Forum Discussion

dpgllg's avatar
dpgllg
Explorer
Jul 16, 2017

Adding electric Drain Valve to fresh water drain

Hello,

We completed our 1st trip in our new Grand Design Reflection 27RL 5th wheel. I'm already looking at how I can make improvements to make it easier.

This 5th wheel has a rapid freshwater drain. It is located under the RV and works just like a manual waste drain valve. This valve drains the tank in just a couple of minutes.

What I am considering is replacing this valve with an electric Drain Master Valve. I had just purchased one prior to getting the new 5th wheel to put on our old 5th wheel. (We just went to look is all!) I am disabled and this would eliminate the need for me to get under the 5th wheel to drain the tank.

I have attached photos of the current valve. Does this seem like this would work? Anything that I am missing?

Thanks in advance for your help!

Dave



  • GordonThree's avatar
    GordonThree
    Explorer
    Jul 16, 2017
    Adding a cable extension to the existing valve might be easier. It will eliminate having to crawl under but also preserve the underbelly seal around the existing valve.
  • Chris_Bryant's avatar
    Chris_Bryant
    Explorer II
    Jul 16, 2017
    That's not a good orientation for a Drianmaster- the motor needs to be above the liquid.
  • RLS7201's avatar
    RLS7201
    Explorer II
    Jul 16, 2017
    Chris Bryant wrote:
    That's not a good orientation for a Drianmaster- the motor needs to be above the liquid.


    Chris,

    I'm a little dense in the mornings. How do you get the valve below the liquid and the motor above the liquid?
    Drain Master valve.

    Thanks
    Richard
  • MrWizard's avatar
    MrWizard
    Moderator
    Jul 16, 2017
    Horizontal pipe vertical valve
    Gray and black dump setup, motor above pulls gate up

    Putting an electric gate under there
    The motor went will be hanging on the valve mount, unless you can find a way to add support
    Any water that gets past the seals , will go to the motor
    And the motor will be exposed to Road Conditions, heat dirt debris rain etc..
  • dpgllg's avatar
    dpgllg
    Explorer
    Jul 16, 2017
    OP Here

    Thanks to all that responded.

    I opened the Drain Master box and the instructions do indicate use on a horizontal pipe not a vertical.

    I will look at adding an extension rod to get it closer to the side of the RV at least.

    Thanks again!

    Dave
  • Chris_Bryant's avatar
    Chris_Bryant
    Explorer II
    Jul 16, 2017
    The handle should unscrew and will have standard 1/4-20 threads- a coupling nut and threaded rod makes an extension pretty easy- I make it pretty with a length of 1/4" id steel line on the outside of the rod.

    Of course, the electric valve exiting the side, with a drivers seat remote would work as well :)
  • dougrainer's avatar
    dougrainer
    Nomad
    Jul 16, 2017
    OK. To use the electric valve is simple on your model. Remove the existing valve and glue on a 90 degree ABS/PVC pipe that fits your diameter. Once that is done, run a length of PVC/ABS pipe along the outside bottom on the RV to a spot where you can cut a slit in the Darco corrugated underbelly and install the Drainmaster with the valve vertical into the underbelly. That allows the electric valve to be installed at optimum. Make sure you run it where you can brace the added piping and valve. It would be better to leave the existing valve and glue to the valve exit side. That gives you redundancy if the electric valve ever fails----AND THEY DO:B Doug

About Technical Issues

Having RV issues? Connect with others who have been in your shoes.24,188 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 17, 2025