New owner can't find water tank drain

[quiltlodge]

We just bought a 1982 27' Excella (which I love) and since we live in Montana, we need to winterize.

We can't find a drain for the water tank. The fella we bought from had the trailer for a short period, and he said they told him there isn't one.

Really?

Thanks in advance
Wanda

[Belegedhel]

Welcome to the Forums!

I don't have a lot of familiarity with the 80's models, so I am probably talking well outside of my depth (as usual), but the 70's trailers generally did not have a drain from the tank--you had to pump the tank empty with the water pump.

good luck!

[Alden Miller]

I used to have a '81 Excella. The drain valve was on the road side by the tires. Not sure where it might be on yours but my '81 definitely had one.

-Alden

[Farmer Dan]

Wanda,
Both of our trailers, an '89 and an '02, have the drain where it seems most common for AS trailers. It's inside of the curb-side tires and is a plastic valve on the side of the FW tank cover.

Dan

[dbj216]

Yep, that is where it is on my 86. Like most of us when laying on the ground, looking up in the wheel well, and you go to turn the plastic handle, the valve is going to break. Cuss, cuss. Be prepared to spend the rest of the weekend replacing it. There will be an access port under the fresh water tank that can be removed so you can see where the valve is screwed into the plastic tank. This whole mechanism was not one of Airstreams better ideas.

Our you could just turn on your 12v pump, open a faucet or two, hold the pedal down on the toilet, and drain the fresh water into the gray and black tanks. Let it run until very little water is coming out the faucets. And then pour a gallon of RV antifreeze into the fresh water tank and call that area good. Of course there is a lot more to winterizing a trailer than just the fresh water tank.

Hope my bad experience helps you avoid one.

David

[quiltlodge]

Thank you, I've been relaying this helpful info to my husband. We've had other trailers for years, just working through this new (old) one.

[jenbouldin]

Same problem with a '68 Sovereign? Is there a drain or do we have to pump? Pumping is a problem right now because our pump died.

[MelGoddard]

Some 'idiot child' put the drain between the tires on the curb-side of my 2015 25'FB.FC. When it breaks, (and it will)< I'll replace it, or have CanAm do it.
But first, I will take the new valve, and using a q-tip, lubricate the inside of the valve using silicone grease, working it back and forth. The new valve will turn freely 'forever and two days'.
I did this on my previous Hi-Lo, ( at the side, 10 minute job to replace) and three years later, the valve still turns easily.

[woodfox45]

My 85 had it between the wheels on the road side .

[TimeForFun]

I have a 96 Excella. I also spent time looking for the drain between the wheels. I finally took the plate off the bottom to drain it with the big plug. I then found the fitting on the bottom side of the tank where the drain was suppose to go. I had to open the hole in the pan because it did not align with the tank hole. I then added my own valve. Works like I assume it should.

[Darryl Coe]

I just purchased a 2004 Airstream 16. Where is the fresh water drain ?
Darryl Coe

[Darryl Coe]

Where is the fresh water drain on a 2004 Airstream ?

[dbj216]

On my 66, my 75, and my 86 the fresh water drain valve is below the fresh water fill port on the side of the trailer. The plastic tanks are molded with a drain boss on them, and then Airstream screws in a plastic ball valve that drains the tank to the ground. Look for it on your hands and knees below the fresh water tank.

I find it much easier just to turn on my water pump and pump my fresh water into the gray tank and ./ or black tank until the pump will draw no more water. I consider this a drained fresh water tank and I don't have to hassle with a broken plastic ball valve, which is common. Then I dump my waste water tanks accordingly.

You can refer to your owner's manual on line at Airstream.com. That may help you out at times.

David