Replacing Plastic water drain valve with metal

[wolverine]

Has anyone found an acceptable metal petcock valve to replace the plastic water drain that is very susceptible to breakage? On our return trip yesterday, we apparently had something bounce from the road, break our valve, and drain our water tank. Fortunately we were on our way home so the fresh water wasn't critical, but it could have occurred at an inconvenient time. Appreciate any advice that you have on this subject.

[HowieE]

Mine broke on the way into Dawson City Yukon. Good thing we were carrying corks because it was a long way to Camper World.

Have you considered putting a rock shield just forward of the valve?

[wolverine]

Our unit has a rock shield on the bottom of the valve and we will look at the possibility of adding to the existing shield. Would also appreciate hearing of anyone who has converted this valve to a metal (brass) version which would be more impervious to the elements and flying debris.

[richinny]

it might be better to break a plastic valve than risk breaking the tank.

[wolverine]

Originally Posted by richinny

it might be better to break a plastic valve than risk breaking the tank.

The plastic valve is attached to a rubber hose inside of the galvanized belly pan and to the tank on the other end. A metal valve if damaged would not affect the tank itself.

[richinny]

that would work :-)

[Mrcrowley]

They make press on brass valves that can connect to copper,pvc,plastic and rubber I believe.

[kennethowens]

The added weight of metal on the side of the tank
could cause extra vibration stress around the female
moulded portion of the tank.........I replace mine with
an inexpensive "plastic" ball valve type for the reason
I gave above.....I admit considering metal.

[Airslide]

Originally Posted by kennethowens

The added weight of metal on the side of the tank
could cause extra vibration stress around the female
moulded portion of the tank.........I replace mine with
an inexpensive "plastic" ball valve type for the reason
I gave above.....I admit considering metal.

I had a problem with the draining of my tank. Upon inspection I noticed the plastic valve is actually mounted to a housing and linked to the tank with the small plastic hose. The hose was kinked from the factory . The PO must have been really frustrated by this or never used the fresh water tank?! I just replaced the small hose and everything works perfect. If you wanted to change the valve to metal it would have no negative effect on the tank as the weight is on metal metal housing. Atleast this is how mine is constructed

Vin