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Post by ronc on Aug 25, 2019 10:01:59 GMT -5
I have a 2017 381REF. It has two gray tanks and one black tank. The cable pulls to dump each tank is a terrible design. Too tight of a turn and poor radiuses make them bind far too quickly. I have had to replace 2 of the 3 and fully expect this will be a continuous process every couple of years. Has anyone figured out a way to fix this? I have seen electric operated valves and stiff rod operated valves, the former is very expensive and the later would require relocation of each valve and might not be practical. So any thoughts or creative ideas would be appreciated.
Ron
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Post by lynnmor on Aug 25, 2019 16:48:47 GMT -5
I don't like cable operated valves, they can be trouble. If you can relocate the handles or use a different length cable for a better loop might help. The electric valves might be an answer if they don't come with a different set of problems.
I had the factory replace a leaking valve on the galley tank at a previous rally. The mechanic said he used an improved valve with a metal handled cable. It has worked smoothly ever since. Trouble is, I can't find that valve for sale anywhere and maybe it is no longer being produced.
When or if I need to repair the cables again, I will look at making a rocker that will allow use of a solid shaft. I did install small diameter nylon tubing that sticks into the valve near the shaft and follows the cable out so I can shoot spray lubricant in. I did some testing and found that silicone lube swells the seal and makes things worse, plain mineral oil might be the best.
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kbrady
Seasonal RV’er
Posts: 171
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Post by kbrady on Aug 25, 2019 20:35:43 GMT -5
I had that problem with my old trailer. I put on valves out by where you hook your hose to and left the valves with cables open all the time. I put permanent ones on but they make them where you can twist them like a sewer hose. I had a grey and black tank share one out and never had a problem with them mixing.
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Post by ronc on Aug 26, 2019 13:00:29 GMT -5
I had that problem with my old trailer. I put on valves out by where you hook your hose to and left the valves with cables open all the time. I put permanent ones on but they make them where you can twist them like a sewer hose. I had a grey and black tank share one out and never had a problem with them mixing. I understand what you did, and since they are both (grey and black) just holding tanks, there should be minimal mixing. How did you handle dumping day? Seems like when you open the one valve, everything would come out at once. I currently use the water in the grey tanks to rinse out the sewer hose ... after I dump the black tank. |
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Post by lynnmor on Aug 26, 2019 14:23:30 GMT -5
I understand what you did, and since they are both (grey and black) just holding tanks, there should be minimal mixing. How did you handle dumping day? Seems like when you open the one valve, everything would come out at once. I currently use the water in the grey tanks to rinse out the sewer hose ... after I dump the black tank. Also keep in mind that the cable valves are up in where they are somewhat protected from freezing and can help extend your camping season a bit. |
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kbrady
Seasonal RV’er
Posts: 171
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Post by kbrady on Aug 26, 2019 18:58:13 GMT -5
I had that problem with my old trailer. I put on valves out by where you hook your hose to and left the valves with cables open all the time. I put permanent ones on but they make them where you can twist them like a sewer hose. I had a grey and black tank share one out and never had a problem with them mixing. I understand what you did, and since they are both (grey and black) just holding tanks, there should be minimal mixing. How did you handle dumping day? Seems like when you open the one valve, everything would come out at once. I currently use the water in the grey tanks to rinse out the sewer hose ... after I dump the black tank. I used the flush connection for the trailer when dumping, dumped my second gray tank last and also would used the hose at the dump station to rinse out the hose. I never really had any residue left in the hose. I never did any extended camping in freezing so I never had a problem. I guess you could use heat tape if it was needed. The trailer I have now is setup with the valves at the termination points. That is the way KZ manufactured it. |
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