Electric dump valves

[AFox2012]

Currently own a 2012 Arctic Fox 5th wheel with electric dump valves from Drain Master. Have had issues with the black tank valve sticking either closed or open. Tried all the recommended solutions with little success. Finally figured out what fixes my problem. Drain Master uses the same drive motor on the 3" valve as on the 1.5" valve. Smaller valves seem to work well. After age and wear & tear, the motor on the 3" valve just does not have the torque to get the blade to move reliably. I boosted the voltage driving the motor by 4.5 volts (3 D-cells in series) making the operating voltage on the motor somewhere around 17 volts. BINGO problem solved. The blade now zips open and closed under all conditions. Easy fix. Just added 3 cells in the pass thru. Motor only draws a fraction of an amp. Three D-cells will easily last a full year. If you are having issues, give this a try.

[MOVINON2]

We also have an Arctic Fox 5th wheel (2014) and are having the same problem with our black water tank valve stuck open. We would love to try your solution with the D cell batteries, but don't have a clue on what to do. Could you explain this a little more thoroughly with maybe a diagram or two?
Other than trying to get the motor replaced, we don't know what else to do? Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Could AFox2012 change your preferences on RV.NET so we can see your photos?

[AFox2012]

Well after being on the road now 10 weeks this summer, no issues with black tank valve not working. At least for now, all seems good. If the valve sticks or just stops working I'll update my post and let everyone know. Jan

[Sonora108]

Our 2013 27-5L came with electric dump valves and I honestly do not think I requested them. I still have a 2013 brochure and it doesn't say anything about electric dump valves even on the Silver Fox Edition. I think Northwood discontinued them sometime in 2014 or made them optional.
Bill

[Bayley]

We have a 2014 AF 29-5K and do not have the electric valves. I think the 2013's had them but they were a real problem so Northwood quit using them.

[blueglide]

2017 AF 32-5m....no electric dump valves on my 5er

[AFox2012]

Don't know for sure about latest Arctic Fox 5th wheels. I am assuming they are still using the electric valves. Guess a call to customer service would answer for sure. AFox2012

[AFox2012]

Here are two pics of when I was trying the idea for the first time... Not too pretty...





AFox2012

[AFox2012]

Thanks to BarneyS. Here are the Pics.


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Switch wiring.

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Battery Holder with #4 position jumpered.

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With batteries ready to install

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Mounted in pass-thru with velcro band to hold batteries in place.

[AFox2012]

I was considering going to manual valves when I thought of boosting the voltage. Now that is working, guess I'll give it a try for the next camping trips this season and beyond. I have liked the ease of using the electric valves. Like many, I was growing weary of having to deal with sticking valves. Maybe, just maybe, at least for me, I might be out of the woods for now. AFox2012

[BarneyS]

AFox2012,
I just sent you a PM about posting pictures. Check in the upper right corner of your screen and click on the red Private Message link.
Barney

[GON2SKI]

I have a 2014 that came with electric valves. After having too many failures to work, I converted back to manual valves......no more troubles! Are the new units still being built with the electric valve option?

[AFox2012]

Hi Traildust.... Just used a battery holder to series the three D-cells. Disconnected the RV positive 12 volt lead from the switch. Series the D-cells between the +12 lead and the switch. All there is to it. I mounted the battery holder in the pass-thru. AFox2012

[Sonora108]

We have a 2013 Arctic Fox with a sticking gray2 valve. I will give this a try if I can figure out just how to wire three D-cells in series.
Bill
On edit, wiring the three D-cells in a series is easy, positive to negative just line them up. I do wonder how you tied the three D-cells to the switch. Just add the positive to the 12vdc positive switch lead??

[AFox2012]

Griffy00... Hi there. Goodsam won't let me post pics. Private message me and give me your email and I'll send them to you. There 6 pics. AFox2012