Water Questions.

[Gobirds38]

We have just returned from our first trip in our new TT.
I noticed two things and need some advice.

1) Everyone in the campground had their water filters attached to the TT, not the water source. I had mine attached to the source to keep the hose filtered.
What does everyone do?

2) I have a water pressure regulator on my hose set to 60 PSI (65 is Max).
I noticed when the shower is on or a black tank flush it drops to 45 PSI.
Is this normal?

[skids]

Explain what you are doing with the black tank flush. Do you mean using it in the normal fashion? If so, I wouldn't think a pressure limitor would be needed.

[Gobirds38]

Yes normal use, the black tank hose was on a Y connector. I would shut off the fresh water side and flush the black tank.

[flybouy]

We have just returned from our first trip in our new TT.
I noticed two things and need some advice.

1) Everyone in the campground had their water filters attached to the TT, not the water source. I had mine attached to the source to keep the hose filtered.
What does everyone do?

2) I have a water pressure regulator on my hose set to 60 PSI (65 is Max).
I noticed when the shower is on or a black tank flush it drops to 45 PSI.
Is this normal?

1. It doesn't matter, the hose not being filtered shouldn't be an issue.

2. The pressure drop is dependent on the flow rate from the source. Pressure and flow are 2 different things. You could have high pressure and very low flow or vice versa.

[Gobirds38]

1. It doesn't matter, the hose not being filtered shouldn't be an issue.

2. The pressure drop is dependent on the flow rate from the source. Pressure and flow are 2 different things. You could have high pressure and very low flow or vice versa.

So I guess I should just set the pressure with everything off and forget about the drop?

The filter was just a question if I was doing it wrong or not.

[flybouy]

So I guess I should just set the pressure with everything off and forget about the drop?

The filter was just a question if I was doing it wrong or not.

Correct, the pressure should be set with all fixtures shut off as that will be the maximum pressure. When the water is flowing the pressure will decrease.

[Gobirds38]

Correct, the pressure should be set with all fixtures shut off as that will be the maximum pressure. When the water is flowing the pressure will decrease.

Great Thanks.

Does the Black Tank Flush also have a Max Pressure setting?

[Javi]

Great Thanks.

Does the Black Tank Flush also have a Max Pressure setting?

most have a 45 lbs upper limit to keep from busting the plastic backflow preventer..

[Canonman]

I usually have my filter at the water source. I don't like the weight of it and the hose hanging from the trailer connection. As for the pressure drop, If your regulator is installed at the source then the Y connector after, you will notice a change in pressure when you use water in the trailer. Whenever you open a faucet or flush the toilet you relieve some of the pressure in the line. I'm guessing the shower is one of the larger water consumers and may be more noticeable. Obviously, when you open the Y connector to the black tank there would be less back pressure and therefor your regulator would show a pressure drop.

[sourdough]

Agree with the above. I put my pressure regulator at the source then the Y so both lines are regulated. I run my water hose into a canister type water filter that sits on the ground just under the convenience center entry then a 4' length into the convenience center.

I used to place the in line filter at the source but after using 4 different kinds of water hoses could not, absolutely could not, get rid of the hose taste when opening the faucet in the morning to make coffee. On a hot day it would be intolerable. I fixed that by moving it to the side of the trailer using the little L adapter into the water inlet and it worked very well; never caused an issue with the inlet fixture.

I think 60psi might be a tad high. I have mine set at 50 (used to be 40 but was too low). It does drop when I turn something on inside. Now the shower? I have no idea because I'm in it, wet and soapy!:lol:

[Gobirds38]

Agree with the above. I put my pressure regulator at the source then the Y so both lines are regulated. I run my water hose into a canister type water filter that sits on the ground just under the convenience center entry then a 4' length into the convenience center.

I used to place the in line filter at the source but after using 4 different kinds of water hoses could not, absolutely could not, get rid of the hose taste when opening the faucet in the morning to make coffee. On a hot day it would be intolerable. I fixed that by moving it to the side of the trailer using the little L adapter into the water inlet and it worked very well; never caused an issue with the inlet fixture.

I think 60psi might be a tad high. I have mine set at 50 (used to be 40 but was too low). It does drop when I turn something on inside. Now the shower? I have no idea because I'm in it, wet and soapy!:lol:

Thanks, I run mine under the TT in the shade. I also use a Brita water pitcher for my morning coffee. Only way to insure my coffee is good.

I will have to try and set it to 50 PSI and see how that works. The pressure regulator was preset to 45 PSI, way to low...

[Northofu1]

Filter and regulator at the source, I don't like the weight on the city water connection. I also use the 90° angle connection at city water connection.

[flybouy]

If the issue is the pressure in the shower try an Oxygenics shower head, https://oxygenics.com/products/ A lot of people use them and they give you the "feeling" that the water pressure is higher than it really is.

[travelin texans]

Most of the city water connection fittings on the RV are plastic, a few are brass, I never felt comfortable with the regulator & filter hanging from that plastic fitting so always added them to the source.
My adjustable regulator came preset at 55 psi which was a good usable pressure inside, provided the source was that much or more, but the majority of parks usually only had 40-45 psi.

[gearhead]

most have a 45 lbs upper limit to keep from busting the plastic backflow preventer..
Javi.....Good to hear from you. It's been a while.

[1tenor]

I use a Brita pitcher to filter the water for cooking, coffee, etc. It fits nicely in the door of the fridge. I am thinking of getting a filter to connect to the water source. I have a pressure regulator and I believe it's 45 psi.

[flybouy]

I use a Brita pitcher to filter the water for cooking, coffee, etc. It fits nicely in the door of the fridge. I am thinking of getting a filter to connect to the water source. I have a pressure regulator and I believe it's 45 psi.

It's a good idea to use a quality water filter. I use a Hydro Life HL200 that has a hanger that sets on the side of the trailer (easy to remove for travel) so no weight or strain on the water inlet. Many filters available and I use a KDF filter that takes care of most everything.

I can't tell the difference if I use a Brita filter inside because the water is already filtered. I use a portable "pen style" TDS (total dissolved solids) meter to test the water quality.

If you treat the water before it comes in then you are less likely to get the mold and crud in your water lines that causes the sulfur smell from your water heater. Also don't have an issue with brushing teeth, showering, and food prep or wash up water being contaminated.

[JRTJH]

Explain what you are doing with the black tank flush. Do you mean using it in the normal fashion? If so, I wouldn't think a pressure limitor would be needed.

Additionally, I wouldn't be connecting any hose used for fresh water to the black tank flush system. So, using "filtered water" is wasting filter media and exposing your drinking water hose/system to contamination.

As for which end of the hose to connect the regulator. I connect at the faucet on the campground utility post. My reasoning: That way my hose is protected from any high pressure surges. Some campgrounds (Marquette Tourist Park, for example) have nighttime water pressure upwards of 120PSI. That's in the middle of the night when everyone is sleeping and no water is being used, but you can never be "sure" that it won't happen during the day if everyone is gone, at the playground, sitting outside, etc and the pressure creeps up. I've seen more than just a few white water hoses turned into sprinklers in parks with high pressure.....

[wiredgeorge]

I too go pressure regulator, then inline filter, and then hose to water inlet to avoid the filter hanging on the water inlet. I drape my hose over my ladder to keep some pressure off the connector at the inlet. I also use one of those zero water pitchers for drinking water and coffee, etc. I think the blue inline water filter is likely not particularly good at filtering based on what I have read. I have thought about a whole house filter behind the water inlet panel... mostly a sediment filter I guess.

[gearhead]

For those buying the blue in line filters...that short section of wire reinforced hose makes a good connection to the trailer inlet. I snugged mine up pretty good to the trailer connection and use it as a semi permanent fixture. Relieves the strain on the connector whether you use the filter there or not. I've got a whole house canister filter behind the convenience center.

[Bill-2020]

Yes normal use, the black tank hose was on a Y connector. I would shut off the fresh water side and flush the black tank.

You may want to second think that Y connection to the black flush. Sourdough just had a very bad thing happen to his rig with a Y connection - it got turned on by a groundskeeper and the black tank overflowed into the bathroom and beyond. Brand new 5th wheel too. At least disconnect the flush hose from your TT.

I only hook up the black flush hose when I'm ready to flush.

I hang a whole house under the external floor and wall supports, short section of hose up to the inlet with a 90 degree elbow, very little weight tugging down on the elbow at the inlet. Pressure gauge is at the pedestal, set to 50.

[mj5150]

We are full timers, just starting our fourth year.
Our setup is water source, hose, inline Camco filter, pressure regulator set to 40 psi, then connected to the trailer.
It took a few tries, but we found a hose (NeverKink for boat and RV) that didn't make our water taste like plastic. It cost more, and maybe it was just snake oil, but to us the water tastes fresh all the time. We have plenty of experience otherwise, as many others have as well, with the nasty plastic hose flavored water. It makes me cringe thinking about it.
I swap out the Camco filter every 6-8 months.
Sometimes I wish the water pressure was higher, but then I also know I'll run out of hot water faster, so I've adapted to what we have.

-Mike

[JRTJH]

We are full timers, just starting our fourth year.
Our setup is water source, hose, inline Camco filter, pressure regulator set to 40 psi, then connected to the trailer.
It took a few tries, but we found a hose (NeverKink for boat and RV) that didn't make our water taste like plastic. It cost more, and maybe it was just snake oil, but to us the water tastes fresh all the time. We have plenty of experience otherwise, as many others have as well, with the nasty plastic hose flavored water. It makes me cringe thinking about it.
I swap out the Camco filter every 6-8 months.
Sometimes I wish the water pressure was higher, but then I also know I'll run out of hot water faster, so I've adapted to what we have.

-Mike
My only recommendation would be to attach the pressure regulator (set to 40 PSI) to the water source, then follow the rest of your setup routine. The reason for that is so the regulator will also protect that expensive hose that you use to prevent the after-taste. That will also remove a significant amount of weight that currently is "hanging on the side of the trailer"....

[mj5150]

My only recommendation would be to attach the pressure regulator (set to 40 PSI) to the water source, then follow the rest of your setup routine. The reason for that is so the regulator will also protect that expensive hose that you use to prevent the after-taste. That will also remove a significant amount of weight that currently is "hanging on the side of the trailer"....

I like that idea.
I'm going to find an elegant and simple way to ensure the regulator stays protected from the elements and doesn't freeze in the winter. The water source is mounted to a short pole and is used by the neighbors as well for watering, so we put a tee on it.

-Mike