Toilet installation in 19

[WesA]

We recently purchased a 2021 Escape 19. It was ordered with the “delete toilet” and “delete floor flange” options. We would like to install a Dometic 310 or 320. Does anyone know the measurements (from back and side walls of raised toilet platform) to the center point of the drain opening into the black tank. Or, is it possible that there is not even a precut opening in the black tank? In which case, I guess an exact location is not necessary. We’ve not been successful in obtaining an answer from ETI. Any comments or guidance would be appreciated. TIA!

 

[MrLynn]

If they deleted the toilet, did they even install a black tank?

 

[WesA]

If they deleted the toilet, did they even install a black tank?

Yes, the black tank was installed, as well as the water line…just no opening from the floor into the tank.

 

[Ron in BC]

Measurements aren't exact because you can't actually measure from the wall to the center of the hole. My best efforts at measurements were done by holding the tape measure over the center of the hole and looking down at the hole and the bottom edge of the wall.

I think that the measurements are fairly forgiving side-to-side and a little more important front-to-back because you want the toilet lid to be able to hinge back over center.

Rear of the toilet, trailer front, 9 1/4"
Front of the toilet, 8 1/2"
Drivers side, 11"
Passenger side, 11 1/2"

Ron

 

[GinoandLinda]

Yes, the black tank was installed, as well as the water line…just no opening from the floor into the tank.

Make sure a vent pipe was installed as well. It most likely is there, but better to be absolutely sure.

 

[Ron in BC]

If the model of toilet has the same footprint as my 2019 does a second and maybe easier way would be to measure from the front of the toilet to the lip of the platform, 3", and from the drivers side wall to the side of the toilet base at the widest point, 7 5/8". Position the toilet, open the valve and mark the center of the hole.

Or do both as a cross check.

Ron

 

[WesA]

Make sure a vent pipe was installed as well. It most likely is there, but better to be absolutely sure.

I’m assuming it does since it has a vent pipe opening in the roof above the bath, that I assume goes to the black tank. Also, no mention of a “delete vent pipe” on the order sheet. Thanks!

 

[WesA]

Measurements aren't exact because you can't actually measure from the wall to the center of the hole. My best efforts at measurements were done by holding the tape measure over the center of the hole and looking down at the hole and the bottom edge of the wall.

I think that the measurements are fairly forgiving side-to-side and a little more important front-to-back because you want the toilet lid to be able to hinge back over center.

Rear of the toilet, trailer front, 9 1/4"
Front of the toilet, 8 1/2"
Drivers side, 11"
Passenger side, 11 1/2"

Ron

Thanks…that helps!

 

[WesA]

If the model of toilet has the same footprint as my 2019 does a second and maybe easier way would be to measure from the front of the toilet to the lip of the platform, 3", and from the drivers side wall to the side of the toilet base at the widest point, 7 5/8". Position the toilet, open the valve and mark the center of the hole.

Or do both as a cross check.

Ron

Yes, that would be a good cross check. What model toilet do you have? I’m leaning toward a Dometic 310 or 320. Does it make sense to assume that there is a precut hole in the black tank? That was my original thought, but am now second-guessing it.

 

[7Gentex]

Somebody on this forum went through this a few months / year ago but my search / google foo is lacking....................???


Found it:

Escape 21C Composting to Flush Conversion?

 

[WesA]

Somebody on this forum went through this a few months / year ago but my search / google foo is lacking....................???


Found it:

Escape 21C Composting to Flush Conversion?

Fantastic…thanks! After reviewing that thread, I’m thinking this may be a project above my DIY pay grade. Wondering if the instructions and specs would be the same for a 19’? If I turn the project over to an RV tech, I want to give them as much accurate and useful info as possible. Thanks again for the thread post link!

 

[7Gentex]

Fantastic…thanks! After reviewing that thread, I’m thinking this may be a project above my DIY pay grade. Wondering if the instructions and specs would be the same for a 19’? If I turn the project over to an RV tech, I want to give them as much accurate and useful info as possible. Thanks again for the thread post link!

The measurements will be different for an E19 - different bath "shell".

It is not a hard project - but not forgiving! Measure 18 times - cut once - hopefully!

An initial small hole drilled in the "approximate" location to start - then a router.

Cutting fiberglass is also a royal mess - you need proper PPE (mask/respirator) etc............

Post up the measurements from ETI when you get them.

 

[Selkirk]

The measurements will be different for an E19 - different bath "shell".

I can't find the the thread, but recall reading that there is insufficient clearance from the closet flange to the back wall to install a porcelain Dometic 300 series in an E19, at least when using the factory hole location. It's possible in the 21C, but not the 19.

 

[WesA]

The measurements will be different for an E19 - different bath "shell".

It is not a hard project - but not forgiving! Measure 18 times - cut once - hopefully!

An initial small hole drilled in the "approximate" location to start - then a router.

Cutting fiberglass is also a royal mess - you need proper PPE (mask/respirator) etc............

Post up the measurements from ETI when you get them.

Thanks for the advice! Will post measurements when obtained, but not optimistic…been asking for measurements/diagram from ETI since October 26th!

 

[WesA]

I can't find the the thread, but recall reading that there is insufficient clearance from the closet flange to the back wall to install a porcelain Dometic 300 series in an E19, at least when using the factory hole location. It's possible in the 21C, but not the 19.

Thanks, that is concerning!

 

[Selkirk]

I found the thread.....

Replacing the Theford toilet

In the previous one I had installed a Dometic 320 . The area I had to work in was a bit larger so I am not sure if a Dometic 320 will fit against the wall. So before I pull the toilet and do some measuring has anyone changed to one of the elongated toilets in a 19 yet? Oddly that is the one...

www.escapeforum.org

 

[WesA]

I found the thread.....

Replacing the Theford toilet

In the previous one I had installed a Dometic 320 . The area I had to work in was a bit larger so I am not sure if a Dometic 320 will fit against the wall. So before I pull the toilet and do some measuring has anyone changed to one of the elongated toilets in a 19 yet? Oddly that is the one...

www.escapeforum.org

Thanks so much, Selkirk! It would appear that I am restricted to the Thetford, unfortunately, for my E19. Will investigate a bit more to see what other options may be out there, but looks like the Dometic 310/320 is a no go.

 

[Centex]

Will investigate a bit more to see what other options may be out there

[edited - see post below]

Just FYI / FWIW, I believe you'll find that the ceramic-bowl Thetford Aqua-Magic Style II Low Profile is a direct possible replacement for the same size / shape / wall-clearance all-plastic OE Aqua Magic V.

The 'upgrade' is a ceramic-bowl (but still round, not elongated) on a plastic base and soft-close seat / lid (but still thin plastic, not solid wood).

Be aware, several listings on Amazon describe this model (Style II) incorrectly as all-plastic / fail to mention the ceramic bowl (caveat emptor).

Maybe not worth replacing a functioning OE toilet, but if buying one for a new installation, maybe worth considering [edit - upon confirming clearances].

Happy shopping!

 

[WesA]

Just FYI / FWIW, I believe you'll find that the ceramic-bowl Thetford Aqua-Magic Style II Low Profile is a direct replacement for the same size / shape / wall-clearance all-plastic OE Aqua Magic V.

The 'upgrade' is a ceramic-bowl (but still round, not elongated) on a plastic base and soft-close seat / lid (but still thin plastic, not solid wood).

Be aware, several listings on Amazon describe this model (Style II) incorrectly as all-plastic / fail to mention the ceramic bowl (caveat emptor).

Maybe not worth replacing a functioning OE toilet, but if buying one for a new installation, maybe worth considering.

Happy shopping!

Thanks, Centex, that may be my best option. Still a bit concerned since the install manual for that unit calls for 9.5” from closet flange center to back wall. Would really like to obtain confirmation from ETI that that measurement would hit the actual center point of the drain. (This is for a new install where a hole will need to be cut for the drain…unit was ordered without toilet or flange opening).

 

[Centex]

Still a bit concerned since the install manual for that unit calls for 9.5” from closet flange center to back wall.

I apologize for the misinformation / error in my post above (now edited) upon noting that the 'ETI default' Aqua Magic V calls for 7-5/8" wall-to-flange-center clearance while the Style II calls for 9-1/2".

Yep, confirmation of clearance certainly is appropriate, good luck!