Posts: 1,166
Threads: 156
Joined: Sep 2021
What is the consensus on the rear wet tank drain? I have an auto drain and the last time I pressed the Shrader valve there was water coming out. (This was before I replaced the air dryer) My question is should I remove the auto drain and plumb in a manual valve like I did for the front two tanks? I am thinking the rear tank will get dropped next since I would like to replace the check valve and give the tank a good examination. (Assuming Newell engineers didn't weld the tank brackets above the chassis blocking the bolt head) I am sure that one will be a doozie to get out due to the large size and proximity to chassisfanalia.
--Simon
1993 8v92TA #312
Posts: 5,656
Threads: 262
Joined: Jul 2012
I am a fan of the manual. The auto drains and lanyard pull drains can get debris in them and become difficult to reseat. Plus with the manul, you see what is coming out of the tank.
Richard and Rhonda Entrekin
95 Newell, 390 Ex caretaker
99 Newell, 512 Ex caretaker
07 Prevost Marathon, 1025
Maverick Hybrid Toad
Inverness, FL (when we're home
)
Posts: 1,166
Threads: 156
Joined: Sep 2021
I figured the same thing but I wanted to hear it from my trusted Guru
--Simon
1993 8v92TA #312
Posts: 327
Threads: 31
Joined: Nov 2020
I'm contemplating an auto drain valve on my 4 tanks...simply for the reason I can't get to them...easily.
But, the Bendix costs are over $140 and I'm not sure if I can trust an Amazon version at $30.
The manual petcocks on our '15 are pretty stiff and haven't been opened in over a year.
Having my shop air hooked up using a PC pancake has me enough concerned to give the tanks a check; the small, and cheap, inline dryer from HF gets "pink" after a day...so not much good.
Thoughts or experiences with an Auto Drain? IF so, and you have a good alternative to a Bendix, love to hear it.
Steve & Janice Vance
2015 Newell #1524
Glendora, CA
Posts: 505
Threads: 24
Joined: Jun 2023
I am in Richards camp, the auto drains and lanyards will eventually leak when they get crud in them. I extend the drain with DOT tubing out to the edge of the coach and put a valve there where I can easily drain them.
I have been using these little Nigo valves, they have held up well and have not had any leaks. The ones on my Wanderlodge are 6 years old at this point and so far they have held up. I mounted them by just drilling a hole big enough for the threaded end to go through a piece of plate steel and use the DOT air fitting on the other side to lock it in place. A couple of washers to help tighten it up.
https://a.co/d/hZ2aadv
Jeff LoGiudice
Temple Terrace, Fl
1984 Bluebird Wanderlodge PT40
1998 Newell 2000 #490
1986 MCI/TMC 102A3 (sold)
