Mechanical vs Electric Dump Valves?

[justdee]

Questions regarding mechanical or electric dump valves. Which is better? Does it matter?

The local Alliance salesman just called us and he's really trying to make a sell, which is great. He has two 2024 310RL's on the lot, the older of the two has mechanical valves while the newer one came with electronic valves. He made us a great deal on the older one with mechanical and he wasn't sure if he boss would let him give the same price for the electric valve model.
Thoughts, opinions.

One thing I do not like about the 2024 models on that side access to the controls is the single flip up door. They have split that door on the 2025 models, so I'll have to live with the single flip up door.

appreciate your input

 

[Bozo]

Electric valves can be problematic over time. They must be oriented properly and few, if any, manufacturers seem to get it right. Ask me how I know. They must be oriented so the blade comes down at the 11 or 2 o’clock position. Mine were so problematic on my old unit, I switched to manual valves.

 

[exps01]

I have a 2024 310RL with the mechanical, manual pull valves. They're fine for me and I kinda like the simplicity of them vs electronic. I will say regarding the door that you can purchase the split door that opens 180 degrees. I just did that. It was around $400-$450 for the door. Shipping was absolutely insane (like $250-$280). I'm 6'3" and have some back issues, so I just grimaced and bit the bullet to purchase. Installation was pretty easy and I did it myself in about an hour with some help from my wife. Check It Out with Rich has a great video on the removal of the old door and installation of the new door as well on his YouTube channel. It's on an Avenue but exact same process.

 

[BryanValRox]

Questions regarding mechanical or electric dump valves. Which is better? Does it matter?

The local Alliance salesman just called us and he's really trying to make a sell, which is great. He has two 2024 310RL's on the lot, the older of the two has mechanical valves while the newer one came with electronic valves. He made us a great deal on the older one with mechanical and he wasn't sure if he boss would let him give the same price for the electric valve model.
Thoughts, opinions.

One thing I do not like about the 2024 models on that side access to the controls is the single flip up door. They have split that door on the 2025 models, so I'll have to live with the single flip up door.

appreciate your input

So, for what it's worth, we have a 2024 310RL and love the unit.
Our unit was built with mechanical dump valves, and they have functioned flawlessly to date.
I think it comes down to personal preference and the GEE WHIZ FACTOR with the electric version. In my opinion the risk of a malfunction is the same.
Electric vs Mechanical dump valves wouldn't be the deciding factor on which unit to take in my mind.

 

[Bozo]

So, for what it's worth, we have a 2024 310RL and love the unit.
Our unit was built with mechanical dump valves, and they have functioned flawlessly to date.
I think it comes down to personal preference and the GEE WHIZ FACTOR with the electric version. In my opinion the risk of a malfunction is the same.
Electric vs Mechanical dump valves wouldn't be the deciding factor on which unit to take in my mind.

The problem with the electrics is torque. You can work manual valves, electrics get stuck. Keeps cables lubed and properly secured and you avoid another failure point.

 

[Lantley]

I agree with the above. Mechanical vs. electric is not a deal breaking difference.
Personally I prefer mechanical over electrical.
I have had mechanical valves in all my RV's for the last 20 years without any issues.
Going electric makes a simple task more complex without any added benefit.

 

[justdee]

Wow, all great advice. Looks like we will be going with the manual and I may have to order that split door. I'm 6'1" and pushing 62YOA, so my back could use all the help it can get.

The only other difference he can tell between the old and the newer model is the microwave. The older model has a regular microwave (LG) while the newer model has a convection/microwave (Insignia). We have already own two small portable toaster/air fryers, and the unit has a good size oven, so my wife is fine with the LG microwave in the older version.

Thanks for the input

 

[Bozo]

Wow, all great advice. Looks like we will be going with the manual and I may have to order that split door. I'm 6'1" and pushing 62YOA, so my back could use all the help it can get.

The only other difference he can tell between the old and the newer model is the microwave. The older model has a regular microwave (LG) while the newer model has a convection/microwave (Insignia). We have already own two small portable toaster/air fryers, and the unit has a good size oven, so my wife is fine with the LG microwave in the older version.

Thanks for the input

Yes, usually the only time they use a convection microwave is when there is no traditional oven. Enjoy your new accommodations.

 

[BryanValRox]

Questions regarding mechanical or electric dump valves. Which is better? Does it matter?

The local Alliance salesman just called us and he's really trying to make a sell, which is great. He has two 2024 310RL's on the lot, the older of the two has mechanical valves while the newer one came with electronic valves. He made us a great deal on the older one with mechanical and he wasn't sure if he boss would let him give the same price for the electric valve model.
Thoughts, opinions.

One thing I do not like about the 2024 models on that side access to the controls is the single flip up door. They have split that door on the 2025 models, so I'll have to live with the single flip up door.

appreciate your input

Should have posted this earlier, if you pull the trigger and purchase, don’t forget to apply for year end rebate that Alliance is offering. They usually follow the year, ie a rebate of 2024 dollars on the purchase of an in stock 2024 model.

 

[justdee]

Should have posted this earlier, if you pull the trigger and purchase, don’t forget to apply for year end rebate that Alliance is offering. They usually follow the year, ie a rebate of 2024 dollars on the purchase of an in stock 2024 model.

Yes sir, if we go with the 2024, it includes the $2024 rebate and they are going to match it and take another $2024 off the sale price.
Problem is now, we have seen the 2025 model and REALLY like the changes they've made. Decisions, decisions.

 

[2 Allies]

So far, So good on our electric gate valves on the Paradigm 385FL. Added the Valterra dump valve on the end of the sewer hook up, just in case.
Good luck wiry your decision.
Bruce

 

[2 Allies]

It is a midyear 2024 model.