new owner with questions

piperpilot · 10-20-2012, 06:24 PM

We just purchased a 2009 Everest with absolutely no previous experience in a fifth wheel. I understand the concept of black and gray water tanks..etc. I dumped the black water tank but when I opened the first gray water tank there was no water....when I opened the second one...behind the wheel there was. The two handles in the bay are also VERY difficult to open and close. When this happened I turned on the sink in the bedroom and there was no water from the tank in the bay but when I opened the one behind the wheel there was. Am I missing something...the manual is of no help whatsoever. Are the two gray water tanks tied together or something?

Festus2 · 10-20-2012, 06:32 PM

Most RV's have two gray holding tanks - one for the galley (kitchen sink) and the other for the bathroom sink and shower. I am not sure about the plumbing configuration in your Everest so I can't say if the two gray tanks are tied together or not.
If you have only two tank valve pulls, then the two gray tanks might be coupled. One pull would be for the black water, the other for the two gray tanks.

On our Cougar, we have 3 tanks and 3 pull valves - one for each tank.
You might want to make sure how many tank pulls you have. It is possible that the pull handle of one gray tank has come off or you can't find it.

piperpilot · 10-20-2012, 06:52 PM

There are three pull valves...one in the bay for dark water and one for gray water...behind the wheel is a third pull valve for gray water. That tank actually had water..the other one did not....at least apparently. I opened the waste tank and it drained...opened the gray water tank (in the bay) and nothing happened..opened the one behind the wheel and the water dumped.

There is a connection in the bay for a hose to wash out the waste tank but I do not know if that is hooked up.

The dealer did a walk through.....sort of....but did not address these other than to say here are these pull valves.

chuck&gail · 10-20-2012, 06:55 PM

Comment on hard to move. EMPTY ALL TANKS FIRST. Then spray a bit of silicon spray on the rod you pull. Then while working valve spray a third of a can of silicon spray back up the pipe. Repeat on other two valves.

Has worked great on my TT's for years.

billstuart · 10-21-2012, 09:19 AM

If you know there is water in the bathroom gray tank, then your problem may be that the valve is not opening. Those handles, which I agree are hard to move, are attached to sheathed cables which are in turn attached to the valves. Maybe that cable has detached from the valve and since the cable's route to the valve is probably circuitous, it could still have the feel of being attached. I hope you find the answer and get it fixed before you find yourself all soaped up in a shower that won't drain.

Happy trails,

billstuart · 10-21-2012, 09:23 AM

Chuck,
Great tip on the silicone spray, I'm going to try it - Thanks!

mudmaker · 10-21-2012, 10:44 AM

Could the two sinks share one, the toilet for another and the shower has its own too? Seems like a likely scenario. Good luck.

geo · 10-21-2012, 02:20 PM

And putting olive oil in the tanks will lubricate the seals!

Do a Search on this subject.

(Here we go! Perfect opening line, John!)

Ron

Nick & Gia's Trailer · 10-24-2012, 03:43 PM

Piperpilet,

On my Cougar 5er the valves are on the left under the slide out. The Black tank valve is under the slide almost directly even with the slide cutout on the frame. The gray tank valve is approximately 10 inches to the right of the B/T valve. The galley tank valve is about 3feet further to the right of the G/T valve.

When I first inspected the valve locations, I almost missed the black tank valve as it is so close to the slide opening on the frame.

Hope this helps.

piperpilot · 11-04-2012, 05:39 PM

The technician came prepared to replace the valves but after removing the old ones said that the unit had been sitting without water in the tanks for a while and the seals had dried out. He removed the seals and cleaned the gate and lubricated the entire assembly. Units work great now.

piperpilot · 12-02-2012, 03:18 PM

The drains now work but the one behind the wheel is very difficult still. We are using a lubricant each time that is SUPPOSED to help but I do not see it..but at least it is manageable. Two drain pulls in the front bay are working well.

But another question since we are in the same general area. This unit..a 2009 Everest...has a port that indicates a rinse system for the black water tank. When I attach a hose to it....NOTHING...no water goes into the tank and there appears to be no water flow at all. Is this an option that has to be installed separately? Since the port is labeled etc. I thought it should be there.

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