A blowout broke off the gray tank cable end with handle on our Imagine. Your video is great! Thanks for taking the time to produce such a detailed guide.
Same issue. The bend caused a burr(scrape) in the soft aluminum I filed& sanded the rod smooth and carefully bent the kink out with a 3/8" box end wrench((using the box endfor leverage); got it to work, but now I know how to replace it! Thanks. Also I'm adding a gate valve to the outlet in case I have issues closing it on the road. Thanks for the video.
Thank you so much! I’ve been watching videos for two weeks dreading the entire valve replacement. Your video just helped me do a repair in less than two hours. Which included dropping my underbelly. Very easy!
Excellent presentation. I'm dealing with this problem on a grey tank right now... this is helpful. Well presented in the explanation of the way it works "and" the installation. New subscriber.
Great video thank you most people only show how to change the external valve that one is easy and pretty self explanatory This one that is under the belly is must more involved appreciate the guidance
When you replace the cable you need to beef up the bracket that holds the cable. If not the bracket by the handle will bend and you will have the same problem with it binding. The bracket is too flimsy allowing the bracket to bend causing the binding in the cable. Excellent video.
If it has not been confirmed yet, I can at this point, that I purchased a Valterra cable to replace my Bristol cable and it fit perfectly. So Yes, you can just replace the cable on a Bristol but use a Valterra cable which is much cheaper of a replacement than the whole valve. Just be creative with how you disassemble the old, and how the new goes in. I seriously saved 50% (actually a bit more) than the alternative. All done without removing the old vavle, challenging but doable.
Well done! My black valve on my GD Imagine failed on day 2 of a 31 night trip this past summer. My rod apparently wasn’t bent as much as yours, as I was able to live with it until we got home. As insurance however, we made a stop at the first Camping World store and bought the Valterra valve to put on at the discharge opening! I agree, the best access is by cutting the underbelly and then repairing the opening rather than trying to unscrew the big sheet.
Thank you so much, have a similar problem. Mine snapped off at the handle, General RV did a terrible repair and we found out they tapped and glued the “new” handle in. Suffice to say it broke as soon as we went camping, snapped off right at the mouth of the steel sleeve. Tried everything to get it back out, was getting ready to completely disassemble the valve. Still have the issue of getting the gate open, but have a much better idea to get this repaired now. Really appreciate the repair tips!
Great vid. Thanks. Earlier today I got my kitchen grey tank valve to open. It was a kink in the cable. But once you remove the Phillips head screw holding the stop block, you can manually operate the valve. They installed the cable with a long run and without it being secured. When loose like that it invites bends and kinks. Plus they don’t lube the cables at the factory. Mine is a Highland Ridge Open Range, and the factory did a terrible install. So. I’m going to get rid of the cables, and install 12 volt valve actuators. Anything to not have to crawl under the beast again. At least not for cable issues
We’re on a trip from Albuquerque to Branson in our 2020 Imagine. This exact same thing happened to us today. I was able to get it open and that’s how I’m going to leave it until I can get it fixed. We won’t be able to use the toilet on the road but we’re only staying in RV parks so at least we can use it when we’re camped.
Thanks for the video. You have some good workarounds when dealing with the underbelly. The only issue I noted, was adding grease to the cable. Not a good idea, because grease collects dirt and grime as you travel down the road. A PTFE or dry silicone spray would be a better choice, since it dries and won’t collect dirt.
Our grand design 150 series fifth wheel has the same problem with the rod yet it doesn’t seem bent 🧐we can’t push it in all the way .Our set up is the Nautilis system with the two gray water pull rods beside the black tank pull rod ! If any one has had this issue please lets us know but over all this video was awesome!!!! 👍🇨🇦
Well done sir, working on replacing my bent cables on two grey tanks. Now i know what to watch out for and how to save a lot of work because my valves still work also.
Great info. We have to do this and your explanation was precise and detailed. Will go ahead and order the part. Wish us luck! Will let you know how it goes!🤞
Some don't have cable it's shaft to valve Mine has the shaft connection. Glad i have my setup. But it does get stuck so I just use WD -40 that I bring with me and lubricate it.
Great info! Thank goodness our rig has Valterra valves and they're not where they need cables. All 3 of ours (2 grey, 1 blk) are along the outside edge discharging out of 1 3" pipe.
We have to change our grey valve. We enjoyed seeing your approach of slicing the Coloplast instead of dropping it. In retrospect, are you happy with cutting instead of dropping?
Had to repair the cable to the main gray valve on my G.D. Momentum 376TH. The cable pulled right out of the metal shaft attached to the pull handle (it's just crimped on), a piss poor design for something that should NEVER SEPARATE. Our tank configuration has the valves along the driver side wheels, valves facing outward. The main (kitchen) valve is right between the first and second wheel, you don't want to cut too much of the plastic bottom cover, dropping the entire thing was not an option for a road repair. BTW 1/8" Hex wrench to release the cable, and the sleeve and the arm attached to the valve snaps off to reveal the set screw if it is hard to get to.
Great video! I have a 2022 2500 RL Imagine with the bent black tank valve rod. My question is the tank directly behind the valve on that model? I don't want to be blindly cutting away at the underbelly trying to find where the cable that needs replacing is connected to the valve. Make sense?
I still have to check but after seeing a few videos I think the cable has come apart it had been tight and I had no problems working it but someone else emptied the tank or so they said now I am trying to work through the issues in -28c wether hoping it will be back around 0c in 2 days but now I have a full black water tank will be going under to see what I can do
Super helpful video. I have this exact issue with my 2018 GD Imagine 2800BH. I am trying to determine with length cable I need? Which model is in this video? Thanks in advance!
Great video. I bent my handle and just purchased the valve kit from GD. They sold me an 8’ cable. My concern is the flat spot you indicated if you need to cut it. Any input would be appreciated BK
How is the gate attached to the metal piece where you insert the cable and tighten the set screw? Is that a piece of wire too? I can move the cable in/out and see that metal piece move in/out but I can't tell if the gate is actually opening and closing.
Thanks mine is the Cottage from Cedar creek USA immigrated into New Zealand I have valara total pully. My Black tank is closed, went to open and the cable was already broken I know who has done it but cannot ;prove it. My pullies are more to the outside part of the CCR40K cottage any suggestions would be great thanks
Spent hour tonight trying to close the valve after dump at current rv park. Slight bend in rod made it impossible to slide or close. Was able to slightly straighten and spray some silicone spray to get it closed. So this what I am not looking forward to fix. How long total time to complete project? Thanks for the video.
Really enjoyed your video. Just liked and subscribed. Does the cable that runs inside the sheath need to be greased or sprayed with silicone? If so, how is that accomplished from the end with the cable pulls? Thank you. Rick
Just found your video because I have to do this same job to my Reflection 315 RLTS. This was my exact plan just waiting on the parts to arrive. I do have one question though. How did you figure out where the black tank was in order to cut the under belly at the right place? I don't want to be just cutting random holes looking for it if I can avoid that.
@@2KrazyKampers but the valve is over by the cable to open it. Actually on a 315 RLTS the factory cable is 72” long but a 24” cable would work just fine and is easier to find.
@@2KrazyKampers Google duo plastics RV slide out ski's. They will stop alot of the jumping and prevent the floor from rotting out due to water intrusion
Is it the same valve for the grey tanks..? or the same cable anyway? My grey water tank has not opened since I purchased. Don't really want to leave at dealer for 6 months.
The black tank sensor is a little metal piece about halfway up the tank. I wouldn't bother changing them since they never work right. Before doing that, try this stuff, uniquecampingmarine.com/collections/rv-products/products/sensor-cleaner. It worked on ours
Sorry if this has been asked already - looks like I get to join the ranks and do this on my 2022 Reflection 297RSTS. How's the Gorilla tape holding up? And, could you tell how your valve was attached? Was it cemented in place (making it practically impossible to replace...) THANKS!!!! Great video!!
@@2KrazyKampers Thanks! I know you didn’t change the valve, but while you were in there, if you did need to change the valve, could you tell how difficult or impossible that would have been? GD sent me a replacement assembly under warranty, trying to decide what will be easier, cable or both… Thanks!
I had the same issue, saw a TH-cam video where the guy shut the black tank valve, released the grey water to fill the hose enough while holding it up allowing the water to fill the hose enough then he closed the grey tank valve, opened the black tank and did a back flush by lifting the hose up & down to swish the water back into the tank then quickly dropped the hose causing a fast out pour . Hope this makes sense
Thats why we always install the second Valterra valve amzn.to/3Ukc7sR on the end. Even if your main valve is open, nothing will come out. On normal camping situations, you open your main dump valve, then open the second one. When you are done, you close the main one, then close the second one. Since the gate is right before the cap, there is nothing to leak out.
You can buy it in Lowe’s. It’s not duck tape. Look in the paint section and you will find it next to the flex seal. It hold great. I patched another area when i ran wires about 6 months ago and it’s still holding. Almost impossible to pull apart
I really enjoyed your presentation. My problem is I pulled my Blackwater handle out and the cable came out with it. Could it be that the cable come unhooked from the black water valve? And would it be possible just to reconnect the cable?
We've had that happen too. You can use pliers to pull the cable. Here is the replacement for the one on grand design. amzn.to/3Mv0ISs and this is the grey one. amzn.to/3IPRD4r
Thank you for this video. I just broke my cable as well. Happy that I can just replace the cable. Stuff happens !!
A blowout broke off the gray tank cable end with handle on our Imagine. Your video is great! Thanks for taking the time to produce such a detailed guide.
Same issue. The bend caused a burr(scrape) in the soft aluminum I filed& sanded the rod smooth and carefully bent the kink out with a 3/8" box end wrench((using the box endfor leverage); got it to work, but now I know how to replace it! Thanks. Also I'm adding a gate valve to the outlet in case I have issues closing it on the road. Thanks for the video.
Thank you so much! I’ve been watching videos for two weeks dreading the entire valve replacement. Your video just helped me do a repair in less than two hours. Which included dropping my underbelly. Very easy!
Excellent presentation. I'm dealing with this problem on a grey tank right now... this is helpful. Well presented in the explanation of the way it works "and" the installation. New subscriber.
If you are in Northern Michigan we need 2 of ours replaced you done that so good and effectively we decided to have you fix ours on our Imagine 2670
Great video thank you most people only show how to change the external valve that one is easy and pretty self explanatory
This one that is under the belly is must more involved appreciate the guidance
When you replace the cable you need to beef up the bracket that holds the cable. If not the bracket by the handle will bend and you will have the same problem with it binding. The bracket is too flimsy allowing the bracket to bend causing the binding in the cable.
Excellent video.
If it has not been confirmed yet, I can at this point, that I purchased a Valterra cable to replace my Bristol cable and it fit perfectly. So Yes, you can just replace the cable on a Bristol but use a Valterra cable which is much cheaper of a replacement than the whole valve. Just be creative with how you disassemble the old, and how the new goes in. I seriously saved 50% (actually a bit more) than the alternative. All done without removing the old vavle, challenging but doable.
Well done! My black valve on my GD Imagine failed on day 2 of a 31 night trip this past summer. My rod apparently wasn’t bent as much as yours, as I was able to live with it until we got home. As insurance however, we made a stop at the first Camping World store and bought the Valterra valve to put on at the discharge opening! I agree, the best access is by cutting the underbelly and then repairing the opening rather than trying to unscrew the big sheet.
Thank you so much, have a similar problem. Mine snapped off at the handle, General RV did a terrible repair and we found out they tapped and glued the “new” handle in. Suffice to say it broke as soon as we went camping, snapped off right at the mouth of the steel sleeve. Tried everything to get it back out, was getting ready to completely disassemble the valve. Still have the issue of getting the gate open, but have a much better idea to get this repaired now. Really appreciate the repair tips!
Thanks for taking your time and making this video. Lots of help. Much appreciated.
Great vid. Thanks. Earlier today I got my kitchen grey tank valve to open. It was a kink in the cable. But once you remove the Phillips head screw holding the stop block, you can manually operate the valve. They installed the cable with a long run and without it being secured. When loose like that it invites bends and kinks. Plus they don’t lube the cables at the factory. Mine is a Highland Ridge Open Range, and the factory did a terrible install. So. I’m going to get rid of the cables, and install 12 volt valve actuators. Anything to not have to crawl under the beast again. At least not for cable issues
You guys rock. It never dawned on me to just replace the cable.
Thank you I’m having to do the same thing , this really helped me all I need to do is my cable , sweet camping , watching from. Charleston SC ❤
Thanks for making my fix so easy to do. Great video. All set for the camping season.
We’re on a trip from Albuquerque to Branson in our 2020 Imagine. This exact same thing happened to us today. I was able to get it open and that’s how I’m going to leave it until I can get it fixed. We won’t be able to use the toilet on the road but we’re only staying in RV parks so at least we can use it when we’re camped.
Loved your shirt Joe! Thanks for all your great videos! ❤️
This was great info! wish i knew this before spending $800 to get mine repaired by the dealer.
Thanks for the video. You have some good workarounds when dealing with the underbelly. The only issue I noted, was adding grease to the cable. Not a good idea, because grease collects dirt and grime as you travel down the road. A PTFE or dry silicone spray would be a better choice, since it dries and won’t collect dirt.
Our grand design 150 series fifth wheel has the same problem with the rod yet it doesn’t seem bent 🧐we can’t push it in all the way .Our set up is the Nautilis system with the two gray water pull rods beside the black tank pull rod ! If any one has had this issue please lets us know but over all this video was awesome!!!! 👍🇨🇦
Thanks so much for this video!! I followed your instructions and was able to fix my stuck black tank!
Well done sir, working on replacing my bent cables on two grey tanks. Now i know what to watch out for and how to save a lot of work because my valves still work also.
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! You saved us so much time and money with this video . Great video with great instructions that worked!
Thank you, I'm having the same issue with the cable, I will try this tutorial and thank you so much
I have to do this with a Sabre fifth wheel. Thanks for the lesson!
My RV is in the shop right now the grey tank will not shut off and a door seal is bad. Great video
Great info. We have to do this and your explanation was precise and detailed. Will go ahead and order the part. Wish us luck! Will let you know how it goes!🤞
Sure have ran into that situation fortunately I have Voltera so it i it was an easy fix for thank you for showing very informative.
Some don't have cable it's shaft to valve Mine has the shaft connection. Glad i have my setup. But it does get stuck so I just use WD -40 that I bring with me and lubricate it.
Great info! Thank goodness our rig has Valterra valves and they're not where they need cables. All 3 of ours (2 grey, 1 blk) are along the outside edge discharging out of 1 3" pipe.
Great video. We have the same trailer. Always wondered how the valve looks. Now I know. Thanks
We have to change our grey valve. We enjoyed seeing your approach of slicing the Coloplast instead of dropping it. In retrospect, are you happy with cutting instead of dropping?
Super video, Joe. Thanks so much for sharing!
Y'all Be Safe!
Had to repair the cable to the main gray valve on my G.D. Momentum 376TH. The cable pulled right out of the metal shaft attached to the pull handle (it's just crimped on), a piss poor design for something that should NEVER SEPARATE. Our tank configuration has the valves along the driver side wheels, valves facing outward. The main (kitchen) valve is right between the first and second wheel, you don't want to cut too much of the plastic bottom cover, dropping the entire thing was not an option for a road repair. BTW 1/8" Hex wrench to release the cable, and the sleeve and the arm attached to the valve snaps off to reveal the set screw if it is hard to get to.
Thank You! Very Informative!
Great work and Thanks for the information.
Great video! I have a 2022 2500 RL Imagine with the bent black tank valve rod. My question is the tank directly behind the valve on that model? I don't want to be blindly cutting away at the underbelly trying to find where the cable that needs replacing is connected to the valve. Make sense?
I still have to check but after seeing a few videos I think the cable has come apart it had been tight and I had no problems working it but someone else emptied the tank or so they said now I am trying to work through the issues in -28c wether hoping it will be back around 0c in 2 days but now I have a full black water tank will be going under to see what I can do
Super helpful video. I have this exact issue with my 2018 GD Imagine 2800BH. I am trying to determine with length cable I need? Which model is in this video? Thanks in advance!
We are going through this issue now with our GD 2800bh
Great video. I bent my handle and just purchased the valve kit from GD. They sold me an 8’ cable. My concern is the flat spot you indicated if you need to cut it. Any input would be appreciated
BK
Great informative video. We don’t have a GD but this should still help.
How did you open the underbellly and how do you know what size/length you need to replace it?
I just slit a hole and then used eternabond to patch it.
Cool. Got the wrong replacement but i can just change the cable..so, walla. ❤
Good job! 👍We bought the same model. I hope we don’t have the same issue 😳
She was right…. A crappy job. 😳
Thx for sharing!!!
Thanks for all the tips..
My research shows the Valterra and LaSalle Bristol valves are complete interchangeable, even to same bolt patterns.
the handle is different
How is the gate attached to the metal piece where you insert the cable and tighten the set screw? Is that a piece of wire too? I can move the cable in/out and see that metal piece move in/out but I can't tell if the gate is actually opening and closing.
with a screw
FaceBook has Grand Design pages. I've read of two instances, at least, of debris from assembly of the camper getting into the valve.
Good video thank you, I would have looked like Robin Williams in RV doing that LOL
Thanks mine is the Cottage from Cedar creek USA immigrated into New Zealand I have valara total pully. My Black tank is closed, went to open and the cable was already broken I know who has done it but cannot ;prove it. My pullies are more to the outside part of the CCR40K cottage any suggestions would be great thanks
Spent hour tonight trying to close the valve after dump at current rv park. Slight bend in rod made it impossible to slide or close. Was able to slightly straighten and spray some silicone spray to get it closed. So this what I am not looking forward to fix. How long total time to complete project? Thanks for the video.
An hour, maybe
Really enjoyed your video. Just liked and subscribed. Does the cable that runs inside the sheath need to be greased or sprayed with silicone? If so, how is that accomplished from the end with the cable pulls? Thank you. Rick
FWIW, I just got my replacement valve & cable assembly from the factory. It’s very well lubed & operates smoothly.
Just found your video because I have to do this same job to my Reflection 315 RLTS. This was my exact plan just waiting on the parts to arrive. I do have one question though. How did you figure out where the black tank was in order to cut the under belly at the right place? I don't want to be just cutting random holes looking for it if I can avoid that.
Black tank is always right below the toilet
@@2KrazyKampers but the valve is over by the cable to open it. Actually on a 315 RLTS the factory cable is 72” long but a 24” cable would work just fine and is easier to find.
Could you link where you purchased the gate valve and cable?
It is in the sea up box
Did you order the part straight from Grand Design?
Great information!👍🏼
have you thought about installing the duo form plastic slide out skis yet
Haven’t seen that. Do you have a link
@@2KrazyKampers
Google duo plastics RV slide out ski's.
They will stop alot of the jumping and prevent the floor from rotting out due to water intrusion
Good video but how did you locate where to cut the underbelly in the correct place?
I felt for the tank. The tank is always below the toilet
😊 thank you partner that is exactly my situation👍👍👍🗽
Where did you buy the black water gate valve for the Repair
amazon
Very informative video. Isn't that spray foam stuff the worst thing to clean up. I have a set of clothes that are used for caulking a foaming.
yes, it sticks to everything, almost impossible to use with gloves because it sticks to them and you cant get it off your hands
Is it the same valve for the grey tanks..? or the same cable anyway? My grey water tank has not opened since I purchased. Don't really want to leave at dealer for 6 months.
Thank you very much very helpful
That’s a great job
Great video
Hey are the black tank level sensors located in the same area? Thinking about changing mine out
The black tank sensor is a little metal piece about halfway up the tank. I wouldn't bother changing them since they never work right. Before doing that, try this stuff, uniquecampingmarine.com/collections/rv-products/products/sensor-cleaner. It worked on ours
Sorry if this has been asked already - looks like I get to join the ranks and do this on my 2022 Reflection 297RSTS. How's the Gorilla tape holding up? And, could you tell how your valve was attached? Was it cemented in place (making it practically impossible to replace...) THANKS!!!! Great video!!
The gorilla tape is still there after a year. We didn't replace the check valve itself
@@2KrazyKampers Thanks! I know you didn’t change the valve, but while you were in there, if you did need to change the valve, could you tell how difficult or impossible that would have been? GD sent me a replacement assembly under warranty, trying to decide what will be easier, cable or both… Thanks!
I had the same issue, saw a TH-cam video where the guy shut the black tank valve, released the grey water to fill the hose enough while holding it up allowing the water to fill the hose enough then he closed the grey tank valve, opened the black tank and did a back flush by lifting the hose up & down to swish the water back into the tank then quickly dropped the hose causing a fast out pour . Hope this makes sense
Will that valve still work tomorrow, after the foam had expanded?
It’s still working several weeks later. I didn’t fill the cavity with sealant, just put it on top of the tape seams
Just curious…could the original cable have been bent back into shape or not ?
we tried
How did you open the valve and not get "stuff" come out? I don't care how "empty" my tank is, any time I open the valve more stuff comes out.
Thats why we always install the second Valterra valve amzn.to/3Ukc7sR on the end. Even if your main valve is open, nothing will come out. On normal camping situations, you open your main dump valve, then open the second one. When you are done, you close the main one, then close the second one. Since the gate is right before the cap, there is nothing to leak out.
How did it bent so fast or brake being a new RV
The RV is a 2019 and it doesn't take much to bend it
Good to know.
Great video thank ypu
Thanks for the infovideo
My black tank is near full and valve is stuck shut so I can't empty tank. What can I do?
You can manually pull the cable if it isn't broken
They need to add a grease zert to that cable so we can keep them greased up and free!
Completely agree. I sprayed some white grease on it
which type of gorrilla tape was that. and is it still holding. thanks
You can buy it in Lowe’s. It’s not duck tape. Look in the paint section and you will find it next to the flex seal. It hold great. I patched another area when i ran wires about 6 months ago and it’s still holding. Almost impossible to pull apart
So Rachel doesn't get the plumbers butt award for working on the black tank LOL😂
Set screw alan size???
I honestly dont remember
I really enjoyed your presentation. My problem is I pulled my Blackwater handle out and the cable came out with it. Could it be that the cable come unhooked from the black water valve? And would it be possible just to reconnect the cable?
I have had black tank drain handles and rods come out. That's when its a real nasty job to fix.
We have the opposite problem. Our tank needs to be dumped and the handle broke off when we went to dump it.
We've had that happen too. You can use pliers to pull the cable. Here is the replacement for the one on grand design. amzn.to/3Mv0ISs and this is the grey one. amzn.to/3IPRD4r
Tear the cable apart and straighten the rod . Simple and cheaper
My grey water to the front kitchen sink in stuck closed I can’t open it. Must be a bent rod
I don’t know why RV manufacturers can’t make the underbelly easier to work on without having to cut through it.
I agree
Yikes. Break anything but that! 😬
HAZ MAT suits are not overkill !!!
Rachel cracks me up when you have dirty jobs. I'd be laughing all the time if I was Joe.
Amazing;
Bless your hearts 😂 LOL
Just straighten the shaft and use the old cable.
we tried. It has to be perfectly straight
That seemed so easy even Rachel could have done it. 😉💩
So why dew sow many 2022 grandesign have this problem? It’s fricking brand new . Grandesign is a crappy design I want my money back.
You did a Crappy job !!!!
Did you order the part straight from Grand Design?
no, on amazon