Need ideas for working the gray tank valve handle

Photomom

My T@B has the outback platform and the handle for the gray tank valve is very hard to reach. I have to get down on the ground and almost crawl under there. Not fun since who knows what has been spilled on the ground at the dump station.

At someone's suggestion I got a handle extension, but because of the angle at which the handle protrudes, the handle of the extension would only be 4 inches off the ground. And putting it on and taking it off when needed would defeat the purpose.

What I need is some type of a tool around 18" long that has a way to hook behind the valve handle so I can pull it out, along with something that would engage with the handle so I could push it in. It would be used temporarily when needed. Has anyone seen, or made, such a device?

db_cooper

Could you flip the stabilizer crank around and use the handle end to hook the valve?

Photomom

db_cooper said:

Could you flip the stabilizer crank around and use the handle end to hook the valve?

Will try that. Hooking and pulling it is easier than pushing it back. 

db_cooper

If the crank will work at least you don't have to carry another tool.  If not, something like this would probably work, and this one folds up.

Reacher Grabber, Windspeed Aluminum Suction
Cup Grip Grabber Pick Up Tool for Light Bulb Remover, iPad Pick Up, Litter Picker, Trash / Garbage, Garden Nabber, Long Extender https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MAW25UW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_2JS9yb2EJA458

Dalehelman

Valterra makes a flexible cable extension just for that purpose. It comes with a1 1/2" gate valve.

Tabaz

I used the Valterra cable-activated valve on the grey water pipe when I combined the grey and black discharges into one.  Word of caution - you need to leave at least two inches of straight run before beginning a turn of the cable.  Also, it comes with a 6' long cable that would need to be cut to size.  Not the easiest thing to do.  However, I see no problem with having the cable handle mounted to the front of the Outback platform.

Photomom

I made a custom tool from 3/4" schedule 40 PVC. The business end fits around the handles of the black and gray tank valves and can both pull to open and push to close. The end of the handle was cut to fit in the action packer that holds our sewer hose. With any luck I'll never have to crawl under the trailer again. 

Dalehelman

You gotta love PVC. Nice work.

Verna

@Photomom does like her PVC. Nice work!