The aluminum platform on the Outback covers the grey water valve and discharge port making it necessary to get on your hands and knees to empty that tank. I had enough and decided to combine the grey and black discharge ports into one. The challenge was where to put the grey water valve for easy access. Shawn M. (Pop-T@B) did something similar and posted his mod on the forum and provided me with additional information. He's the one who recommended the cable operated valve. Sorry for the poor photo quality, they were taken at night.
This is the cable valve (Amazon about twenty bucks). You can see the cable in the opening. The valve is in the closed position.
Here is the handle that operates the cable. I used a simple piece of aluminum for the "L" bracket. Made sure
is was not in the way of the battery.
As you can see, the cable handle is downright ugly, so I didn't want it showing on the outside of the T@B.
Hence the location in the propane tub.
The arrow shows the location of the factory grey valve and discharge port. Gone! much more ground
clearance now and no getting on my hands and knees.
This is taken from the front of the T@B looking back. You can see the bottom of the Outback platform.
Notice the slight angle of the cable valve - needed because of the curved front of the T@B.
Comments
States the T@Bpole has camped, so far
Nathan & Becky... 2013 Ford F150 FX4 TAB HLR... 2012 LG T@B T@Bpole.
Sterling, VA
2024 Ford F150 Supercrew short bed.
Here is a photo of the finished product (replaced the plumbers tape with zip ties for better appearance). VERY easy to get to. Goals #1 and #2 met!
Goal #3 met! the lowest part of the discharge port is 12" from the ground. In comparison, the T@B frame is 15" from the ground. Very pleased with this part.
This fitting is the key to making this work (yellow arrow). It's a 22-1/2 degree 3" SPG x H. You must tilt this fitting downward so that the 1-1/2 pipe just touches the bottom of the T@B frame (red arrow). If this isn't done, the end of the discharge will be level or tilted upward resulting in water being trapped in the T fitting aft of the black and grey valves. Very unsanitary.
The yellow line below shows the bottom of the T Fitting. It must be tilted downward at the end to allow sufficient slope for drainage. The problem area is the T@B frame getting in the way of the 1-1/2 pipe going into the T Fitting (yellow arrow).
This is the last connection to be made. Cut just enough 1-1/2 pipe to get into the rubber clamps on either side.
Bad photo, but the yellow arrow shows the bottom of 1-1/2 pipe. The top of this pipe must be snug against the bottom of the T@B frame in order to tilt the T Fitting downward.
Big thanks to Pop-Tab and Dale H for their ideas and photos! You two made this mod possible.
2024 Ford F150 Supercrew short bed.
I have edited Dales excellent parts list with comments/rationale)
3" abs 22 1/2 degree elbow HD $9.24 AMZN $7.68
3" abs 22 1/2 degree STREET elbow Lowes (moves whole assembly back to clear Outback Platform)
2ea. 3" diameter x 2" wide black abs pipe. HD $7.75 for 2’
Small can of abs cement HD $4.88 8oz AMZN $3.55 4oz
3" bayonet slip fit MALE AMZN $6.88 (No need for 3" connector pipe)
3" bristol spigot end AMZN $7.75
1 1/2 Bristol spigot end AMZN $5.06
Lasalle Bristol 66V1515 1-1/2" Anonda Slip Socket AMZN (cut existing 1 1/2 in about 5" from valve end, so don't need new pipe)
First replace 3" valve with new spigot end.
Dry fit all parts
I cut the 1 1/2 inch pipe about 5" from valve and had about 2 inches of slack at final fit.
Adjust the angle of the elbow to get desired fit, glue all parts, remove rubber elbow, bolt spigot end to trailer, cut 1 1/2 in pipe on tank and valve, slip on rubber elbow. Have a beer!
Clearance is 5 in below trailer frame. Could have tweeked the 22 1/2 elbow and upped that an inch or so.
2024 Ford F150 Supercrew short bed.