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Old 02-15-2016, 10:16 AM   #1
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2016 375 AMP XLR Thunderbolt Winter Upgrades

Since Rodney's upgrade thread is closed, thought I would start another one. I added a new feature to my Barker Auto Drain installation and modified my original video showing how it works. I wanted a way to dump my waste water tanks without having to go outside. I didn't want to run the necessary wiring to add four more switches so I decided to go remote instead. The controller cost less to install and is much easier than pushing rocker switches. If I would have thought of the idea before purchased the valves, could have saved money by not buying Barkers controls, just the motors.
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Old 02-16-2016, 03:50 PM   #2
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http://youtu.be/brBHL_gilR4
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Old 02-16-2016, 06:08 PM   #3
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Very Nice ! Thanks for sharing your install.
I was hoping to do the power but now there is a remote! WOW ! 🍻🍻🍻

Nice job ! Did you add another circuit for the valves or tap into the battery?


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Old 02-16-2016, 07:14 PM   #4
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Thanks Homebrew. I ran a new fused power wire and ground wire from battery to two positive/negative terminal strips. The terminal strips provide power to the GAMA controller and the open proof switches on each Barker valve. The GAMA controller reverse the negative and positive wires that control the actuator motors on each valve. The 375 has the extra bath in the garage so I installed four valves, two black and two grey. I used the GAMA controller with remote that has four outputs.
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Old 02-16-2016, 07:47 PM   #5
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Again Nice install! I have a 300x12HP , only on bathroom.
I have to move my hose from black to gray when dumping and one of the valves is located under the slide.
Hoping to do some plumbing this year to resolve this issue and was thinking about electric valves .
Keep sharing your upgrades! We're all watching and hoping we can do it when it comes time. You went to the extreme with this one !!! 🍻🍻🍻


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Old 02-17-2016, 01:09 AM   #6
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Nice thanks for info I like remotes great idea


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Old 02-17-2016, 08:00 AM   #7
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What was the cost on the remote control system?


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Old 02-17-2016, 08:48 AM   #8
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I ordered the controller direct from GAMA Electronics for 135.00 plus 10.00 Priority 2 day shipping. I ordered four Barker Auto Drain Valves direct from Barker Mfg complete with switches/Viterra valves. Two 1 1/2" for grey tanks and two 3" for black tanks. Barker sold them to me complete with new Viterra valves, 409.91 shipped for all four. If I was doing it over again, would have asked Barker for a price without the controls since I figured out the remote control idea. The only part of Barkers switch I'm using is the open proof switch light, but I'm getting ready to order four LED 12vdc lights from Amazon so I can do away with the Barker switches. There are less expensive controllers available, but I liked the fact that GAMA is american made and is used on industrial applications. GAMA also has individual controller for operating one valve for around 50.00.
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Old 02-17-2016, 12:21 PM   #9
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Thanks that is a great mod I have a 425 did you just let the cables just hang


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Old 02-17-2016, 01:14 PM   #10
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I zip tied the cable valves out of the way just incase the electric valves don't perform as designed. I'm thinking about removing the cable handles and installing the open proof switch lights in the same hole as the cable handles. I'm looking on Amazon now for some two wire 12 vdc LED lights that will replace the Barker light and that will fit the same holes as the cables.
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Old 02-17-2016, 01:37 PM   #11
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My valve installation was really easy because of all the hard work I did a couple months ago. I sectioned up my underbelly into several pieces that ranged from 2.5 ft to 3.5 ft, depending on where my tanks were located. I also removed the insulation because of condensation from the tanks and leaks from driving in the rain would keep the insulation soaked and sag the underbelly. The insulation isn't doing anything anyway because it is below all the plumbing and there is a void between the floor and top of the underbelly insulation. I think it is simply a selling tool for manufacturers to say insulated underbelly. I'm not an expert on insulation, but I have seen the condensation myself and do not want to deal with wet insulation every time I want to make modifications or repairs to my 375. The only way in my opinion to properly insulate is to use closed cell foam board or spay foam around all the tanks and plumbing. As you know, that would be a lot of work and another mess to deal with. Just easier to run furnace and leave water dripping in the sink if camping in cold weather.
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Old 02-17-2016, 09:35 PM   #12
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Nice job on the auto valves and remote Stan. I can't wait to see all the mods you and Rodney have done to your XLRs when we go to Myrtle Beach this summer. I feel like I haven't done anything to mine besides use it... I need to get busy this spring.
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Old 02-18-2016, 07:59 AM   #13
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Thanks Tony, Rodney and I will be happy to show you everything we did.
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Old 03-11-2016, 08:32 AM   #14
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First picture shows the location of my Barker Auto Drain Valve remote control. I used velcro to hang it to the wall so it can be easily removed.

The second picture is an idea I got from my friend Rodney "Karl4Cat" Installed a hot water tank switch inside so I can leave the outside switch on. This should remind me to always turn the hot water heater on when I get setup, it lights up in the on position.
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Old 03-12-2016, 06:35 PM   #15
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I'd like to do that as well... what did you use for a switch.?
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Old 03-12-2016, 09:11 PM   #16
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This is the one I used, ordered from Amazon. What I like about this one is it lights up when it in the on position. You should be able to click onto the link and bring you to the one I ordered.

Leviton 1201-PLR 15 Amp, 120 Volt, Toggle Pilot Light, Illuminated ON, Req. Neutral Single-Pole AC Quiet Switch, Industrial Grade, Self Grounding, Red

Robot Check
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Old 03-12-2016, 09:33 PM   #17
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I ordered two of the Super Slider expandable telescoping sewer hose carriers on Friday, scheduled to arrive Tuesday. The 43/80 expands from a minimum 43" to a maximim 80". They will fit perfect across the frame of the Thunderbolt series and easily screw onto the web of the beams toward the back spare tire area. They will easily store my 15' Rhino Flex and 10' extension pieces.

Sanitubes / Sewer Hose Carriers / NEW!! SUPER-SLIDER Adjustable SUPER-TUBE - DW Inc.
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Old 03-13-2016, 06:53 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by darvinstone View Post
I ordered two of the Super Slider expandable telescoping sewer hose carriers on Friday, scheduled to arrive Tuesday. The 43/80 expands from a minimum 43" to a maximim 80". They will fit perfect across the frame of the Thunderbolt series and easily screw onto the web of the beams toward the back spare tire area. They will easily store my 15' Rhino Flex and 10' extension pieces.

Sanitubes / Sewer Hose Carriers / NEW!! SUPER-SLIDER Adjustable SUPER-TUBE - DW Inc.

I install two of these also but installed them under the back steps. On my 300x12 that's before the gas tanks right behind the rear tire.
You don't want them to close to the rear just in case you bottom out in hilly campgrounds.


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Old 03-27-2016, 07:30 PM   #19
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Mounted both ladders using mop/broom brackets from Home Depot. Used 3/16" aluminum pop rivets to mount the brackets to the wall. Made the trip to Myrtle Beach without falling off the wall. Should be ok since all the weight is setting on the garage floor.
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Old 03-28-2016, 12:43 AM   #20
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That's a good idea!

Cummins powered!
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