What's Your Water Pressure???

TheGriz · 04-06-2018, 06:43 PM

Hi folks,

I just picked up a water pressure regulator on ebay and was delivered today. Great deal BTW...got it new for a 'best offer' of $22 shipped to my door. Normally $35 and up on ebay...and more at RV dealers and Camping World!

Anyway, what pressure does everybody find is the sweet spot where there is no danger to plumbing, and decent to good pressure in RV, particularly in the shower?

Thanks for your input!
Mike

**chuckster57** · 04-06-2018, 07:18 PM

IIRC, non adjustable regulators are set between 45 and 50 PSI. Pressure is part of the equation, volume being the other. I use a 5/8” diameter hose, used to use a 1/2” and I noticed a difference.

**sourdough** · 04-06-2018, 07:23 PM

The answer will probably vary. With the cheap regulators from Walmart or CW you will always be disappointed.....thinking they give you 40 psi wherever you are. They don't. I used them for a long time thinking that everywhere I went the water pressure was messed up. Wrong. Bought a GOOD, adjustable regulator and was astounded at what 40 psi would produce vs the old cheapo. The cheap one cuts down water pressure no matter if it's 60 psi or 10psi....they are worthless IMO.

TheGriz · 04-06-2018, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuckster57

IIRC, non adjustable regulators are set between 45 and 50 PSI. Pressure is part of the equation, volume being the other. I use a 5/8” diameter hose, used to use a 1/2” and I noticed a difference.

Thanks Chuck. The regulator I just got is adjustable hence my question. The $5 water regulator (restricter) I was using just didn't give much pressure in shower. Was wondering of those that have a similar "adjustable" regulator, what do they set their pressure at. And yes I do have a 5/8" hose.

Mike

P.S. - Those damn Yankees are going to blow it here in the 12th!!!

bobbecky · 04-06-2018, 07:28 PM

I used one of the Valterra adjustable regulators for a couple of years until it started not working well. Purchased a Watts regulator and hose adapter fittings for both ends and we get much better flow. It was set at 55 psi from the factory and that is where I left it. For us, that is a good pressure that doesn't harm the plumbing in the rig and as long as we have good or better pressure incoming to the regulator, we have plenty of pressure and flow for all our water needs.

**sourdough** · 04-06-2018, 07:36 PM

My adjustable (US Supply?) is set at 40 psi and we've had no issues whatsoever compared to the other restrictors we have used. Real 40 psi will do what needs to be done comfortably.

travelin texans · 04-06-2018, 07:44 PM

YOUR water pressure will be whatever pressure you are connected to. Most parks/campgrounds have low pressures (too low to enjoy a good shower), usually between 30 to 45psi. If running your water pump the pressure might be better than most parks.
Also have the Watts preset at 55psi & never a problem. With a "regulator" it doesn't restrict the flow, if the regulator is set at 55psi then if the park is 40 psi it will be 40 at the rv, if the park is 100psi it will 55 at the rv. It's also my recommendation to always use the regulator at the faucet not at the rv to protect the hose. Mine is like my surge protector, always used regardless of park pressure.

Alpine · 04-07-2018, 08:16 PM

I set my "regulator" to 55# and doing fine!

Tinner12002 · 04-08-2018, 03:49 AM

With all that being said, why do they limit water pressure on these to less than normal water pressure, don't most, at least most newer models, use pex tubing for water lines? I've read where the factory tests the lines at 80-100 psi for ten minutes.

**JRTJH** · 04-08-2018, 05:34 AM

Yes, most manufacturers have started using PEX tubing in trailers. The problem is not the PEX, it's the plastic (cheapest bidder) fittings in the PEX and the consistent flexing that occurs as we tow our trailers. Even though the PEX is "rated" at 160 PSI, that rating drops to 100 PSI at the water heater outlet (if the water temperature is 180F) and the fittings/connecting bands may not hold the two together as the trailer flexes at 70 MPH over a pothole filled road.

Here are the maximum working pressure for PEX from the Lowe's site:
160psi @ 73.4°F (23°C)
100psi @ 180°F (80°C)
80psi @ 200°F (93°C)

Many campgrounds have low water pressure at the ends of their water run. This might be caused by old, partly clogged pipes, multiple users between the source and the last faucet or from some other reason. Sometimes, pressure during the day (high water use time) may be 35PSI and at night, when no water is being used, it may climb to over 100 PSI. I've been at many campgrounds where the water pressure at the first few sights might be 140 PSI and the pressure at the end of the row might be as low as 25 or 30 PSI. At night, those end of row sites might see pressure at or very close to the "front row sites"... So, when you check the pressure at the faucet on your site at 3PM, it may be dramatically higher at 3AM.

The "wisdom of experience" has always limited trailer water pressure to 40-50 PSI either with a "restrictor type set regulator" (that also limits water flow) or with an "adjustable type regulator" (that provides more water flow at the lower pressure). Either type will protect the trailer, the adjustable regulator will provide more volume which equates to improved water delivery. Even though the PEX is rated higher than the "wisdom of experience" limit, the trailer system (as a whole) is not typically going to be that high.

**flybouy** · 04-08-2018, 05:57 AM

Well said John, I would only add that if my tires are rated for 120 m.p.h. doesn't mean I should drive at that speed.

Donaldkirby · 02-11-2023, 12:19 PM

The water pump in my Springdale is not strong enough and I what to upgrade it. I don't know what the spec's are on my RV and how much pressure I can replace the smaller pump with. I'm thinking a 2.5 or a 3.0 will work. Any advice would be appreciated.

bobbecky · 02-11-2023, 03:24 PM

Any RV water pump should work fine. The 2.5 or 3.0 is not pressure but is gallons per minute, not pressure. Most RV pumps will give you a safe pressure.

Alpine Custom Upgrade · 02-12-2023, 04:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheGriz

Hi folks,

I just picked up a water pressure regulator on ebay and was delivered today. Great deal BTW...got it new for a 'best offer' of $22 shipped to my door. Normally $35 and up on ebay...and more at RV dealers and Camping World!

Anyway, what pressure does everybody find is the sweet spot where there is no danger to plumbing, and decent to good pressure in RV, particularly in the shower?

Thanks for your input!
Mike

I had a pex fitting blow apart one time in my 3650RL. I tried one of those cheaper regulators and made sure that I had a psi gauge on it. It would not hold a steady pressure when there was no water running through it. The pressure would creep up to full supply pressure. I finally installed a better one, about $125, and it holds set psi perfectly with no issues. I have it at 60#. Installed it semi-permanently and ran it through the floor for the hose connection. I also ran a pex line and faucet to the other side so we would have water on the door side.

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