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Old 03-24-2014, 06:18 AM   #1
Bigboomer
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Automatic drain values for tanks

Ok, I figured I would repost this so it does not get lost in our previous post about our new rig.

We are starting to compile the list of to do's for the new rig and curious to see if anyone has changed their tank valves to 12v automatic valves like Barker or Drainmaster in lieu of the old standard style cable pulls?

Although they are not particularly inexpensive (changing all three would come in around $450 if I did the work) we are looking at the ease of use without having to mess with pulling the valves especially since we all know how difficult they can get.

Let me know your thoughts.

Thanks,

Les

 
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Old 03-24-2014, 06:51 AM   #2
BB_TX
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I guess I have been one of the fortunate ones since all 3 of mine still work fine after 7 years.

As long as the control for those valves was still outside near the discharge I can see some advantage as two are in the conveniece center but one is slightly under the slide just in front of the wheels. I would still want to watch the discharge thru the clear plastic adapter to make sure everything was flowing out well.

Any information on longevity and reliability of those automatic valves?
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Old 03-24-2014, 08:11 AM   #3
TLightning
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Since you have to go out and hook up the flusher hose, turn on the water, etc, I don't see the advantage of having 12v power to open the gates. Plus...something else to break. JMHO, of course.
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Old 03-24-2014, 02:45 PM   #4
sola123
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we converted the tank dump valve located just infront of the wheels and under the slide to an electric dump valve....we got OZZ to supply the parts...we did not replace the existing valve...just leave it open and added the electric valve where we could see it open and close and be able to get to it easy without having to drop the belly cover....been working fine for 2 years....switch is in the command center and has a red indicator light when open...worth every penny....no more knees on the ground or bending over etc...love it
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Old 03-24-2014, 03:07 PM   #5
DQDick
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Last year, on the way home, we were next to a 5th wheel that had them. They malfunctioned a and he told me. never buy them and was still there when we left. He was mad enough I didn't ask him what brand he had.
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Old 10-01-2014, 03:06 AM   #6
mobil
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We're wanting to instal an auto gate valve for our galley tank since I'm also tired of getting on my knees to dump. Haven't pulled the belly pan yet. Guessing the drain is 1 1/2". The Valterra looks like an easy way to go. Anyone have any durability issues? How about keeping the "t" handle to pull the valve open in case of a failure?
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Old 10-01-2014, 03:10 AM   #7
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Sorry. Meant the Barker Auto Drain.
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Old 10-01-2014, 03:21 AM   #8
1retired06
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We have never installed them, and particularly with the new rig, the pull handles are all easy to get to, so not on our list of things to do.
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Old 10-01-2014, 07:55 AM   #9
dieselguy
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Never had to do the knee thing with the galley drain ... I just bend a bit, put my hand under the drain decal on the aluminum skirt, and pull out the T handle. This is one of those "just where do you want to stop accessorizing" deals in my opinion.
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Old 10-01-2014, 10:36 PM   #10
dunrovin1955
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Had these electric valve on a Praire Schooner and never had any trouble.Never pulled the under belly down to check them out but never failed me.
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Old 10-03-2014, 12:07 AM   #11
Tom S.
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There is a corollary to Murphy's Law that states the more complicated you make something, the more likely it is to fail. I'll stick with the old pull handles.
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Old 10-07-2014, 10:02 AM   #12
Overlord
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by Tom S.

There is a corollary to Murphy's Law that states the more complicated you make something, the more likely it is to fail. I'll stick with the old pull handles.
O'Tooles Law: Murphy is an optimist.
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