In order to have our black and gray dump valves replaced, the utility bay had to be disassembled. The ribbed black rubber matting that covered the floor and ran up the side (sort of like some kitchen floor linoleum goods) had to be removed from the vertical walls. I did myself that to reduce some of the technician's time at $110/hour.
As you can see from the first photo, by removing that rubber mat, I uncovered some gaps in the front bulkhead of the utility bay. Those gaps around the sewer pipe are wide enough to let in a parade of mice. I could not let that be. Mice getting into any part of the basement can do some serious damage. So I decided to make a cover from a roll of aluminum from Home Depot. First I made a paper template with a lot of trial and error cutting. A peanut butter jar turned out to yield the perfect cut out size for the sewer pipe. Because the aluminum if fairly thin and flexible I cut two pieces and bonded them with epoxy. (Note: I sanded all four sides of the aluminum so that epoxy and caulk would better adhere.)
Next I buttered the back of the cover plate with adhesive caulk and dropped it into place. I needed something to put some pressure on the cover plate to ensure a good bond to the bulkhead. After some thinking I hit upon the idea of putting sand in a couple of plastic grocery bags and propping them against the cover plate. That worked well.
The following day I caulked any open seams. Today I masked off everything I didn't want painted and then sprayed black Rustoleum bed liner below the white panel and on the floor. I did a total of 3 coats, following label directions.
The last photo shows our new storage place for disposable gloves. This tunnel used to hold our old style dump hose, but since the newer style of Valterra hose won't fit into the tunnel we now use it to store gloves. The tech who did the valve replacement had to remove the door to the sewer hose storage, so I had him cut the tunnel about a foot back from the door and put a cap on it. I did a much better job of securing the door to the partition than was done at the factory.
George,
I like the idea of using the spray bed liner. Looks nice and tidy.
Mark
George,
Looks very nice. I just completed replacing both valves myself and it was not as bad as I thought (only a few bruises on the hands). I still have to replace the rubber mat or I might try your repair method.
Thanks,
George,
You've probably already answered this somewhere else, but your description begs the question, "Where do you store the new Valterra hose?"
Thanks,
Neal
I bought an 8 foot length of aluminum gutter, cut it in half, put epoxy on sharp edges to protect my hands, and screwed both sections (one atop each other with 4 in. spacing) to the passenger side under the bed. No smell and they are always dry when I need one or both hoses.
George.
Now I remember, You had described that in a previous post.
The Utility Bay looks great!
Thanks for sharing.
Neal
Hi George,
Great job. Sure looks good.
And the most clever part of George's project was the use of a inner plastic seal cap from the OJ (yes, orange juice) container to cover the small hole you see on the left of the black tank cable handle. Just call him "MacGyver" :))
George, I am also needing to do the third valve thing and am wondering what the job cost you, and where did you have it done. That bay looks really nice.
Thanks
I'm missing the point. What is the objective of adding the third valve?
best, paul
Here's some history
Dump Valve question (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=2057.msg6874#msg6874)
3rd dump valve (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=8963.0)
Michelle
We had the 3rd valve done at Xtreme for $150. The main purpose of the 3rd valve is to allow you to backflush the black tank with the grey water. Also, as in our case, when the grey tank valve failed, we were still able to "operate" the system since the grey valve failed in an open position and we had
the 3rd valve in place. Hope you don't mind me answering for George. MacGyver is working on the installation of the air manifold.
Hmmmmm. In our 1999 U320 we can flush the black water tank by connecting a fresh water hose to a fitting for this purpose. In your photos I did not notice such a fitting.
Of course, flushing with good water is a waste of it. Which has always bothered me.
Perhaps I'll pop by Xtreme and say Hey to James when I'm in town in May.
I'm pretty sure my pocketbook will resist the urge for a second full body paint, European headlights and all new side widows (done on our 1997 U295)
best, paul
Sandy - wasn't it done at MOT? I know, all of Nac becomes a blur after you're done opening the wallet ;)
Michelle
Nope, it was Xtreme, Rance did it for us when we were getting our body work done. I should mention that George did pick up the parts for them, so they only did the labor which was the $150. We didn't have any thing done at MOT our last trip to NAC.