Need ideas for working the gray tank valve handle

Photomom
Photomom Member Posts: 2,217
in Tips & Tricks
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?
John and Henrietta, Late 2016 T@B S Max in Western New York

Comments

  • db_cooper
    db_cooper Member Posts: 749
    Could you flip the stabilizer crank around and use the handle end to hook the valve?
    2015 Max S Outback | 2010 Xterra  -- Retired
    2022 Ford F350 Tremor |  2022 Cirrus 620



  • Photomom
    Photomom Member Posts: 2,217

    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. 
    John and Henrietta, Late 2016 T@B S Max in Western New York
  • db_cooper
    db_cooper Member Posts: 749
    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
    2015 Max S Outback | 2010 Xterra  -- Retired
    2022 Ford F350 Tremor |  2022 Cirrus 620



  • Dalehelman
    Dalehelman Member Posts: 2,414
    Valterra makes a flexible cable extension just for that purpose. It comes with a1 1/2" gate valve.
    1. Hash  T@B Fun
  • Tabaz
    Tabaz Member Posts: 2,420

    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.

    2016 Outback 320
    2024 Ford F150 Supercrew short bed.
  • Dalehelman
    Dalehelman Member Posts: 2,414
    You gotta love PVC. Nice work.
    1. Hash  T@B Fun
  • Verna
    Verna Member Posts: 6,876
    @Photomom does like her PVC. Nice work!
    Verna, Columbus, IN
    2021 T@B 320S  Boondock “The T@B”
    Towed by a white 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 Supercab, 3.5L V6 Ecoboost “The Truck”

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