Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » To macerate or not? (Macerator)
| To macerate or not? [message #227472] |
Mon, 28 October 2013 20:39  |
Lightfoot
Messages: 22
Registered: October 2013
Location: Southeast USA
Karma: 0
|
Junior Member |
|
|
Hey everyone.
I want to know the real pros and cons of why adding a macerator unit to the coach is advisable or not. It seems like its just a bells and whistle item. What are your thoughts?
I'm trying to go through the old messages, but I did not find this discussion in my search. FYI... I am about to redo the whole plumbing system on the palm beach.
Thanks
Chris Lightfoot
Working with a '73 palm beach.
Mary Esther FL
|
|
|
|
| Re: To macerate or not? [message #227474 is a reply to message #227472] |
Mon, 28 October 2013 20:48  |
tphipps
Messages: 3005
Registered: August 2004
Location: Spanish Fort, AL
Karma: 9
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Very short answer. Yes. Makes dumping the waste tanks a very easy task. Garden hose is easier to handle than the 3" waste hose, and stores better.
Tom, MS II
2012 Phoenix Cruiser model 2552
KA4CSG
|
|
|
|
| Re: To macerate or not? [message #227475 is a reply to message #227472] |
Mon, 28 October 2013 20:48 |
GeorgeRud
Messages: 1380
Registered: February 2007
Location: Chicago, IL
Karma: 0
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Mine came with a macerator already installed by the previous owner, and I wouldn't want to be without it. Much easier to simply attach a hose and pump out the tank rather than relying on gravity and messing with a big, bulky hose.
George Rudawsky
Chicago, IL
75 Palm Beach
|
|
|
|
| Re: To macerate or not? [message #227476 is a reply to message #227472] |
Mon, 28 October 2013 20:53 |
jknezek
Messages: 1057
Registered: December 2007
Karma: 5
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Best upgrade I've put on the motorhome. Takes one of the worst chores of leaving a campsite and turns it into a minor event. For convenience, this is a wonderful upgrade.
Thanks,
Jeremy Knezek
1976 Glenbrook
Birmingham, AL
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] To macerate or not? [message #227480 is a reply to message #227472] |
Mon, 28 October 2013 21:09 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
|
Senior Member |
|
|
The fastidious like them. I don't mind dumping the tank and then wasing the slinky hose with my wand. However, as I've said, I pick upbehind very large dogs. There's not anything in that tank that's going to be a bother. Simply wash your hands when you're done. Matterofact, I have a 'clip on' macerator that fits the drain pipe end in place of the cap. Not worth the trouble of clipping it on. A permanent install is, to me, one more thing to bust.
--johnny
'76 23' transmode norris
From: Chris lightfoot <Clightfoot09@gmail.com>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Monday, October 28, 2013 9:39 PM
Subject: [GMCnet] To macerate or not?
Hey everyone.
I want to know the real pros and cons of why adding a macerator unit to the coach is advisable or not. It seems like its just a bells and whistle item. What are your thoughts?
I'm trying to go through the old messages, but I did not find this discussion in my search. FYI... I am about to redo the whole plumbing system on the palm beach.
Thanks
--
Chris Lightfoot
New GMC enthusiast working with a '73 palm beach.
Talladega AL
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] To macerate or not? [message #227482 is a reply to message #227472] |
Mon, 28 October 2013 21:09 |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Macerator = Absolutely mandatory upgrade
Being mechanical/electrical, they CAN quit, so be sure to include the
capability of bypassing the macerator with a 3" gravity dump (with the
macerator isolated from the holding tank). But that rare (I've never had
to use the bypass) hazard is trivial compared to the convenience of dumping
at 'most any distance with a small diameter hose which requires no manual
cleaning and is easy to store.
JMHO, after 30 years without out one and 15 years with.
Ken H.
Americus, GA
'76 X-Birchaven w/Cad500/Howell EFI & EBL
www.gmcwipersetc.com
On Mon, Oct 28, 2013 at 9:39 PM, Chris lightfoot <Clightfoot09@gmail.com>wrote:
>
>
> Hey everyone.
>
> I want to know the real pros and cons of why adding a macerator unit
> to the coach is advisable or not. It seems like its just a bells and
> whistle item. What are your thoughts?
>
> I'm trying to go through the old messages, but I did not find this
> discussion in my search. FYI... I am about to redo the whole plumbing
> system on the palm beach.
>
> Thanks
> --
>
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Re: To macerate or not? [message #227507 is a reply to message #227472] |
Mon, 28 October 2013 23:00 |
Chr$
Messages: 2690
Registered: January 2004
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Karma: 1
|
Senior Member |
|
|
I put one on my coach. I do not have one on my Trailer. I have found it faster and easier to completely dump and rinse the tank(s) with the slinky, and it is not a big deal to clean and store the hose. I also have an outdoor shower near my dump on my trailer and I put a garden hose sprayer on it. I use disposable gloves with either method, and wash my hands. The slinky is easier to store than 50' of garden hose. I just cannot dump the TT at the house, but then I usually like to dump at the campground before hauling 350+ pounds of crap home. I do have a 6' section of garden hose on my coach that reaches the dump hole at the dump station, but it takes much longer to drain, and you never seem to get it all out. If I ever get one again, it will be the snap on type.
My two cents.
-Chr$: Perpetual SmartAss
Scottsdale, AZ
77 Ex-Kingsley 455 SOLD!
2010 Nomad 24 Ft TT 390W PV W/MPPT, EV4010 and custom cargo door.
Photosite: Chrisc GMC:"It has Begun" TT: "The Other Woman"
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Re: To macerate or not? [message #227517 is a reply to message #227472] |
Tue, 29 October 2013 00:23 |
habbyguy
Messages: 896
Registered: May 2012
Location: Mesa, AZ
Karma: 3
|
Senior Member |
|
|
I'll pile on with those who consider the macerator the best money they ever spent on their coach. Errrr, or the best money my beloved PO ever spent on my coach, rather. It makes the least pleasant aspect of RVing a virtual non-issue. Even better, with my Roayale's separate black and gray water tanks, I essentially rinse out the macerator hose with the gray water when I'm done emptying the black water tank.
I never, ever, ever knew anyone who had one and wished they didn't.
Do it. You won't be sorry.
Mark Hickey
Mesa, AZ
1978 Royale Center Kitchen
|
|
|
|
| Re: To macerate or not? [message #227520 is a reply to message #227517] |
Tue, 29 October 2013 00:48 |
jim kanomata
Messages: 257
Registered: March 2007
Location: fremont,ca
Karma: 12
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Since most of you have only one tank, it is lot easier to use the pump.
Like Ken Henderson mentioned, you need to have a back up in case the pump jams up or brakes down,
When we came out with our system we looked at several concepts and decided on one that can retain the regular and still pump.
Beings that the coach is so low to the ground, the pump comes in handy.
We sell several every month and find that they like the kit.
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Fremont,CA
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] To macerate or not? [message #227522 is a reply to message #227520] |
Tue, 29 October 2013 01:08 |
mickeysss
Messages: 1476
Registered: January 2012
Karma: 0
|
Senior Member |
|
|
One of the persons at Pacific cruisers stated he had his pump on the end of the 3 inch or black pipe at the rear bumper and put the
pump on the end only and it could come off and on. this way if it stops working or gets stuff in it you do not have to go under the
middle of the gmc to get to it, it is at the end by the rear bumper. This is a reasonable idea. if the pump breaks or clogs, it is right there. Mickey anaheim ca. 77 palm beach,
On Oct 28, 2013, at 10:48 PM, jim kanomata wrote:
>
>
> Since most of you have only one tank, it is lot easier to use the pump.
> Like Ken Henderson mentioned, you need to have a back up in case the pump jams up or brakes down,
> When we came out with our system we looked at several concepts and decided on one that can retain the regular and still pump.
> Beings that the coach is so low to the ground, the pump comes in handy.
> We sell several every month and find that they like the kit.
> --
> Applied/GMC, Fremont, CA
> 1-800-752-7502
> jimk@appliedgmc.com
> www.appliedgmc.com
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
|
|
|
|
| Re: To macerate or not? [message #227549 is a reply to message #227472] |
Tue, 29 October 2013 08:53 |
lqqkatjon
Messages: 2324
Registered: October 2010
Location: St. Cloud, MN
Karma: 5
|
Senior Member |
|
|
I will add that I love the macerator.
I think it was mentioned once, but with the GMC, it is so low to the ground, making the right angle for the slinky can be a bit tricky.
second, I was able to run some 1" pvc pipe that goes from outside of my house, to the sewer cleanout in my basement. so I can now empty my tanks when I get home. That is nice, since i do dry camp some places where a sewer dump is not available. and the closest one to me, charges $10.
Jon Roche
75 palm beach
EBL EFI, manny headers, Micro Level, rebuilt most of coach now.
St. Cloud, MN
http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] To macerate or not? [message #227557 is a reply to message #227522] |
Tue, 29 October 2013 09:44 |
jim kanomata
Messages: 257
Registered: March 2007
Location: fremont,ca
Karma: 12
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Unless one puts a valve in place, once you find that the pump is not going to function, you'll have a mess.
Our design avoids all that and also our pump will pick up the lower portion of the fluid as the level lowers.
Portable pumps are not too easy to deal with the electrical ans storage.
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Fremont,CA
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] To macerate or not? [message #227565 is a reply to message #227512] |
Tue, 29 October 2013 10:31 |
 |
Matt Colie
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
|
Senior Member |
|
|
| Mr ERFisher wrote on Tue, 29 October 2013 00:15 |
the first time will convince you when:
- come to a dump that is 18 in. higher than your dump
- have to dump into a toilet 20 feet away
- compare 3 min to dump with no hose to flush
- do not have to get on your back to dump
- do not have to be close to the dump
- slide the garden hose into the frame (no disconnect)
- http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g3060-macerator-hose-storage.html
- no adapters for various dump stations
- why they use macerators on all-- boats
I only dumped my GMC one time -- then added the macerator
JWID
GENE
--
Gene Fisher -- 74-23,77PB/ore/ca
“Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today --- give him a URL and
|
While will not argue all the points here, I will tell you that in the last few years I have been paid to REMOVE the maserator from many owners boats. Often those installed were damaged as they were less than completely winterized. Then they leak....
- They are illegal in Canadian waters.
- They are of no use in US waters unless you choose to violate the discharge laws of every state on the lakes.
- Every marina any size at all has a pump-out facility and few have any way to accept an open dump (that would be required with a mascerator).
We do not have one installed. (I actually have two new/used ones in the barn).
We do have our own grade level dump at my home.
It takes thinking and practice but, I can dump without getting fouled at all. (I usually wash hands afterwards, but I wash hands a lot anyway.)
We plan trips with known dumps. The only dump that causes me grief due to elevation is one near home that I don't use anymore. That was once in seven years as a GMC owner.
If I end up in line at the dump behind a maserator coach, I go inside and find a book to read.
If you put in a maserator, read what everyone has said about making accommodations to both have gravity dump available and be able to remove said from a full tank. This WILL be required at some point.
Other than the right angle adapter that we carry anyway, I have never needed anything other than the slinky to get to the dump.
Yes, there are two camps here, but if you are as normal as a GMC owner can be.... You probably want a maserator. Just be certain that you either carry a spare or at least a kit and that you can dump the black tank (at least) when the maserator is a confirmed kill.
Matt
Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Re: To macerate or not? [message #227606 is a reply to message #227472] |
Tue, 29 October 2013 14:10 |
Lightfoot
Messages: 22
Registered: October 2013
Location: Southeast USA
Karma: 0
|
Junior Member |
|
|
Cool.
I love all the responses. Thanks for all the different points of view. I hope to try one out at the next rally I go to and see first hand. I'm 24 so I don't mind the stinky slinky but cleaner is better so I'm interested. Thanks again.
Chris Lightfoot
Working with a '73 palm beach.
Mary Esther FL
|
|
|
|
Goto Forum:
Current Time: Fri Oct 04 16:22:02 CDT 2024
Total time taken to generate the page: 0.03071 seconds
|
GMCforum
Search
Help
Register
Login
Home
