Fresh water tank electric drain valve

[C&MCurrie]

I found accessing the fresh tank drain valve in our Elite I quite cumbersome since we leave the bed set up 100% of the time.  We have the optional latex mattress which is heavy and awkward to move. So, I copied what others have done and installed an electric valve operated by a toggle switch. Works beautifully!  BTW, when I removed the manual valve and inspected it, I saw a large piece of plastic debris wedged inside. Probably explains why it took so long for my tank to drain. 

Used the US Solid 3 wire electric valve and SPDT on/on toggle switch with flip cover to prevent accident activation of valve. All parts purchased through Amazon. 

[rich.dev]

21 minutes ago, C&MCurrie said:

So, I copied what others have done and installed an electric valve operated by a toggle switch.

Very nice! Do you perhaps have a link to where someone has installation instructions, I searched, but couldn’t find anything? 

[C&MCurrie]

No, I never saw instructions. It’s fairly straightforward if you’re a bit of a handyman. Hardest part is maneuvering in the limited space where valve is located. 

[rich.dev]

On thanks, do you maybe have links or part numbers for the components you used?

[C&MCurrie]

Here are screen shots of the items I purchased off Amazon. You’ll also need spade connectors to attach wires to switch. I already had those, but they too are available on Amazon. Also some hose clamps or pex crimp rings with crimping tool are needed. 

[topgun2]

And,

From what source did you get the electrical feeds?

[C&MCurrie]

I tapped into a previous exterior 12v outlet mod. Much easier than fishing wires between hulls. 

[Trainman]

This is the one thing that I found was in a very inconvenient place, the fresh water drain valve (Elite II). I think this electric valve install should be stand on the Oliver trailers, just a pain the "a" to get to, lifting the bed and all the covers just to operate the value. 

trainman

[Cameron]

I can't picture this mod but I want to do it. If you have time to give some instructions and pix, I might just try it.

[mossemi]

On 1/26/2023 at 10:37 PM, Cameron said:

I can't picture this mod but I want to do it. If you have time to give some instructions and pix, I might just try it.

I am sure C&M Currie will respond with more information about this mod, but until then I have included a plumbing and electrical diagram from the 2017 LE2 manual to help you focus on the what it might entail.

Mossey

Plumbing Diagram 

 

Wiring Diagram

[C&MCurrie]

It’s basically just cutting out manual valve and replacing it with the electric one. Might want to have a piece of blue pex pipe handy. I extended how much pipe exited camper so I could crimp on a 3/4” threaded brass fitting. The two biggest decisions are where to mount switch and where to get 12v power from. I originally wanted to mount switch with the rest of the switches on the left wall as you enter camper, but running wires between hulls proved impossible for me. So I decided on current location shown in picture. For 12v power, I just tapped into a previous mod of a 12v exterior socket which was very close to valve location. But, it would not have been very difficult to run the wires to the other side of camper where the fuse panel is located. There is a Youtube video on wiring up the US Solid valve. Remember, there are two versions of the US Solid valve, a three wire and a two wire. The 3 wire is what I chose. In either open or closed condition, it draws no power. The two wire version uses minimal power when open and will automatically close when power is lost using internal capacitor. 

[CnC]

An electric fresh water drain valve would be a better option than the optional grey tank separator valve in the bathroom...  just saying.

Charlie. 

[Mike and Carol]

1 hour ago, CnC said:

An electric fresh water drain valve would be a better option than the optional grey tank separator valve in the bathroom...  just saying.

Or both could be options!

[Coddiwomple]

Thank you C&M Currie for the great info! I did this modification and followed your advice on all the parts and components except I opted for the two wire version. Works great!!

[jd1923]

On 1/19/2023 at 3:07 PM, C&MCurrie said:

I found accessing the fresh tank drain valve in our Elite I quite cumbersome since we leave the bed set up 100% of the time.

It appears you added an electric operated valve to empty the fresh tank only. I'd like to do this too, plus add two additional motorized 3-way water ball valves to switch the under-bed plumbing from drawing from the fresh tank, to drawing from the rear winterization port, and back. 

I had talked to ScubaRX about the latter, an upgrade he made some time ago. This US Solid product looks great, and the stainless-steel valve is spec'd for potable water. Steve had suggested a Misol product that is a China made brass of some kind. I'm hoping to find a US Solid 3-way valve for this other application. I'll let you know if I find one, or please if somebody has, please let is know. Here is the Misol product: Misol Motorized Ball Valve 1/2"(bsp) dn15 / 12vdc / 3 Way/Electrical Valve/Ball Valve with Acuator / Cr01 / Reducet T Port: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific