Basecamp 16 water tank petcock valve

[BartJ]

Have a replacement valve. Unscrewed the old one and could not get it out to disconnect the hose. It seems like there is no play in the hose. Am I missing something?

[Wazbro]

Many Airstreams have an access plate in the pan holding the tank, under the area of the valve.

[Travelerx2]

I’m in the same situation and have a question for the forum. The question first: how do I cut an access port into the freshwater tank metal pan?
I have to replace the drain cock on my 2017 22’ Bambi Sport. Could not get the broken part off. Was told by Airstream Customer Service that the drain cock is connected to the water tank with a hose that is clamped to the drain cock. To get the clamp off I should cut an access port in the metal pan. The access port would allow me to replace the valve (preferably with something more robust than the plastic one) and to check the wiring on the freshwater tank level sensor that is giving intermittent information.
I’d like to have a clean cut with straight lines that doesn’t cut into the tank.
What advice can I get about how to cut the pan safely and then patch it cleanly? Thank you in advance.

[Wazbro]

Originally Posted by Travelerx2

I’m in the same situation and have a question for the forum. The question first: how do I cut an access port into the freshwater tank metal pan?
I have to replace the drain cock on my 2017 22’ Bambi Sport. Could not get the broken part off. Was told by Airstream Customer Service that the drain cock is connected to the water tank with a hose that is clamped to the drain cock. To get the clamp off I should cut an access port in the metal pan. The access port would allow me to replace the valve (preferably with something more robust than the plastic one) and to check the wiring on the freshwater tank level sensor that is giving intermittent information.
I’d like to have a clean cut with straight lines that doesn’t cut into the tank.
What advice can I get about how to cut the pan safely and then patch it cleanly? Thank you in advance.

There are a few options. A cutoff wheel in a small hand grinder, can be a bit dangerous, lots of sparks and easier to make a mess of things. A cutoff tool (basically a purpose built grinder with cutoff wheel) a bit more control then a grinder. A dremmel still lots of sparks and a lot more time. A sheet metal nibbler, probably the best choice, will have hundreds of little pieces of sharp metal all over the place. Might be able to use powered sheet metal sheers, might not be able to get into area and might bend the pan and need to flatten out afterwards. Eye protection needed however you do it.

[Travelerx2]

Thank you Wazbro. I am inclined to use an angle grinder with a cutoff wheel.

[JBennett]

I used a Dremel with a cutoff wheel. The aluminum is thin and it didn't take long. Use a straight edge to mark your cut line then drill the corners out. I cut mine a bit too small the first go around so I will be making it bigger.

I will post more photos when i make my cover plate and finish everything up.

[JBennett]

You could also use a jig saw with a metal cutting blade just set your depth as shallow as possible.

[Wazbro]

Originally Posted by Travelerx2

Thank you Wazbro. I am inclined to use an angle grinder with a cutoff wheel.

Your welcome, that's what I used on my black/gray tank pan. That is galvanized steel and needed a much larger hole. If your pan is aluminum you might also be able to use a Rotozip as another choice.

[Travelerx2]

I cut a 4” by 8” opening in the tank pan with a 4 1/2” angle grinder with a cut off wheel. The opening was just right to give access to the drain connection and to get to the tank level sensor.
I replaced the plastic drain cock with a brass barb by MPT fitting and made a cover with aluminum. I need to test the connections and try to figure out why the tank monitor gives me a reading sometimes and other times it reports “open”.
Any thoughts? Oh, and what happened to the 1/4” wrench I was using on the clamp?
Thom

[BartJ]

Now I get it. So the metal covering the the petcock goes through is not the water tank, but an enclosure for pipes and fittings.

[JBennett]

I bought a replacement flange from ebay specifically made to address this issue. I made my cover plate from an old aluminum road sign.

I didn't want to use self tapping screws because the tank cover material is very thin so I riveted everything. I doubt I will ever need to get get back in there but I can just drill out the rivets if I do.

[JBennett]

Here is the flange I used.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/182211502860