Access to dump valves on 35U

Belgique · 04-30-2006, 07:11 AM

How do you get to the dump valves on a 2001 Itasca 35U (I presume this setup is common on other coaches too?) Mine has a white panel that has the T handles, hose connections, water pump switch etc on it.

I presume you have to remove that panel? Don't see an easy way to do this. I should add that I don't NEED to do it now but I just know that one day when I'm far far away I will pull the handle and it will fall out and I won't have access to the brain trust that resides here

Thanks in advance! Steve

Belgique · 04-30-2006, 07:11 AM

How do you get to the dump valves on a 2001 Itasca 35U (I presume this setup is common on other coaches too?) Mine has a white panel that has the T handles, hose connections, water pump switch etc on it.

I presume you have to remove that panel? Don't see an easy way to do this. I should add that I don't NEED to do it now but I just know that one day when I'm far far away I will pull the handle and it will fall out and I won't have access to the brain trust that resides here

Thanks in advance! Steve

bobpie · 04-30-2006, 12:32 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Belgique:
How do you get to the dump valves on a 2001 Itasca 35U (I presume this setup is common on other coaches too?) Mine has a white panel that has the T handles, hose connections, water pump switch etc on it.

I presume you have to remove that panel? Don't see an easy way to do this. I should add that I don't NEED to do it now but I just know that one day when I'm far far away I will pull the handle and it will fall out and I won't have access to the brain trust that resides here

Thanks in advance! Steve </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Yea, me too. just waiting for the replies.

AFChap · 04-30-2006, 01:32 PM

You can remove that white panel in the water service bay, but it does have several plumbing connections etc attached through it, making removal somewhat difficult/complicated. When I had a black valve replaced on my coach recently when it was in for other items, the dealer service department cut an access hatch in the rear wall of the storage compartment immediately in front of the water service bay. When finished, they made a cover for the hole out of material that matches the compartment walls, and attached it with screws ...very nicely done!! I have also heard of owners doing it themselves ...in one case the owner removed the screws holding the compartment wall in place to get the wall out, then simply screwed it back in place when finished.

Belgique · 04-30-2006, 02:21 PM

Thanks Paul! Not sure I understand without a visual but will go out in the AM and see if it becomes clear. On a 35U the only adjacent compartment is the electrical box area.

As I mentioned, this is not an urgent problem since things are ok now but they tend to go South at the worst times. This was prompted by seeing some pictures of rigs here where the valves were totally accesible and I got jeaulous! Steve

N8XV · 04-30-2006, 02:25 PM

We have a 2000 35U and I think it's the same as other year 35U. I have had my panel out a couple times. First time was the worst and if I remember right I said I'd never do it a second time. There really is nothing hard about taking the thing apart, but it does take time. I found it went back together easier than it came apart. I'm not saying it's fun or easy, but it can be done.

AFChap · 04-30-2006, 02:33 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">valves were totally accesible and I got jeaulous </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Steve

Look at it this way ...your totally hidden valves are less vulnerable to freezing and will not get damaged/broken by a rock or other item tossed up from the road. Think of the mess that would cause, and be thankful!!

Belgique · 04-30-2006, 03:20 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by AFChap:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">valves were totally accesible and I got jeaulous </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Steve

Look at it this way ...your totally hidden valves are less vulnerable to freezing and will not get damaged/broken by a rock or other item tossed up from the road. Think of the mess that would cause, and be thankful!!

</div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Paul: spoken like a man of the Cloth

But, I sure hope the sucker doesn't break! Thanks, Steve

NeilV · 04-30-2006, 11:45 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Belgique:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by AFChap:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">valves were totally accesible and I got jeaulous </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Steve

Look at it this way ...your totally hidden valves are less vulnerable to freezing and will not get damaged/broken by a rock or other item tossed up from the road. Think of the mess that would cause, and be thankful!!

</div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Paul: spoken like a man of the Cloth

But, I sure hope the sucker doesn't break! Thanks, Steve </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

On my 95 Vectra the valves are in a heated basement compartment but right out in the open. This cuts down on storage in that bin but I really don't want to store much under the sewer drain cap. If the valves ever need servicing there will be no problem getting at them.

adj · 05-01-2006, 12:15 AM

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Belgique:
How do you get to the dump valves on a 2001 Itasca 35U (I presume this setup is common on other coaches too?) Mine has a white panel that has the T handles, hose connections, water pump switch etc on it.

I presume you have to remove that panel? Don't see an easy way to do this. I should add that I don't NEED to do it now but I just know that one day when I'm far far away I will pull the handle and it will fall out and I won't have access to the brain trust that resides here

Thanks in advance! Steve[/QUOT

Is there a compartment on the oppisite side of te coach across from the wet compartment? If so, see if the inside wall is removable which would probably give you another access to the valves.

Izzyblueye · 05-01-2006, 03:51 AM

The first year I had my 01 Itasca the grey water cable slipped in its cinch. Valve open, would not close. All of this is hidden from view. I spent two hours on my knees with a very short Phillips screw driver and finally was able to reposition the cable housing and tighten the screw working blind. It has worked fine since, but I am very careful when working either of the valves, as it may happen again. Taking the entire panel out is probably what one would have to do if you need serious repair.

ISLAPP · 05-01-2006, 09:45 AM

Apparently Winne must have gotten alittle smarter since they built your '01. On my '03, the valves are accessible without doing anything with the panel above them. in fact, I just replaced my black tank valve the other day and never had to mess with the panel.
Mike

Izzyblueye · 05-01-2006, 10:11 AM

There was fellow with a 01 Adventurer sitting right beside me with entirely different valves on his. His were direct connections, no cables, but he was on a W/H chassis I don't know if that made a difference or not. The tanks are in different locations on the two models.

Belgique · 05-02-2006, 02:17 AM

Dang

I was hoping one of you would tell me that I had overlooked something obvious and that this was an easy fix. Alas. Guess I'll study it while I have no emergency situation and be prepared. REALLY appreciate the comments...I'' use them in my studies. Steve