Great review, great addition. The added manual breaker switch was a great thought. Pretty soon the whole system from valve through hose to dump tank will be automatic. thanks Ray!
Ray, I put this system on my wish list after watching your video last year. I finally got around to ordering and installing it. I went with the system that utilizes the regular switch panel on the inside and waterproof switches outside in my wet bay. I like the idea of having switches inside, especially during cold and rainy weather. Cheryl Ann at Drain Master has been very nice to work with. I had an issue where the LED indicators inside the waterproof switches were barely visible in daylight. Cheryl Ann had their switch engineer make me a set of custom replacement switches that are brighter. Not many companies would do that. I mentioned your review and gave you full credit for my purchase. Cheryl Ann thanked me and mentioned how much they appreciate you. Thanks again for your review! P.S. Is there another puppy in your future? We miss seeing sweet Angelica.
That's great to hear! Good company. :) We are going to hold off on a new dog for a while until we are ready for another 15-year commitment. Enjoy some of the travel freedom that comes with not having to care for a pet. But never know one may find us. Cheers, Ray
Looks like another successful installation Ray! Appreciate the video as always. I can hardly wait until the new truck arrives since I tow with a 2016 Ram 2500 diesel.
Lots of struvites in the black tank. After using the TnakTechRX, I did a video inspection and there was zero struvite growth in my tanks. I can imagine the smell from the struvites.
Well 7 years of full time RVing has to leave some, plus we boondock for 4 months a year, I had actually had no smell while working on it, was surprised and we have been stationary for over 2 months now.
Great job Ray!! I always enjoy your videos and will be incorporating at leas some of your mods into my camper in the spring. You will have to let us know how it is pulling the camper with the new truck and if you notice much of a difference between the duel and single axal. Drive safe and cheers.
Thank you, Steve. I plan a full review of the towing experience with the new truck versus old in the late fall after we have made the journey from BC down to the southwest. :) It will get exposed to many different types of roads and terrain on a route we've done often. Cheers, Ray
Depending on where you are located, we install here at our place in Hollister CA. If you have a trusted tech we are happy to talk him/her through the install and are always here to answer questions, 877 787 8833 Toll Free www.drainmaster.com
Great video Ray... after your annual inspection & a full year of use, what observations can you offer on these? Any pro & con insights you can share? Thanks again for sharing such helpful content!
Thanks, not much to update, they work as advertised push and they open and push and close, no leaks. Here is an update to the review I did in December after using them camping a few months - th-cam.com/video/k9esJJZ6OW4/w-d-xo.html Cheers! Ray
Ray, at around 7:00 I noticed your wrist was bandaged. Did you cut yourself while working under the rig? Do you have a delivery date for the new truck? As always another great video under the supervision of Angie. Cheers Ray
I had an injury on my wrist previously from working on Anne's boat installing a VHF radio for her. I accidentally burned myself on my solder iron. It's nothing major but since I was working around the sewer pipes I wrapped it up really well so I wouldn't get anything in there and infect it. No fixed date yet, expected sometime in September. Thanks :)
I the beginning you said valves must go no more then 10 and 2 off of top center when being installed, but you installed at 3 and 9. Why and can these valves be used in the 9 and 3 without any problems?
They have an optimal and permissible zones, here is the chart - www.loveyourrv.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/diagram.jpg and my installaton blog post - www.loveyourrv.com/installing-electric-rv-waste-tank-valves/ Because of the OEM design of my sewer plumbing I had to be satisfied with just a few degrees into the acceptable range. I may change things in the future however it will require some reworking of the plumbing to change and reglue the mounting flanges.
Those colour codes are confusing. I think Green should be OPEN(Go) and Red should be CLOSED(Stop). Traffic Light way of thinking. Also, I think it might be time for another "RV UPGRADES, HOW HAVE THEY PERFORMED" video. It's been almost 2 years since the last one. ........ Cheers!
Permissible but not optimal. Check page 5 of the installation instructions PDF - drainmaster.com/rv/sites/default/files/DM88%20S2VT%20Valve%20Install%20Instructions_0.pdf
Holding up well. I did have one valve jam and wouldn't close all the way, LED close light wouldn't come on, some debris got jammed in it - www.loveyourrv.com/black-waste-tank-valve-wont-close-properly/ But I just had to remove the jam and it worked fine again. Cheers, Ray
We are having a problem with our 2014 Arctic Fox 5th wheel electric Drain Master black tank valve closing. Apparently, the voltage on the motor becomes less with age to be able to open and close the valve. On the RV.Net forum, one of the commenters said he added 3 D cell batteries in line and has no more problems. Unfortunately, he didn't explain in detail how to do this and there were no photos or diagrams. Do you think you could do a video on this, soon? We don't want to have to crawl under the 5th wheel and tear out the insulation, etc. to try and manually close it. HELP!!
I'd be wary of adding more voltage using extra batteries. If it was me I'd first check the voltage right at the valve and make sure that it is 12 volts or more there. Maybe there is a faulty connection somewhere in the wiring lowering the voltage to the valve. Another possibility s some debris has become stuck in the gate. I'd take the valve apart and inspect it. This is the older model valve, you may look into upgrading them to the newer electronically controlled Pro series. Either way, Drainmaster has good support. Maybe a good idea to give them a buzz or shoot them an email. They are a US small business and very responsive I find. - drainmaster.com/rv/contact Cheers, Ray
Thanks, yes there is a reducer kit available - drainmaster.com/rv/products/full-view/100183 I actually have a second gray tank for the kitchen which is 1 1/2 that I plan to make electric in the future. Cheers, Ray
rick dees he explained why he was switching on his previous video(installation part1). The handles from the old one were getting on the way of storages and he was afraid of bending them and be screwed.
My manual valves were getting old and sticky and due for replacement so decided to upgrade. By doing so I was able to get rid of the two pull rods and handles that were always in the way. Freed up some nice extra storage space. Also, the push button ones will be nicer for my wife when she dumps the tanks when I'm away.
I see your Minnesota map has not been filled. If you would like a tour of the beautiful north shore of Lake Superior, the buffalo plains of the west, the cool caverns and bluff country of the south east or the high life to the states largest Mall of America, let me know. I'll hook up and show you around.
Thanks. :) Will keep in mind if we head east again one day. I'd like to revisit the Maritimes. We did drive through Minnesota in July 2011 but my criteria is to have overnighted. That year Minnesota government was in a budget shutdown and all the State Parks were closed. Was hot as heck, too! We continued on to Wisconsin and visited Bayfield on Lake Superior near the Apostle Islands then moved over and visited the Pictured Rocks in Upper Michigan before heading into Ontario.
They aren't a need more of a want. Kind of like power windows or locks in a car. Also, so I was able to get rid of the pull rods on the storage compartment shelf that were in the way all the time and often broke/bent or got sticky. Will be easier for my wife to dump the tanks when I'm away. Cheers, Ray
See Part 1 video - th-cam.com/video/_G61xCEsJtU/w-d-xo.html
Visit full blog post - www.loveyourrv.com/installing-electric-rv-waste-tank-valves/
You're a braver soul than I'll ever be! Great video and, got to say, what a tough, stinky job that must have been.
Good job as always, Ray! I found that if you over tighten the valve nuts the valve doesn't move too easily, if at all. Cheers to you!
Thanks, Dennis.
Great review, great addition. The added manual breaker switch was a great thought. Pretty soon the whole system from valve through hose to dump tank will be automatic. thanks Ray!
Thanks. I've heard there are automated one-button systems out there that even add tank chemicals after doing a flush. :)
Another great how to video, Ray. NICE!👌
Thanks, John. :)
Ray, I put this system on my wish list after watching your video last year. I finally got around to ordering and installing it. I went with the system that utilizes the regular switch panel on the inside and waterproof switches outside in my wet bay. I like the idea of having switches inside, especially during cold and rainy weather. Cheryl Ann at Drain Master has been very nice to work with. I had an issue where the LED indicators inside the waterproof switches were barely visible in daylight. Cheryl Ann had their switch engineer make me a set of custom replacement switches that are brighter. Not many companies would do that. I mentioned your review and gave you full credit for my purchase. Cheryl Ann thanked me and mentioned how much they appreciate you. Thanks again for your review! P.S. Is there another puppy in your future? We miss seeing sweet Angelica.
That's great to hear! Good company. :)
We are going to hold off on a new dog for a while until we are ready for another 15-year commitment. Enjoy some of the travel freedom that comes with not having to care for a pet. But never know one may find us. Cheers, Ray
Looks like another successful installation Ray! Appreciate the video as always. I can hardly wait until the new truck arrives since I tow with a 2016 Ram 2500 diesel.
Me too! :)
Very nice. I will be listening how much you like these
Lots of struvites in the black tank. After using the TnakTechRX, I did a video inspection and there was zero struvite growth in my tanks. I can imagine the smell from the struvites.
Well 7 years of full time RVing has to leave some, plus we boondock for 4 months a year, I had actually had no smell while working on it, was surprised and we have been stationary for over 2 months now.
A very nice install.👍
Great job Ray
I know that job was not on the "HONEY DO DO" list. Awesome job Ray!
Great job Ray!! I always enjoy your videos and will be incorporating at leas some of your mods into my camper in the spring.
You will have to let us know how it is pulling the camper with the new truck and if you notice much of a difference between the duel and single axal. Drive safe and cheers.
Thank you, Steve. I plan a full review of the towing experience with the new truck versus old in the late fall after we have made the journey from BC down to the southwest. :) It will get exposed to many different types of roads and terrain on a route we've done often. Cheers, Ray
Thanks.
Another great video. Look forward to your crossover reinforcement video now. ;-)
BRAVO, Ray!! Your Supervisory Beagle needs a fresh pig's ear for this job! ;)
Great video as always
I love the idea of the gates, but, I think I will have them installed for me. I am not as mechanically inclined as you are.
Depending on where you are located, we install here at our place in Hollister CA. If you have a trusted tech we are happy to talk him/her through the install and are always here to answer questions, 877 787 8833 Toll Free www.drainmaster.com
Great video Ray... after your annual inspection & a full year of use, what observations can you offer on these? Any pro & con insights you can share? Thanks again for sharing such helpful content!
Thanks, not much to update, they work as advertised push and they open and push and close, no leaks. Here is an update to the review I did in December after using them camping a few months - th-cam.com/video/k9esJJZ6OW4/w-d-xo.html
Cheers! Ray
Great job.
Euuu! that wand on the table!
Settle down man, it gets bleached after every use, likely cleaner than your own kitchen table ;) - th-cam.com/video/dBHMJcZqtK8/w-d-xo.html
I though the same thing. Well I guess eating bleach is better than 💩
Ray, at around 7:00 I noticed your wrist was bandaged. Did you cut yourself while working under the rig? Do you have a delivery date for the new truck? As always another great video under the supervision of Angie. Cheers Ray
I had an injury on my wrist previously from working on Anne's boat installing a VHF radio for her. I accidentally burned myself on my solder iron. It's nothing major but since I was working around the sewer pipes I wrapped it up really well so I wouldn't get anything in there and infect it. No fixed date yet, expected sometime in September. Thanks :)
I the beginning you said valves must go no more then 10 and 2 off of top center when being installed, but you installed at 3 and 9. Why and can these valves be used in the 9 and 3 without any problems?
They have an optimal and permissible zones, here is the chart - www.loveyourrv.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/diagram.jpg and my installaton blog post - www.loveyourrv.com/installing-electric-rv-waste-tank-valves/
Because of the OEM design of my sewer plumbing I had to be satisfied with just a few degrees into the acceptable range. I may change things in the future however it will require some reworking of the plumbing to change and reglue the mounting flanges.
Hey Ray, what kept you from mounting the valves motor side down for more angle on the install?
Those colour codes are confusing. I think Green should be OPEN(Go) and Red should be CLOSED(Stop). Traffic Light way of thinking. Also, I think it might be time for another "RV UPGRADES, HOW HAVE THEY PERFORMED" video. It's been almost 2 years since the last one. ........ Cheers!
I covered quite a few in this one last February - www.loveyourrv.com/20-love-your-rv-product-reviews-how-have-they-performed/ :)
sorry, I forgot about that one.
No problem, I plan another update later on in the year. :)
Raybbj - Agree! Anything to confuse us by the powers that be!
What did the company say about mounting the valves at 90 degrees instead of 00 or less than 10 degrees off of straight up??
Permissible but not optimal. Check page 5 of the installation instructions PDF - drainmaster.com/rv/sites/default/files/DM88%20S2VT%20Valve%20Install%20Instructions_0.pdf
how are these holding up after over a year? thanks!
Holding up well. I did have one valve jam and wouldn't close all the way, LED close light wouldn't come on, some debris got jammed in it - www.loveyourrv.com/black-waste-tank-valve-wont-close-properly/ But I just had to remove the jam and it worked fine again. Cheers, Ray
We are having a problem with our 2014 Arctic Fox 5th wheel electric Drain Master black tank valve closing. Apparently, the voltage on the motor becomes less with age to be able to open and close the valve. On the RV.Net forum, one of the commenters said he added 3 D cell batteries in line and has no more problems. Unfortunately, he didn't explain in detail how to do this and there were no photos or diagrams. Do you think you could do a video on this, soon? We don't want to have to crawl under the 5th wheel and tear out the insulation, etc. to try and manually close it. HELP!!
I'd be wary of adding more voltage using extra batteries. If it was me I'd first check the voltage right at the valve and make sure that it is 12 volts or more there. Maybe there is a faulty connection somewhere in the wiring lowering the voltage to the valve.
Another possibility s some debris has become stuck in the gate. I'd take the valve apart and inspect it.
This is the older model valve, you may look into upgrading them to the newer electronically controlled Pro series.
Either way, Drainmaster has good support. Maybe a good idea to give them a buzz or shoot them an email. They are a US small business and very responsive I find. - drainmaster.com/rv/contact Cheers, Ray
Thank you. We will try these suggestions, first.
hey Ray great job but i have a question did that kit come with a reducer because my grey tank is 1 1/2 or 2 inch but my black tank is 3 inch
Thanks, yes there is a reducer kit available - drainmaster.com/rv/products/full-view/100183
I actually have a second gray tank for the kitchen which is 1 1/2 that I plan to make electric in the future.
Cheers, Ray
thank you Ray hope to see that done too
Why was this necessary, were your manual valves giving you a problem of some sort?
rick dees he explained why he was switching on his previous video(installation part1). The handles from the old one were getting on the way of storages and he was afraid of bending them and be screwed.
My manual valves were getting old and sticky and due for replacement so decided to upgrade. By doing so I was able to get rid of the two pull rods and handles that were always in the way. Freed up some nice extra storage space. Also, the push button ones will be nicer for my wife when she dumps the tanks when I'm away.
I see your Minnesota map has not been filled. If you would like a tour of the beautiful north shore of Lake Superior, the buffalo plains of the west, the cool caverns and bluff country of the south east or the high life to the states largest Mall of America, let me know. I'll hook up and show you around.
Thanks. :) Will keep in mind if we head east again one day. I'd like to revisit the Maritimes.
We did drive through Minnesota in July 2011 but my criteria is to have overnighted. That year Minnesota government was in a budget shutdown and all the State Parks were closed. Was hot as heck, too!
We continued on to Wisconsin and visited Bayfield on Lake Superior near the Apostle Islands then moved over and visited the Pictured Rocks in Upper Michigan before heading into Ontario.
Did they give you a discount code?
No, they didn't
Not sure why you would need one.
They aren't a need more of a want. Kind of like power windows or locks in a car. Also, so I was able to get rid of the pull rods on the storage compartment shelf that were in the way all the time and often broke/bent or got sticky. Will be easier for my wife to dump the tanks when I'm away. Cheers, Ray
Scary how poorly built those trailers are