Black and Grey tank valves...?

[J&G garage]

Open and close each valve 4 or 5 times each time you use them. It's amazing how much easier they are to open and close after doing so.

[jabhoyt]

One of our valves was stuck the second time we used our new reflection. We took it to the dealer, and they did not much. In the end, my husband sprays it, and uses a pair of pliers to get it open.

[Wicked ace]

Wicked ace
What do you do? Do you have to take the cable off on one end ? I watched the videos ,but all of them had the cables off , one end disconnected.
It looks like a good idea. I'd like tool this out on our cables before an issue comes up.

I haven't gotten into this one yet but you'll need to get behind the panel to see the cables. That tool clamps on the wire not the shaft that extends out in front of the panel.
Though I have noticed these cables on mine are lubed pretty well from the factory. One thing they did right.

[Chuck H]

I also found the length to be the problem. Cut them to length and problem was fixed.

[ddepew]

Use PB Blaster to lube the cables. I then put a cup of cheap vegetable oil down the drains and it keeps the valves lubed.

[Cate&Rob]

There are definitely two different opinions on cable length. Some have shortened the cables and some (including me) have lengthened and re-routed the cables (following cable manufacturers instructions) to improve the action. Remember that one or more of the gate valves pull from the opposite side to where the pull handles are.

Putting any kind of lubricating oil into the tanks will only affect the gate valve when the tank is almost empty . . . the oil floats on top of the tank contents.

Rob

[WhittleBurner]

There are definitely two different opinions on cable length. Some have shortened the cables and some (including me) have lengthened and re-routed the cables (following cable manufacturers instructions) to improve the action. Remember that one or more of the gate valves pull from the opposite side to where the pull handles are.

Putting any kind of lubricating oil into the tanks will only affect the gate valve when the tank is almost empty . . . the oil floats on top of the tank contents.

Rob

The instructions that came with the Valterra valve I got said to cut the cable to length. Even so, it will not be a straight shot to the side of the trailer. One thing you don't want to do is make it so short that you have to have sharp bends. Any bends should be as gradual as you can make them. You also need at least 6"s from the valve before the first bend. Another thing it said was to use zip ties to secure the cable.

[Onebadhawk]

Now ya tell me, lol..
I just broke the black handle off of my black tank valve..
Can I just replace the cable and handle or do I have to replace the whole valve ??

Teddy

[WhittleBurner]

You can do just the cable, in fact if the valve is fine and probably is it would be a much easier job. Hardest part will be the coroplast. While you have the coroplast down it would be a good time to look around to familiarize yourself where everything is. That way if something else happens down the road you will have a good idea where it is. Another thing to do while you are down there would be to take some zip ties and or tape and work on some of those wires down there.

[Nrbsrsr]

If it's similar to one I just replaced. . . The handle and rod on my gray tank disappeared on the road. There was enough cable for me to grab with a pair of players so I was able to dump. I noticed that the end of the protruding cable was threaded so I stopped at an RV dealer and was able to buy a 10 inch extension for about $10, the handle was about 2 bucks more. Screwed it back on the existing cable end and was good to go. Total investment, $12 and 15 minutes.