Props to Valterra valves - Montana Owners Club

twindman · 03-08-2018, 04:42 PM

I had dealer install new black tank valve last fall. I had debated for quite a while as I had been using cooking oil and other stuff to lube the OEM valve and it would help a little but not for long.
So I am testing a water heater fix for 6 days on a short trip. I thought the new valve was broken. I closed it and it took about a pinky finger of strength to move it and water continued slowly. I thought it was broken. But the water stopped draining and all was good. I couldn't believe how easily the handle moves now. It was never anywhere close to this easy.
I am very happy!!!

jcurtis934 · 03-12-2018, 02:41 PM

Yeah, replaced mine after trying to breathe new life into the old ones. Same experience...really easy to open.

beeje · 03-13-2018, 04:42 PM

I replaced all my valves with vallterra. I shortened and rerouted the cables as necessary as not to create too many unnecessary bends. I also made a bracket so the cables could be secured at the valves, like they are suppose to be.

In the process I moved the galley valve handle towards the front, out from under the rear slide (which was a PITA). I can now operate all 3 from one place.

Texan · 03-13-2018, 09:38 PM

The black tank valve is on my to do list. There is no way i would want another rv as it takes several years to get the rv the way you want it. I think i'm almost done. If i could just stay off this forum i would be ok.

beeje · 03-14-2018, 02:43 PM

Yea, I hear ya Texan. I have been all over mine from top to bottom/front to back. I know it like a book now. It gets zero wear and tear 85% of the time since it lives in a pole building when not in use. I am DONE wasting $$ buying RVs and will keep this one until we no longer camp.

Texan · 03-14-2018, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beeje

I replaced all my valves with vallterra. I shortened and rerouted the cables as necessary as not to create too many unnecessary bends. I also made a bracket so the cables could be secured at the valves, like they are suppose to be.

In the process I moved the galley valve handle towards the front, out from under the rear slide (which was a PITA). I can now operate all 3 from one place.

How hard was it to install the valterra valves. I want to do the black tank first then move to the gray tank. Thanks

beeje · 03-15-2018, 01:33 PM

Not to bad of a job if you have a newer model with the two front tanks side by side in the dropped down area. Just unbolt and lower down the rear 3 foot or so of coroplast covering and you will see all the drain lines right there. Cut the 3" line just outside the dropped area and the entire drain line can be removed. Put it back together with a 3" fernco rubber fitting.

The galley tank towards the rear is a bit more of a challenge. I could see where the line came down through the covering. I cut a hatch around that area, enough to get at the valve so I could replace it along with rerouting the cable to its new location. If you provide your cell # I will text you some pics.

Lenny K · 03-15-2018, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beeje

Not to bad of a job if you have a newer model with the two front tanks side by side in the dropped down area. Just unbolt and lower down the rear 3 foot or so of coroplast covering and you will see all the drain lines right there. Cut the 3" line just outside the dropped area and the entire drain line can be removed. Put it back together with a 3" fernco rubber fitting.

The galley tank towards the rear is a bit more of a challenge. I could see where the line came down through the covering. I cut a hatch around that area, enough to get at the valve so I could replace it along with rerouting the cable to its new location. If you provide your cell # I will text you some pics.

In regards to your galley tank is the valve connected to the end to the end of the tank or is it connected on the side providing a straight run to the front?

beeje · 03-16-2018, 02:21 PM

It is a 1 1/2" valve off the side of the tank, facing the front of the camper. The tanks 3" outlet is reduced to 1 1/2" before the valve

mtlakejim · 03-16-2018, 02:48 PM

So is Valtera a brand name or different style valve?

Theunz · 03-16-2018, 03:20 PM

Valterra is a brand name.

Lenny K · 03-16-2018, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beeje

It is a 1 1/2" valve off the side of the tank, facing the front of the camper. The tanks 3" outlet is reduced to 1 1/2" before the valve

Thanks for the info.
So where the 1 1/2" comes out from the coroplast must be pretty close to the valve or does the pipe extend straight out from the valve for a distance before it angles down to connect to the 3" main?
The reason I'm asking because I want to change the valve and I want to keep the opening I cut into the coroplast as small as possible. I was thinking of cutting where the 1 1/2" comes out of the coroplast and then then maybe about a foot back from there to have a about a foot square opening. Do you think that would work? Where did you cut?

beeje · 03-16-2018, 06:24 PM

I believe there is a 90 degree elbow pointing down right after the valve. Then another 90 towards the front of the camper. I would not worry to much about cutting the coroplast since it is easily and securely taped backed together with gorilla tape. Cut 3 sides so that the remaining uncut (hinge) side it towards the front so the wind will not catch it and rip it opened.

mtlakejim · 03-16-2018, 09:06 PM

So what do y'all think about the electric valves?

jeffba · 03-17-2018, 04:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtlakejim

So what do y'all think about the electric valves?

I had them installed in my last 2 SOB TTs. Since my galley grey tank handle is under a slide, if I were changing out this valve I would add an electric actuator.

It is on my list of planned upgrades.

Lenny K · 03-17-2018, 09:19 AM

Thanks again beeje.

Lenny K · 03-17-2018, 09:28 AM

The electric Valterra EZ Valve is what I plan on using. I am tired of reaching under the extended slide to pull the grey handle. It will be easily accessible in the convenience center once the install is done.

Texan · 03-18-2018, 12:50 PM

What is the part # for the valterra valve for the black tank and the gray tank.Also what length is the cable on each one. I want to just order once and get everything i need and the correct cable length. I'm thinking 72'' for the black tank an and 48'' for the gray tank but not sure. I'm planning on doing the galley later so i don't need info on that one just yet. Thanks

beeje · 03-18-2018, 03:51 PM

Texan, If you want to be sure the cables are long enough, order the longest one you can get. I want to say the longest kit is 72" ?. They can be taken apart and the cable shortened. You have to kind of customize the install by using a length of cable that is the shortest possible while minimizing the bends. They have rules you are suppose to follow, such as the cable has to be straight for at least 6" at the pull handle. A 180 degree bend has a minimum diameter etc. The camper manufacturers just install what ever stock length will work, be it too short or long.

The cables are supposed to be anchored along the way. The cable is not suppose to move much while opening and closing the valves.

Theunz · 03-18-2018, 04:21 PM

On my 2015 3100 rl the gray valve needs the longer cable even though it is closer to the convinince center. The black tank valve will pull toward the drivers side while the grey valve will pull toward the passenger side. The grey tank needs a longer cable because it has to make a 180* turn to come back to the valve, and the larger the diameter of the bend the better. You can buy a 96" cable but not in a kit.

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