Community Forums

David 70 · 09-12-2023, 07:30 AM

My 2000 Winnebago Adventurer 32v has cable operated dump valves that are terrible hard to operate. They will not close all the way, so it makes a terrible mess when it comes time to dump. I have removed the entire setup off of the tanks. I am trying to decide how to proceed and after looking in the Valterra catalog I found the electric valves. I would need to do some measuring, but it appears they will fit in place of the old valves. My queston to those of you that have the electric valves is, do you have trouble with them? Mostly as to the reliability of them. TIA.

computerguy · 09-12-2023, 08:59 AM

These blade valves wear out. I have a '16 Bounder and replaced mine a few years ago. No more leaking once I replaced it.

Persistent · 09-13-2023, 06:50 AM

The gate valves themselves can be lubricated with plumbers grease. The cables connecting the gate valve to the dump handle typically cannot.

Some owners have reported that their cables installed by the RV manufacture are too long and have been coiled underneath in order to fit them in. This of course amplifies the difficulty. Check yours.

Owners of electric valves report issues. Again gate valves can be lubricated, but there are sometimes electric control issues. I don't know how often you should expect to have an issue with the electrical part.

You can get a gate valve with a short solid connecting rod. Mount the new gate valve on to end of the existing pipe. It will stop leakage. These gate valves still need lubrication, but the solid rods can also be lubricated.

Some of these add on valves are attached using the existing bayonet latching.

David 70 · 09-13-2023, 07:05 AM

I have put the gate valve with bayonet fittings on the end of the line, but then I cannot get the hose installed because of space issues. The pipe does not terminate directly above the opening in the wet bay floor. I have installed a ninety-degree clear elbow first, then the extra gate valve, but I need to turn the elbow and valve towards the inside in order to close the door. The elbow seal still drips and if I'm not holding the elbow where it connects to the pipe it falls off and then the crap hits the fan so to say. The original valves are behind a plate and are impossible to get at. I have removed the plate and the plumbing from the tanks on out now and I am trying to figure my best next move. The cables were wrapped up something terrible, so I took them loose and let them lay on the floor and that helped some for a few years. I have the valves apart as much as possible, but they are still hard to move and greasing them while they are in is not an option due to the accessibility of them. We are done for the year, but it will be getting cold here soon and I have nowhere to get it inside and the first use in the spring is the last part of April and worse weather at that time. The Valterra valves are presently unavailable everywhere I look.