Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 

Go Back   Keystone RV Forums > Keystone Tech Forums > Modifications and Upgrades
Click Here to Login

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
 
Old 02-11-2021, 12:52 PM   #1
SouthTXRVer
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2020
Location: Corpus Christi
Posts: 17
Hard to reach dump valve handles

Hooking up the stinky slinky to my "new to me" 2011 Bullet Premier 27RBPR is manageable, but the handles for the blade valves are quite a ways up under my trailer(further back and either side of the end of the dump pipe). I pretty much have to get on my hands and knees to get low enough to reach the handles. So, you can imagine my dilemma. I DO NOT WANT TO HAVE TO GET ON MY HANDS AND KNEES within a mile of the dump station. LOL. So, I'm trying to figure out some kind of solution to this problem. I'm worried that longer handles won't be "sturdy" enough and I'm going to wind up breaking off something while pushing or pulling handles. Has anyone run into this? Anyone else have a Bullet with the same problem? Just seems like a poor design to me and it really didn't occur to me until our maiden trip this weekend.

Sonny
SouthTXRVer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-11-2021, 01:13 PM   #2
Javi
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Waco, Tx
Posts: 5,456
Cable valves are probably going to be your best bet... Where to put the handles and how to run the cable is the next issue. I'll send you my phone # in a pm and you can call any evening before 9pm
__________________
2015 Ford F350 DRW 6.7 Diesel XL
2020 Avalanche 313 RS
Javi is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-11-2021, 03:39 PM   #3
sourdough
Site Team
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: W. Texas
Posts: 17,601
Pull handle placement is an issue on a lot of trailers; one that is a no go on my list for buying a trailer anymore. Javi can give you ideas. I have used a "refashioned" plumbing T of some sort (can't recall what they are called) so I could reach under, use the hooks to get the handle on each side of the rod and pull. I'll try to see if I can either find or remember what it was called. Bought it in the plumbing (maybe the lawn irrigation) section at Home Depot.
__________________
Danny and Susan, wife of 56 years
2019 Ram 3500 Laramie CC SWB SB 6.4 4x4 4.10
2020 Montana High Country 331RL
sourdough is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-11-2021, 03:55 PM   #4
rhagfo
Senior Member
 
rhagfo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 4,180
They make extension rods for the dump valves. I add them to my valves when I enclosed the belly.
https://www.etrailer.com/Accessories...ra/TX9HPB.html
__________________
Russ & Paula and Belle the Beagle.
2016 Ram Laramie 3500 DRW 14,000# GVWR (New TV)
2005 Copper Canyon 293 FWSLS 32’ GVWR 12,360
Visit and enjoy Oregon State Parks
rhagfo is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 02-11-2021, 04:56 PM   #5
Canonman
Senior Member
 
Canonman's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2016
Location: South Jordan, Utah
Posts: 2,221
I only have this problem if the slide is out but I fully understand not wanting to crawl around at the dump station.
I use one of these
https://www.amazon.com/Richards-Home...KG923NHCWQF7VH
Works great to pull the handle and push it back in.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	61oSW-BzzDL._AC_SL1500_.jpg
Views:	204
Size:	21.3 KB
ID:	31957  
__________________
2017 Cougar 279RKSWE
2007.5 Dodge Ram 2500 6.7 Cummins
Retirement Training Completed
I think the little voices in my head have started a chat group.
Canonman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-12-2021, 08:10 AM   #6
bobz89013
Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: PAHRUMP
Posts: 30
Same issue

Have been thinking about just extending it with a piece of threaded rod and coupler. then put the handle on the end just don't forget the loctite.
bobz89013 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-12-2021, 08:14 AM   #7
Ibdagriz
Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: Houston
Posts: 74
There are electric replacements for the manual valves, but they are not cheap. About $160 or so each. No clue on quality though.

Griz
Ibdagriz is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-12-2021, 09:22 AM   #8
Laredo Tugger
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: South US
Posts: 712
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ibdagriz View Post
There are electric replacements for the manual valves, but they are not cheap. About $160 or so each. No clue on quality though.

Griz
Now there's a "posh" upgrade. Yes a little pricey but would be nice to have.
The only review I found on a CW site mentioned that the valve does not close all the way with about a 1/8 seal gap showing in the product picture. I'm no expert but wouldn't you want to put that "gap" on the top of the valves operation position? Just an observation.
RMc
__________________
2018 Ram 3500 SRW Aisin Trans. HO CTD
Air Lift Bags -Curt 16K Slider Hitch
2017 Laredo 350 FB
Laredo Tugger is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-12-2021, 10:37 AM   #9
Ibdagriz
Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: Houston
Posts: 74
Quote:
Originally Posted by Laredo Tugger View Post
Now there's a "posh" upgrade. Yes a little pricey but would be nice to have.
The only review I found on a CW site mentioned that the valve does not close all the way with about a 1/8 seal gap showing in the product picture. I'm no expert but wouldn't you want to put that "gap" on the top of the valves operation position? Just an observation.
RMc
If it doesn't close all the way, I wouldn't call it a valve. Restriction plate maybe? LOL..

Griz
Ibdagriz is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-12-2021, 10:43 AM   #10
Poppy
Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2020
Location: Yukon
Posts: 88
Hard to reach dump handles

Quote:
Originally Posted by rhagfo View Post
They make extension rods for the dump valves. I add them to my valves when I enclosed the belly.
https://www.etrailer.com/Accessories...ra/TX9HPB.html
On my previous trailer, it was missing a handle. The dealer replaced the handle at no charge to me, but I had to put it on. That’s when I found out it was not an easy reach. Went to the local big box hardware store a bought a 6” piece of all-thread a long nut, and some lock-tire that would hold it all together. I had the trailer for almost 10 years without any problems.
Poppy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-12-2021, 11:12 AM   #11
SouthTXRVer
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2020
Location: Corpus Christi
Posts: 17
I went ahead and ordered this. I'll just have to figure out some way to support it. Don't want one of these breaking off. LOL.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	valve_extension.JPG
Views:	206
Size:	29.4 KB
ID:	31960  
SouthTXRVer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-12-2021, 01:21 PM   #12
wiredgeorge
Senior Member
 
wiredgeorge's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Mico, TX
Posts: 7,395
I am in the same situation. When I get to a campground, I open my dump valves which require reaching up under the camper (black and main gray tank) and the galley tank which I open before I put my slide out as it is up behind the rear wheel on driver's side of the camper. I then use my Valterra Twist on Waste valve to dump when needed; our tanks are pretty small so usually do this every couple days and all three tanks dump at once. Also keeps from having dribbles when I put on the sewer hose. The handle for this valve is easily accessible and just bend over and dump.



https://parts.unitedrv.com/products/...BoC7-QQAvD_BwE
__________________
wiredgeorge Mico TX
2006 F350 CC 4WD 6.0L
2002 Keystone Cougar 278
2006 GL1800 Roadsmith Trike
wiredgeorge is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-12-2021, 02:09 PM   #13
rhagfo
Senior Member
 
rhagfo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 4,180
Quote:
Originally Posted by SouthTXRVer View Post
I went ahead and ordered this. I'll just have to figure out some way to support it. Don't want one of these breaking off. LOL.
Mine are supported at the frame by the coreplast, maybe a couple eye straps.
__________________
Russ & Paula and Belle the Beagle.
2016 Ram Laramie 3500 DRW 14,000# GVWR (New TV)
2005 Copper Canyon 293 FWSLS 32’ GVWR 12,360
Visit and enjoy Oregon State Parks
rhagfo is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 02-18-2021, 10:31 AM   #14
RangerFred
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2019
Location: Knightdale
Posts: 15
Hard to reach dump valve handles--Same issue

SouthTXRVer,
We have a 2011 Bullet Premiere (28RLPR) as well. We love the trailer and find the comfort, layout, quality and tow-ability to be to our liking, but do wish that opening the dump valves was easier.

Please post your solution once you have licked (figuratively speaking) the problem.

Thanks in advance.
RangerFred is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-18-2021, 03:36 PM   #15
Greg58
Member
 
Greg58's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2020
Location: Newnan
Posts: 46
My in-laws are in their eighties and had the same problem with their TT, theirs has two dump outlets. My father in-law had a local rv center repumb the system so the valves are out closer to the side and the handle pulls forward making it much easier to operate.
__________________
Your results may not be the same, Greg
Greg58 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-18-2021, 03:45 PM   #16
Greg58
Member
 
Greg58's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2020
Location: Newnan
Posts: 46
Quote:
Originally Posted by SouthTXRVer View Post
I went ahead and ordered this. I'll just have to figure out some way to support it. Don't want one of these breaking off. LOL.
That's The extensions I have on ours, apply a small amount of removable loctite to the threads of the valve when you install the handle, I found one of mine loose after the first trip. Also my tee handle has a loop that I hook a small bungee cord to and then to the under carriage to make sure the valve doesn't vibrate open, I had that happen once already.
__________________
Your results may not be the same, Greg
Greg58 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-18-2021, 05:30 PM   #17
Preyou
Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Panama City
Posts: 75
It sounds if all of the valves have a direct pull to open. To open mine, the grey water for the kitchen, you have to pull away from you. This is really tough when I am laying down to do it. I have resolved by leaving the valve open and adding a valve at the end of the dump piping, where I connect the hose. I just connect the hose then open the added valve. Would like to change but looking for ideas.
Preyou is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-18-2021, 08:13 PM   #18
gmorse7
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: Phoenix
Posts: 2
I bought one of the cheap garden kneelers to try. Has handles to help get back up. Still have to reach under so maybe I'll add a shepherd's hook
gmorse7 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-19-2021, 10:27 AM   #19
JRTJH
Site Team
 
JRTJH's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Gaylord
Posts: 26,846
A 2 or 3 foot broom handle with a hole drilled near the end and a zip tie looped through the hole will "catch the Tee handle" to open and close the dump valve. I use an old "manual awning pull rod" to operate the gray tank valve for our galley tank which is located about 4' under the slide, just inboard from the frame rail. Without one of the above, I'd be crawling under the slide to even get close to the valve handle.
__________________
John



2015 F250 6.7l 4x4
2014 Cougar X Lite 27RKS
JRTJH is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 02-19-2021, 10:40 AM   #20
Javi
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Waco, Tx
Posts: 5,456
Personally I'd run a cable valve into the basement and install it along side the other two cable valves..
__________________
2015 Ford F350 DRW 6.7 Diesel XL
2020 Avalanche 313 RS
Javi is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump

» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Keystone RV Company or any of its affiliates in any way. Keystone RV® is a registered trademark of the Keystone RV Company.


All times are GMT -8. The time now is 06:49 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.9
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.