How are the shower controls mounted to the wall?

**ShrimpBurrito** · 06-15-2009, 10:37 PM

Has anyone ever removed or tightened the shower water controls? With the shower head hose pointing up, and the shower head in the shower while traveling, I think the hose pulls the controls away from the wall and works itself loose with every bump in the road. Now mine is quite lose...I wouldn't be surprised if both of the nuts are totally off, and there is a fair amount of side-to-side play.

It looks like the ~2" thick faux wall the controls are mounted to must be at least partially disassembled to get access to the nuts holding it in place. Does anyone have any experience with this? If I have to remove the controls or take that wall apart, I think I will flip it so the hose points down. That will relieve the stress, and the hose is long enough to reach the head mounted atop the wall.

Dave

**Bill** · 06-16-2009, 06:55 AM

Dave -

I did it on my 2002. I've forgotten the details, but I know I disassembled the faux wall (the box) that the controls were mounted on, and I know it was quite easy to do, and to reassemble. As I recall, I was working on the outside shower at the time, and I removed the inside shower off simply to gain access and working room.

If you find that you can turn the shower control over, let us know how that works out.

Bill

**ShrimpBurrito** · 06-16-2009, 11:47 AM

Hmmm.....interesting. I had removed the top moulding strip and the 2 exposed screws directly underneath that go directly through the faux wall to the real wall, and that didn't free anything up. I pulled out some staples that were under the moulding that may have be holding in a framing strip attached to the laminate to which the controls are mounted. Everything is still tight. I'm guessing those laminate pieces are all glued together.

Dave

**Bill** · 06-16-2009, 03:27 PM

Caulking between the faux wall and real one? Can you slide a knife blade in there?

Bill

**ShrimpBurrito** · 06-16-2009, 03:39 PM

Yep. And lots of it. Turns out I was approaching it wrong by removing the top moulding, pulling out staples, and trying to separate the pieces of laminate. The only thing you need to do to access the back of the faucet is pull out those 2 screws, and pry the faux wall from the real one. That's it.

I reversed the physical orientation entire faucet, and we are good to go. Pictures are below.

Thanks for your help.

Dave

06-16-2009, 09:13 PM

I have an 02 model 3023. I bought it about 2 years ago. The first thing that is somewhat annoying, more so for my wife, is the recirculating toilet. She is pretty put off about the whole recirculating "that" water! What seems to work best for the odor?

The other question I have is, Can you put a "regular" RV toilet in the Trailmanors? I know there is no holding tank with the recirculating, but if we have one of those blue portable tanks, could that not be used as the holding tank for a regular toilet?

If not, will Trailmanor or a RV shop install a normal holding tank under the camper?

**ShrimpBurrito** · 06-16-2009, 10:13 PM

Using the SEARCH function will turn up all kinds of background on the toilet. It's probably the most thoroughly discussed appliance.

I use Thetford's Aqua Kem and have no odor.

Yes, you can put a regular RV toilet in the TM with a holding tank. I believe member Ferdoh did that....he did a nice post IIRC on the topic.

Dave

06-17-2009, 04:18 AM

Hey ShrimpBurrito
When you flipped the faucet in the shower, does that now put the cold on the left instead of the right? Was thinking that might be a bit awkward until you get used to it.

**Bill** · 06-17-2009, 06:13 AM

Joel -

I think it was also done by Yendor. Picture here.
http://www.trailmanorowners.com/foru...ead.php?t=6551
Quite a project. I don't know of anyone who would do it for you - you'll end up doing it yourself. The disadvantage, of course, is that it requires a certain amount of fresh water each time you flush. Not a problem if you are in a commercial campground with hookups - big problem if you are boondocking.

Like Dave (and most of us, I think) I use Aqua Kem, available and inexpensive at WalMart. And don't forget that there is a vent fan in the bathroom.

And no, I don't think you can use a blue tote as a holding tank. The "whoosh" is important for carrying away solids. A dribble won't do it.

Bill

**ShrimpBurrito** · 06-17-2009, 07:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nature Recorder

Hey ShrimpBurrito
When you flipped the faucet in the shower, does that now put the cold on the left instead of the right? Was thinking that might be a bit awkward until you get used to it.

Nope. The hot is still on the left, cold on the right. The faucet is mechanically symmetrical, so it doesn't matter which direction it is mounted. You just have to switch the water lines, which are screwed to the back of the faucet. And switch the "H" and "C" faceplates on the front if you are really picky.

Dave