RE: [A/S] Drain valve lubricant

["DT/BW" <dtbw_1999@xxxxxxxxx>]

At the Region 9 Regional, Dave Schumann (A/S Director of Warranty),
indicated that the safest and best lube for the tank valves was coconut
oil.  He recommended that we just go the grocery store and buy some, put
a cup or so in the tank with a gallon or so of water, drive around a bit
and then let it set for a few days, then proceed to use the tanks
without draining the tanks (the oil will not interfere with normal tank
contents breakdown).  He indicated that this only needed to be done
periodically (like every few months or so)  This is probably cheaper
than using a more expensive product.

I have been using a new holding tank product...Chlorine Dioxide (3R
Odor-Con, www.billydump.com).  This does a fantastic job of odor
prevention (not to be confused with masking) and it breaks down waste as
well.  On a dosage basis, the cost is pretty low (under 70cents)
although a quart costs about $20 (you only use 1oz per tank).  The
product keeps the chlorine locked in the molecule until an acid molecule
(ie odor, waste) comes along and the chlorine is freed but only in an
amount relative to the acid present.  I also have NOT had any issue with
the level sensors falsely indicating that seems to be a common issue
with many A/Sers.  I have not had any difficulty with valve operations,
but I think I am going to use Dave's suggestion as I do believe in the
ounce of prevention mentality.