lost gray tank handle

[rwc6114]

So, we were on our way back from Branson and my wife was following in another vehicle. She saw something come out from under the trailer on I-44 and slide off the road. Got back to our home base and noticed the front gray tank handle was AWOL! Apparently that was what came out from under the trailer. It was mounted, by the factory, under the trailer and stuck through the plastic underbelly. Guess they have never heard of LocTite!!

Has anyone else had this happen? If so, any idea how long that handle was? Guessing 12" but not sure. Too muddy right now to crawl under the trailer to measure and open the valve. We have a 3731 FL Montana.

Thanks in advance, this group is awesome about helping others!!!

[twindman]

Can you just remove a few screws or bolts on the side holding the coroplast on? Then shine a light in from the side and spot it and maybe reach in with a vice grip and pull it out???? I have replaced one in the past, but don't remember the thread size. Good Luck.

[Montana Man]

The lengths will vary so you'll have to measure. An RV supply store will have replacement rods in stock of varying lengths.

[1retired06]

First I have ever heard of a tank pull handle in a Montana routed thru the underbelly coroplast rather than the frame or convenience center.

[Theunz]

Afraid I can’t help you on the length, but this is what I did to prevent it from happening.

[twindman]

Theunz, that is a good idea!!

[Jeff n Susan]

Good idea! I'm going looking for some cable now!

[rwc6114]

Excellent idea!!

[rwc6114]

That's the way it came on our 3731FL. Even factory rep agreed it wasn't a good idea as he knew about it.

[DarMar]

Yes, yes, that exact loss happened to us last fall on our 3721.

Was a bit shocked when I went to dump and couldn't find the handle. Our's like yours just jutted out at an angle and it took a 12" rod to replace it.

As our's also angled past a propane line when I installed the new rod we used loctite of course but also ran a clamp semi snug around the line and encompassed the new rod as well.

My thinking is this will reduce any vibration that may have contributed to the loss.

[PSFORD99]

Another thing I do on that one down between the axles on mine , is I always check to make sure it has not started to loosen up when I dump the tanks ,and going to move . Yes that cable is another great idea.

[H. John Kohl]

I lost mine. It was replace with what looked like a 22 cal cleaning rod. I lost it too. I went to Lowes and got some threaded rod and splice barrel and nuts to lock it down. I opened the hole in the under belly so I could put a nut and the splice barrel. Then a nut on the end of the thread rod and screwed it into the splice barrel. Two wrenches tightened them all down solid. On the other end (cut to desired length) i put two nuts with a good sized washer in between. That acted as my handle until I could replace the make shift handle. The excess rod and barrel splice and nuts are in my tool kit in case I need to build another one.

Safe travel and stay healthy.

[Jritz]

I have a 3855br and my gray tank handle came off as well. I just put it back on today. It is about 12” long. So all I did was cut a slit in the covering about 4” long out some Loctite on the treads. I’m hoping this is the last time I have to this. I put metal duct tape over the slit.

[bigred715]

Theunz had a great idea. Mine came loose when I pulled handle to dump tank. Need to file a flat spot in rod so when I tighten screw holding handle on it has more surface to grip instead of round surface of rod. Better yet I'm going vto get some cable and do what others are doing. Then again, poor design by Keystone. No common sense on their part.

[G & S Russell]

I put this bungee cord on the handle and attached it to the jack. I turned the handle quite a bit to tighten it up, but never did get tight. Does anyone know if they changed how they are attached to the valve in the 2020 units?

[rwc6114]

Jritz, That's the same thing I ended up doing! Had to buy two 6" rods and screw them together. Loctite all the way around!! If it comes off now, it will be left open!! Also slit the bottom to keep the rod from being at an angle with tension on it. Tape is next!! Thanks and stay safe!!

[Jritz]

That’s cool. I like the guys idea to put a bungee cord on it too. I may do that so I don’t lose it if it comes off again. Just in case! Lol

[Chasin70srv]

Good info! We also lost the pull rod on our 3855BR. We picked up a Valterra Waste Valve Extension Rod Kit pictured below. I got LUCKY and pushed the rod into the hole of the Coroplast and found the other end and threaded it on.