying to find work like yours to go by.
Thanks for all the pictures and notes it helps a lot and is very encouraging to us new guys.
Doug

Thanks Doug

I bought my tanks from RV Parts and Accessories for Sale and they get there tanks from Recreational Vehicle (RV) Trim, Tanks, Covers & Live Wells from Ameri-Kart Ameri Kart has an on-line catalog, with a large selection. I went with ABS vac. tanks, the larger tank was $98.00 and the 2 smaller ones where $127.00 ea. with a total of $19.00 for shipping. I called Ameri Kart and they recommend supporting the tanks using the lip around the tank along with metal straps, make sense since the larger tank filled would weight about 200 lbs., they also recommend not to tight with the straps because of expansion and contraction, I ask how tight and they wouldn't say. My goal is not to use straps...............

Toastie

byamcaravanner · 10-16-2008, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toastie

I called Ameri Kart and they recommend supporting the tanks using the lip around the tank along with metal straps

Toastie,

I've installed similar tanks, but mine are supported on the long sides... this way there is no need for added straps.

toastie · 10-18-2008, 12:33 PM

Started to work on hanging the tanks today. First thing was to mock-up one of the cells, and I found this very helpful, I must went thru a dozen little designs. Want to be able to move or remove the tanks from below with the floor on, this will help to fine tuning the plumbing and also fastening the floor to the frame. The pictures show that the tanks will hang from 1/2" steel rods, then a 14" strap with rubber backing will wrap around the tank and fastened to top of angle iron with rivets. Using rubber fittings for the toilet and vents, once the floor is on will have about 1/4" from bottom of floor to top of rubber gaskets. Will locate tank to frame width wise using spacers. The goal here is not to stress the tank, have to be very careful with the fasteners on how they are applied.

Toastie

toastie · 10-19-2008, 11:09 AM

Adding some fitting to the black and gray tanks today, this is a 3 day process for me.

Cut hole using a variable jigsaw (measure 3 times then cut) glued fitting, let dry for 24 hours. Picture shows first glue app. on black tank

Add more glue, let dry for 24 hours

Add more glue, let dry for 24 hours, should be good to go.

Toastie

toastie · 10-21-2008, 05:42 PM

Have all 3 tanks in, will put the finishing touches this weekend, then the floor will go in for the second time.......

truckasaurus · 10-21-2008, 06:58 PM

That looks like a great job; I'm thinking of doing much the same thing. 2 fresh tanks in front of the axles except oriented inline with the length of the trailer (if welding surgery allows) and a large grey aft of the axles. I'm really interested to see if you manage to get some sort of belly pan- protective sheet worked around them.

toastie · 10-22-2008, 04:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by truckasaurus

That looks like a great job; I'm thinking of doing much the same thing. 2 fresh tanks in front of the axles except oriented inline with the length of the trailer (if welding surgery allows) and a large grey aft of the axles. I'm really interested to see if you manage to get some sort of belly pan- protective sheet worked around them.

Thanks, I'm going to weld some angle iron on the sides of the frame and create a box, then this winter I will make a box in the basement that will match the box to the frame, will post some pictures this weekend.

Melody Ranch · 10-22-2008, 08:02 AM

Great job Toastie! I am following your work closely and starting my own project. I just worry about the ground clearances. I have dragged the skid protector a couple times on my Caravel, even with the increased height provided by the new axel and tire/wheel selection. (drags occurred on those steep gas station drives.) Are you planning on some type of protection for your dump system? Your photos really help. Thanks.

truckasaurus · 10-22-2008, 09:23 AM

Is there a good way to evaluate the ground clearance required? I mean I don't have an Airstream dealer anywhere near me but when I look at SOB's they can be jacked up super high or barely of the ground. I want to use the same depth tanks (9" 39 gals) and have them extend 48" in front of the first axle, does anyone have an opinion as to whether this is sensible? Option 2 is to have 3 or 4 shallower tanks but stretching further towards the tongue and option 3 is to use shallower tanks (say 6" 26 gals) plus move one tank (26 gals) inside under the front window. I like options 1 and 3 the most but is there a problem with having multiple tanks dotted around a trailer for fresh water only?

Eliminator46 · 10-22-2008, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by truckasaurus

Is there a good way to evaluate the ground clearance required? I mean I don't have an Airstream dealer anywhere near me but when I look at SOB's they can be jacked up super high or barely of the ground. I want to use the same depth tanks (9" 39 gals) and have them extend 48" in front of the first axle, does anyone have an opinion as to whether this is sensible? Option 2 is to have 3 or 4 shallower tanks but stretching further towards the tongue and option 3 is to use shallower tanks (say 6" 26 gals) plus move one tank (26 gals) inside under the front window. I like options 1 and 3 the most but is there a problem with having multiple tanks dotted around a trailer for fresh water only?

26Gal tank under front window will add 200+lbs to the tongue weight. Plus any added weight from in front of the axle. Most hitches are designed for around, what, 500lbs?

toastie · 10-22-2008, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Melody Ranch

Great job Toastie! I am following your work closely and starting my own project. I just worry about the ground clearances. I have dragged the skid protector a couple times on my Caravel, even with the increased height provided by the new axel and tire/wheel selection. (drags occurred on those steep gas station drives.) Are you planning on some type of protection for your dump system? Your photos really help. Thanks.

Thanks

With the new axle I gained about 3" in height. There is a full 13" of clearance from the lowest point, more than even a modern Airstream.

Toastie

toastie · 10-23-2008, 06:07 PM

What would be the minimum distance a tank to axle that one could live with?..............thanks toastie

toastie · 10-24-2008, 02:32 PM

About 80% done with the 2 back tanks, all I need to do is strap them in. On the front tank, changing the design.

Eliminator46 · 10-25-2008, 05:16 AM

Looking great Toastie. I had considered pulling off the top, but still a little gunshy. Hoping to accomplish mine without pulling the shell off. Keep it up.