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Old 10-10-2019, 06:52 AM   #1
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Tears for fears? Fresh water tank drain VERY stiff

We spent a pleasant weekend at Codorus State Park Campground and since they have 30/50 Amp hookups but NO water or sewer (dump station at the entrance), I filled the fresh water tank to make sure we could flush the potty and rinse the coffee cups. When I went to drain it before the trip home, I turned the drain valve 90°, which was as far as it wanted to go without undue force but nothing came out. I got home and finally had another go at it this morning after searching a few threads here. I came across one that mentioned that the valve needed to be turned 180° to open it. I carefully pushed the valve past where I had before and the vinyl lever was actually starting to bend. I got it to about 160° and the water was flowing out well enough that it will empty the tank.

My concern is the stiffness and the force required to turn the valve. I feel that it will only get worse with time and eventually break and then I will have to fix/replace it with something else.

Any tips?
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Old 10-10-2019, 08:01 AM   #2
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Ah, are you talking about the gray tank drain valve? The only ones I have seen the "T" handle will turn around in circles and do nothing it should slide straight out. If you can get it open again a little silicon spray may do the trick along the slide groves in the housing. Push come to shove the entire valve is only held in with 4 small bolts and they are not hard to replace.
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Old 10-10-2019, 10:50 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mainah View Post
Ah, are you talking about the gray tank drain valve? The only ones I have seen the "T" handle will turn around in circles and do nothing it should slide straight out. If you can get it open again a little silicon spray may do the trick along the slide groves in the housing. Push come to shove the entire valve is only held in with 4 small bolts and they are not hard to replace.
No, I'm referring to the tank that you fill with fresh water when there will be no city water connection. Boondocking and such. I want to drain the unused portion of the water without breaking the plastic spigot.
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Old 10-10-2019, 02:53 PM   #4
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IMG_0001.jpg

Like this?
Mine drains when I turn the lever 90 degrees.
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Old 10-10-2019, 09:32 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by johnnybgood View Post
Attachment 6555

Like this?
Mine drains when I turn the lever 90 degrees.
Yes but 90° isn't enough for mine. It's closed when pointed to the rear of the camper and open when pointed to the front but I only got it 3/4 of the way before I stopped trying due to the bending of the handle. It drained but I am worried for the future.
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Old 10-10-2019, 10:18 PM   #6
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Hi Dig,

Those little white plastic drain valves do get old, and work so hard you feel your going to break it trying to turn it. And some do break off.

And when you do turn it, it can take a really long long long, (did I say enough longs) time to drain a full or even half full tank of water.

I'm going on the assumption your 2004 T280SR camper has the valve "under" the camper. And not in the side of of th camper like Johnnybgoods?

If so, you can upgrade the valve to a larger one. And I "think" your tank may have the low point drain pocket on the bottom of it. It was a 2004 thing and maybe some years before this. I think in 2005 models the pocket went away. See here for what I did to upgrade my 2004 T2499 (and T310SR) to a better drain valve, and to be able to draw the tank water down to the last 1 quart or less. (very handy when using the onboard water supply) The stock configuration with the pump suction port in the side of the tank, left several gallons unusable as the pump would suck air over the water line. Now no issues.

http://www.sunlineclub.com/forums/f7...tml#post114861

Hope this helps

John
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Old 10-12-2019, 03:18 AM   #7
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^^^
That's pretty cool but I don't have this "pocket" on mine. Just a flat bottom with the bung at the lowest point they could install it. I like the valve but Im falling behind on camper projects. I'll try shooting some white lithium grease up into the plastic valve to see if it loosens up.
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Old 10-12-2019, 05:07 PM   #8
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I think the bung is tapered try pulling up on it as you turn it maybe tapping it gently on the bottom to force it upwards.
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Old 10-15-2019, 04:25 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mainah View Post
I think the bung is tapered try pulling up on it as you turn it maybe tapping it gently on the bottom to force it upwards.
That made it a bit easier to open. Then I shot some white lithium grease around the very small gap between the handle and the barrel. I worked it back and forth a couple of times to allow the grease to get inside and now it is much easier to open and close.

It now has a turning arc of about 190°. Overachiever.

Thanks for all of the help!
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Old 10-16-2019, 10:20 PM   #10
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If it happens again, the valve piece should come out of the housing. Push up from the bottom and the valve part should slide up until it comes out. Then you could coat it in a ton of vaseline.
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Old 10-24-2019, 06:27 AM   #11
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Mine was pretty rotten when i bought my trailer. I just replaced the petcock. Its pretty simple and cheap. A lubricant will help a lot im sure
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Old 11-02-2019, 05:10 AM   #12
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Indeed! I was browsing the aisles of Leo's RV parts store in Gambrills, MD earlier this week and happened upon replacement petcocks for less than a Hamilton! If the thing ever breaks, now I know where to get a new one.
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