Prank with black tank

pdykier · 08-14-2021, 02:25 PM

We recently have had pranksters pulling our black tank valve handle pull. Its been fun dumping after they have pulled the valve. It has happen 3 times to us, twice at home while parked in front of our home to load for a trip and once at a campground. We put a camera on the coach to catch the prankster, but the camera must have scared them away. Has anyone had this happen to them before? Is there anyway to lock this pull handle to keep it from happening again?

rk911 · 08-14-2021, 02:37 PM

if the handle screws on to the rod you might try removing it. just don't loose it. also you might get one of those battery operated motion detection lights. mount it so it's aimed at the area.

**creativepart** · 08-14-2021, 02:49 PM

What? Wow? What?

Do you have any "pranksters" in your house???

I have never, ever, ever heard of anything even remotely similar to this.

bigb · 08-14-2021, 03:16 PM

The fact that it seems to have happened in 2 different places suggests it may be opening by itself. Or maybe it is getting caught on brush on the roadside. Or maybe the valve is leaking. Is the handle actually pulled out when you discover it or is the pipe just full when you open the cap?

pdykier · 08-14-2021, 04:15 PM

The handle is pulled out! No leaking noted. But wow, when the cap is removed, well let's just say you don't want to be there. What a mess.

bigb · 08-14-2021, 05:01 PM

I would try a zip tie, bungee, or wire first. Then if that disappears you will know it's someone messing with you. What about the dog?

Wayne M · 08-14-2021, 08:57 PM

I'm perplexed! What RV do you have that the handle is available to anyone. Mine are in a bay and that is locked,

BobC · 08-15-2021, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wayne M

I'm perplexed! What RV do you have that the handle is available to anyone. Mine are in a bay and that is locked,

It varies, I had two TTs that had the dump valves in the open.

pdykier · 08-15-2021, 04:37 PM

Minnie Winnie 31k C class

bigb · 08-15-2021, 04:54 PM

I'd be asking the dog some serious questions under a bright light.

AJMike · 08-18-2021, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pdykier

We recently have had pranksters pulling our black tank valve handle pull. Its been fun dumping after they have pulled the valve. It has happen 3 times to us, twice at home while parked in front of our home to load for a trip and once at a campground. We put a camera on the coach to catch the prankster, but the camera must have scared them away. Has anyone had this happen to them before? Is there anyway to lock this pull handle to keep it from happening again?

Perhaps I am missing something but why don’t you close the valve before opening the drain cap? At least then you would have only a small amount of effluent and you could catch that in a plastic container. Not pleasant but at least containable.

AJMike · 08-18-2021, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wayne M

I'm perplexed! What RV do you have that the handle is available to anyone. Mine are in a bay and that is locked,

We have a Regency Ultra Brougham, which is a clone of the LTV, and the drain valve handles are in a compartment but that compartment also contains the propane on/off switch and the city and flush hose connections and it can not be locked.

Something else to worry about when sleeping at night.

NormnLonnie · 08-18-2021, 04:53 PM

That was happening to us and we found out that when they're building the RV's, sometimes the cable is a bit longer than needed and instead of cutting it to fit properly, the builders just jam the extra in there, which can work loose during travel. We had a couple of episodes of opening the sewer cap to an ugly surprise. Now we check the valves to ensure they're pushed in tightly before we start using the tanks!

09 harley · 08-18-2021, 05:33 PM

Any marital issues we need to be aware of?

FIRE UP · 08-18-2021, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigb

I'd be asking the dog some serious questions under a bright light.

Wow,
I had to pick myself up off the floor laughing at that response. What a great comment!

Yeah, seems to me somethings a bit odd. three times, with two different locations? Hmmmm.
Scott

rk911 · 08-18-2021, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wayne M

I'm perplexed! What RV do you have that the handle is available to anyone. Mine are in a bay and that is locked,

our first MH had exposed pull handles.

Greg121 · 08-19-2021, 06:32 AM

I wondered why my '14 Aspect had a locking door for the black drain........

**ThomB** · 08-19-2021, 06:39 AM

There is a company that makes powered valves. Would installing that with a switch maybe help? I'm not sure if they have an over-ride to them but the handle might not be need to be installed that way.

No, they aren't cheap, but convenient?

https://www.amazon.com/Barker-24130-...9376825&sr=8-2

There is also this that may help if it happens again. you could install it at the end of the drain as a security option? https://www.amazon.com/Valterra-T58-...9376904&sr=8-3

lonekazoo · 09-28-2021, 02:43 PM

I installed a clear bayonet extension on the end, then put a clear cap (with a garden hose cap built in) onto that. I was having problems with a slight amount of grey water leaking. I was then able to see what was there, and drain it off with the smaller hose-type opening. I fixed the leak, but I still like to use it just in case.

Now I'm going to start locking my wet bay...

Extension:

https://www.amazon.com/Valterra-T102...2861667&sr=8-1

Cap:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077Y3JQXZ/

83Itasca · 10-19-2021, 07:55 PM

The last time someone messed with my stuff they wore masks, had grubby little hands and ringed tails…
I had to resort to a fence charger to keep them out of my shop.
You want to borrow it? Just don’t forget to turn it off before servicing….