storage tank draining

[marti]

I'm a first time rv owner. I have a 76 american clipper and can't figure out how to empty the holding tanks. any help/guidance would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

[John Eversoll]

Well, twoards the rear of the rig you will see a couple of handles tucked under the bottom of the rig....

Grab your hose or your Drain line and connect it to the large pipe...

Put the other end in the sewer " clean out"

Take the handle in your hand TURN to the Left....  Then pull the right one first

Wait till it emptys and then turn and pull the left handle...

Pretty easy really.............  John

[mccammonds]

Yes, As John says,  make sure you have a good dump site. Make sure you have a good sewer hose with an adapter from the hose to the hose connection on the rig.  Hook up hose before pulling any valves.
 
As a rule it always better to dumb the black water tank first.  That is the tank to the far left rear right behind the valves.   The gray water is the one closer to the middle and also at the back.  Now that is on a 1975 rear kitchen 821F like I have..  After you have dumped the black water if you can and have a water source you might refill the black water tank again then dump it again.  It is difficult to get all the black water solids  to dump in just one dumping.

Then you can use the gray water to dump and it will help rinse some of the nasty black water stuff out.

[John Eversoll]

             "OH, He's Good" !!!!!!   

[Horst]

My black tank dump technique (but I get to do it at home - but works wherever there is a hose connection as well as the clean out)
1) Dump black tank
2) Close black valve
3) Run water hose into toilet to about 3 inches from top of tank - close the flusher valve and it will hold the hose in place
4) turn on hose, get back to your black tank valve, put your head near the Clipper and LISTEN - you'll hear the water running in the tank - when the water level gets up to the hose, it will get quiet - OPEN black valve as soon as it gets quiet (unless you want water in your bathroom) - empty it out and repeat two times
5) drain gray tank
You are now ready to move on.

[USNRetired]

I basically follow Horst's idea/process... but don't always flush and reflush the black water tank. 

My problem is that I have a low back problem complicated by sciatica.  Getting down and on my back to open up that gray water valve is a major chore.  Isn't there an adapter or something that has the gray water valve and black water valves side by side and where you only need to bend down or just get on one knee??  Opening the existing black water valve isn't a major hassle, but that gray water valve is a pain!!

Any suggestions?

[John Eversoll]

Hi Jim, I am soooooo with you on that!!!!!

5  hurniated disks and a pinched nerve in my lower back

  I know your pain and if it wasn't for my cane I would have

  a real problem getting up.  I still have to get on my back and

  put the vapor line on the fuel tank...  I just shutter to think of doing that

  But the gods have helped me and have let it rain so I can poatpone it fo ra while..

     JOhn

[USNRetired]

John,
I feel the same way about the rain.  I have a laundry list of "too does,  with the Clipper and at home, I am really thankful for this rain.  Add to that, I had number two of three epidural injections yesterday morning and under Doctor Orders to sit or lay around all day up until 11AM tomorrow.  :-)  Couldn't even drive yesterday.  oooohhh darn!   

I hope someone comes up with something about the positioning of those valves.  I am sure I can find something researching the internet, that was part of what I did for the Naval Air Force Command here in San Diego for about 15 years, so I am familiar with a lot of the tricks.  But I do know that it is much better to not reinvent the wheel.  I am sure there is an ACOC Member out there who has already done this and is just waiting to share that process and info with all of the rest of us.   

[Horst]

Someone made/sells and "extension" handle for the grey tank that puts it right next to the black tank handle. I have seen them - but forgot who/what/where/how/when, etc. - but I know it exists!

[John Eversoll]

   No more injections for me!!!!!!!!!!!  I had six and I am WORSE now than I was before I had them.....

    I want to do the Spinal decompression but can't find the right one for the right price...

    Hell, I don't want to be 18 again, I just want to chase the wife around the coffee table

    and catch her...  Not her just give up"  LOL  take care Jim.. 

[jon]

I dont have a hose. Atleast i dont think so. Ive been all over this thing and do even see where it might be. I just have to straddle the drain at the park and pull the handle. my gray water valve dont close all they way anyway so when i take the cap off i get a rush right away.

[Horst]

hmmm.........I really hope you are kidding. Buy a hose and some connectors.

[jon]

Hey im a farmer, I wade around in pig crap for a living. THat litle bit of poop that comes out of the tank dont bother me. and suppriseingly it dosent splash. The first ime i did it  i thot i was gona get covered.

[Robert P. Anderson]

THE CLUB SELLS A REAL NEAT KIT TO REWORK THE DRAIN VALVES. MEL SUPPLIES ALL THE PIPE, FITTINGS, AND GLUE WITH THE KIT. THE KIT HAS THE NEW AND EASY TO OPERATE VALVES IN AN EASY TO OPERATE LOCATION. THE NEW VALVES WORK 100% EASIER AND COST ABOUT 1/4 OF THE PRICE  OF THE ORIGINAL ONES TO REPAIR AND ALL THE R V SUPPLIERS HAVE PARTS FOR THEM. LOOK FOR THE ORDER FORM IN THE FORMS SECTION OF THE HOME PAGE.
BOB ANDERON

[caninecaravan]

I bought the replacement valve set-up from the club for the $75 and it was the best investment I made. No more crawling around under the rig to reach the valve. Both are on the side. Pull black and then pull gray and you're done. Easy to install if you follow directions. Go for it.