Currently own a 2012 Arctic Fox 5th wheel with electric dump valves from Drain Master. Have had issues with the black tank valve sticking either closed or open. Tried all the recommended solutions with little success. Finally figured out what fixes my problem. Drain Master uses the same drive motor on the 3" valve as on the 1.5" valve. Smaller valves seem to work well. After age and wear & tear, the motor on the 3" valve just does not have the torque to get the blade to move reliably. I boosted the voltage driving the motor by 4.5 volts (3 D-cells in series) making the operating voltage on the motor somewhere around 17 volts. BINGO problem solved. The blade now zips open and closed under all conditions. Easy fix. Just added 3 cells in the pass thru. Motor only draws a fraction of an amp. Three D-cells will easily last a full year. If you are having issues, give this a try.

Thanks. I have the infuriating electric valves and have become expert at crawling under the trailer with a hex key to operate. Last trip the valve got stuck in the open position. So, you just wired the DC boost prior to the switch? No issues with the light that shows the valve is open?

I think mine stay clear because of how quickly everything is sucked out at 60 miles an hour. Now that I double tow I did need a short extension so it doesn't hit my utility trailer.

Can you provide a photo of your fix for those of us whom are not so electrically inclined?

No issues with the light. Yes, I just inserted the cells in series with the +12 volt lead going to the switch. My 3" valve was somewhat slow to open. But now it operates in about 4/10 of a second. What a difference. The motor should easily stand the increase of 1/3 voltage. That gives about an 80% increase in available torque to get the blade moving. So far, no crawling under to use the wrench or pulling the entire valve to clean and lubricate. If I run into any further issues related to the voltage boost I'll be sure to post.Afox2012

Hi Griffy00.... I am waiting for a new battery holder to arrive by mail. I am also going to put the holder in some sort of plastic container to reduce corrosion. My first install was in a hurry and far from being neat. I'll post some pics when the new parts come in.... Afox2012

Electric dump valves | Good Sam Community

MOVINON2
Explorer
Jul 30, 2018
We also have an Arctic Fox 5th wheel (2014) and are having the same problem with our black water tank valve stuck open. We would love to try your solution with the D cell batteries, but don't have a clue on what to do. Could you explain this a little more thoroughly with maybe a diagram or two?
Other than trying to get the motor replaced, we don't know what else to do? Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Could AFox2012 change your preferences on RV.NET so we can see your photos?
AFox2012
Explorer
Aug 30, 2017
Well after being on the road now 10 weeks this summer, no issues with black tank valve not working. At least for now, all seems good. If the valve sticks or just stops working I'll update my post and let everyone know. Jan
Sonora108
Explorer
Jul 16, 2017
Our 2013 27-5L came with electric dump valves and I honestly do not think I requested them. I still have a 2013 brochure and it doesn't say anything about electric dump valves even on the Silver Fox Edition. I think Northwood discontinued them sometime in 2014 or made them optional.
Bill
Bayley
Explorer
Jul 16, 2017
We have a 2014 AF 29-5K and do not have the electric valves. I think the 2013's had them but they were a real problem so Northwood quit using them.
blueglide
Explorer
Jul 16, 2017
2017 AF 32-5m....no electric dump valves on my 5er
AFox2012
Explorer
Jul 16, 2017
Don't know for sure about latest Arctic Fox 5th wheels. I am assuming they are still using the electric valves. Guess a call to customer service would answer for sure. AFox2012
AFox2012
Explorer
Jul 16, 2017
Here are two pics of when I was trying the idea for the first time... Not too pretty...

AFox2012
AFox2012
Explorer
Jul 15, 2017
Thanks to BarneyS. Here are the Pics.

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Switch wiring.

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Battery Holder with #4 position jumpered.

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With batteries ready to install

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Mounted in pass-thru with velcro band to hold batteries in place.
AFox2012
Explorer
Jul 15, 2017
I was considering going to manual valves when I thought of boosting the voltage. Now that is working, guess I'll give it a try for the next camping trips this season and beyond. I have liked the ease of using the electric valves. Like many, I was growing weary of having to deal with sticking valves. Maybe, just maybe, at least for me, I might be out of the woods for now. AFox2012
BarneyS
Explorer III
Jul 14, 2017
AFox2012,
I just sent you a PM about posting pictures. Check in the upper right corner of your screen and click on the red Private Message link.
Barney

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