Help!!! Need exact size toilet replacement for Itasca 2001 Suncruiser 35U

[debbieto]

I apologize in advance, as I posted this in the Winnebago forum as well, but am in a real bind and need as much help as I can get!

We have a "new to us" 2001 Itasca Suncruiser 35U. The toilet was a Thetford Aurora Aqua Magic, and had been working fine, but the bowl stopped holding water. We tried all the suggestions here in the forum, but the seal was beyond conditioning. We thought we had a replacement toilet for it, a Thetford V, but went to put it in and its all wrong. It wont fit, the hoses are all wrong. It's a nightmare. We cannot put the old one back, because in taking it out (nightmare) the seals completely separated. We leave for Hershey Friday morning and now cannot even hook up to water!! we live on LI so its hard to even find a place to buy an RV toilet. Please does anyone know a good- perfect fit RV toilet replacement so at least I have a shot at trying to get it in time (even if I have to drive a few hours to get it)??

Thank you in advance!!!!!

Debbie

[mel s]

Originally Posted by debbieto

The toilet was a Thetford Aurora Aqua Magic, and had been working fine, but the bowl stopped holding water. We tried all the suggestions here in the forum, but the seal was beyond conditioning. Please does anyone know a good- perfect fit RV toilet replacement so at least I have a shot at trying to get it in time (even if I have to drive a few hours to get it)??
Debbie

Debbie
I suggest calling Thetford Corporation's Customer Service Department, (1-800-543-1219), and asking them what will fit, (and ask if they can help you get one fast).

(Or go to CUSTOMER SUPPORT for info about how to email them).
Mel
'96 Safari

[debbieto]

Thank you Mel. They have a chart which shows what the "direct replacements" should be, but the V was on that list and that was a complete bust. I will try calling them when they open, but I would feel more comfortable knowing someone has a working replacement toilet other than the Aurora in their 35U. I will have to drive a couple of hours to pick it up- if I can find the replacement, and then get back home to where the rig is.

[mel s]

Originally Posted by debbieto

We have a "new to us" 2001 Itasca Suncruiser 35U. The toilet was a Thetford Aurora Aqua Magic, and had been working fine, but the bowl stopped holding water. We tried all the suggestions here in the forum, but the seal was beyond conditioning. We thought we had a replacement toilet for it, a Thetford V, but went to put it in and its all wrong. It wont fit, the hoses are all wrong. It's a nightmare. We cannot put the old one back, because in taking it out (nightmare) the seals completely separated. We leave for Hershey Friday morning and now cannot even hook up to water!! we live on LI so its hard to even find a place to buy an RV toilet. Please does anyone know a good- perfect fit RV toilet replacement so at least I have a shot at trying to get it in time (even if I have to drive a few hours to get it)??
Debbie

Originally Posted by debbieto

Thank you Mel. They have a chart which shows what the "direct replacements" should be, but the V was on that list and that was a complete bust. I will try calling them when they open, but I would feel more comfortable knowing someone has a working replacement toilet other than the Aurora in their 35U. I will have to drive a couple of hours to pick it up- if I can find the replacement, and then get back home to where the rig is.

Debbie
I understand what you are trying to do.
Please don't take the following as an insult to anyone....(it's not meant to be):

Since Thetford lists the Thetford V as a "direct replacement" me thinks your problem is with the installer and NOT the Thetford V.
Can't the installer simply change/modify the hoses?
Is the "floor flange" one of the seals that is completely separated/ruined? ....(if so that would not be Thetford's fault either).

BTW, your installer should be able to "cap" the disconnected waterline, (so you can at least "hook up to water").

I'm sorry I can't be of more help.
Mel
'96 Safari, 132k miles

[debbieto]

Well actually, Thetford lists it on their swap sheet as "available", the three that are marked direct replacements I have not been able to find anywhere around here. Which I guess translates into "can be used by needs some tweaking". We are very limited in places that carry anything RV related. First they tried to give us a portable toilet- claiming it was the Thetford V, they were closing so we ran out there and got there just after closing. Then they gave us a toilet- no box or anything and it did not look right to me, but what do I know. Got back to the rig and sure enough what they gave us is literally like a potty chair (that low to the ground). I cannot find anything on it to indicate that it is even a thetford, let alone a V. The water orientation is all wrong and he charged us almost $300. It's all plastic and I honestly think we got ripped off. As for the Aurora- the seal that came apart was the internal seal in the toilet. Apparently that toilet was quite complex in its design (prob why they do not make it anymore). Online the parts that have the seals (there are two assemblies) run a bit over $100 each, and there are two. However, the same problem applies- I have nowhere to buy them in person. Do you have any experience with other manufacturers? Have you ever heard of Sealand? I am waiting for them to open to call them. Their website says they have a dealer right here on LI- I know nothing about these products- or any other.

[mel s]

Originally Posted by debbieto

Well actually, Thetford lists it on their swap sheet as "available", the three that are marked direct replacements I have not been able to find anywhere around here. Which I guess translates into "can be used by needs some tweaking". We are very limited in places that carry anything RV related. First they tried to give us a portable toilet- claiming it was the Thetford V, they were closing so we ran out there and got there just after closing. Then they gave us a toilet- no box or anything and it did not look right to me, but what do I know. Got back to the rig and sure enough what they gave us is literally like a potty chair (that low to the ground). I cannot find anything on it to indicate that it is even a thetford, let alone a V. The water orientation is all wrong and he charged us almost $300. It's all plastic and I honestly think we got ripped off. As for the Aurora- the seal that came apart was the internal seal in the toilet. Apparently that toilet was quite complex in its design (prob why they do not make it anymore). Online the parts that have the seals (there are two assemblies) run a bit over $100 each, and there are two. However, the same problem applies- I have nowhere to buy them in person. Do you have any experience with other manufacturers? Have you ever heard of Sealand? I am waiting for them to open to call them. Their website says they have a dealer right here on LI- I know nothing about these products- or any other.

Debbie
Sorry to hear about your toilet problem.
Trouble like that can drive you NUTS!
However, I believe any brand of RV toilet should be able to be successfully used in your RV .....(but most replacement installations may/will? require some tweaking of the mounting flange and/or the water supply)......
But IMO any competent DIYer should not have a problem replacing a toilet.

I have a Sealand 510 ,(see: SeaLand Toilet - PPL Motor Homes).
It has proven to be a RELIABLE basic RV toilet , (with NO complex electric/electronic gizmos to fail).
Mine is 18 years old, (in a 132k mile coach).. and has been trouble free for the 14 years, (105 k miles), I've owned my coach.
Good luck.
Mel
'96 Safari