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Old 05-05-2009, 01:42 PM   #1
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1960 24' Tradewind
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'60 Tradewind plumbing

I am replacing the floor in the front of my 1960 tradewind. I'm wondering if I should replace the freshwater tank and plumbing while I have the floor out. I haven't tested the tank yet, but it doesn't look to good. I'm guessing that the pump next to the tank pumps the water through the system, but I am confused about the the air fitting on the the fill tube. Any help would be appreciate. Thanks'
Dave
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Old 05-05-2009, 01:45 PM   #2
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I believe (w/o seeing pictures) you have a pressurized system, at least that's what they came with. You could use the pump to pressurize the tank or you could get out your bicycle pump and pressurize it. And we'd love to see pictures.
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Old 05-05-2009, 01:55 PM   #3
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Depends on the originality to function balance you are trying to strike. If it were me I would say the heck with originality and rip that puppy out and replace it with a new tank and 12 volt pump. But you may feel otherwise and want it just like it came out of the factory. Btw, if you replace it and the plumbing, consider using PEX for the pipes- easy to work with and more durable/forgiving if it freezes.
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Old 05-05-2009, 03:01 PM   #4
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Originally Posted by Gen Disarray View Post
Depends on the originality to function balance you are trying to strike. If it were me I would say the heck with originality and rip that puppy out and replace it with a new tank and 12 volt pump. But you may feel otherwise and want it just like it came out of the factory. Btw, if you replace it and the plumbing, consider using PEX for the pipes- easy to work with and more durable/forgiving if it freezes.
Is PVC like PEX? Never heard of PEX. Thanks for the help.
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Old 05-05-2009, 03:04 PM   #5
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I believe (w/o seeing pictures) you have a pressurized system, at least that's what they came with. You could use the pump to pressurize the tank or you could get out your bicycle pump and pressurize it. And we'd love to see pictures.
So the system is not reliant on air pressure. That makes sense. I'm going to go out and see if a bicycle pump fits it. Wow, lots to learn about!
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Old 05-05-2009, 03:05 PM   #6
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Does it make sense to do the plumbing while the floor is out or should I worry about one thing at a time?
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Old 05-05-2009, 03:05 PM   #7
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Is PVC like PEX. Never heard of PEX. Thanks for the help.
PEX is plastic, how much it is like PVC I cant tell you. The connections are hand fit and do not require glue, the kind I used in my 68 can be taken on and off quite easily. Just do a search on PEX and you will find tons of information.
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Old 05-05-2009, 03:06 PM   #8
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Originally Posted by MarkR View Post
I believe (w/o seeing pictures) you have a pressurized system, at least that's what they came with. You could use the pump to pressurize the tank or you could get out your bicycle pump and pressurize it. And we'd love to see pictures.
Mark can you send any pictures of your Tradewind? I'd like to compare it to the mess I have!
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Old 05-05-2009, 09:37 PM   #9
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Thanks for asking . . . this is mine just before I "tore into it". It was an Ohio Built w/Twins. It looked a lot better in pictures. The closer I looked the more "worms" I found until eventually they all got out of the can - I slipped down the slippery slope and now it's gutted, lots of new plywood sub-floor, all interior walls out, new insulation, lots of work still ahead. Post some pictures when you get a chance. And good luck.
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Old 05-07-2009, 04:09 AM   #10
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The air fitting on the fresh water tank is most likely a vent to let air in/out of the tank as it is being filled/emptied.
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Old 05-07-2009, 05:47 AM   #11
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Instead of a pump, you may have the original air compressor that pressurized the tank. Check out a blog by Airforums member Sugarfoot. She recently dealt with replacing the tank on her 1960 Tradewind trailer. Enjoy Traveling With Elvis
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Old 05-13-2009, 06:50 AM   #12
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Hi WcfdPiper, yes I've replaced my tank but not the plumbing yet. If you've got your floor out and can get to everything, I'd bite the bullet and replace all before something goes wrong on the road. I've had broken plumbing on the road and it's not fun. I stayed with the pressurized system because I'd already replaced the compressor. I had a sheet metal fabricator make the tank to original specs, and a metal machinist thread the fill neck and install the compressor fittings and Schrader valve. All works like a charm now.
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Old 05-13-2009, 09:13 AM   #13
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Early TradeWind Plumbing

Welcome wcfcPiper. Yea!! Another early TradeWind owner. On mine, I had the original cylindrical aluminum pressurized water tank but the pump or compressor was already missing. I elected to take out the tank and replace it with a rectangular one made to my specifications from All-Rite.com. I gained quite a few more gallons of capacity and then I put in a 12 volt AquaJet pump. All of the original copper fresh water lines were replaced with PEX and the cast iron waste water lines were replaced with ABS. Installing PEX is fairly easy as it is flexible, easily cut and the connectors don't require special tools. In one of the photos, you can just make out the white poly tank nestled into the seating area under the window. It holds about 23 gallons as opposed to the original tank's 15 or so.

Now I'd like to learn more about this TradeWind of yours so I can add it to my early TradeWind registry. Post some pix when you can.

Brad
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Old 05-13-2009, 03:23 PM   #14
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Thanks Brad. Your before pics look a lot like what I'm dealing with now. Was your custom tank expensive? Someone else suggested the PEX as well. I am in the process of replacing the front floor and am wondering if I should do the plumbing then replace the floor or do the floor then the plumbing. My thought is floor then plumbing. My refrig is completely destroyed and I am considering going just electric. The 2 ways are VERY expensive. I'll post some pics.

Dave
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Old 05-13-2009, 03:40 PM   #15
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Thanks Sugarfoot. I enjoyed "Traveling with Elvis".
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Old 05-13-2009, 03:54 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by WcfdPiper View Post
Thanks Brad. Your before pics look a lot like what I'm dealing with now. Was your custom tank expensive? Someone else suggested the PEX as well. I am in the process of replacing the front floor and am wondering if I should do the plumbing then replace the floor or do the floor then the plumbing. My thought is floor then plumbing. My refrig is completely destroyed and I am considering going just electric. The 2 ways are VERY expensive. I'll post some pics.

Dave
Hi Dave ~

The replacement tank was just over $200 back in 2002. Probably more now. Try to put all of the plumbing lines, both fresh and waste above the floor so it doesn't freeze. So you'll want to do your floors before the plumbing. If you plan on putting in tanks between your frame rails, as some have done, obviously those would need to be below the wood floor and easier to do from above before the floor is installed.

I sent you a PM about your TradeWind serial number and floor plan.

Brad
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Old 05-13-2009, 06:14 PM   #17
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Dave, welcome to the wonderful world of Tradewind ownership. Tradewinds are AWESOME!

BTW Brad, that tank set-up under your dinette really looks nice.
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Old 05-14-2009, 08:01 PM   #18
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Brad,
Can you resend the PM. Either I didn't get it or I'm doing something wrong. Thanks for the advise and help. I'll try posting pics very soon.
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Old 05-15-2009, 09:07 PM   #19
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Here are a few pics of the tank and "pump."
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Old 05-15-2009, 10:30 PM   #20
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Brad,
Can you resend the PM. Either I didn't get it or I'm doing something wrong.
I resent the PM. Did you get it? Yup, your tank area looks very similar to what i started with.

Brad
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