2017 Bambi Water Heater Bypass Valve Problem

[Steve R]

Our 16 footer has Ayrlett black plastic valves that are frozen and can't be turned without breaking something! Has anyone else experienced this and if so how did you free them? Note, there is no pressure on the system and the unit is only a couple of years old! Also, all the valves in the photo won't turn without breaking so it's not a one off!

[leedav]

Assume you tried both directions? As I recall with my Bambi it was counterintuitive

[Halford1]

I had the same issue as yours, when I was looking to shut the valves. The Previous Owner opened the valves to winterize. I bought the Bambi and he apparently forgot to inform me where to open/close the valves. I went all over inside and outside and ended up finding about 5 valves. I figured the 2 under the sofa would be it and had some trouble closing the valve but I was careful and it eventually closed. You would feel its stubbornness but it will open/close. I camped first time with Bambi a few weeks ago.

[Steve R]

Yes I did up to the point where I felt I could have snapped the valve shaft! Good news, after coming back to it the next day and trying again all valves opened up! Did I get stronger or did I micro-move the valves from the first day?

Note to self, exercise all valves periodically, especially if buying a used trailer!

[Airabel]

I also have a 2017, 16' Sport with same issue. Once I got each valve to move a little, labeled the direction needed to turn each one. Still very difficult even with dirrection of turn labeled. To make matters worse there's no knuckle room on a couple of the valves. Two of the valves were installed up side down.

[farafield]

Mine are really difficult and not intuitive too. I have used pliers which worked. Good to open and close them from time to time as someone said above. Do I? No but its on the list! And labeling too.

[steverino]

I’ve got a bunch of stuck valves on my 2018 Classic as well. Before I start forcing things with a pair of pliers, I’d like to have a couple spares on hand in case I break one. But I cannot find them at all on the web; they don’t even appear on Ayrlett’s product website! Anyone have a source for these?