Dump valve came off in my hand. Need Fix. Video

[MN_Ben]

2005 Lance 981. The holding tanks ar enclosed, somewhere, maybe the bed area or hanging over the bumper. Not sure yet.

The Lance 981 has a pull handle with a wire. The wire connects to the valve. I pulled on the handle and felt what seemed to be normal resistance, maybe it could have used a shot of silicone lube to help it out. It pulled out 3" and nothing came out. I pulled harder and then the whole handle and wire pulled out of the unit. Now I'm screwed.

It is a new to me camper, just picked it up on the 9th. The previous owner had just had it in a few months ago to the Lance dealer to replace the dump valves as the black one leaked and the brown was hard to open. He had used it once between the fix and the sale. He is sending me a copy of the invoice. Maybe there can be warranty work but I am now over 1000 miles from his dealer.

In the mean time, I will most likely try to get this grey water dumped myself.

Does anyone know of schematics, blueprints, or pics out there so I know what I am getting into?

Here is a video of what I am talking about...
VIDEO

[MN_Ben]

Junket wrote:
A little late but I use Drain Valve lub made by Thetford in my 11 year 981 to thing working smooth.Seems to work good.
Ken

So if I end up taking these apart, is this something that is used on reassembly? I will have to look into it.

Tomorrow I will have time to remove the exterior floor to access the valves.

[Junket]

A little late but I use Drain Valve lub made by Thetford in my 11 year 981 to thing working smooth.Seems to work good.
Ken

[nycsteve]

kohldad wrote:
Guess the valves are on the side and the cables go toward the rear making a 90* turn near the valve. I think I would ditch the cables and put a rod in it's place. To make the 90* transition, just use a triangle plate to redirect the motion.

If the bottom panel is removable as should be to reach the valve itself, would be easy to do the work.

I think you would have another angle at the valve itself, I don't think it faces the right way to just pull.

[kohldad]

Guess the valves are on the side and the cables go toward the rear making a 90* turn near the valve. I think I would ditch the cables and put a rod in it's place. To make the 90* transition, just use a triangle plate to redirect the motion.

If the bottom panel is removable as should be to reach the valve itself, would be easy to do the work.

[palmwhit]

nycsteve wrote:
This is a repair I would give to my RV shop, its doable for me, but I'de pass on doing it personally

Excellent advice, IMO!

[nycsteve]

Same as my 2008 981. Drop the bottom panel(s from the outside. Self explanatory when you look at it. Try reattaching the cable, but you might need a new knife valve. Its not hard. At least its not your black tank. This is a repair I would give to my RV shop, its doable for me, but I'de pass on doing it personally ,most likely. Less than 159 including the part to have it done.

[jimh406]

I'm sure it was a good idea to put the tanks more forward or controls remote, but seems to be over engineered. On the plus side, Lance does make their designs available.

[MN_Ben]

Here is a pic of the basement with the drawer removed. I see the long cables that run to the valves.

[MN_Ben]

Thanks kohldad. I think I found the access. I made this video of what I am talking about.... VIDEO

[kohldad]

Contact Lance directly and they are usually very good about providing any build information they have on file for your model.

Technical support should also help you on finding the best way to access the tank area. Usually, there is a section of the bottom of the camper that can be removed.

[MN_Ben]

trail-explorer wrote:
Tanks aren't in the bed area, they'd be in the basement area of the camper (under the floor)

Thanks Jim. I meant the bed of the truck, not the sleeping bed.

[trail-explorer]

Tanks aren't in the bed area, they'd be in the basement area of the camper (under the floor)