Femco vs Fumoto Oil Drain Valves for RVs - Which is Better?

The Rundown

For your first RV oil change with drain valve installation, I'd recommend going with the Femco valve over the Fumoto specifically because of your road debris concerns. The Femco valve sits much more flush against the oil pan and has a more robust, compact design that's less susceptible to damage from rocks and road debris. Your concern about the Fumoto's vulnerability is valid - many RV owners have reported damage to the longer, more exposed Fumoto valves from low-hanging branches and flying road debris that wouldn't affect a Femco.

The Femco valve uses a spring-loaded plunger valve that opens automatically when you screw on the drain hose - there's no lever or manual valve to operate. The valve sits virtually flush when closed, while the Fumoto has a lever mechanism that extends further down and out from the pan. For RVs that see varied terrain and potentially rough roads, the Femco's lower profile often makes it the safer choice. You'll pay about $10-15 more for a Femco (typically $45-60 vs $30-45 for Fumoto), but that's likely cheap insurance against a potentially messy roadside oil leak.

Why It Happens

The damage concern with drain valves stems from their location at the lowest point of your RV's engine oil pan, making them vulnerable to anything your RV encounters on the road. Fumoto valves typically extend below the oil pan with their lever mechanism (varies by model), creating a larger target for road debris, speed bumps taken too fast, or low-hanging obstacles at campsites.

RV engines typically sit lower than truck engines due to chassis design, and the additional weight of an RV can cause more chassis flex and ground contact in uneven terrain. The Fumoto's lever design, while convenient, creates a leverage point where impact force gets multiplied. Even a small rock hit at highway speed can generate enough force to crack the valve body or bend the lever, leading to oil leaks.

Femco valves address this by using a spring-loaded plunger design where the valve mechanism sits nearly flush with the valve body. The automatic-opening design eliminates the need for any extended lever, and the valve body itself is typically made from thicker brass or steel construction. This design philosophy prioritizes durability over the slight convenience advantage of Fumoto's longer lever.

Gather These Items

• Femco drain valve (model 2001 uses 14mm x 1.25 threads - verify your oil pan thread size and select appropriate model)
• Thread sealant (pipe thread sealant paste or thread tape)
• Torque wrench (see manufacturer torque specifications)
• Oil drain pan (6-8 quart capacity minimum for most RV engines)
• Funnel for oil refill
• Shop rags and disposable gloves
• Jack and jack stands or ramps if needed for access
• Flashlight or work light for inspection

The Fix

Start by warming your engine (not to full operating temperature to avoid burn hazards), then shut it off and wait 10-15 minutes for the oil to settle but remain warm for adequate drainage. Position your drain pan and remove the existing drain plug, allowing all oil to drain completely. Clean the drain plug threads in the oil pan thoroughly with a wire brush or tap to remove any old sealant or debris.

Check if your Femco valve has pre-applied thread sealant - if not, apply a thin coat to the threads, being careful not to get sealant on the first two threads to prevent it from being pushed into the oil pan. Thread the valve in by hand until snug, then use your torque wrench to tighten to the manufacturer's torque specifications found in the valve packaging or manufacturer's website - don't overtighten as this can crack the oil pan threads. The valve should be positioned with the threaded drain tube port easily accessible.

Before adding new oil, test the valve by screwing on the drain hose to verify the plunger opens smoothly, then remove the hose to let the valve close. Add your new oil through the filler cap, start the engine, and let it run for 5 minutes. Shut off the engine, wait 10 minutes, then check the oil level and inspect under the RV for any leaks around the new valve.

For future oil changes, you'll simply need to position your drain pan, screw on the Femco drain hose (which automatically opens the internal valve), let it drain, then unscrew the hose to close the valve. The time savings and elimination of lost drain plugs makes the investment worthwhile, especially with the Femco's superior durability for RV applications.

Know Your Limits

If you're not comfortable working under your RV or don't have proper jack stands and safety equipment, this may require a technician to handle the installation. The valve installation requires the same access as a regular oil change, but getting the torque specification right is important - too loose and it leaks, too tight and you risk cracking the oil pan threads, which would require expensive repair.

Always verify your oil pan's thread size before ordering - as RV engines use various thread sizes including 1/2" NPT, 14mm, and others. The wrong valve won't seal properly and could cross-thread your oil pan. If you discover any damage to the existing drain plug threads during removal, stop and have a professional assess whether the threads can be repaired or if you need a different solution.

Remember that even with a quality Femco valve, regular inspection is important. Check for leaks, damage, and proper operation every few oil changes. While significantly more durable than Fumoto valves in RV applications, no drain valve is completely immune to damage from severe impacts or improper installation.

Information may not be complete or accurate. Always consult your RV's service manual and consider professional assistance for repairs you're not comfortable performing.