Hello Kyla, I am considering van life, and have been shopping around for vans. There’s a guy in CO, who is selling this same van you had. So after reading your blog, it seems like there was a lot of maintenance and upkeep (which is to be expected in an older van). From the pictures, he sent me, I can tell it’s going to be a lot of work of cleaning it, getting new tires, and figuring out how everything works. In my heart, I have a feeling I will want to gut it out and start over. Can you offer any advice before I jump headfirst into making this purchase? Just out of curiosity, Are you still doing van life? Would love to get a response. Thank you for sharing your experience.

I sold it after the engine threw a rod. I sometimes regret that decision though – I wish I’d just paid to replace the engine. On the flip side, it was an older vehicle and maybe someday I will get something a little newer/safer.

Hi Lauren-

Yes, looking back at my Amazon history, I ordered the following items when I replaced my water pump:

Pump: https://amzn.to/2LlGkUx
Strainer: https://amzn.to/2rJOUDH
Accumulation Tank: https://amzn.to/2R7sVoF
Flexible Tubing: https://amzn.to/2LmxOEH Using the flexible tubing between the connections helps to dampen vibrations and noise from the pump.

These are Amazon affiliate links.

Let me know if you or your son have any other questions.

Hi Kyla –
My son has the same camper and is in the process of restoring – do you know where to order water pump etc to get water from holding tank working?

thanks – I am at a loss but trying to surprise him for christmans

Hi Diane,
On my van at least, there were two valves for dumping the toilet. One on the base of the toilet which you pull to dump. The second one is outside the van where the drain pipe goes. Both valves must be opened for the toilet to drain.

The owner’s manual for the toilet can be found here: https://www.thetford.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Owners-Manual-Electra-Magic-Model-80.pdf

There is also a second drain pipe on the outside of the van – this is for the grey water from the sinks and shower.

Thank you for this information. I have a 1979 228 and i love it. However how do I dump the toilet? I have tried everything! It’s only got water in it as just bought the vehicle and tried the flush. There’s a knob like thing at base of toilet. I’ve pushed, pulled, twisted and still it won’t dump. What am I doing wrong? Winterizing it and want the water out. Please help. Thanks

Hi Alfredo,

Glad your wife has enjoyed reading here too.

A late Happy Thanksgiving to the both of you!

-Kyla

Hi Kyla,

Thank you for your reply.
I showed this site to my wife, and she read through most already as well. And it helped me a lot as now she realizes that I am not crazy about the van idea… though she knows that I am crazy in general… in a good way 🙂
It gave us more ideas in what to look for when it comes to mods to do on the 228, the layout, and in general it gave us a good feeling of how it must be like to be in the 228 for extended periods of time. Very helpful, and again, very thankful for this, Kyla!

Happy Thanksgiving, to you, and to all the natives too!
(My wife is Cherokee.)

Alfredo

Alfredo-
You must be excited to be getting your 228 soon. It sounds perfect for what you want it for. I think having your own space is much preferable to renting somewhere. Plus I’m sure the family will enjoy camping in it.

I’m glad to hear you’ve found this useful.