needed: leak proof but readily modified connectors for camper water systems

heimbig

OnTheRoadAtLast
My 2014 Phoenix camper came with PEX plumbing and it was pretty good but I did have a few small leaks (especially following extreme rough 'roads') - the bigger problem is that is impossible to modify - 1) once assembled the PEX plastic forms over the connector making very difficult to take apart 2) the tube isn't very flexible in the first place and after being installed a year the 'shape' is permanent. So it unlikely that you'll be able to re-use the 'hose'.

At Expo I noticed the big boys were using flexible Reinforced PVC Braided Tubing and I thought 'genius' this tube is readily modified:
https://smile.amazon.com/HydroMaxx-Flexible-Pressure-Reinforced-1531012050/dp/B01BCJZ5ZM
Unfortunately, I didn't pay enough attention and connectors I bought frequently leak and the hose clamps often come loose or worse break.
I used sharkbite and these just do not create a permanent seal: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B007AHGMJO/

Anyone have a recommendation for good connectors for PVC tubing?

this one looks good and is nicely barbed
https://smile.amazon.com/LTWFITTING-Brass-Barb-Fitting-Water/dp/B00CHI0YUY/

I've used connectors from parker for other purpose so these might be good:
https://smile.amazon.com/Parker-224-8-8-6-Union-0-375-Barbed/dp/B0078RSR7G/

TIA,
 

proper4wd

Expedition Leader
What kind of hose clamps are you using? I have never had a problem using high quality, all stainless, knurled clamps. Auto parts store clamps are junk - I wont use them anywhere.
 

java

Expedition Leader
Pex fittings can be cut out as needed. I am really surprised they leaked, I have never had issues with them. Do you have a picture of where it leaked?

As to hose clamps, look for "fuel injection" hose clamps. They will do much better, but only come in certain sizes.
 

DzlToy

Explorer
SAMCO UK makes high quality silicon hoses and couplings: http://samcosport.com

Large catalogue of hose clamps, exhaust clamps, P-clamps, etc:
http://www.normagroup.com/corp/en/Products

Hydro Flow has stainless butterfly hose clamps: http://www.hydro-flowproducts.com/shop/product/hydro-flow-butterfly-hose-clamps

Hydraflow makes high quality stainless, titanium and custom fluid couplings:
http://hydraflow.com/products/

Adel Wiggins makes Aerospace grade clamps and couplings for many applications:
http://www.hrpworld.com/store/defau...-wiggins-loop-clamps-and-fluid-couplings.html

Falcon Stainless Steel water lines, made in the US, marine grade:
http://falconstainless.com/
 

heimbig

OnTheRoadAtLast
Pex fittings can be cut out as needed. I am really surprised they leaked, I have never had issues with them. Do you have a picture of where it leaked?

As to hose clamps, look for "fuel injection" hose clamps. They will do much better, but only come in certain sizes.

The PEX leaked where the 'nut' screwed on to the Ell or Tee sorry no photo they are long gone. I also had some push to fit PEX connectors those never leaked - and are easily removable - but expensive - I cheaped out lesson learned.
 

java

Expedition Leader
Ah so not using wirsbo connections. I see

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk
 

java

Expedition Leader
I use these Wirsbo pex connections, no you cant take them apart easily, but they DO NOT leak. You can cut the fittings out easily and replace them though. The tool to expand the pipe is not super expensive either, and can be rented as well.

pex%20pipe%20sizes.ashx
 

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