Where is my fresh water tank petcock drain plug? '76 Tradewind

[Bobkatbry]

I have searched high and low for some sort of petcock or plug to the fresh water holding tank. I know where the tank is. I know where the gravity fill line is. Is the 12v water pump supposed to pump it out when I open the drain valves on one of the water lines?

[4RXLA]

My 77 doesn't have one. The only way to drain the tank is through the water pump.

[Bobkatbry]

Originally Posted by 4RXLA

My 77 doesn't have one. The only way to drain the tank is through the water pump.

Thanks! It's my first Airstream. First camper. Total noob.

[overlander63]

In that year, ther will probably be a drain plug on the bottom of the tank housing. There may be a drain valve, accessible from inside the trailer, under the kitchen cabinets through the bottom of the floor.

[airdreamers]

Unfortunately Airstream didn't thing the drain valve would be used that much, I guess. My drain valve is located behind the forward tire on the curb side of my AS. Fun isn't it! Keep looking you never know! Good luck!

[Bobkatbry]

I'm pumping it out with on board water pump now. Who knows how old that water is. It's still pumping. I don't have a key to the fresh water lock. So I can't wash it out with some bleach.

[kdickinson]

just fiddle with the valves around the water pump. If you have a short hose coming off the bottom of the trailer somewhere around the freshwater tank then it has a drain valve.

[dbj216]

Hi bobkatbry, welcome to the vintage Airstream community. I have a 66 Trade Wind and it is a bunch different than your 76. Back in 66 the factory installed a drain valve and line along the water tank plumbing to the 12v water pump. My tank is above the floor under the front gaucho.

But I have used the water pump to drain (most of the water) out of my fresh water tank for years with no problems. Your trailer may have a "low point" drain valve in the plumbing system. Look for a hose exiting the bottom of the trailer somewhere. (You may have an air conditioner condensate drain hose under there somewhere too.)

You mentioned you don't have a key for the fresh water inlet door. Neither do I on my 86 Limited. But this "inexpensive" lock is easily picked. I use a very small screwdriver through the keyhole and feel the tumblers. I lift them, and then rotate the lock. I've been doing this for 10 years as I never felt the need to replace the lock. This might work for you.

I always "bleach" the fresh water system in the spring and / or before a trip. I add a half cup of bleach to the fresh water tank, pump it to each faucet (kitchen and bath) and then let it sit overnight. This will kill any unwanted bacteria. Then I drain, fill, flush, and repeat until I don't have a chlorine taste in the water. I have read others do this too.

David

[Diesel Dude]

I have a 1976 Globetrotter and have been looking for the water drain for the 17 years that I've owned it. I scoured the owner's manual, and I don't see that it has one (other than two drains for winterizing the hot/cold plumbing lines). I guess this string confirms that I am not going to find a proper drain.... very disappointing. As well thought out as this AS is, it is hard for me to understand why AS would have left this very important feature out.