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Old 03-11-2015, 05:35 PM   #1
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HW296 plumbing MOD

I could not see the logic in the separate Grey & Black drain outlets so
I bought a 1 1/2"/3" double valve assembly ($33) and some 1 1/2" PVC
pipe/elbow/coupler (<$10) and fixed the problem.

Now I have only one drain like a real RV. I did have to relocate the sewer
snake storage tube to the front of the axle. This required me to fabricate a
small bracket as the rear ones are welded on.
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Old 03-11-2015, 06:17 PM   #2
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I also question why FR decided to install what is essentially two separate systems - a grey and a black system. Every other RV seems to have one single 3" discharge.

I too have contemplated doing what you have done. I have not done it yet as I picked up my camper just before I winterized it.

I definitely would do this if I always stayed at sewer sites. But I do not. I actually prefer the W/E sites that tend to be more wooded. At these sites I am thinking that I like having a separate grey so that I can capture it in my aquatainers that do not have a 3" opening. I would not want to have to use my black water tote for grey also as that would fill up too often. I am still on the fence.

Could you post a few up close photos of the junctions? I would be curious about how you have the pluming laid out. I may find that I too need to do this mod.

Vin.
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Old 03-11-2015, 08:21 PM   #3
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Great mod, looks great. Like Vin, I would like to see more pics to see if thats something I want to do.
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Old 03-11-2015, 09:40 PM   #4
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Yes, nice mod, I also was thinking of doing this , can u post more pics
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Old 03-13-2015, 06:35 PM   #5
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I was told @ the Forest River plant that it had to do with venting


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Old 03-13-2015, 09:05 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by macshane View Post
I was told @ the Forest River plant that it had to do with venting


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While I do not question what you were told. I just don't understand how
it could possibly be affected by the vent. The black drains in exactly the
same place and with an identical valve. The grey drains 24" further down
the same size pipe through a separate identical valve. The only thing really
different is that the final outlet is combined. Might possibly be the vents
ability to drain the two tanks at the same time but I am no more likely to
do that now than I was before. Only now I can easily rinse the snake out
when I'm done.
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Old 03-16-2015, 08:00 AM   #7
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I too would like to have the option of following the black water with grey water so I can flush out the sewer hose with soapy dish water. Not sure I understand the whole venting issue or how it works.
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Old 03-21-2015, 05:07 PM   #8
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Here are some more pictures that I was able to take today when I was dewinterizing the camper.
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Old 03-24-2015, 10:50 AM   #9
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We too like the separate drains so we can empty the grey tank into the woods - so far, most of our camping is without hookups. We recently had to get a longer sewer hose, and the "dealiebobber" that came with it has the hookup for the grey hose too, so it's not a problem for us.
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Old 02-03-2016, 12:26 PM   #10
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I did this mod last weekend to my new HW31SCTH. Cost less then $60. I got the new valve from eBay $35. And the plumbing pipe from Lowes. Had to move the jack but that was minor. The bolt pattern on the 3" valve is the same so no need to cut the black water line. Just unbolt old valve and install new. Click image for larger version

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Old 02-03-2016, 01:01 PM   #11
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There also is a 3" cap with a garden hose attachment.........
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Old 02-03-2016, 01:15 PM   #12
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Wygantmb, did you buy a single assembly like the 2nd picture? I presume the factory provides a separate valve on each line (grey and black)? The easiest option would be to just buy a wye connector and plumb it when setting up with sewer hoses from each tank to the wye. (Credit to member Daisy Boykin for the pic). If you want to plumb it permanently, it would be better to use a wye with sweep bends. It would flow better that way.
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Old 02-03-2016, 01:37 PM   #13
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To much lost storage space unless. you do the 5" fence post mod
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Old 02-03-2016, 04:47 PM   #14
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If you don't have an axle in the way like in my first pic, then yes, a permanent connection would avoid all the hoses and having to store them somewhere, but you'd need to have the plumbing skills to do the mod. I don't know that I do! Fortunately, my Rockwood TT was already plumbed with a wye at the factory.
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Old 02-05-2016, 01:19 PM   #15
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Here is a better view or the sewer mod. Before and after. Click image for larger version

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Old 02-05-2016, 01:30 PM   #16
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Does the new stuff sit much lower to ground/
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Old 02-06-2016, 05:30 AM   #17
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Same height as factory. I only unbolted the rear valve and bolted the new one up.
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Old 03-15-2016, 02:12 PM   #18
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Pictures of the hose storage tube. Click image for larger version

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Old 03-17-2016, 04:42 AM   #19
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Nice set up. Makes me wonder why FR doesn't just put the standard square tube bumper back there for the hose, even if it has to come out further than the spare. That would also free up room underneath to put one valve for black and grey discharge. Anway, that's a great set up you got there.
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Old 03-18-2016, 05:56 AM   #20
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Spurticus I'm thinking because if they did people would start mounting the receiver hitches for bike rack and the bumpers wouldn't hold that. Plus that would change the tonque weight if you mounted anything back there and unfortunately so lme people don't care or know how that changes ALOT. Just my 2 cents.
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