Electric dump valves

[jlb27537]

Hello all, my '14 3150rl has 3 cable operated dump valves.

I had a mobile tech look at the valves and he indicated that both the front grey and black tank valves are 3".

Anyone changed the cable operated valves to electric? And were your black and grey both 3"?

He indicated the add on electric motor kit would not work and I would need to replace the valve assy with a electric valve assy.

Thanks Jim

[rescue7]

I replaced mine with electric. Work great and yes both valves are 3"

[DQDick]

Was parked next to a rig with those. For some reason either mechanical or electrical they failed and left him with no easy way to dump. So I passed on them. Plenty of motohomes have them, however. Just research the brand you want to go with for problems.

[jlb27537]

Originally Posted by rescue7

I replaced mine with electric. Work great and yes both valves are 3"

Thanks, what brand did you go with and where did you buy them?

Thanks Jim

[Montana Man]

Both those are 3". I threw away the cable pulls for the most dependable valve I could find, a direct pull valve.

[PeteandJoan]

Originally Posted by Montana Man

Both those are 3". I threw away the cable pulls for the most dependable valve I could find, a direct pull valve.

Where did you find the direct pull valves? And do the handles mount in the same place as the old cable pull handles(convenience center)?

[Montana Man]

Originally Posted by PeteandJoan

Where did you find the direct pull valves? And do the handles mount in the same place as the old cable pull handles(convenience center)?

The valves can be found at any rv parts store. There are two main brands of valves. You must first find out which valves you have and replace with like brand. No my new valves do not work out of the convenience center. I drilled two holes and ran the actuating rods through the frame.

[Lee A Thorson]

Originally Posted by Montana Man

The valves can be found at any rv parts store. There are two main brands of valves. You must first find out which valves you have and replace with like brand. No my new valves do not work out of the convenience center. I drilled two holes and ran the actuating rods through the frame.

I just replaced the Bristol valves that came with my Montana with Valterra valves. Same bolt pattern and they work just fine. The Valterra's have a solid cable instead of the stranded one that stopped working. Note that the cable does not go all the way in when properly installed. Keep pushing on it long enough and it will fold onto itself. Raising the front of the camper as high as you can and flushing a bunch will make the job less messy.

[rescue7]

Bought at E Trailer they are Valterra EZ Valve Electric Waste Valve System - 3"

[jlb27537]

Originally Posted by rescue7

Bought at E Trailer they are Valterra EZ Valve Electric Waste Valve System - 3"

Would I be correct that all I need is the valve that would replace the existing valve by removing the 4 bolts on the existing valve and installing the new valve?

Etrailer Valterra 3" Electric valve. # E1003vp.

I have changed valves before they were the manual kind where you just removed the 4 bolts, changed the rubber seals and installed the new valve.

Going to have the mobile service guy look at the elec valve video to confirm room to install a pair of these.

Thanks Jim

[rescue7]

Its same as manual valve 4 bolts. But you need to run wiring from valve back to switch added in convenience center and to battery. I put switch in hole from the old pull handles. Will have a switch for each valve.

[jlb27537]

Thanks, Jim. Going to mount the switches on the plastic panel that hides the back side of of the convenience area. My cables are at the bottom of the panel and the switches would get wet from disconnecting the black tank flush hose.

Have 12vdc close from the compartment lights.

Again Thanks Jim

[GreG L.]

Just me, but I would be afraid I would do something stupid like fit the switch before I put on the hose (by accident or due to SoneTimers), and then get something caught in the valve so it wouldn't close. This is how my life is, if something stupid can happen it will. Like the bracket on our last motor home breaking and grinding off the black water valve. The worst part was cleaning all the TP off the towed vehicle.

[TLightning]

JMHO, but I'd never go with electric dump valves. Something else to break, then you have a real mess, and, how hard is it to walk around an manually open the valves...not worth the trouble.

[Baldicon]

Do the standard cable operated valves have a history of problems? This is our first camper to have them. Is there any maintenance I should be performing?

[Montana Man]

Originally Posted by Baldicon

Do the standard cable operated valves have a history of problems? This is our first camper to have them. Is there any maintenance I should be performing?

I've known them to break. They are a nice selling feature but in reality they can leave you in a terrible situation when they break. It is a personal decision to keep them or not. I just chose to avoid the inevitable trouble since I'm keeping the trailer a long time.

[AZ Traveler]

Originally Posted by Baldicon

Do the standard cable operated valves have a history of problems? This is our first camper to have them. Is there any maintenance I should be performing?

They will tend to leak over time. If your rig sits for long periods recommend you exercise them occasionally. Recommend adding another twist on Valtera valve where you connect your hose. It will save you if one leaks and makes the job of hooking up your hose easier and cleaner.

[McRod]

We replaced our cabled valves with 3 in. Valterra electric valves from e trailer. Wouldnt be without them now. They have a direct pull valves as backup. Also have a manual valve at the dump connection as backup if switch gets opened inadvertantly.

Used a 3 in. x 3 in. hose coupler from hardware store to install, as plumbed piping was too stiff to swap in the valve replacement. Put switches in same spot as old cable pulls.

[GreG L.]

Originally Posted by McRod

We replaced our cabled valves with 3 in. Valterra electric valves from e trailer. Wouldnt be without them now. They have a direct pull valves as backup. Also have a manual valve at the dump connection as backup if switch gets opened inadvertantly.

Used a 3 in. x 3 in. hose coupler from hardware store to install, as plumbed piping was too stiff to swap in the valve replacement. Put switches in same spot as old cable pulls.

Now that sounds better, I will look at that.

[jeffba]

My SOB TT had the pulls for the valves positioned so that you had to get on your hands and knees to pull them. After my first soggy dump station, electric valves were added. I had no issues with them and if you have a need for them, then go for it.