Adding a gate to the sewer outlet

[jlokanis]

I wanted to add an additional gate to the sewer outlet on our 2024 FC27FBT. But when I went to attach it, the existing black and gray gate handles are so close to the outlet that the extra gate would block them. Has anyone else found a way to make this work?

[Mollysdad]

No. I bought the twist on gate and there's no orientation that works.

[AstroBruce]

https://www.amazon.com/GLOBIZ-Extend...1zcF9hdGY&th=1

[Mollysdad]

Originally Posted by AstroBruce

https://www.amazon.com/GLOBIZ-Extend...1zcF9hdGY&th=1

I thought of that too. But if the goal of having the additional gate valve was to stop a leaking valve, then I'd want it mounted permanently. I can't picture driving with that attached to my sewer terminal.

[Bill M.]

At the very best the extra gates are just good for a few weeks until you can get the trailer fixed.

You did not say why you want the extra gate on a new trailer? I can not think of a reason why I would want to do that. And the extra gates run the risk off damage from hitting a curb or from the added weight bouncing.

[Captn.Ken]

I added a Valterra waste valve and I could rotate it enough to allow me to pull the handle for the black tank.

[jlokanis]

Originally Posted by Bill M.

At the very best the extra gates are just good for a few weeks until you can get the trailer fixed.

You did not say why you want the extra gate on a new trailer? I can not think of a reason why I would want to do that. And the extra gates run the risk off damage from hitting a curb or from the added weight bouncing.

The reason is an added layer of protection. So, if the main gates are leaking or not properly closed or came open while driving due to vibrations or some other reason, the extra gate allows you to remove the cap and get your hose attached without anything leaking out. I has this setup on my SOB trailer and wanted to move it to the new AS but it looks like I am SOL.

[jlokanis]

Originally Posted by Captn.Ken

I added a Valterra waste valve and I could rotate it enough to allow me to pull the handle for the black tank.

Does it hang down a lot? I am worried about it hitting something while towing. Any chance you can share a picture?

[azflycaster]

I used one of these: https://www.amazon.com/Valterra-T58-...35180258&psc=1
on a caravan in Newfoundland when my black valve started to leak. No problem operating the original valves...

[richard5933]

I understand the reason you want this, but stop and think for a moment how many Airstreams are out there right now without this. I can't think of any threads in recent years where someone had a waste valve that failed in a way they couldn't empty their tanks or where the contents emptied out on their own. Valves usually give a warning when they are not happy.

There should be a safety catch on your gate handles to prevent them from opening on their own.

[jlokanis]

Originally Posted by richard5933

I understand the reason you want this, but stop and think for a moment how many Airstreams are out there right now without this. I can't think of any threads in recent years where someone had a waste valve that failed in a way they couldn't empty their tanks or where the contents emptied out on their own. Valves usually give a warning when they are not happy.

There should be a safety catch on your gate handles to prevent them from opening on their own.

I hope that is the case. But even so, there is always a little dribble when you remove the cap to attach the sewer hose. The extra valve helps prevent that.
I will look for those safety catches. I didn't notice them before but I have only had to dump the AS once so far since we just did our first trip.

[richard5933]

Originally Posted by jlokanis

I hope that is the case. But even so, there is always a little dribble when you remove the cap to attach the sewer hose. The extra valve helps prevent that.
I will look for those safety catches. I didn't notice them before but I have only had to dump the AS once so far since we just did our first trip.

If you're having black tank drips when you open the cap, then perhaps you're not dumping in the proper sequence...

First, dump the black tank. Then do a black tank flush if you want - no need to go crazy trying to clean the black tank, but it can help get the remnants of the solids out.

Then, you close the black tank gate and dump the gray tank. This should thoroughly flush the outlet pipe of any black tank material.

If you do things in this order, any drips which remain in the pipe and will be gray water, and there is absolutely no problem with a couple of gray tank drips coming out as you connect the discharge hose the next time.

I never dump the black tank without following with the gray tank. Sometimes we'll even delay dumping to make sure we have enough in the gray tank to flush the system, including the discharge hose, even if it means taking a few showers before dumping to make sure.

Lots of things to worry about when traveling in an Airstream - a few gray water drips when connecting is not one of them for us.

[Captn.Ken]

Originally Posted by jlokanis

Does it hang down a lot? I am worried about it hitting something while towing. Any chance you can share a picture?

It does not hang down at all. It extends the valve assembly straight out. It has made it easier to open the valves because I didn't have to reach underneath the trailer as far. It does not extend too far, so hitting anything is impossible. Try amazon.com/Valterra-T58-Twist-On-Waste-Valve. $21.

[Redbarron55]

I installed one on our 1985 Sovereign 25' because of the leaking black tank valve.
There was always "stuff" behind the cap when I removed it so this took care of that issue until I could replace the valves.
I left it on after the valves were replaced because it was still a back up and I could also "share" the tankage from the gray to the black if necessary by opening both drain valves with the third closed.
It is pretty nice to be more confident when removing the cap on the drain..

[Tim A.]

If slight leakage is the problem, our solution might help. We bought this easy-off cap: https://www.amazon.com/Valterra-F02-...29&sr=8-1&th=1
and replaced the small drain cap with a water hose shutoff valve like this: https://www.amazon.com/Cosweet-Stand...07YJLGS16&th=1.
Opening the small valve allows draining off any slight leakage from the main black-water valve.

We went to this solution after replacing the black-water valve twice and still having a little leakage when towing.

Tim

[Mollysdad]

I always have a small amount dribble out when I remove the cap.
1/4 cup? I attribute it to crud built up on the grey water valve which suddenly got very hard to operate. I'm trying the Calgon/Pine Sol treatment. My temporary fix is to place a small rubbermaid tub under the cap so nothing goes on the pad.

[Julie-Bob]

Yes I have installed one on our 25FB. Many advantage to doing it 1. Just added insurance if one of the main drain valves are leaking. 2 I watch it to line up on waste dump cap. Before I couldn't see the drain cap on the trailer. Now no problems, YES Do it.

[kb0zke]

These "third valves" are quite common in the MH world. I had one permanently installed on our Foretravel. When we bought the Reflection I found a removable one, similar to those mentioned above. When we traded the Reflection for the Airstream I moved that valve from the Reflection to the Airstream. The handle can be rotated to any convenient position. I have mine pointed toward the front so that, if a rock hits it, it will be pushed toward the closed position (which is should be in already). It doesn't block the black or grey handles.


I use mine in a few ways. Primarily, it is a safety device - just in case. It helps make sure that there isn't a surprise when I take the cap off. After dumping the black, I can close the third valve and have both black and grey valves open, thus rinsing the black tank with the grey water. Yes, I have the black tank rinse, but there are times when that isn't practical.


BTW, I learned from someone else's experience. After hooking up the "stinky slinky" and making sure that everything is hooked up properly, pull the GREY valve for a few seconds. If the hose lets go (that's what I saw), it is only grey water that is splashing out. This also wets the sewer hose, which some people think will help the black drain more easily.

[LAWBC]

Every thought that toilet paper is the reason?
TP floating and hanging up around the valve gate?
Cause would be not allowing enough time for the sewer conditioner to ingest the paper.
I do not have this problem.
I use Happy Campers tank treatment and try to plan emptying black tank as full as possible.

[pteck]

No problem running an extra twist-on gate valve. I run it for many of the same reasons already shared. Good cheap insurance and security of an extra gate, with no surprises when taking off the cap.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000BGHYJS