Termination caps

[jcanavera]

I bought a new white Thetford Termination cap for the dump line on our new Classic. This one has a small screw on cap on the face so I can hook a hose on for draining gray water. The problem is the Thetford caps do not come with a strap or even a connection point to keep the cap attached to the trailer.

I had a black cap on the Safari that was made by Valterra which had the strap on it. Does anyone know who else makes a white cap that fits the Classic trailers? I know that that cap as it is today will walk away or I'll leave it somewhere.

Jack

[Porky Pig]

I looked at the same Thetford product and was rather shocked at the price ... it ranged from $17 to $20.

So I purchased Valterra's Universal Adaptor (T05-2285) for about $5 and termination cap w/ hose connection (T1020-1) for $2.29. The cap has the cord you need to attach it to the trailer.

[jcanavera]

Thanks Porky!

Jack

[Pahaska]

I have to wonder what prompted Airstream to use a different connector on the Classic line vs the rest of the trailers. I do like the design a bit better, but it sure obsoleted some of my old fittings and hoses.

For instance, I had to buy an extra white connector and make a new short hose to dump into my blue tank at the end of trips. In addition, the sewer outlet, being so low to the ground, makes dumping into a blue tank very difficult.

[thenewkid64]

Jack,

Another option would be to get a short piece of aircraft cable like the original cap used and using a long rivet, a backing plate and a rubber washer just attach the cable or a loop to the face of the cap. If you are really concerned about fluid retention then add a dab of vulcem to the inside and allow it to cure.

[jcanavera]

I bought the Thetford cap a couple of weeks ago up at the local A/S dealer. I noticed it had a small chip out of it which I thought was the spot where the strap was connected. He ordered a replacement for me when I called. Yesterday I picked up the new cap and again found no strap.

I'm going to probably keep the cap and see how it goes. Possibly mounting some type of strap to it. I'll experiement with the bad cap.

If it doesn't work well I'll pick up the Valterra adapter like Porky noted earlier. It is interesting that A/S uses Valterra on the Safari's. I also wonder why..

Regards,

Jack

[thenewkid64]

Originally posted by jcanavera
It is interesting that A/S uses Valterra on the Safari's. I also wonder why..

I think it has to do with cost. On the classics they use the thetford stuff all the way, valves and caps. On the Safari's they use the Valterrra vales and caps. I know the Valterra stuff is less to buy at the RV shop, so it has to be cheaper at wholesale too. Also I would think that many fist time buyers that are moving up into the Airstream family from SOB would already have all the valterra stuff since most typical manufacturers use it. Removing another barrier to entry for a first time owner.

These are just SWAG on my part.

[davidz71]

Strange, I bought the same white Thetford cap last year and it has the strap