Camco Camper/RV Gate Valve - Features Built-In 3.5-Inch Clear Adapter & 4 Bayonet Prongs - Fits 3-Inch Sewer Fittings & Connects Easily to RV Drain Pipe

Why I added a secondary gate valve

After a few seasons of camping, I learned the hard way that even well-maintained black and gray tank valves can let a little liquid sneak past over time. That “surprise” when you remove the cap is something I don’t care to repeat. I added the Camco RV gate valve at the outlet as a backup and an easy way to monitor what’s going on inside the pipe. It has stayed on my rig ever since.

This is a twist-on valve that mates to the standard 3-inch RV sewer outlet using the familiar four-prong bayonet connection. Camco integrates a clear 3.5-inch section upstream of the valve so you can see exactly what’s happening when you dump or rinse. It’s simple, low-fuss insurance against dribbles, and it makes tank maintenance more predictable.

Installation and fit

Installation took under a minute and required no tools:

• Remove the existing termination cap.
• Align the valve’s bayonet prongs with the outlet’s lugs.
• Twist until it locks.
• Put the included cap on the new outlet.

The connection felt solid and secure, without wobble. On my trailer, the valve adds a few inches of length at the outlet. It didn’t extend beyond the bodywork, but if your sewer outlet already sits close to the edge, it’s worth eyeballing clearance or measuring before permanent use. The handle is easy to reach and stands off enough to operate with gloved hands.

Compatibility-wise, it fits standard 3-inch RV sewer fittings. I used it with two different hoses (both standard bayonet) and a 90-degree clear elbow; all locked on without fuss.

In use: the clear section is the star

The transparent section upstream of the gate sounds like a small thing, but it changes the dumping routine for the better:

• Confirming emptiness: I can see when flow has truly stopped and whether an additional rinse is worthwhile.
• Catching trickle-leaks: If my internal valves seep a bit during storage or travel, the liquid collects visibly behind this valve. I connect the hose, open the valve, and everything goes into the hose—no small “greet” on the ground or my glove.
• Rinse feedback: When I run a black tank flush or a gray-tank rinse, the visual feedback helps me decide when to stop rather than guessing.

The clear piece stayed clear after multiple uses and rinses. I make a habit of giving it a quick rinse after dumping, which helps prevent residue and keeps visibility high.

Sealing and leak control

Two things mattered most to me: a tight seal when the valve is closed and an odor-tight cap. On both counts, this valve performed well. I left it installed for several weeks between trips; no drips appeared at the outlet, and no odor snuck out. The cap clicks on with a reassuring feel and didn’t loosen over time.

The blade action is smooth, and the valve closes decisively. As with any RV gate valve, a bit of debris can occasionally prevent a perfect seal; cycling the valve during a rinse cleared anything that tried to hang up. I didn’t experience any weeping at the handle shaft.

Build quality and ergonomics

The body is a sturdy black composite typical of RV sewer components, and the clear section feels robust enough to withstand regular handling and hose attachments. The tolerances of the bayonet connection are good; there’s no slop, and it doesn’t mar the lugs on the outlet.

The pull handle is sized right—easy to grip with gloved fingers and not so long that it snags. The motion is linear and even, with a modest amount of force required to break initial friction. It’s the kind of control feel you want for waste valves: deliberate, not sloppy.

Everyday benefits on the road

Once installed, the day-to-day improvements are obvious:

• Cleaner hookups: I twist off the cap, twist on the sewer hose, and then open the valve. If anything collected in front of the blade, it goes straight into the hose—no mess.
• Better tank management: The visual indicator reduced overfilling risk and helped me see the results of backflushing. I’ve cut down on unnecessary water use during rinses because I can see when the returns run clear.
• Backup security: If an internal valve fails on a trip, I can still manage dumping without disassembling anything at the campground.

Compatibility and clearance

The valve’s bayonet prongs mate to standard 3-inch RV sewer outlets, which covers the vast majority of rigs. If you run a macerator or a non-standard termination system, you’ll need to confirm adapter compatibility first.

Lengthwise, the valve plus clear section adds noticeable protrusion, though not extreme. Check that your sewer outlet door closes and that you’re not encroaching on departure angle or leveling jack clearance. On my setup, it fit cleanly behind the outlet hatch and didn’t need removal for travel.

Maintenance tips

A little care goes a long way:

• Rinse the clear section and the blade seat after dumping. Cycle the valve during the rinse to wash debris off the blade and seals.
• Keep the cap’s seal clean. A quick wipe keeps it odor-tight.
• Avoid leaving the blade dry for months on end; a small amount of residual moisture or occasional cycling helps prevent sticking.
• Don’t overtighten fittings on the clear section. Normal hand pressure is enough; forcing attachments can stress the bayonet lugs over time.
• If storing long-term in direct sun, UV exposure will cloud clear plastics. If possible, keep the outlet door closed over it or remove and store it inside.

What could be better

• No hose rinse port: The cap is odor-tight, but it doesn’t include a standard garden-hose fitting. If you like to backflush from the termination point, you’ll still rely on a separate clear fitting with a hose port or your tank’s built-in flush system.
• Added length: By design, this introduces a few inches of extra length at the outlet. Not an issue for most rigs, but definitely a dimension to be mindful of in tight compartments.
• Clear plastic longevity: While mine has remained clear, all clear plastics will eventually haze with heavy use and sun exposure. Regular rinsing and covered storage help, but it’s a consumable reality of the category.

Value and use case

If your internal valves are aging or you just want a cleaner, more predictable dump routine, this is an easy win. It’s tool-free, solves a common annoyance, and the clear section makes the process less guesswork and more observation. There are cheaper ways to cobble together a clear fitting plus a separate valve, but having both integrated keeps the connection short and straightforward.

It’s not a replacement for fixing a failed upstream valve long-term—if your black or gray valve is truly shot, repair it. But as a backup, an interim fix on the road, or a permanent third valve to keep things tidy, the Camco RV gate valve earns its spot.

Final recommendation

I recommend the Camco RV gate valve. It installs in seconds, seals reliably, and the integrated clear section meaningfully improves both cleanliness and confidence during dumping and rinsing. The lack of a hose-port cap is the only functional omission I noticed, and the added length is a manageable tradeoff. For most RVers, especially those who’ve ever been greeted by an unexpected trickle at the outlet, this is a practical, inexpensive upgrade that pays for itself in fewer messes and easier maintenance.