Keystone Hideout 174RK - Fresh Water Amount Issues

[Rusty E]

I'd pull my hair out if I didn't have a shaved head. We are looking to disperse camp more and the Fresh Tank on my model says "26 Gallons" in the specs.

I tried to fill my tank and could only get in 14 gallons the first time...I figured maybe the tank wasn't completely empty (I used a water meter and checked and it is working just fine).

I emptied the tank with the drain below the tank until no water came out and then went about filling the tank again. This time, I got 17 gallons of water in.

Am I missing something here? I am on a little bit of a tilt on my driveway, almost not enough to mention, but certainly, that wouldn't account for 9 gallons of water short when filling.

Any help would be appreciated by you folks.

Rusty

[chuckster57]

Fresh water capacity includes the water heater.

When you fill it do you stop when the monitor panel reads full or until it comes out the vent?

[NH_Bulldog]

There are many variables; tank nominal capacity, water heater capacity, piping capacity and the location of the vent pipe in the tank. Getting 17 gallons in a “26 gallon” tank sounds about right.

[Rusty E]

Originally Posted by chuckster57

Fresh water capacity includes the water heater.

When you fill it do you stop when the monitor panel reads full or until it comes out the vent?

I sit and watch it, and when it starts to backflow out the intake tube I stop.

[Rusty E]

Originally Posted by NH_Bulldog

There are many variables; tank nominal capacity, water heater capacity, piping capacity and the location of the vent pipe in the tank. Getting 17 gallons in a “26 gallon” tank sounds about right.

I just assumed (dangerous, I know) that 26 gallons meant that it had an actual 26 gallon tank.

[flybouy]

If you look at the specs it lists fresh water capacity, not tank capacity.

[Max23]

I get about 37 or 38 gallons of water in my tank and spec 43 gallons fresh water capacity. So ya, sounds pretty close.

[Rusty E]

Originally Posted by Max23

I get about 37 or 38 gallons of water in my tank and spec 43 gallons fresh water capacity. So ya, sounds pretty close.

Thanks. I was going crazy over this.

[Rusty E]

Originally Posted by chuckster57

Fresh water capacity includes the water heater.

When you fill it do you stop when the monitor panel reads full or until it comes out the vent?

I just reread your response about the water heater. I was just picturing having a tank that sat there. That would take 26 gallons. Thanks again.

[NH_Bulldog]

While knowing capacity is nice, don’t believe everything you read in published “specs”. Capacities are very general, tongue weights are notoriously deceiving, and waste tank sensors rarely read correctly after the first use.

We fill our fresh water tank until it gurgles out the vent, use the water and add more when we run out.

[Rusty E]

Hahaha, my wife just gave me the, "He's right you know" look.

[skids]

I have a small battery powered pump that can pump water from a reliant 7 Gal jug in short order. This eliminates lifting and pouring using a funnel.

[Stangfire]

Originally Posted by skids

I have a small battery powered pump that can pump water from a reliant 7 Gal jug in short order. This eliminates lifting and pouring using a funnel.

Same. I have a permanent camp and have a 12V pump mounted to the front of the trailer.

I haul my water in a 55 gallon food grade plastic drum/barrel in my truck. I can fill my 40 gallon trailer in about 8 minutes.

I fill it up about every 3rd weekend and add bleach to keep the water from going black.

[German Shepherd Guy]

I haul my water in a 55 gallon food grade plastic drum/barrel in my truck. I can fill my 40 gallon trailer in about 8 minutes.

I fill it up about every 3rd weekend and add bleach to keep the water from going black.[/QUOTE]


I am curious Stangfire, how much bleach do you put in a 55 gallon drum?

[Rusty E]

Originally Posted by skids

I have a small battery powered pump that can pump water from a reliant 7 Gal jug in short order. This eliminates lifting and pouring using a funnel.

That a great backup idea to have on hand in a pinch. Even if I just throw a five gallon jug in my truck bed to tide us over if needed. Thanks.

[Stangfire]

Originally Posted by German Shepherd Guy

I haul my water in a 55 gallon food grade plastic drum/barrel in my truck. I can fill my 40 gallon trailer in about 8 minutes.

I fill it up about every 3rd weekend and add bleach to keep the water from going black.

I am curious Stangfire, how much bleach do you put in a 55 gallon drum?[/QUOTE]

I put 11 teaspoons. I use well water from home. It puts just a tiny hint of smell in the water similar to city water.

It would be fine to drink but I bring a separate container for drinking water each time I go.

[CRUSINTHERVLIFE]

I always fill our water starting with the city hook up , fill water lines and the water heater. Then fill the fresh water tank spec is 43 gallons lucky to get 36 when finally filled. Once a year I clean the fresh water tank 1 cup of clorox then fill tank. close the line to hot water tank then flush all lines. We love to boon dock always nice and quite. safe travels , take care .

[Out of Here]

Basically, they lie.
The spec on my Hideout says 27 gal. I took it out to clean the plastic shavings out that they couldn't be bothered to clean themselves and the tank says 15 gal.
They just throw whatever is handy in there and go to lunch. Cannot help feeling ripped off.

[rlh1957]

Welcome to learning RV Manufacturer speak!

It is a common spec listing practice to say 26 Gal Fresh Water.
Technically the tell the truth… FW Tank and HW Tank both contain Fresh Water.
They use FW tank capacity + HW tank capacity for total Fresh Water capacity.
HW tanks are 6 - 11 gal depending on model.
You not the first to scratch their head and not understand this math and way of selling an RV.

[Out of Here]

Thanks!
Now it makes sense.