hugsfamily
MD
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Joined: 04/19/2007
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I've been after my DH to install a Tornado on our black tank for quite sometime, but he is very nervous/leary about drilling a hole in the tank. He's not really a "do it yourself" kindof guy. So, my question is...how hard is it to install a tornado? What do you need that doesn't come with it? How long does it take? We also have an enclosed underbelly....how are is it to get in there?
Thanks all!
Hugsfamily
(DH-Phil, DW-Mindy, DD-Amanda, DS-Spencer and our Shelties-Polly and Spirit)
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Bucky Badger
Madison, WI
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Joined: 11/05/2007
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It was real easy. I got the one with the whole kit so I did not need anything extra but Sealant.
My mistake was I did not make the hole big enough and thought I could sgueeze the tornado through the hole.....Wrong...it broke....exchanged it for another one. Try to keep the hole cutout from going into the tank. My underbelly is covered but the tank sticks down enough to install the tornado.
Fred & Jodie, dogs, Zoey & Bella
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DAS26miles
San Fernando Valley, California
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Joined: 10/11/2003
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I installed one in my black tank. I had a bad feeling in my gut after cutting a hole in my tank. But all went well and it worked ok. However, on our trip to Yellowstone last September, the hose broke off and left just the anti backup valve ( a little ball) from leaking xxxxx out onto the road. I shot sealant into the area and kept my tank level below the Tornado. When I got home, I tried to find a place that could seal the hole up. Too expensive. I bought another one and put bolts and washers from the inside facing out with nuts. I didn't want the thing blowing out from weaken screw into plastic. I sealed it real well and have it plugged. I will never use it again.
My suggestion is to just buy a wand and attach it to a hose and flush tank thru toilet.
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acadianbob
St. Paul, MN
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Joined: 02/05/2008
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If you have an enclosed underbelly, think twice about attempting it. Otherwise, it is not a bad installation. Or just have your RV dealer do it if you are nervous about it.
Bob, Wendy,& Spanky the Fox Terrier
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Hornet28BHDS
Parker, PA
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Joined: 01/29/2007
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I would think twice also if you have an enclosed underbelly.
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chevellemalibu1964
WV
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Joined: 02/01/2007
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Installed mine 3 weeks ago. It took a couple of hours to do but I took my time doing it and having to get my tools back from my 3 year old. My camper doesn't have a enclosed underbelly either. The line that came with it was too short for my camper, used a 10ft waterhose. I need to buy a correct length but this will do for now. If your husband isn't really handy, it will be alot easier taking it to dealer and have it done. If you are near a Camping World, they sometimes do specials on installations.
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old guy
Oregon (pronounced Or e gun)
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Joined: 03/15/2006
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the hard part is the under belly, putting it back in place, I suspect is the hard part, none of my TT's have the under belly so installation of the tornado is very easy. make sure you have the right size drill bit and hole maker. have the sealant and screws and the screw driver and the connection hose all under the TT so you won't have to crawl in and out or have some one there to hand you the tools and parts you need. make sure the tornado has the rubber washer in it, you might want to make sure the hose and tornado have a good tight fit. I used plastic straps to hold the hose in place so it doesn't drag on the road and tied it into place as close to the dump tubes as possible. that way everything is right there when you dump and clean out you tanks. In fact I have one in my grey tank also. gets rid of the food particles and soap. Helps keep the smell down in all tanks. since I have two tornados working, The hoses are female ends and I installed a wye with shut off valves, so I have better control and don't have to unscrew the hose to hook up to the other tank.
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IrishPam
Cincinnati, Ohio
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I have done quite a few mods to our TT's, but this is one I paid the dealer to do both times. The tornado was only about $30, but the labor was over $200. With the enclosed underbelly on both of our TT's it was worth it to have the dealer do it. Our previous dealer ended up having to reconnect the hose at the black tank connection a few months after putting it in as it somehow became disconnected. They didn't charge me, so I suspect it had to do with the initial install.
The tank flush really makes a difference. It's a lot less of a hassle than dragging the hose & wand inside. Although, I have read posts by campers who have added an access spigot in the bathroom and there are those who have the toilet close enough to the shower or hand basin to use those water supplies.
Best of luck whichever you decide.
Pam, Sharon & Emma
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jay427
Ramsey, Mn
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Joined: 05/23/2006
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Installed mine a few weeks ago, went just fine, took about 15min. Takes longer to get the tools out then to install the thing, no enclosed underbelly on ours. Just take your time and follow the directions. The only thing I did a little different was to use a little smaller drill bit for the screws.
As far as tools you really only need a hole saw, drill, drill bit, flat and phillips screw driver if I recall.
Jay
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baldag
Chattanooga Tn
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Joined: 09/18/2006
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I ran pvc pipe around to the valve area. I have also found it best to put a pressure regulator in the system to reduce the chance of a blowout.
George
"I was cut out to be rich, but I got sewed up wrong"
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