The water system "autofill valve" in my 22' 1996 Chevrolet Chassis Barth never worked well. The idea, I suppose, was to turn on the "autofill switch" and to slowly fill the water tank while camped. An overfill alarm would sound. But, the valve installed by Barth was a 12 Volt DC valve intended for use on L.P. Gas, or gasoline. It had a tiny 1/4" orifice and the filling process was very slow. (L.P. Gas Equip. Corp., Arlington Height, IL, Model 7008B) My valve has finally given up, and even after cleaning it once, it now just sticks open. I cannot seem to find a 12 Volt DC water valve anywhere. Any ideas of where I can buy one? Meanwhile, I have just removed it and use a manual filling valve. Unfortunately, I have to lift up the bed platform every time I need to fill the water tank! Advise will be appreciated.
Allan Pacela of Solvang, CA

I would try a 1A575 with a 3PU19 coil from Grainger or something from McMaster-Carr first.


My own preference is a manual valve, however. Simple and reliable. I also have to lift the bed to fill, but we lift it to pack before a trip, anyway.

Let me know if the Grainger valve interests you. I go there fairly often and have an account, and can give one a look if they have it in stock

To Bill h,
Thanks for the suggestions! I tried today at McMaster and could only find AC or 24V DC coils at that company. But, I had forgotten all about Graingers as a source! Thanks, the 1A575 (normally closed) looks just right for a replacement water valve. With 1/4 size pipe threads, I should be able to adapt it just fine. The 3A439 coil, however, is really for 24 V AC. And, Grangers does have a 3PU19 coil for 12 V DC, so the combination of a 3PU19 coil with the 1A575 valve looks like a good one. Do you think so? Looks like I can order from Granger over the web.
best regards,
Allan

Yeah, the 3PU19 is the one to order.

Warning: thread drift and technobabble follows: I am not sure how that other number sneaked into my notes. I suspect that I used it on an earlier project just because I had one. Even though it is 24 volts AC, it worked OK on 12 volts DC after inductive reactance is factored out. Or fairy dust.

To bill h,
I just installed the new Autofill valve, and it works geat! Barth had installed a valve intended for L.P. Gas and it corroded in this water usage. Also, its flow rate was just too slow. Now, the tank fills quickly when I click the Autofill switch. The 3PU19 12 Volt coil with the 1A575 valve is a good solution for anyone who needs to replace the Autofill valve. And, this valve is all brass and stainless and rated for water use. Grangers is a great supplier too.
Allan
P.S. Bill, with all of your great help, I at least owe you a lunch next tine you come through Solvang! Just email me at apacela@pmc.us