Water tank drain valve

[drhowell]

I added some 1/2 inch npt plastic 1/4 turn ball valves to my fresh water tank drain and to the two water line drains. The npt threads are just a little different than the factory fitting and cap but will tighten enough to be secure and leak free. Used some liquid Teflon pipe dope and wrench to hold the factory fitting. Tightened the valve by hand then just a little more. Turned the handles to face the outside of the trailer. I used blue handle valves on the water tank and the cold water line and a red handle on the hot water line.

Then I took the multi use awning hook / gray water tank opening tool. This part you may have to find someone with a welder to help you. I made a small horseshoe shaped piece of steel rod. The same size rod as the tool is made of. This "U" shaped piece is about 1 1/2" long and about 3/4" between the open end. I welded it to the back of the hook tool at the hook end with about 1" of the open end past the end of the 90* bend. It now looks like a three prong fork with the middle prong bent 90*.

With the tool I can reach the valves and twist them open or closed without crawling under the trailer. The extra prongs also help to hold the tool on the gray water valve handle when you open it. And it still works for the awning!

I can make some photos if anyone is interested?

[RMccord]

I would like to see some pictures please.

[DHenry]

Photos would be great.

[drhowell]

Your wish is my command! I hope this works?

The tool: http://tinypic.com/view/?pic=dxhely

The valve: http://tinypic.com/view/?pic=dxhg7l

The tool on the valve: http://tinypic.com/view/?pic=dxhgg3

I didn't try to put the actual pictures here on the forum but I can if you prefer.

[kdeiss]

I did the same two years ago works great!

[drhowell]

I thought someone had talked about adding the valves before. Probably how I got the idea in the first place. Was waiting until the first winter with my Montana to install them.

[sreigle]

I used the same valves but didn't think to use different colors. All mine are red-handled. I copied from RC and Samantha. This is a really good improvement. Thanks for sharing.