DRV Black Tank Handle

[dapperdan]

I'm looking for suggestions as to reinforcing my black tank handle on my 2019 DRVMobile Suites Last week I managed to yank on the handle a little too aggressively (my fault) and pictured is the result. Anyone have suggestions as to a way of getting behind this area to reinforce the broken plastic with some sort of a metal plate or something similar?

Going in from the basement grey doors will be next to impossible with all the plumbing lines in the way. My thought is to open the underside directly below the water bay and get to the back side of this valve. I'm open to ideas! I'm hoping to NOT turn this into a major project.



Thanks in advance.

Dan

[The Gritz Carlton]

Maybe cut a 4"x4" plate from aluminum or something. Drill a hole in the middle, remove the handle and sleeve nut from the outside of handle. Place "plate" over the threaded end, reinstall sleeve nut and handle...screw plate in place at the corners?

[macdaddy1111]

I fix stuff like that.

Soldering iron
Metal coat hanger
Staples
White zip ties
Fine sand paper

Make a Soldering iron tip
Fill in crack with melted zip ties using iron
Press in staples with iron
Melt some more zippies
Sand smooth

Ton of youtube videos on how to do it

[GTM41261]

Mine is cracking like that also. I plan on changing out the valve and cable this winter when I replace the will leak water valve. I feel part of the reason for it cracking the plate is the valve is binding up. I like the idea of a metal plate on the front as the backside of the valve is tricky.

[Cummins12V98]

Just replace the valve with new that has the "T" handle on it. That cable will fail on you very soon.

[dapperdan]

Originally Posted by Cummins12V98

Just replace the valve with new that has the "T" handle on it. That cable will fail on you very soon.

I hope you're wrong Cummins. Knowing my luck tho.....

I'm working on a solution, I appreciate the suggestions. THANK YOU guys!

I'm going to "attempt" placing a plate on the inside as well as the outside, I'll report back in a couple of days.

Dan

[Cummins12V98]

Originally Posted by dapperdan

Just replace the valve with new that has the "T" handle on it. That cable will fail on you very soon."

I hope you're wrong Cummins. Knowing my luck tho.....

I'm working on a solution, I appreciate the suggestions. THANK YOU guys!

I'm going to "attempt" placing a plate on the inside as well as the outside, I'll report back in a couple of days.

Dan

Drill a 1/2" hole in a flat steel outlet box cover plate. Apply LocTite PL3 to the back side. Now use a 1/4" toggle bolt with a 1/4" large flat washer to clamp in place. Next day remove toggle and feed cable thru the hole. DONE!!!

[rynosback]

As stated take metal on the backside to strengthen the Thon plastic.

[dapperdan]

Thanks for the suggestions guys!!

I'm working on two plates actually. One on the outside and one on the inside. I will apply adhesive and bolt together. I'll let you guys know how it works out once I get it in.

Dan

[The Gritz Carlton]

Send pictures to Thor also. They do actually listen...sometimes.

[dapperdan]

Thanks guys for your suggestions and ideas!

I decided to use some aluminum stock I had laying around, 2" X 1/8" stock. I fashioned two plates 2" X 4"and used some 2 part epoxy (on the inside plate) to fix the cracked plastic.

The valve handle is VERY solid now!



Thanks again for your help.

Dan

[16ACE27]

Originally Posted by dapperdan

Thanks guys for your suggestions and ideas!

I decided to use some aluminum stock I had laying around, 2" X 1/8" stock. I fashioned two plates 2" X 4"and used some 2 part epoxy (on the inside plate) to fix the cracked plastic.

The valve handle is VERY solid now!



Thanks again for your help.

Dan

Looks like a job well done!

[Cummins12V98]

Dan that is a WINNER!!!

[dapperdan]

"Dan that is a WINNER!!!"

Thank you, thank you very much!

[ARCliz]

nice job --- why didn't you extend it across both pulls as the gray will do the same thing. I know cause mine has !!!!!

[paulwadley]

Good looking repair. Thanks for sharing it and the photos.


Paul

[Cummins12V98]

Originally Posted by ARCliz

nice job --- why didn't you extend it across both pulls as the gray will do the same thing. I know cause mine has !!!!!

DANG, always gotz to bee a Party POOPER.

[dapperdan]

Originally Posted by ARCliz

nice job --- why didn't you extend it across both pulls as the gray will do the same thing. I know cause mine has !!!!!

I actually gave that some thought but the grey valve has worked as advertised and is still working smoothly and hasn't yet caused me ANY trouble. I guess my best, honest excuse is "laziness"

Dan

[ARCliz]

Just figured if you were that far might as well go ALL the way !! Great job!! and I'm NOT a party pooper!! being practical

[ARCliz]

PS I think I will follow your lead and re-enforce mine !!! Thanks again for a very good solution to the problem