We need a "Bloopers" section on the forum!

**Civil_War_Buff** · 06-23-2012, 07:19 AM

I wanted to share something for those that decide (for ANY reason) that it is a good idea to remove the toilet top.

I took the top off my toilet to remove the vinyl skirt and when I reassembled the thing I didn't realize that the pump intake will fit on either side of the screen. I just reassembled and yes, I missed my 50/50 spot. Anyhow, the toilet was designed so that solids will always be between the chute and the pump (contained by the screen).

I noticed the pump strted sounding strange and seemed to be straining....I opened it back up op[yesterday and found out why.......The intake tube opening was almost 100% plugged.

All fixed now, no pump failure and the intake does not share the same space as other solid things.

Just something to consider when tearing things apart.

06-23-2012, 08:34 AM

"Yuk" One's worst nightmare come true!

Bob

**ShrimpBurrito** · 06-23-2012, 09:56 AM

While not TM-related, the first thing that comes to mind (there are others with the TM, no doubt) happened while I was towing our small Boston Whaler boat across country. We had stopped for gas and, like always, I used that opportunity to check tire pressure. Everything was fine. Got back in the car, drove another few hundred miles, and stopped for the night at a hotel. As I was walking past the boat, I saw my very nice tire gauge sitting on the edge/gunwale of the boat (about 3 inches wide), with absolutely nothing preventing it from sliding off an inch or two onto the road. I have no idea why it hadn't slid off when we even pulled out of the first gas station. It was amazing.

Dave

06-23-2012, 02:05 PM

Isn't it a joy pulling that top off! We traveled 1400 miles across country to Ashville NC, finally arriving and setting up in a beautiful park, I was very pleased to discover that the Thetford was not flushing, so there I was pulling the top off to find the tube disconnected from the top of the bowl on our first REAL hour of vacation. After a trip to Home Depot we were back in business, but it's something you don't forget quickly.

ThePair · 06-24-2012, 07:53 PM

About the Thetford screen: I disassembled mine after the first season, and found that I didn't like the position of the screen -- it was far too close to the inlet opening, thus allowing for blockage if the solids were... too solid?

Anyway, not to belabor the point, but I redesigned the screen with some materials from Lowe's, putting it as more of a half-moon across the back of the tank, rather than a cylinder around the bowl. This still serves to separate the pump (and level gauge) from the solids, but there is no screening material near the inlet, so no chance of blockage. Not had a single Thetford issue since.

I'm fairly certain I posted pictures some time in the past, this thread here:
http://www.trailmanorowners.com/foru...4&postcount=65

**Bill** · 06-25-2012, 06:37 AM

That looks like a nice approach! Somehow I missed that earlier post. I like it.

Bill

**Civil_War_Buff** · 06-25-2012, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThePair

About the Thetford screen: I disassembled mine after the first season, and found that I didn't like the position of the screen -- it was far too close to the inlet opening, thus allowing for blockage if the solids were... too solid?

Anyway, not to belabor the point, but I redesigned the screen with some materials from Lowe's, putting it as more of a half-moon across the back of the tank, rather than a cylinder around the bowl. This still serves to separate the pump (and level gauge) from the solids, but there is no screening material near the inlet, so no chance of blockage. Not had a single Thetford issue since.

I'm fairly certain I posted pictures some time in the past, this thread here:
http://www.trailmanorowners.com/foru...4&postcount=65

I agree with Bill, I like the solution. What type of screen did you use? It looks like with vent screen, is it? It looks like vent screen covered in window screening. Are you still happy with your mod?

07-11-2012, 07:08 AM

Here's one for the Blunder/Blooper/Goof-up section for the forum.

I ordered my prodigy brake controller but didn’t order the harness to match my vehicle, just trying to save a few bucks. After all, I worked with all kinds of weapons and their delivery systems in the Air Force. I should be able to hook up a brake controller that only has four wires. After mounting it to the dash, I first connected it (with fuse) to the battery and ground. Then I ran the brake wire to the Bargman connector, and did a great job hiding the wire. I saved the brake switch connection for last because it would be the easiest. Now the last time I changed a brake switch there were only two wires to it. To my great surprise this brake switch had ‘leventy-seven wires going everywhere. The wiring diagram must have looked like an overturned can of worms. I know the brake switch must talk to the computer before it will allow the gear shift to come out of park, but what do the other wires go to? Homeland security?

It was Saturday evening and the garage I normally use had long been closed for the weekend. After scratching my head for a few minutes I hit on a perfect solution. I would run another wire along-side the brake wire I had run earlier, and connect it to the vehicle’s brake light. Simple solution, but definitely in the genius category. Turning on the turn signal, I quickly found the brake wire and installation was finished. Calibrating the controller was the last task. And after the reassuring tug from the trailer, it was obvious the brakes were working. Yep, you got it. Every time my turn signal blinked, I felt the trailer’s tug. I was getting to be quite proficient at taking my tail-light out of the fender well by now. This time I got the DW to press on the brake pedal while I looked for the 'brake' light wire.

**ShrimpBurrito** · 07-11-2012, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom-417

Every time my turn signal blinked, I felt the trailer’s tug.

Tom, you just hit on a stroke of genius, but didn't recognize it. You had just reinvented the early form of anti-lock brakes!

Dave

07-11-2012, 03:47 PM

Dave,

That's me, the reinventer of the out dated.

When I realized what I had done, I turned around and headed back home. I didn't want to use my left turn signal anymore but was afraid not too. And I was afraid to turn down the prodigy's setting because in the case of an emergency, it wouldn't be there when I needed it most. Catch 22.