RoadTrek Macerator Pump

[Ron]

Owning a 2010 RoadTrek 190 Popular I am interested in knowing how many RoadTrek folks have had problems with their Macerator Pumps, and what they believed caused the problem and what was done to rectify the problem.

I believe there was one individual who removed the Macerator Pump and installed a sewer hose having gravity feed, would like to hear from him as I would like to do away with my Macerator Pump after twice having problems with it.

Having owned a 2002 RoadTrek I never had a problem with the gravity feed into the sewer hose.

Do realize there are many RoadTrek folks who swear by the Macerator Pump, and never had a problem, and there have been folks who have had problems.

Having a Macerator Pump is a good tool to rid the material in the Black and Gray holding tanks, and Kudo's to RoadTrek for installing the Macerator Pump, but I believe there are less problems with the sewer hose.

I would much prefer having a portable Macerator Pump that can be attached to the outlet for a sewer hose then having a permanent Macerator Pump.

Ron

[markopolo]

Ron - what two problems did you have with your macerator?

I bet a common problem would be a burnt out fuse. Usually, low voltage would be the cause. That might mean the wiring size is inadequate but more likely low battery voltage would be the cause. If you run the van motor when using the macerator you'll have adequate voltage at the pump and should avoid burning out any fuses.

[markopolo]

Hey - congratulations on the new Roadtrek. I remember you were looking. We have to update your signature to show the new rig.

[Photog]

No problems with my pump yet. Only problem down there was a hard scrape to the gate valve, when exiting a parking lot (these R/T's are too low). Valve was not broken, just separated. Reassembled it, add a suspension lift, and no more problems.

[Ron]

Originally Posted by markopolo

Ron - what two problems did you have with your macerator?

I bet a common problem would be a burnt out fuse. Usually, low voltage would be the cause. That might mean the wiring size is inadequate but more likely low battery voltage would be the cause. If you run the van motor when using the macerator you'll have adequate voltage at the pump and should avoid burning out any fuses.

Mark,

First pump had to be replaced, blew out a fuse, second pump, blew out like 3 or 4 fuses, reason being small amount of toilet paper clogged in macerator pump.

[Mike]

Originally Posted by Ron

Having owned a 2002 RoadTrek I never had a problem with the gravity feed into the sewer hose.

That's how I deal with it. Older model.
Blew fuses because of toilet paper? Sounds like the macerator is just not good enough (probably cheaper),
like the Tripp Lite inverters, as Mark and others have mentioned in other threads. Sometimes Roadtrek
seems to make changes and upgrades, but they don't always seem well planned and executed.

[Ron]

Mike,

I was told amlost the same thing you have said, one Service Tech stated that a Macerator Pump pump is ideal for a boat
not really ideal for a RV, especially the RoadTrek, as everything sits low, and harder for gravity feed.

The macerator pump is a SHURflo, good pump so I am told.

[Mike]

Originally Posted by Ron

Mike,

I was told amlost the same thing you have said, one Service Tech stated that a Macerator Pump pump is ideal for a boat
not really ideal for a RV, especially the RoadTrek, as everything sits low, and harder for gravity feed.

The macerator pump is a SHURflo, good pump so I am told.

That's our water pump brand. They seem indestructible, so far and ours is almost 10 years old.
I guess it all comes down to trying to sell product in a recession. Trying to keep costs to produce
a vehicle down, like going to the cheaper line of "no frills" models.
Sign of the times, I guess.