Help changing fresh water tank drain

[sb55]

Help. My valve disintegrated and I was expecting an easy replacement. Now that I have the new part the old one it is not an easy removal. Do I have to drop the whole plastic heat shield to get to it? I see that someone drilled a slot to get to the low point drains, but that hole won't reach the drain. Or should I drill another access hole? Photo is attached.

[sb55]

Well. Thank goodness for a dremel reciprocating saw. I ended up cutting it out to expose the 3" piece of plastic tubing and hose clamp. Not a very user friendly place to get to otherwise.
Then a strap with self tapping screws to put it back together.

[KJRitchie]

Good job. It's maddening how Airstream feels access to maintenance items is unnecessary.

I've seen others cut a hatch below and others have dropped their water tanks.

Many do use the same drain but use a metal one.

I would put a patch over the other hole to keep debris out and warm furnace are in.

Kelvin