Clueless

[Carl Strong]

First post. I've searched for the answers but I think they may be so rudimentary they aren't even discussed. Unfortunately I haven't been able to find the answers and was hoping someone here could help.

I have a 1971 Landyacht Ambassador (29'). I've never owned a trailer or camped in one so I'm a complete greenhorn. I'm trying to figure out how to use the systems. I've got the electrical and gas figured out and am now on to plumping. In my search for answers I learned that the early trailers didn't have black and grey water tanks but that there was a grey water valve and that water from the sink and shower will bypass the black water and dump the grey water onto the ground. So my questions are:

Is the grey water valve separate from the waste tank valve?
If so where is it?
If not do I leave the black water valve open so the grey water can drain?
Should the waste tank have water in it to start?
If so were to I put it in and how much?

I'm not even sure these are the right questions but hopefully they'll get me moving in the right direction.

Thank in advance.

[Jaxon]

Hey Carl, welcome to the forums!

I may be wrong (others will chime in), but I thought the '71 models a had all 3 tanks, at least a black & fresh water... So, the catch is if you don't have a grey water tank, either always be hooked up to a full hookup location where your grey water can drain continuously or have one of those tote along containers to drain into (since there is no onboard tank). That's a drag because grey water is useful to clean out the drain/hose after dumping your black tank...

One way to find out if you have a grey water tank is to make sure all releases are closed (they're usually right next to each other), then turn on the sink and see if the drain backs up (have you checked to see if there's any levers on the side, rear on in the bumper, make sure your sewer is hooked up before pulling any of them out..?).

If you find any levers, and pull them (while hooked up), and let them drain completely. Then close them and turn the water on in the sink. If it backs up fairly quickly, you probably don't have a grey water tank.

It's a good idea to have some water in the black tank after draining so any waste doesn't adhere to the bottom of the tank. The black water tank is filled by the toilet - you can hold the flush pedal down to add water to the tank.

It's a good idea to leave the grey water valve open during normal use and keep the black water tank closed until full. The day you're going to empty the black tank, I'd close the grey water drain, take showers, wash dishes, etc. so as to have a flush available after dumping the black water tank...

Whatever you do, don't watch Robin Williams RV movie for guidance...

Happy trails!
.
.

[nrgtrakr]

Owners Manuals and Shop Manuals are still available - sometimes pricey, but available.

[TG Twinkie]

Grey water tanks were not installed until '74. The black water tanks were relatively small compared to modern trailers.
The grey water systems did not have a valve to close them off. They typically were connected to the waste water system down stream from the black water valve.
With the black water valve closed run water in the sink. It should run out the waste water outlet. Perhaps a PO. Installed a shut off for grey water or even installed a grey water tank. Further investigation is needed.


Sent from my iPod touch using Airstream Forums

[Carl Strong]

Thanks a ton for the help guys!