Gray and black water tank drains

[suiteowner]

My 5th wheel is a year old the pull cable for the black water drain valve is very difficult to open and close and has been since day1...So much so I was afraid I was going to brake the cable...I did the the vegetable oil method thinking it must be the valve but it wasn't...Its the cable it has a 90 degree turn in it...I removed the cable and pull handle from its compartment straitened it out and it opens and closes the the valve effortlessly...Reinstalled it and I'm back to square 1...I was looking in a RV parts catalog and seen 12v electric operated valves for both the gray and black tanks...I don't want to reroute these cables...So here is my question do any of you have any experience with electric drain valves and there reliability?

[Jamie65]

Try replacing the valve or both valves, available at most all RV stores.

[mo5er]

I have the same set-up as you. The black and one gray tank valves are very easy. The second gray valve, feels like I'm going to pull the handle off. Been that way since day 1 also.

[Dick Noble]

Had the same problem on one 5er we owned, sorry but I can't recall the brand (I'm old and forget things). I replaced the manual valve with an electric one. It did not last long and was a b&$*h to install. When I replaced the electric and went back to manual I reran the cable to a more direct route. I drilled a hole in the frame to get it as straight as possible. Never had another problem with that pull. I also made an inspection port through the material on the belly so I could reach the valve if I needed to.

[suiteowner]

I just have to wait for the weather to warm up a bit before i install them...It 15 degrees outside today in Maryland...

[rollondown]

You can buy longer cables here
Cable Actuated Waste Valve Kit Archives - Valterra.com | Valterra.com
Having a 90* bend isn't bad unless it's too tight of a radius. I removed the electric valves and installed the 96" cable actuated valves. Smooth as butter and no more stuck valves..