Cable operated dump valves

Question

Do they all stink (mechanically, not physically) like the ones on our RV?

We have three tanks, one black and grey tied together, with their own cable/valve each, going to one outlet. And another rear (kitchen) tank on it's own. Even after attempting to add some lubricant, the cable to the rear tank valve got so bad I broke the mounting hardware trying to push it back in. The other cables are just as bad.

Now I'm just using one of those twist on dump valve on the outlet of that tank until I get around to drop the belly cover and repair, but as is, that tank is soooo much easier to dump without the cable. This is on an Open Range 5er, probably the only real gripe I have with our rig. Is this an industry problem or just me?

wilber1 · Answer

No, it's not just you. I have them on a Glendale Titanium. The problems I have had usually involved closing the valve. You can exert more pull than push on push pull cables. Sometimes changing the cable routing can make a big improvement in the way they work. After much messing around and several valve changes, I seem to have a pair that work quite well at the moment. Touch wood.

johnvb · Answer

I have no idea what the Open Range OEM brand is, but looking at the Valterra aftermarket cable kits, they do seem more robust (more metal, less plastic).

vulcaneer · Answer

My tank valves never worked well since our Open Range was new. Dealer could not fix them...and actually screwed them up worse. I had to return to the factory for service on other issues. While there they did something to repair the valves. Have never worked better.

I believe the factory clamps down the four bolts too tight. The blade won't close easily. If you are fixing them yourself, try the Valterra brand valves. They are much better.

johnvb · Answer

Thanks Vulcaneer, I'll do that.

camperforlife · Answer

You will find they use a standard length cable which is too long and way too few cable supports.  Once you open up the bottom try to find an appropriate length cable.  At the very least reroute the cable so it doesn't bind and anchor it firmly in several locations to minimize the excess flex.

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Cable operated dump valves

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