Preventive maintenance for dump valve cables?

[oldryder]

I have a grand design 5th wheel that has the handles for operating the water and waste tank dump valves in a central area. Every time I use them I wonder if there is going to be a failure since it seems a failure prone design. They work and I keep the shafts at the handles well lubed but there is a lot of cable that never sees lubricant. I don't like waiting for something to break.

wondering if there is a recommended maintenance procedure or maybe an upgrade that would eliminate the potential for failure. If not that how do you deal with a broken cable when camping?

thx to anyone taking the time to offer advice.

 

[Tom]

I have a grand design 5th wheel that has the handles for operating the water and waste tank dump valves in a central area. Every time I use them I wonder if there is going to be a failure since it seems a failure prone design. They work and I keep the shafts at the handles well lubed but there is a lot of cable that never sees lubricant. I don't like waiting for something to break.

wondering if there is a recommended maintenance procedure or maybe an upgrade that would eliminate the potential for failure. If not that how do you deal with a broken cable when camping?

thx to anyone taking the time to offer advice.

I have a GD with the same cables (3 in all), and have wondered the same thing. So I'll be watching any replies you receive.

 

[Rene T]

There is pretty much nothing you can do for preventative maintenance. You just have to hope they never fail while attempting to dump.

We had a 2011 Montana High Country with the cable operated valves for all three tanks. I hated them. Most times it seemed like the valves would never close all the way.
Luckily for me, the way the tanks were installed, I was able to completely remove the cable assemblies with valves and I installed a standard valve. Then with lots of figuring, I was able to add a valve stem extension and have them run right through the frame.
No more worries about the valves failing. The only odd thing was that the valve handle for the black tank came through the frame on the curbside/passenger side of the rv. That was OK with me.

 

[richclover]

I have a grand design 5th wheel that has the handles for operating the water and waste tank dump valves in a central area. Every time I use them I wonder if there is going to be a failure since it seems a failure prone design. They work and I keep the shafts at the handles well lubed but there is a lot of cable that never sees lubricant. I don't like waiting for something to break.

wondering if there is a recommended maintenance procedure or maybe an upgrade that would eliminate the potential for failure. If not that how do you deal with a broken cable when camping?

thx to anyone taking the time to offer advice.

I’ve used dump valve lube with success. My tanks had cables and when the valves got “sticky” it took more force on the handles and cables to open or close. A friend of mine broke a cable trying to free a stuck valve. That got spendy.

Thetford RV Drain Valve Lubricant 15843, 24 oz. Bottle (Quantity 4)

Amazon.com

Good luck and safe travels!