Replacing knife valves in 2000 Safari 25

[Tgrin]

My dump valves are leaking and I went under the rig to see how to replace...no apparent access point. Am a retired RV Tech, and changed many valves before, but I could get to them. Is there some access point that I am missing?
This is my first Airsteam and we love it!
Bill

[dbj216]

Greetings from Colorado. I had to replace my dump valves on my 86 as well as install a whole new drain manifold on my 66. Here is what I learned.

The 86 has an ABS plastic cover. Then there is the insulated pan that covers the tanks so they can be protected and heated. The pan supports the tanks (black and gray water). So I removed the cover and the pan to gain access to the valves. Mine had Thetford, but I replaced them with new Valterra. Airstream uses a lot of rivets.

Some folks cut an access hole in the pan to save some time removing it. This also saves time if the valves need maintenance again.

I don't know how the year 2000 trailers are made, but it may be similar. The bottom line is dump valve maintenance on an Airstream is more work than some other brands.

David