The Thetford Aqua Magic Style II is a popular toilet model used in many RVs and campers. It is known for its durability and functionality. Like any other toilet, it consists of various parts that work together to ensure proper functioning. Starting from the top, the toilet comes with a seat and a lid, which can be lifted or closed as needed. Underneath the lid is the flush control, which allows users to flush the toilet by pressing down on it. Moving down, there is the bowl, which is the main part of the toilet where waste is collected.
Has anyone found a drop-in reliable replacement toilet that is not so cleverly designed and is built with less plastic parts?
I ordered the base on 29 July, the tag on the back of the base noted that it was made on 30 July, it was shipped on 31 July, and I received it on 6 August; just in time. 2006 GMC 2500HD CCSB 4x4 Duramax Allison, Titan 52 gallon fuel tank, Prodigy Controller, B W Companion Hitch, Progressive Industries EMS-PT50C, TST Systems 507 TPMS 2010 Jayco Designer 35RLTS,Cummins Onan RV QG 5500 EVAP Fulltime since 2010.
Moving down, there is the bowl, which is the main part of the toilet where waste is collected. The bowl is made of durable and easy-to-clean material, ensuring hygiene and convenience. Next, there is the flush valve, which is responsible for releasing water from the freshwater tank into the bowl to flush away waste.
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On returning home, I used the Al Gore device to see if others had experienced something similar. Too many people talked of pedals breaking / coming off. Thetford may have been selling the toilet below cost and making their profit on the many replacement pedals sold. Sort of like my ink-jet printer and the expensive ink it requires.
Thetford had heard about this problem enough that they added a video to their Frequently Asked Questions showing how to replace the pedal.
http://www.thetford.com/HOME/CUSTOMERSUPPORT/FAQ/permanentfaq/tabid/282/Default.aspx#footPedal
This was a nice video, but as you see, their return spring is already installed. Installing the spring seems to be the hard part. I did not find this spring in the Owner’s Manual parts diagram or list.
I did not see any obvious damage to the spring, pedal, or related toilet parts. Without removing the toilet, I positioned the return spring as shown in the video; straight end down and trapped, and then had to figure out how to get the bent end of the spring into its detent. I placed a small diameter tube on the bent end of the spring with the tube heading to the shower curtain; to act as a handle. That did not work as well as I expected, so a water pipe section was placed over the small tube. This gave me more to grab. The spring end needs to be rotated counter clockwise in to its detent. Because of the force required to accomplish the move, in case something came apart, I wore gloves, goggles, and had my head over the closed toilet seat cover while moving the spring and finding the detent by “feel”. Then I was able to replace the pedal; somewhat like the video. Several test flushes worked, but I will be watching the pedal to see if it travels toward the shower curtain over time. The bent end of the spring poking into the plastic pedal may be what holds the pedal in its horizontal position. I do not want to take things apart to check this. :>)
Possibly related: Like others, after time the waste ball and seal did not hold water. Liquid oils and grease did not change things. Using the original Thetford holding tank deodorant, there was never a smell due to the non-seal so we just kept using it as was. Months later the seal was good again for many trips. Then leaking again. I worked through some possible reasons for the cycles. The chlorine used to kill the fresh water tank green stuff? The cleaning chemicals used? Sunlight into the bowl? The deodorant? Ambient temperature?
Before the pedal flew off, the waste valve was sealing. After replacing the spring and pedal it leaked again. Maybe the slop in the pedal system had been changing over time with the waste ball not closing all of the way for periods of time.
Chuck Sorensen
Buellton, California
2012 Excel TS
Maplesville, AL Home Base
My opinion is the Style II isn't up to the task of full time use and just wears out. It does not appear to me to be a robust design.
2006 GMC 2500HD CCSB 4x4 Duramax/Allison, Titan 52 gallon fuel tank, Prodigy Controller, B&W Companion Hitch, Progressive Industries EMS-PT50C, TST Systems 507 TPMS
2010 Jayco Designer 35RLTS,Cummins/Onan RV QG 5500 EVAP
Fulltime since 2010
Just putting things back together did not last long. On checking the pedal again I found a locking ridge that had been worn down so it was not too obvious. It looked like this ridge was meant to pop into the groove of the hollow pivot shaft; the one with the return spring around it. I tried to build the ridge back up with epoxy so that it would hold, but I was unsuccessful.
All things considered, this left me at the same point that Benjamin came to in his reply. I called Thetford Customer Service and ordered a replacement base for our toilet. Part Number 42135 for the white, low base (12” floor to china bowl rim) toilet. Included were a closet bolt / seal package, waste ball seal, new base to bowl screws, instructions, and attached pedal. $101.14 including shipping and possibly tax. I ordered the base on 29 July, the tag on the back of the base noted that it was made on 30 July, it was shipped on 31 July, and I received it on 6 August; just in time. Both the pedal and base showed updated features in the plastic molding.
It took a ½” wrench to remove the two flange bolt nuts and a 3/8” wrench or socket to remove the two bowl to base screws. The water connection to the toilet was removed by hand. The two new base to bowl screws were longer and had more threads per inch. The old base had a rubber shim strip between the rear of the base and the floor; the replacement did not. The base was swapped and the toilet reinstalled; it seems to be working fine. The new waste ball seal holds water.
The molded base and its relation to the upper spring end looked questionable; we will see.
Early on in 2006 this toilet came with a 3 year warranty; I think we see why that did not work out; now a 1 year warranty. The Thetford web site brags that this toilet is “entry level”. The Hankook web site brags that there model tire that Ford puts on our Excels is their “entry level”; it has the lowest specifications of two of their similar tires. See posts 32672 and 32694.
Has anyone found a drop-in reliable replacement toilet that is not so cleverly designed and is built with less plastic parts?
Chuck Sorensen
Buellton, California
2012 Excel TS
> Thetford Aqua-Magic Style II Flush Pedal Flies Off
Possibly related: Like others, after time the waste ball and seal did not hold water. Liquid oils and grease did not change things. Using the original Thetford holding tank deodorant, there was never a smell due to the non-seal so we just kept using it as was. Months later the seal was good again for many trips. Then leaking again. I worked through some possible reasons for the cycles. The chlorine used to kill the fresh water tank green stuff? The cleaning chemicals used? Sunlight into the bowl? The deodorant? Ambient temperature?
Before the pedal flew off, the waste valve was sealing. After replacing the spring and pedal it leaked again. Maybe the slop in the pedal system had been changing over time with the waste ball not closing all of the way for periods of time.
The flush valve is connected to the water supply, ensuring a continuous flow of water when needed. It is usually controlled by a foot pedal, making it easy to operate without using hands. At the base of the toilet, there is the floor flange, which connects the toilet to the RV's plumbing system. This ensures that waste is properly disposed of and does not leak or cause any issues with the plumbing. Additionally, the toilet may also come with other optional parts, such as a water-saving hand sprayer or a water level indicator. These additional components can enhance the functionality and convenience of the toilet. Overall, the Thetford Aqua Magic Style II toilet is a reliable and efficient option for RVs and campers. It is designed with user-friendly features and durable parts to ensure a comfortable and hassle-free experience..
Reviews for "Top Tips for Cleaning and Maintaining Your Thetford Aqua Magic Style II"
1. John - 1 star - I was extremely disappointed with the Thetford Aqua Magic Style II parts diagram. The diagram was poorly labeled and difficult to understand. The lack of clear instructions made it nearly impossible for me to fix my toilet. I ended up having to buy replacement parts blindly and still couldn't properly install them. This diagram was a waste of time and money.
2. Sarah - 2 stars - The Thetford Aqua Magic Style II parts diagram was not helpful at all. The image was blurry and the labels were illegible. It was frustrating trying to decipher which part was which. The diagram also didn't provide any additional information or steps for installation or troubleshooting. I was expecting a detailed breakdown, but all I got was a confusing mess. I would not recommend relying on this diagram for any repairs or maintenance.
3. Robert - 1 star - I found the Thetford Aqua Magic Style II parts diagram to be completely useless. The layout was confusing and the diagram itself was poorly designed. It was difficult to determine which parts I needed based on the image provided. I ended up having to search for alternative resources online to find the correct parts for my toilet. This diagram was a waste of time and only caused unnecessary frustration.
4. Melissa - 2 stars - I was disappointed with the Thetford Aqua Magic Style II parts diagram. The diagram was poorly organized and difficult to navigate. The labels were small and hard to read, making it challenging to identify the specific parts I needed. It didn't provide any useful descriptions or instructions either. Overall, this parts diagram was unhelpful and left me feeling frustrated and confused. I would not recommend it to others.