Black Tank Valve Repair

[87MH]

I found out the difference of the cost of a thetford valve vs a valterra - about 35 bucks. Valterra valve - $10, Thetford - $45.

Of course, one half of the valve was welded to the drain assembly, so I didn't have a choice of one or the other.


Guess which one Airstream used.

[thenewkid64]

Dennis,

That may be the case, but you cannot normally get a repair kit for the Valterra.

Was the section of the valve that is messed up the one that is solvent welded to the tank? If you got a new one to fix the problem, assuming it is downstream of the first side of the valve (the side welded to the tank) you could just swap out the parts that you need to make the fix and not have to cut the old one off????

[87MH]

Brett:

Only the slide and gaskets need to be replaced. Of course you can't buy the slide separately, had to buy the whole valve assembly.

At least this way I know I will have all of the necessary gaskets to put the thing back together.

I even remarked to the AB last night that it sure was nice pulling maintenance on quality (expensive) things. I had no trouble at all getting the valve off and disassembled -- I would suspect that it has been on there since new, going on 18 years.

Of course, that was before I priced the replacement --
Oh, well, it IS for the Airstream.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Airstream strives to use "first class parts" in their products.

We can all probably imagine what some owners would say, if they found that Airstream higher prices include the cheapest parts you can buy, that also do not have the life expectancy of the parts they do use.

Working parts that last 25 to 30 years is what it's all about, instead of those that wear out in short order.

Of course, replacements will cost more. Then you can forget that repair for another 25 years or so.

I wish my household stuff would last that long.

Andy

[ericandterry]

Man Andy isn't that the truth! How about a VCR or TV that has that type of life expectancy...not a chance !
Cheaper is not always better, especially when your dealing with septic parts. The Thetford valve is definently higher quality as I changed mine out last year. I feel much better knowing I won't have to think about it again for quite awhile