Plumbing and Venting Water Tanks - RV Concession Trailer Van Skoolie and More



All water tanks Class A Customs carries must be vented, they are not pressurized tanks.

Have a certified technician install all parts to prevent product damage and personal injury.

Tank must have a large enough opening for air to freely move in and out of tank, this is called "venting" the tank. If tank is not properly vented tank will explode when filled or implode when emptied.
A garden hose is a pressurized water line, do not make a secured connection to the water tank with a pressurized line. Tanks need to be gravity feed, this allows for air to escape while the water is going into the tank.


Our Basic Plumbing Diagram shows how an RV or food unit can be set-up using a gravity fill dish. Gravity Fill Dish Instructions




At this time Class A Customs only installs the following fittings into our Fresh / Gray tanks
If you are needing custom fittings please contact sales for more information, minimum quantity of 50 tanks will apply.




1.5" NPT Female - fitting is closed
use a razor knife to cut membrane out, easiest when cut in halves

.5" NPT Female - fitting is open






















1.25" Outer Diameter x 2" Long Smooth Pipe / Boss Fitting - Spout
glues does not stick to pipe, it can not be sealed or capped
you will need to use the 1.25" Hose with Clamp







Blank Tanks - no fittings installed in tank - can be done. You will need to verify the lead time on Blank Tanks as we spin the fittings into tanks as soon as made.

If we are currently making a tank we can get you a Blank Tank very quickly, shipping next business day, however, if we are not currently making a tank it can take up-to several weeks to get a tank.

You can call or use the contact us form to ask about lead times on the Blank Tank you are needing.

When ordering a Blank Tank place the tank(s) you are needing in your cart and at check-out in Customer Comments specify what tanks are to be Blank:
Part # of Tank is a BLANK TANK
All Tanks Are BLANK



Where are the fittings located on the tanks?
Are there fittings on both ends of the tanks?
Please look at the photos of each tank as fitting placement can vary by tank, typically fittings are all located on one end of the tank.



How do I get the large fitting out?
Are these punch out fittings?
Each tank will come with at least one vent hole made during the manufacturing process (this is not the vent hole for when using the tank), a permanently mounted patch is placed over this hole, this is not a fitting and does not unscrew.




Can I cut a hole in the tank and glue another fitting in?
There is glue flaking on my tank isn't this from gluing the fitting in?
No, fitting are spun welded into the tank, friction between the fitting and the tank causes both to melt and permanently seal, no additional glues or sealants are used to install the fittings. The residue left by putting the fittings in place is part of the material the tanks and fittings are made from and may spider crack or flake off over time, this in no way harms the tank or causes any usage issues. To add fittings or repair a damaged fitting we now offer Uniseal Fittings which allow you to put a fitting in any location, sizes range from .5" - 3"

What fittings will I need for my plumbing?
We are not aware of how to set-up your tank, set-up will vary by each application this is something you need to research. Have a certified technician install all parts to prevent product damage and personal injury. Please view our Plumbing Category for information on loose fittings we carry. Be sure to Sanitize Tank before installing.

It is recommended to use plastic NPT male fittings with plastic female NPT fittings to avoid damaging the threads, metal thread fittings can crush the plastic threads. Very little, if any, pipe thread tape is needed using too much pipe tape will damage the threads. We do not recommend pipe dope as you can not remove the fitting later, if used be sure to use a food safe brand. Do not over-tighten fittings as damage will occur.

Designed for Class A Customs Stock Fresh Water Tank set-up using a Fill Dish
Kit does not fit a SPOUTED Water Tank

Due to the vast amount of plumbing applications and set-ups needed for RV's, concession trailers, tiny houses and more we aren't aware of what all items you will be needing for your project.
We are including some helpful links to items you may be able to use for your application, we do not sell these items - you are going to a new website by clicking the links. As with all purchases be sure to verify what you will be needing before purchasing.



Only use this with tanks that will overflow outside of your unit, you do not want to overflow inside of unit.







What is a fill dish?
The fill dish is located on the outside of your unit so that you can easily add water to your tank without the need of opening a compartment or climbing under your unit. You can find the fill dishes in the Plumbing Category.


For adding water to the Water Tank you need a Gravity Fill Dish, the hose rests in the port it does not screw onto the port this allows you to place a garden hose into the Gravity Fill Dish port without making a sealed connection so the supply is not pressurized.

For using Water Directly from a garden hose you need a City Fill Dish, the hose makes a sealed connection and the water supply is pressurized, you can not hook this to your water tank and you do not need to go through your water pump.

We carry Gravity Fill Dishes, City Fill Dishes and Combo Fill Dishes that have both gravity and city, the benefit of having both is you can have a water tank of fresh water but if you go to a location that supplies pressurized water (campground - fair - etc.) you do not need to use your water tank supply of water you can simply use the water provided. Be sure to look at the provided example plumbing diagram for more reference.






For my application I am not using a fill dish.
For gravity feeding you can place a larger fitting such as a PVC elbow in the tank and allow your hose to rest in this when filling, do not make a secured/sealed connection as this would then be pressurized.


You will still need to vent the tank, this can be as easy as placing a fitting with a screen secured over it. Be aware that if you overfill the tank the excess water will exit the vent fitting, placing the vent fitting overflow to an outside location is recommended. Be sure to screen over the vent fitting overflow to prevent anything from entering the tank. Do not over-tighten fittings as damage will occur.

Examples of Items to Vent Tanks - We do not sell these products they can be found online
Oatey® 1.5 in. NPT ABS In-Line Vent
Straight, Black Plastic Tank Vent




For my application I am going to use a pressurized line to the tank.
This will void any warranty on the tank. Turning a garden hose on half way does not work because you can control the amount of water flowing but not the pressure in the line, leaving the tank to fill risks exploding the tank. Examples of Fittings you could use, depending on your application.




Can I hook more than one tank together?
Yes, sometimes this is called to "daisy chain" the tanks together. You will need to check with a certified plumber to see what fittings and set-up will work best for your unit, remember to vent each tank.

I bought a fitting from my local hardware store and it won't fit.

Be sure you are using NPT fittings and getting the correct sizes. Do not over-tighten fittings as damage will occur. It is recommend to use plastic fittings with the plastic fittings installed in the tank to prevent damage to the fitting threads.




National Pipe Threads (NPT)
Pipe sizes do refer to physical dimensions, but the plumbing industry standard for the sizes of pipe is not always as straight-forward as measuring the pipe. Measuring the pipe will oftentimes mislead you into choosing the wrong pipe, so do take care. The "pipe thread size" as shown in column 3 of the table below is measured and based on the inside of the pipe. But, to actually determine the size of a pipe, the outside diameter of each pipe or fitting must be measured and compared to the table for size identification. For example, a 3/4" NPT pipe thread has an outside diameter of 1.050 inches. Each thread size has a defined number of threads per inch (TPI). The 3/4" NPT pipe thread has 14 threads per inch. Both the TPI (threads per inch) and OD (outside diameter) of the thread are required for positive identification of thread size because several sizes have the same TPI.

Male threads: Measure the outside diameter of the large portion of the thread at "A"; Find figure nearest this dimension in column 1 or 2 of chart. The dimension in column 3 will be your nominal pipe thread size.


Female Threads: Measure top diameter of thread at "B"; Find figure nearest this dimension in column 1 or 2 of chart. The dimension in column 3 will be your nominal pipe thread size.


Q."What does 'nominal' mean?"
A. Nominal is the term used to describe pipe and fitting measurements in plumbing. Nominal refers to the inside diameter of the pipe which varies by wall thickness of the pipe.

Q."Ok, so IPS pipe sizing isn't actually a dimension. So what about the fittings?"
A. Pipe fittings are "sized" by the "size" pipe they fit. So, for example, a 1/2" IPS fitting would fit 1/2" IPS pipe.




National Pipe Threads (NPT) have tapered threads. These are the most common threads used for general purposes. NPT threads are designed with a 60 degree thread angle, and are used for joining and sealing pipe to fittings in low pressure air or liquids and also mechanical applications. The tapered thread is 3/4" over one foot of length. Tapered threads are deeper at the end of the pipe and are increasingly shallower the further they are from the end of the pipe. The taper on the pipe only allows the pipe to screw inside the fitting until it is forced to stop because of the taper. The distance the pipe can be screwed into the fitting is specified by the ANSI standard. After tightening with a wrench the threads may have slight spaces between the pipe and fitting which could cause a leak so a pipe sealant must be used to ensure any gaps are filled.

The Dry-seal thread (NPTF) also have tapered threads. NPTF threads are used when the application is such that pipe sealing compounds may fail due to higher heat or pressure than normal NPT threads can withstand. The threads are designed to seal mechanically by slightly, but sufficiently, crushing the threads when tightened with a wrench. This allows for joining the pipe and fitting without sealants.

The NPT and NPTF threads can be interchanged if sealants such as PTFE tape or suitable pipe joint compounds are used. None of the other thread standards are fully interchangeable (GHT, NST, BSPT, NPSI, etc.) Female NPT threads can be designated as "FPT" or "FIP" and male NPT threads can be designated as "MPT" or "MIP".

National Standard Free-Fitting Straight Mechanical Pipe Threads (NPSM) have straight threads which are only used for joining. A washer or gasket is needed to seal this type of threaded connection.

There are also three less common thread types used in the plumbing industry. The Garden Hose Thread (GHT) and the Fire Hose Thread (NST) have coarse threads. The seal is made with a gasket or washer and are used mainly for attaching (joining) hoses to valves quickly, without the use of a wrench. The British Standard Taper Pipe Thread (BSPT) has a 55 degree thread angle (NPT are 60 degree) and is used internationally as a standard thread for joining steel pipes.


Waste Tank Venting and Plumbing
Class A Customs Black Water Tanks only come with the outlet the end user will determine where the inlet and vent will need to be placed and install.

Grommet (not food safe - waste tank use only) or Uniseal (food safe - fresh/gray/waste use) will secure inlet/vent pipe with no adhesives needed.
Use correct size hole saw bit (listed on item page) in order to drill a hole in the tank and place Grommet or Uniseal in hole, piping is then placed in fitting with no glues or adhesives necessary.







Waste Water Tank Installed Outlet
Black Waste Tanks - 3” ABS Female Pipe - outlet can not be moved -
Gray Waste Tanks - 1.5" ABS Female Pipe - outlet can not be moved - smaller outlet this tank is for dirty water from shower, handwashing, dish-washing


Do Not over-tighten fittings damage will occur.
Dump Valves are not connected directly to the Waste Tank ABS Outlet Fitting, the ABS Outlet Fittings are female fittings and the dump valves are also female fittings, they do not connect.
Use PVC or ABS pipe to connect to the 3" ABS Outlet Fitting installed on the waste tank, the dump valve is then connected to the pipe.

We do not sell glues, Examples Oatey 4-fl oz Green PVC/Abs Transition Cement





You will still need to vent the tank, this can be as easy as placing a fitting with a screen secured over it. Be aware that if you overfill the tank the excess water will exit the vent fitting, placing the vent fitting overflow to an outside location is recommended. Be sure to screen over the vent fitting overflow to prevent anything from entering the tank. Do not over-tighten fittings as damage will occur.

Examples of Items to Vent Tanks - We do not sell these products they can be found online
Oatey® 1.5 in. NPT ABS In-Line Vent
Straight, Black Plastic Tank Vent


RV 5th Wheel Landing Gear Leg System - Dual & Single Leg - Powered & Manual Systems classAcustoms

Before replacing any items please go through the following checklist

If your motor is making a clicking sound this is the safety clutch in the motor preventing damage to the motor.
This is not the gear box.
When clutch noise occurs, release the power switch.
Failure to do so will result in damage to motor and possibly other system components.

Check for binding
Your trailer legs should be cleaned and checked for debris on a regular basis.
Sand and dirt will cause legs to bind.

To clean landing gear legs
Extend landing legs as far as possible, clean drop tube and inner ram tube.
Coat exposed surface of tubes with silicone spray lubricant.
Coat inside of handle alignment tube with silicone spray lubricant.
Oil shaft bushing in gear box and leg gear heads with SAE 30 oil.
Lubricate gears in gear box and landing leg gear heads with extreme pressure grease.
*Do NOT open motor to lubricate as this voids warranty.

Check for damage to legs
Any damage to the legs such a bending or denting will cause binding.

Check power to system
Check that your batteries and power supplies are at full levels to prevent damage to the motor.
Check wiring connections at battery. Clean terminals with a solution of baking soda and water.
Cover with a thin coat of grease.
Check wiring harness fuse, if blown replace with appropriate fuse.

Do not exceed weight limit of landing gear system
Do not use the landings legs to lift the trailer during tire changes, axle work or trailer servicing (the trailer weight will exceed the capacity of the landing legs).
The landing legs are designed to stabilize a portion of the trailer’s weight.
Support the front end of the trailer with structural stands rated for the GVWR of the trailer.

Grease Landing Gear Legs

You will want to remove the top of the leg and run the lube down on the sides to flush out any debris.



SAFETY WARNING:
• Read, understand and follow all instructions before installing and using product.
• NEVER allow anyone unfamiliar with the operating instructions to use this product.
• Failure to follow these warnings and instructions can result in property damage and/or serious bodily injury.
• Class A Customs is not responsible for improper installation, use, or maintenance of this product.


The following items must be done before operating the levelers.
• Warn all persons to stand clear of vehicle.
• Keep hands and clothing away from moving parts.
• Park the vehicle on a reasonably level site. Check for rocks, holes, or other obstructions.
• Soft/spongy ground may allow levelers to sink. Levelers must be on firm solid ground or surface prior to operation.
• Insure area below and around leveler is clear of obstructions.
• Do not extend the slide-outs until coach is level.

• Never exceed rated capacity of landing legs.
• Do not use the landings legs to lift the trailer during tire changes, axle work or trailer servicing (the trailer weight will exceed the capacity of the landing legs). The landing legs are designed to stabilize a portion of the trailer’s weight. Support the front end of the trailer with structural stands rated for the GVWR of the trailer.
• Chock both sides of trailer wheels before operating landing legs.
• Both legs must touch the ground or the surface at the same time.
• Never drop the trailer off the hitch.
• Never attempt to lift or level without having both foot plates properly installed.
• When cranking jack or coupling trailer, secure trailer from rolling.
• These landing gear jacks are designed for vertical loading. Excessive side forces must be avoided.
• Never attempt to adjust the drop legs when the landing gear jacks are under load.
• Make certain the drop leg safety retaining pins are fully inserted through both sides of the inner tube and the drop leg tube before using the landing gear jacks.
• Owner or operator must never position any part of their body under any portion of the
jack or the load being supported or allow anyone else to be positioned under the load being supported. Disregard could cause property damage and/or serious bodily injury.
• Do not retract past the STOP label.
• Retract landing legs completely before towing trailer.


• Most switches are not ignition protected. DO NOT install these in areas which require ignition protected devices (such as battery or propane tank storage compartments). Only the Ignition Protected Switch is approved for installation in these compartments.

• Failure to follow these warnings and instructions can result in property damage and/or serious bodily injury.




POWER OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
On a trailer equipped with a Venture Mfg. Co. 12VDC Power Kit follow the same procedures as “MANUAL OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS” except, operate the switch control to EXT (extend) or RET (retract) as indicated.

Power Kit is equipped with an overload clutch and a 30 AMP fuse. If fuse blows during normal operation replace fuse (located on the pink wire) with standard 30 AMP AGC type fuse.

Verify battery is fully charged before attempting further operation.

If clutch slips it may indicate you have reached the extend or retract limits of the jacks OR the trailer weight has exceeded the max rated load of the Landing Gear system.
Items stored inside/on the trailer can greatly affect the weight applied to Landing Gear system. If clutch consistently slips during normal operation, redistribute items stored in the trailer.

CAUTION
• When clutch noise occurs, release the switch. Failure to do so may also destroy
the clutch, in which case the entire power kit will have to be replaced.

• Potential damage to the trailer frame may occur if legs or power kits are operated
unevenly. Front of trailer must remain horizontal.

MANUAL OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
For manual operation of fifth wheel landing gear on a trailer not equipped with a 12 VDC power kit, or if power is not available, proceed as follows:

• Drop Leg Operation: Disengage drop leg safety retaining pin to lower or raise foot plate to desired position, return the safety retaining pin making sure it is fully inserted through both the inner tube and the drop leg tube before using the jack.

• To Extend:
(1) Attach the manual crank handle and crank until the inner tube is halfway to the ground.
(2) Remove the safety retaining pin from the drop leg tube. Let the drop tube fall to the ground and re-pin in the nearest adjustment hole.
(3) Continue extending landing legs until pin box disengages from the hitch and the trailer’s weight is completely removed from the hitch.
(4) When there is sufficient clearance between the pin box and hitch, move tow vehicle clear of trailer. Never drop trailer off the hitch.
(5) Lower trailer until it is level.
(6) Remove and store crank handle.

• To Retract: Perform “To Extend” instructions in reverse. Be certain the landing gear legs are fully retracted; drop legs are re-pinned in the fully retracted position; and foot plate is higher than the lowest point of the trailer to prevent dragging. Remove and store the crank handle.


Class A Customs
1130 County Road 6 West
Elkhart, IN 46514
 
Call Us: (574) 206-0101




Overall Leg Dimension
Roughly 32” Overall Retracted (top of Leg to Bottom of Leg - does not include adding foot pad)
Roughly 48" Long Fully Extended (top of Leg to Bottom of Leg - does not include adding foot pad)

Painted Black Section 29 ½” long x 2 ½” wide
Inner Leg Tube Roughly 2" wide (shaft for foot pad)

Tabs Distance
15 ½” Inner Edge to Inner Edge
17 ½” Outer Edge to Outer Edge

NO Mounting Hardware

Do Not Exceed Capacity
Single Motor System 2,500 lbs. per leg / 5,000 lbs. system
Dual Motor System 3,000 lbs. per leg / 6,000 lbs. system


Follow/Idle Leg Only Class A Customs Part # TSB-FL



Drive/Lead Leg Only Class A Customs Part TSB-DL








Class A Customs Part # TSB-2L1M1S

2 (Two) Landing Gear Leg (1 Lead/Drive and 1 Follow/Idle)
1 (One) Cross Bar
1 (One) 5th Wheel Landing Gear Motor
1 (One) Reduction Gear Box
1 (One) Wiring Harness w/ Switch
2 (Two) Foot pad
1 (One) Manual Crank Handle
NO Mounting Hardware
Class A Customs Part # TSB-2L1M1S

Cross Bar is used to hook Drive Leg to Idle Leg, Motor is hooked to Drive Leg and powers both legs. Larger units will need a Dual Powered System.

Do not exceed weight limit of landing gear system
Do not use the landings legs to lift the trailer during tire changes, axle work or trailer servicing (the trailer weight will exceed the capacity of the landing legs).
The landing legs are designed to stabilize a portion of the trailer’s weight.
Support the front end of the trailer with structural stands rated for the GVWR of the trailer.


Class A Customs Part # TSB-2L2M2S
2 (Two) Landing Gear Leg (1 Lead/Drive and 1 Follow/Idle)
2 (Two) 5th Wheel Landing Gear Motor
2 (Two) Reduction Gear Box
2 (Two) Wiring Harness w/ Switch
2 (Two) Foot pad
NO Mounting Hardware
Class A Customs Part # TSB-2L2M2S

Larger units and units with larger amount of weight need a Dual Motor System.
Each motor must have a switch, you can use a dual switch that has two switches in one face plate but you can not one switch on two motors.



Class A Customs Part # TSB-C-2L


2 (Two) Landing Gear Leg
1 (One) Reduction Gear Box
1 (One) Cross Bar
2 (Two) Foot pad
NO Mounting Hardware
Class A Customs Part # TSB-C-2L



Manual Crank


 




How does the reduction gear box go on? And will your box fit the unit I already have?

If your motor does not look like our motor it will not work with your current system. You may need a new reduction gear box and rebuild kit. To find if your legs have the same gears inside you would need to open the leg to compare.








This rebuild kit is for repairing the drive leg on 5th wheel landing gear
This kit is also used to convert an idle leg into a drive leg for a dual motor system
16T Bevel Gear
12T Bevel Gear
Lead Drive Shaft
Drive Shaft Bushings
E-Clip
Spirol Pin
Follow Drive Shaft
Drive Pin
Shim Washer
Diagram in pictures shows all included parts.

The hardest part of installing this kit is working in tight spaces. Your best route is to drop the leg out by unbolting the two bolts that hold the leg in. Once out it is a lot easier to work on and when your done you lift the leg back up and bolt it back in.


Your leg needs to have a 1/2 moon shaft to fit our reduction gear box or you will need a rebuild kit.





Be sure to place the black rubber stopper piece over the 1/2 moon shaft once you have the reduction gear box on the leg and use the screw provided to secure the stopper. 

You do not screw the box to the leg the cross bar will keep the box mounted on.

 
 


 Again use the screw provided to secure the cross bar on to the 1/2 moon shaft.

 Secure the idle leg, there will be no rubber stopper on the idle leg.





 What if I am using a motor to make the legs powered how do I hook the motor up?


The motor will attach to the reduction gear box and be secured with the two bolts provided. Be sure you correctly line the motor shaft with the crank shaft.


If you already have the legs but need to change your motor(s) and gear box(es) your leg(s) needs to have a 1/2 moon shaft to fit our reduction gear box or you will need a rebuild kit.


If you have a dual motor system you will need a rebuild kit, reduction gear box and motor for each leg. Due to different style motors if you have a different brand motor it is not advised to change just one motor at a time, the reason is the motors may lower/raise at different speeds causing damage to your trailer.






If you lose power you can manually crank a system with a motor attached.


I already have a motor can I buy one of your motors and use it with mine?

If you have a Venture M-9000 (M PK-9000) Motor then yes.

If you have an off brand or an ADTH motor then no. ADTH and other brands copied the Venture motor and most used plastic gears which wear down very easily. The motor speeds and different type of materials make them an unsafe match to use, you do not want one leg to go up or down faster than the other leg. This is the same problem with having a plastic gear box.



Venture Landing Gear Motor M9000 / M-9000-PK













REDUCTION GEAR BOX









1/2 Moon Shaft


3:1 gear ratio
Will work with manual and electric systems.
Cast Aluminum Casing
Heavy Duty Cast Gears
1/2 Moon Shaft


Class A Customs
1130 County Road 6 West
Elkhart, IN 46514
 
Call Us: (574) 206-0101