Personally I say a black tank isn’t worth messing with a “fix”. It’s far too important especially living full time. As I was once told, “Putting a bandaid on a broken arm does nothing. Fix it right or deal with the long term issues.”
Great job on your videos! The black water flush option is new to us, old camper didn’t have it. Great point about winterizing the flush hose, haven’t seen that on the info that came with the camper. Hang in there, hope you don’t have to replace the whole tank.
Man. Good information. We JUST purchased a 2020 Keystone Cougar and on our first trip out the front black and grey tanks will not empty. Pull the valve out and no flow. So we decided to do like you and put some fabric softener (since we don’t have Dawn soap) down the toilet and sink followed by hot water to see if it will loosen the stuff up. I hope it works because like you, I am not wanting to replace a tank. Keep the videos coming! Enjoying them!
I would try the JB weld first and if it doesn’t work at least you know what needs to be done. Also, your reviews on the Ram influenced my recent (couple of months ago) purchase of a 3500 Ram Megacab Srw. I did not go with the high output and got the 373 rears. The comparison of maintenance cost between the HO and regular Cummins was helpful. Keep up the good work!
You can replace that part. You will have to drill it out with a whole saw. They make an adapter that has a spray nozzle on it with a flange on it. You have to make sure when drilling out with hole saw that the part does not fall back into the tank. Seal the flange with some plastic RTD and the flange has holes in it that you drive screws into the tank. I would let it sir as long as you can to give the RTD plenty of time to cure. My experiences with cracks in plastic as well as metal is that you have to drill a hole in each end of the crack to keep it from spreading so just putting JBL weld on it will not last long.
Maybe consider this. Usually those factory installed clean outs are just a spray nozzle if you’re lucky. What about just removing the fitting and just letting the inner part drop into the tank (maybe it will make it’s way out eventually in dumps) and install the tornado tank sprayer that installs from the outside of the tank. It’s the one with the rotating head on it. Then just reconnect the factory hose (may have to put a different end on it but you wouldn’t have to drop the tank.
God be with you, mate! That's a real pain in the butt. I can only imagine how much worse it would be, if it happened in the winter, in Canada. I' surprised that such a crack could occur, especially considering the quality of Keystone Cougar RVs. I'd be pushing them to make good on that, even out if warranty. It can't hurt!
@@JB_WhoWork Being out if warranty, I can appreciate your position; however, some parts just shouldn't break like that. At the very least, I would try a diplomatic approach to meeting them halfway. After all, if this ends up being a quality control issue; it could save them from losing sales $$$$. If there's one thing that I've learned in providing tech support on 3 continents, it's that it costs more in dollars and effort to win back customers and rebuild a reputation, than it does to assess a problem and ensure that it gets addressed for all products moving forward.
I have that same nasty problem. We had a septic guy suck the tank out and he probably collapsed it. It was off grid for a few months. We should have used a composting toilet.
I’ve tried using several different things to patch my fresh water tank. The problem is that the epoxies are hard and the tank material is soft and will expand and contract causing the epoxy to separate. I’ve tried the plastic welding as well and that didn’t work either. What finally worked was a marine sealant that stayed flexible and expanded and contracted with the tank. It’s been over a year now and still holding up fine.
Are you referring to 5200? When I lived in Alaska people used that for everything. You can buy it in small tubes at Home Depot. That's the route I would try first.
Thank you so much for sharing! Yesterday the black tank pipe detached from the tank & we only had our 5th wheel for only 1 month & 1/2. My husband was pissed off! Poor guy came home from work and had to clean a big mess while I was at work. Can anyone tell us why this may have happened & what would be the best way to fix this for the long term? For now he had to go to Home Depot to buy a sealant to seal it. Now I’m scared to use our toilet 😩, but we have our daughter’s bathroom that we can use until we get this situation resolved.🤦🏽♀️
I full time in my Cougar and have also noticed my black valve is becoming increasingly more difficult to pull open! The Grey's are easy to pull..... Did you have same issue?
First find out why/what caused the leak - was it factory or user ? or combination ? My concern is if you just replace it will it fail again? So, need to know if additional things need to be done so it "never" happens again. Granted it should not have happened but RV's will have issues eventually. God bless and love your channel. Please post more about your RV. Love the family too!
Just put a bunch of sealant goop around the fitting and your done. If it leaks after that put some more sealant goop on it. The leak will stop when you put enough sealant goop on it.
Hey JB, did you find out what was causing the stink? I have a similar issue I think, but the water leaking out is definitely not fresh water, lol. I haven't opened it up yet as the septic ball is full and waiting to see if cleaning it out has any affect. Thanks
So I did figure it out, the first video explains what happened but the second video may be your issue: 1st Video th-cam.com/video/En0YjuT0Agc/w-d-xo.html 2nd Video th-cam.com/video/yeSbfPhWwrs/w-d-xo.html Hope this helps!
Dang, every I think about wanting to get a 5th wheel all I hat is how junky and cheap they have become. And then the wife says we could rent a house at most places for far cheaper the all these nickel and dime issues. Good luck man, ya got me on the drink of water part. My eyes rolled back of my head. Like drinking Germantown water lol
Wow now that I see it I would replace myself it looks easy but I know a few Rv repair guys that have a TH-cam channel one on the west side and one on the east side.
Love your channel. But that is what RV, do they breakdown because they are super cheap in quality. No exceptions. It's like buying a motel 6 room on wheels. Fix it then sell it and dont do it again.
Wow the does suck. You shod have asked him is he wanted a glass of water, or went inside and got a glass and filled it up when all that water was running out, handed it to him and said, thirsty?
Buy a new tank, replace it and be done with it, or otherwise you will continue to have problems with it leaking at the most inconvenient time... Or drop the tank cut out the bad fitting, and install a new compression type plumbing fitting, probably a nasty, job. With the new tank make sure the line is supported so it does does not cause the fitting to vibrate and break. It is actually the fitting mount in the tank that is broke?
Keystone is such junk. I have a dutchman with many problems. The quality control is terrible. My underbelly was fallen off. Heater vent screws fallen out. Staples coming out of walls and now I have a staple coming through my roof . The sani flush vacuum valve was installed backwards and its only a year old.
Yea they all have issues and I truly don’t think one is better than another... That’s how they are able to keep them cost effective although I think quality should always be a priority for all manufactures 👍🏾
A 1500 will not have the TPM system. The 3500 will... plus 5 save able trailer trailer types. If you do a video on this You will be the first and it will help people like me trying to make that final decision especially if you do a indepth info on the five save able trailers hight weight length etc. Dealerships haven't thought of this as a selling point when its pretty important saving on windshield space and tickets if you know what I mean.
I had been pouring water into my black and gray tanks to keep “stuff” from piling up in there when storedSo I’m leaving last weekend and “liquid” pours out the right side of the vehicle from the belly. I’m thinking the trip is cancelled, except I ask my wife. The water has stopped coming out so I figure we can get to our campground and call for mobile repair. Except it’s Veterans Day weekend and it’s a weekend, meaning they’re already booked up. They tell me they can get to me Monday, meaning I’ll be back at work. So let me see if it leaks again. It doesn’t. At the end of the trip, I clean the tanks and then I leave. No more leaks. I just need to drop the underbelly of the vehicle and see what’s going on. Too bad I have a job or I’d do it myself but I have so much life going on, I’m not sure what to do with it. Naturally we are supposed to get rain this weekend so I don’t know. I park the RV outside under an unlighted roof so there’s no use trying after work … it’s dark early now.
😭 I hate broke stuff brother, but the good news is your 5th wheel is part BOAT 🛥 🚤…..bussst out another thousand If it makes you feel like buying a house, let me tell you what honestly happened to me this week. The water heater, my stove, and my HVAC went out. Plus with covid the stuff takes a while to get. I got the hvac running, and the other two are on the way. God is good and you are in my prayers. I know how it all adds up so the little things make me cringe.
Thanks brother! Yea once the housing market calms down, we will buy but I’m not spending $50k more for a house because of FOMO... you will be in my prayers Colonel 🙏🏽
@@JB_WhoWork I think you are living the good life. Stick with the 5th wheel for a while. In less than two years the markets will crumble unfortunately and these folks will be under water in their mortgages. Just like 2008/09 all over except worse. Homes will sell for peanuts then yet the interest rates will look like they did when Jimmy Carter was in office. Keep doing what you’re doing. I stayed in a 5th wheel over a year before as well. I truly appreciate the simplicity and honestly didn’t have many inconveniences and it wasn’t half the camper you have. Just remember to breath and enjoy life. I promise you these are your best years. You will see that later
Epoxy. Untintentional comedy(I'm sympathetic) - JB Weld. Ha. But seriously - there are a number of amazing epoxies that will fix you up. The rest of the coach will fall apart around the epoxy before the epoxy fails. It will be the only substance left standing after the apocalypse. Seriously. I construction world we use an epoxy for anchoring steel in concrete and if you have to get the steel back out you have to obliterate the concrete because the epoxy will just giggle at you.
@@JB_WhoWork glad it was a easy fix. Rv's are nice, but money pits. Wait till you start getting the leaks. They are poorly designed and built cheap. Better off building a bus to spec and building your own.
Research- LOL - they are all the same - obviously, you're new to the industry... doesn't matter what make or model; they are all assembled by cheap/day labor with glue and staples. Buy a Used one so you know it's had the bugs shaken out.. and for .35 on the dollar is my advice.
@davidsaitta6351 I know they are all the same. Why I told him he should have done more research. They are money pits. Maintenance is key, or they go to crap fast. Not new to anything bud. Stop assuming.
My eyes were 👀👀👀 when he said I actually tasted the water to see if it was clean lol.
🤣🤣🤣
Trouble shooting a problem can be harsh. Respect for a through trouble shooting .
Personally I say a black tank isn’t worth messing with a “fix”. It’s far too important especially living full time. As I was once told, “Putting a bandaid on a broken arm does nothing. Fix it right or deal with the long term issues.”
Good stuff 👍🏾
Omg , my reaction when you said “taste the water and it’s clean” 🤢🤢🤢 to find out you were kidding 😂😂😅
Great job on your videos! The black water flush option is new to us, old camper didn’t have it. Great point about winterizing the flush hose, haven’t seen that on the info that came with the camper. Hang in there, hope you don’t have to replace the whole tank.
Thanks!
Man. Good information. We JUST purchased a 2020 Keystone Cougar and on our first trip out the front black and grey tanks will not empty. Pull the valve out and no flow. So we decided to do like you and put some fabric softener (since we don’t have Dawn soap) down the toilet and sink followed by hot water to see if it will loosen the stuff up. I hope it works because like you, I am not wanting to replace a tank. Keep the videos coming! Enjoying them!
You may need to replace the valves. It’s not easy but it’s possible to do with someone who has done it before. Thanks 👍🏾
Bruh. You got me with the the tasting the black water😂. Great video
I would try the JB weld first and if it doesn’t work at least you know what needs to be done. Also, your reviews on the Ram influenced my recent (couple of months ago) purchase of a 3500 Ram Megacab Srw. I did not go with the high output and got the 373 rears. The comparison of maintenance cost between the HO and regular Cummins was helpful. Keep up the good work!
Thanks for sharing Ken and congrats on the truck!!!
dang i got a leak too but i may go jb weld crazy. Too expensive to send it to somebody. Great video. Not looking forward to the diy lol
Thanks for sharing even though it’s not good news 🍻
You can replace that part. You will have to drill it out with a whole saw. They make an adapter that has a spray nozzle on it with a flange on it. You have to make sure when drilling out with hole saw that the part does not fall back into the tank. Seal the flange with some plastic RTD and the flange has holes in it that you drive screws into the tank. I would let it sir as long as you can to give the RTD plenty of time to cure. My experiences with cracks in plastic as well as metal is that you have to drill a hole in each end of the crack to keep it from spreading so just putting JBL weld on it will not last long.
Great vids bro. Keep it going!
Thanks 👍🏾
Put a nail in a pair of visegrips heat it with a propane torch to melt the plastic back together then out a bit blob of silicone caulk over it
Maybe consider this. Usually those factory installed clean outs are just a spray nozzle if you’re lucky. What about just removing the fitting and just letting the inner part drop into the tank (maybe it will make it’s way out eventually in dumps) and install the tornado tank sprayer that installs from the outside of the tank. It’s the one with the rotating head on it. Then just reconnect the factory hose (may have to put a different end on it but you wouldn’t have to drop the tank.
Not a bad idea, I will have to look into this. Thanks 👍🏾
It’s also said that every time you take your RV on the road it’s a 3.0 earthquake. Damn if you do, damn if you don’t ☹️
God be with you, mate! That's a real pain in the butt. I can only imagine how much worse it would be, if it happened in the winter, in Canada.
I' surprised that such a crack could occur, especially considering the quality of Keystone Cougar RVs. I'd be pushing them to make good on that, even out if warranty. It can't hurt!
Nah I’m way out of warranty but I may have dealer reach out due to them stating this RV is full time...
@@JB_WhoWork
Being out if warranty, I can appreciate your position; however, some parts just shouldn't break like that. At the very least, I would try a diplomatic approach to meeting them halfway. After all, if this ends up being a quality control issue; it could save them from losing sales $$$$.
If there's one thing that I've learned in providing tech support on 3 continents, it's that it costs more in dollars and effort to win back customers and rebuild a reputation, than it does to assess a problem and ensure that it gets addressed for all products moving forward.
💯
I have that same nasty problem. We had a septic guy suck the tank out and he probably collapsed it. It was off grid for a few months. We should have used a composting toilet.
I've noticed these things are so expensive to buy and then in the end they slapped them together with s*** products
I’ve tried using several different things to patch my fresh water tank. The problem is that the epoxies are hard and the tank material is soft and will expand and contract causing the epoxy to separate. I’ve tried the plastic welding as well and that didn’t work either. What finally worked was a marine sealant that stayed flexible and expanded and contracted with the tank. It’s been over a year now and still holding up fine.
Thanks for sharing 👍🏾
Are you referring to 5200? When I lived in Alaska people used that for everything. You can buy it in small tubes at Home Depot. That's the route I would try first.
@@clarkgriswold2480 I’m not sure what it is . It’s been a while but I can check tomorrow.
Thank you so much for sharing! Yesterday the black tank pipe detached from the tank & we only had our 5th wheel for only 1 month & 1/2. My husband was pissed off! Poor guy came home from work and had to clean a big mess while I was at work. Can anyone tell us why this may have happened & what would be the best way to fix this for the long term? For now he had to go to Home Depot to buy a sealant to seal it. Now I’m scared to use our toilet 😩, but we have our daughter’s bathroom that we can use until we get this situation resolved.🤦🏽♀️
I full time in my Cougar and have also noticed my black valve is becoming increasingly more difficult to pull open! The Grey's are easy to pull..... Did you have same issue?
First find out why/what caused the leak - was it factory or user ? or combination ? My concern is if you just replace it will it fail again? So, need to know if additional things need to be done so it "never" happens again. Granted it should not have happened but RV's will have issues eventually. God bless and love your channel. Please post more about your RV. Love the family too!
Really good stuff! Most of the issues are on me though... I will explain soon
Poo tank leaking? Bro just get a whole new thing, I mean RV! Just kidding LOL you got this and good luck!
Lmao! Thanks bro 👍🏾
Just put a bunch of sealant goop around the fitting and your done. If it leaks after that put some more sealant goop on it. The leak will stop when you put enough sealant goop on it.
🤣
What about a leak that leaks upwards into the trailer when using the flush?
Would that be the seal?
HELP!!!
Helli sir, can you please review GM 2.7 litre? Thank i
How did you remove the underbelly?
Hey JB, did you find out what was causing the stink? I have a similar issue I think, but the water leaking out is definitely not fresh water, lol. I haven't opened it up yet as the septic ball is full and waiting to see if cleaning it out has any affect.
Thanks
So I did figure it out, the first video explains what happened but the second video may be your issue:
1st Video
th-cam.com/video/En0YjuT0Agc/w-d-xo.html
2nd Video
th-cam.com/video/yeSbfPhWwrs/w-d-xo.html
Hope this helps!
@@JB_WhoWork I'll watch, tank you!😆
Is that a 3500 or 2500 in the video at the end? Pretty truck!
3500
Dang, every I think about wanting to get a 5th wheel all I hat is how junky and cheap they have become. And then the wife says we could rent a house at most places for far cheaper the all these nickel and dime issues. Good luck man, ya got me on the drink of water part. My eyes rolled back of my head. Like drinking Germantown water lol
🤣🤣🤣
Wow now that I see it I would replace myself it looks easy but I know a few Rv repair guys that have a TH-cam channel one on the west side and one on the east side.
Yea I may have to replace due to it leaking from another unforeseen area. Who’s the east coast guy? Thanks 👍🏾
@@JB_WhoWork Rocky from RV kidz TV
I would JB Weld it. It works wonders for me
Love your channel. But that is what RV, do they breakdown because they are super cheap in quality. No exceptions. It's like buying a motel 6 room on wheels. Fix it then sell it and dont do it again.
Thank you! That is so funny and true 👍🏾
Damn it man.
Tell me about it...
that's because they make junk now a days. good luck. talk to me after 30 years of use. ie I have a 1994 fleetwood flair 32h still going strong!
🤣tasted the water to see if it was clean.
Damn!
5 hours of labor at $150/hour? Yikes.
Maybe try the marine grade jb weld first.
I’m thinking the same thing... $1000 easy for a new tank...
Wow the does suck. You shod have asked him is he wanted a glass of water, or went inside and got a glass and filled it up when all that water was running out, handed it to him and said, thirsty?
Lmao!!!
Ya why put a band aid, new tank means less headache.
Mortgage INBOUND!
Lol yup!
Bummer
Buy a new tank, replace it and be done with it, or otherwise you will continue to have problems with it leaking at the most inconvenient time... Or drop the tank cut out the bad fitting, and install a new compression type plumbing fitting, probably a nasty, job. With the new tank make sure the line is supported so it does does not cause the fitting to vibrate and break. It is actually the fitting mount in the tank that is broke?
Keystone is such junk. I have a dutchman with many problems. The quality control is terrible. My underbelly was fallen off. Heater vent screws fallen out. Staples coming out of walls and now I have a staple coming through my roof . The sani flush vacuum valve was installed backwards and its only a year old.
Yea they all have issues and I truly don’t think one is better than another... That’s how they are able to keep them cost effective although I think quality should always be a priority for all manufactures 👍🏾
Did you know your Ram infotainment system is not set up the same as a 1500?
In regards to what?
A 1500 will not have the TPM system. The 3500 will... plus 5 save able trailer trailer types. If you do a video on this You will be the first and it will help people like me trying to make that final decision especially if you do a indepth info on the five save able trailers hight weight length etc. Dealerships haven't thought of this as a selling point when its pretty important saving on windshield space and tickets if you know what I mean.
Thanks bud, I wish I could hook it all up with cameras and TPM but Relationshop isn’t quite there yet 😅
Do the repair or replacement correct its the right thing to do.
Rv quality for ya
Unfortunately but 3 years with almost 2 years being full time isn’t too bad 👍🏾
I had been pouring water into my black and gray tanks to keep “stuff” from piling up in there when storedSo I’m leaving last weekend and “liquid” pours out the right side of the vehicle from the belly.
I’m thinking the trip is cancelled, except I ask my wife. The water has stopped coming out so I figure we can get to our campground and call for mobile repair.
Except it’s Veterans Day weekend and it’s a weekend, meaning they’re already booked up. They tell me they can get to me Monday, meaning I’ll be back at work. So let me see if it leaks again. It doesn’t. At the end of the trip, I clean the tanks and then I leave. No more leaks.
I just need to drop the underbelly of the vehicle and see what’s going on. Too bad I have a job or I’d do it myself but I have so much life going on, I’m not sure what to do with it. Naturally we are supposed to get rain this weekend so I don’t know. I park the RV outside under an unlighted roof so there’s no use trying after work … it’s dark early now.
Holy Crap, what bad luck...whoops, that didn't sound right.
😝
Ain’t in your pocket but replace that tank.
😭 I hate broke stuff brother, but the good news is your 5th wheel is part BOAT 🛥 🚤…..bussst out another thousand
If it makes you feel like buying a house, let me tell you what honestly happened to me this week. The water heater, my stove, and my HVAC went out. Plus with covid the stuff takes a while to get. I got the hvac running, and the other two are on the way. God is good and you are in my prayers. I know how it all adds up so the little things make me cringe.
Thanks brother! Yea once the housing market calms down, we will buy but I’m not spending $50k more for a house because of FOMO... you will be in my prayers Colonel 🙏🏽
@@JB_WhoWork I think you are living the good life. Stick with the 5th wheel for a while. In less than two years the markets will crumble unfortunately and these folks will be under water in their mortgages. Just like 2008/09 all over except worse. Homes will sell for peanuts then yet the interest rates will look like they did when Jimmy Carter was in office. Keep doing what you’re doing. I stayed in a 5th wheel over a year before as well. I truly appreciate the simplicity and honestly didn’t have many inconveniences and it wasn’t half the camper you have. Just remember to breath and enjoy life. I promise you these are your best years. You will see that later
Thanks brother 🤝👍🏾👏🏾
Make contact with AZ Expert he does RV repairs and he is a TH-camr.
Flex Seal it!
Time to replace it.
It may be...
Epoxy. Untintentional comedy(I'm sympathetic) - JB Weld. Ha. But seriously - there are a number of amazing epoxies that will fix you up. The rest of the coach will fall apart around the epoxy before the epoxy fails. It will be the only substance left standing after the apocalypse. Seriously. I construction world we use an epoxy for anchoring steel in concrete and if you have to get the steel back out you have to obliterate the concrete because the epoxy will just giggle at you.
🤣🤣🤣
Expect it. You bought a rv. They are made like crap. Should have done your research man
Actually the RV has been great and I caused the issue 🤷♂️
@@JB_WhoWork glad it was a easy fix. Rv's are nice, but money pits. Wait till you start getting the leaks. They are poorly designed and built cheap. Better off building a bus to spec and building your own.
Research- LOL - they are all the same - obviously, you're new to the industry... doesn't matter what make or model; they are all assembled by cheap/day labor with glue and staples. Buy a Used one so you know it's had the bugs shaken out.. and for .35 on the dollar is my advice.
@davidsaitta6351 I know they are all the same. Why I told him he should have done more research. They are money pits. Maintenance is key, or they go to crap fast.
Not new to anything bud. Stop assuming.