Redwood to DRV

Suite Sweets · 11-22-2018, 07:50 AM

Long time tow behind trailer RVer, bought a Redwood about 5 years ago. Enough problems to want something better and finally bought a 2014 Cincinnati. Brought it home last week.
Former owner never found the fresh water drain valve - and neither can I. Other posts suggest on the manifold side of the sliding doors, down in the cavity. Can anyone direct me better ? A photo ?

OCB · 11-22-2018, 10:41 AM

I don't have a picture but tell you it on the floor above where you see the drain hose drop down. Three hoses exit the basement, 2 from the hot & cold manifold and the third, the fresh tank.

I have trouble reaching my valve and can reach only with my left hand. (right arm doesn't make the correct bends).
Clay 2016 MS38PS3

Cummins12V98 · 11-22-2018, 11:23 AM

YUP, it's down there! Most likely a oval shaped handle that is connected to a 1/4 turn valve. It is SLOOOOOOW to drain.

**wingnut60** · 11-22-2018, 12:06 PM

As others have said--it is on the driver side behind the water line manifold. If you have insulation laying there, pull it out/aside and look down in the lower space--it is there. A flashlight may help. Also as said, I can only reach it with left arm...and was it mentioned it is SSSLLLOOOOOOOWWWWW to drain? YES. Much faster if you open the valve and also use the water pump to run a faucet while draining--just open the grey valve and let the water run out the sewer drain and tank drain at same time.
Getting up in the basement for first time drain may help in locating the valve.

Suite Sweets · 11-22-2018, 12:15 PM

Gentlemen:
Thank you. and a reflective Thanksgiving Day to you.

I'm not with the DRV today. We're taking our last trip with the Redwood - a lot of miles in a short period of time, trying to get some wear out of the tires. When we get back home, I'll search again, using your good tips.

Eric

Suite Sweets · 12-07-2018, 07:32 PM

Gentlemen: Got back from our trip today, and without further ado, found the valve for the fresh water drain. Since this valve hadn't been opened in 5 years, it was too tight for my left hand/arm, but following OCB's observation, I approached the valve with my right arm, chest down, and could grasp the valve and open. Several of you mentioned the valve was covered with insulation. Seems, when the tank contains water, since the water line would be full on one side, that there should be no insulation above the valve (or water line) - so as to allow heat from the furnace to reach the pipe/valve. Insulation should be on the weather side of the pipe/valve, but no room for that. In our absence, the lost hubcap was delivered from DRV, so progress being made. Thanks everyone for pitching in to the answer
Eric

**wingnut60** · 12-07-2018, 08:26 PM

Congrats on joining the DRV family.
Be sure and write your name/address/phone number on the inside of the new hubcap, so when someone finds it on the side of the road, they can contact you...
If any more questions come up, just ask away.
Joe

Suite Sweets · 12-07-2018, 08:32 PM

WN60 - a great idea on the name/number. Kinda like throwing a bottle into the sea. But at $45 a 'pop', I'd be tickled to get it back.

Cummins12V98 · 12-08-2018, 10:41 AM

Most important is to have the metal spring clips in the proper position before installing the cap. Do that and they will NOT fall off.

stanleyz · 12-11-2018, 04:35 PM

If it helps someone, I took a couple feet of 2inch PVC and cut a couple gaps in the end to fit the handles on the drain. If you want more torque just drill a hole across the hand end and use a screw driver. Works great, been using it for years and it keeps those ugly bruises off the arms

Suite Sweets · 12-11-2018, 08:49 PM

Cummins, After reading your post, I had a look at the 5 remaining hubcaps. All are missing at least one spring. What is the correct position ? Any source other than Hi-Spec for that sprung metal ring ?

Cummins12V98 · 12-12-2018, 06:09 AM

The spring needs to wrapped around the metal clips that snap over the lug nuts. It gets tucked partially inside the spring clips. Simply re position them by hand.

**wingnut60** · 12-12-2018, 07:40 PM

Cummins is correct--make sure all the spring ends are on the outside of the clip legs. I used a needlenose pliers to move them.

Cummins12V98 · 12-14-2018, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wingnut60

Cummins is correct--make sure all the spring ends are on the outside of the clip legs. I used a needlenose pliers to move them.

NOW YA TELL ME!

No wonder my finger tips look like a thimble now.