18 October 2014

Grey water tank

Typical RV's have three types of water storage tanks - 1. Fresh water;  2. Black Water (toilet sewage) 3. Gray Water (sink sewage). While the black water tank is generally not built in to our vans, I felt that the grey water should be.  Have used a bucket in the past, but a nasty spill (and resulting cleanup) this summer got me thinking there had to be a better way.

Most states consider the water that drains from our Vanagons as sewage due to high concentration of solids. So what are the options?

There is the bucket method.  The water drains straight down through piping to empty out under the van into a bucket.  This requires a walk to the latrine, or a proper sewage dump station.  There are tanks that also provide a 'safer' version of transport. Generally wheels are attached. But venting needs to be considered as well.

Also, where do you store the bucket or tank on wheels?

There are collapsible tanks, that can be thrown out when they get too grungy.  But they tend to be too tall to drain directly into, requiring a tubing system to use.

Tanks. 
There are a few options here.  I have seen some on the Samba successfully modifying an older Bay window water tank to mount under the van.  I even bought one to do this, but then thought better of it.  I have also seen some make a tank out of 4 or 6 inch schedule 40 PVC.

Then I saw this little gem.  
 
 
 
 
 
Bought it with mounting kit. Little bit on pricier side, but it's made especially for this purpose by the factory.  Designed to work around your propane tank, it mounts up under the kitchen with its own mount kit.
 
Once I have a few moments, I will install it and add some pictures.

Bus Depot provided this link for the installation directions.  It is in German, but pictures are worth a thousand words, right?

http://www.vwbusshop.de/WebRoot/Sage/Shops/GuenzlClassicParts/MediaGallery/Anleitungen/Abwassertank_Joker.pdf


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