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Another dump valve question for a 2000 U320

January 27, 2012, 12:49:44 pm

I'm pretty sure that I'm NOT going to install electric dump valves after doing some research.  Seems like another thing to worry about and we are part-timers too.

Question - Has anyone just left off the panel in the wet bay so one can just reach back and manually pull on the black/grey water dump valves?  I could do without a faucet in the bay and I could relocate the cable TV inlet.  Just trying to keep it simple and maybe get rid of the cable operated valves that are on there now.

If I replace the existing valves, is there one brand that's better than the other?

I have no idea how far back the valves are....

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Re: Another dump valve question for a 2000 U320

Reply #1 – January 27, 2012, 01:20:01 pm

You can divide the panel so that you have a small panel that is removeable with just a few screws. Move the connectors to the fixed panel and you will have access without having to pull everything apart.

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Re: Another dump valve question for a 2000 U320

Reply #2 – January 27, 2012, 05:17:25 pm

Hi Steve'

  We have an '02 40 ft. U320 that had the electric dump valves.m After putting up with all the probs. with these type valves, I had the simplest thing done. The toilet and black h. tank is on the passenger side- and whether it made sense or not, the valve was also on the passenger side. So I had Foretravel of Tennessee (at that time), replace that valve with a Valtera manual valve. To access the valve, they cut a hole and placed a regular  access-door with cover and all -marked, "sewer". This valve and access door was just inside or behind the gray board covering the plumbing Mannabloc. The gray tank and valve are on the driver side, just behind the nice white fiberglass cover. This valve was also replaced with a manual pull-type valve. To access this other valve, they also cut a similar hole on the white fiberglass cover. It does not bother me one bit to have to go to the passenger side to drain the black tank; and then go to the driver side to drain the gray tank.
  For peace of mind, I cut out the Thetford end of the drain pipe and replaced it with the Valtera end with 4 ears. To this I connected the new red Valtera 2' adapter-extension that comes with the permanently attached male and female ends that rotate. To the end of this adapter-extension I added a 3rd valve. Now I feel I have full control of my holding tanks. Once a month I squirt Silicone along the shafts of the T-Handles of each valve. I also throw in about a cup of DAWN down the sink and into the toilet from time to time. Keeps valves lubricated "from within and without", so to speak. Always wait till both tanks are almost full before draining- for best draining action. So far, all is well.
  Best of luck! In the end, it is really you who must decide what works best for you in the long run.

ED

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Re: Another dump valve question for a 2000 U320

Reply #3 – January 27, 2012, 09:26:37 pm

I put a third valve on my 99 00 and 01 and it prevents the nasty surprise.  I think cutting a hole is a great idea but you also have your electric running into that bay too.

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Re: Another dump valve question for a 2000 U320

Reply #4 – January 28, 2012, 05:55:09 am

I do have a 3rd valve installed thanks to the previous owner ( George) so having the cable come off the grey tank in the open position didn't have an adverse effect on our trip.   I am going to have Classic Coach repair the valve cable and re-design the panel so I can have access to the valves without having to take everything apart should the cable break again.  I'm also going to delete the 110V outlet in the bay ( I have never used any 110 outlet from any wet bay)  and replace the huge faucet with a small sprayer to give me a quick rinse should I ever need one. 
Thanks for all the suggestions!

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Re: Another dump valve question for a 2000 U320

Reply #5 – January 28, 2012, 07:38:17 am

Hi John,

  The cut holes with their corresponding trapdoor covers are the standard ones used by Foretravel to access these manual dump valve T-handles- and they are located directly in-line  with these handles. When the trap door is opened, the handles are within finger-reach to activate the valves. As far as the electrical lines- these are ess. above these cut openings and already "kept away" by the assemblers of the coach. Anyway, there is absolutely no way anything can get in the way- or made wet (?) as I pull on these T-handles. I agree, anytime one cuts holes anywhere, always be aware what is behind or near the intended opening before making the cut.

Ed

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Re: Another dump valve question for a 2000 U320

Reply #6 – January 28, 2012, 09:51:42 am

I like the idea of access holes. I like my big faucet though.  I use it with the hose adapter to wash the front of the coach at the end of the day. THe hot water melts the bugs.

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Re: Another dump valve question for a 2000 U320

Reply #7 – January 28, 2012, 06:50:18 pm

John, thanks for the idea of hooking the hose and washing the bugs with hot water. Thanks again

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