Repair or Replace Questions for a Circa 1987 Thetford Starlite Toilet

[mparratt]

Hello RVers,

My FIL built this RV on an 1987 Isuzu NPR Turbo chassis (no box).

The toilet started leaking recently.

• Leaks regardless of water being in the bowl or not
• Water does not appear to leak when the blade is closed

So, I believe I'd need to replace the water valve. I have found one for ~ $40 which includes the Closet Flange Seal.

The toilet is mounted over the black tank and has minimal room in the bathroom/shower combo enclosure (he was a tiny guy who build things to fit him and his wife).

The flush pedals work and the rest of the toilet functions well

This is similar to this thread: Toilet repair (great info)

Grok3 says that the Thetford Aqua-Magic V or Dometic 301 would be proper replacements

What would be recommended? Repair or Replace? If it is better to replace which one would you RVers recommend?

BTW I have heard that some newer toilets can leak into the housing causing odors. True or fable IDK.

 

[Isaac-1]

I would probably replace it with a Dometic 310, or better yet 320 if there is room for the elongated bowl. Though note you may have to modify /replace the toilet flange as some of the older Thetford toilets have the flange bolts positioned at the 11/5 o'clock position instead of the 9/3 position commonly found on newer RV toilets.

 

[mparratt]

I would probably replace it with a Dometic 310, or better yet 320 if there is room for the elongated bowl. Though note you may have to modify /replace the toilet flange as some of the older Thetford toilets have the flange bolts positioned at the 11/5 o'clock position instead of the 9/3 position commonly found on newer RV toilets.

Appreciate the feedback Issac-1. I have minimal space and have to straddle the toilet as the shower is the same space. LOL. My FIL was a maximizer, but was 5' 4" and 130 pounds. Maybe I should add pics.

Sounds like you'd recommend Dometic?

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

Note that the Dometic 301 recommended by your other source (Grok3) is physically different than the Dometic 310 or 320.

Dometic 301 Gravity Flush Toilet

Dometic 301 Gravity Flush Toilet - Gravity toilet, low-profile height

www.dometic.com

Dometic 310 Gravity Flush Toilet

Dometic 310 Gravity Flush Toilet - Gravity toilet, ceramic bowl, standard height

www.dometic.com

As is the Aqua-magic V

Aqua-Magic® V Pedal Flush - Thetford

Frequently Asked Questions

thetford.com

I suggest looking closely at the install manuals for each to determine what will fit best in your limited space.

 

[CharlesinGA]

Gary is correct, you can get the dimensions of each unit, and the clearances needed in the install instructions.

Dometic toilet installation manual PDF

Personally, If I could get the water valve needed and the toilet is in good shape, I would just repair it.

BTW I have heard that some newer toilets can leak into the housing causing odors. True or fable IDK.

That statement has to do with the Thetford AquaMagic models that apparently have a flat surface inside just above the base, and this supposedly captures solids.

I do not like the height dimensions of the Dometics, and even the Thetfords have changed. My ideal height toilet is about 15 inches floor to seat, and everyone wants to comply with the ADA by making them 18 inches high, which is horrible unless you are over 6 ft tall or have really long legs.

For the toilets in my house, I wanted to replace the horrible flushing Mansfields with something else, and after months of looking at dimensions and brands finally found a Toto model that was the 15 inch height of the old Mansfields.

With my motor home, I had a Aquamagic IV and it was also an ideal height for me, but my travel trailer had one originally, but the previous owners, in their zeal to renovate and modernize to win awards at fiberglass rallys, replaced the Aquamagic IV in it with a Dometic 310, which I personally hate, due to the height and the design.

Charles

 

[ferfer]

I do not like the height dimensions of the Dometics, and even the Thetfords have changed. My ideal height toilet is about 15 inches floor to seat, and everyone wants to comply with the ADA by making them 18 inches high, which is horrible unless you are over 6 ft tall or have really long legs.

Interesting seat height observation which got me thinking. When we got our RV I was 5.5' but today 5.3'. My height reduction occurred with 15" seat height Thetford Aqua-Magic but a leak caused us to get the 18' Aqua-Magic® VI mid 2024. So I got old, shorter & weaker using the 15" seat height. I also found the 15" height very comfortable but found myself relaying more on the sink counter top assist getting up. Today, I do not find the 18" seat height uncomfortable but it is different and easier to stand up.

CharlesinGA IMHO, you are correct the 15" seat height just naturally is the most comfortable for wide range people heights. I can not speak about 6'+ people but at 5.3' (63") the 18" seat height may require adjustment time due height increase but it is not uncomfortable and has benefits.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

Both Dometic & Thetford make "low profile" toilets but they are hard to find. I think the Dometic 301 is a low profile model. 311 too.

 

[mparratt]

Thanks everyone.

I started to take the toilet out and noticed both the front and back 11 and 5) nuts were loose. Tightened them and that resolved the leak