Newbie Water Questions

[WANDR]

Hi,

First post...first RV. I bought a used, excellent condition,2002 Pleasureway Traverse a couple months ago and have only taken on short trip so far. As it was cold, I didn't use the water system.

I am now getting ready for an 8 day trip and have a couple questions about the water. Please bear with me, I am a newbie.

I know there are two ways to use the water, holding tank and direct connection with a hose. So my first question is, how does the sink know if I am connected to a hose or using the tank?

Next question, I assume I don't need the water pump on if connected to a hose, but if not connected, do I need to keep the pump on the entire time, or only when I need water.

Thanks in advance for the help.

[markopolo]

Welcome Wandr.

Re: How does the sink know if I am connected to a hose or using the tank?

If there is pressure in the water system and water in the tank then water will flow from the faucet at the sink. Either from city or campground water or from the water pump. City or campground water = constant pressure. Water pump, with the main switch on, has a secondary automatic pressure sensitive switch so when the pressure drops the pump then starts.

Re: I assume I don't need the water pump on if connected to a hose, but if not connected, do I need to keep the pump on the entire time, or only when I need water.

I turn the pump off when connected to city or campground water.

I also turn the pump off when not connected to city or campground water and I'm finished using water for the near future.
Turning the pump on only when needed is what I'd suggest. I'll leave mine on if I'm cooking or washing up or going to be doing dishes soon for example. But most of the time, the switch is off.

[WANDR]

Thanks. Going to fill and sanitize later this afternoon. Hopefull I don't get too wet.

[Mike]

You might want to pick up a water pressure regulator at a local department or RV retailer. They look like a brass hose fitting, and can be placed between the shore water supply and your van's shore water "in" fitting. They help prevent accidentally over-pressurizng your water system when on shore water in a campground with a high pressure water supply. Here's an example.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Camco-Brass-W ... r/14504323
Also worthy of note is, most newer RV plumbing systems (after 2000?) are probably made with PEX tubing which is more flexible than copper or PVC, and can withstand some expansion due to freezing temperatures and excess pressure, but it's best to try to avoid those situations. You can google PEX plumbing to see pictures and examples of it online. If you got an owner's manual with your rig, it may be mentioned under the plumbing/water system. You could also send an email to the manufacturer and inquire about your specific year/make/model.

[RSchleder]

Excellent advice given here. We use the water tank, of course, when traveling down the road or staying overnight at a campground as there's no reason to hook up to campground water for such a short stay. If we're staying for a few days in one place, we hook up to the "campground water" system with the hose. We leave our water pump on all the time when not connected to the campground system EXCEPT when we leave the motorhome for shopping, visiting friends, etc. It's all about convenience, use whichever seems to work for you, there are no hard and fast rules as when to use which water system.