Convert camper water... City water bypass?

[Prybry]

I'm looking to upgrade my pickup camper from the simple hand pump at the sink to a 12v pressurized system...

Here is the basic diagram...

How does a typical camper keep the city water and on board tank separated?

I don't have room for a fresh water tank, so I plan on using a 7 gal Jug that I set outside at camp... connected via a drop hose on a quick disconnect.

I plan on using a small two valve "bar" faucet and plumb the city water to one handle and the 12v pumped water to the other... using a by pass valve to get water to the water outlet at the rear of the camper when connected to city water. I wanted a rear mounted valve/outlet to connect a line to for an outside shower... also handy for easy water access when outside the camper.

For warm water showers, I would mix up a batch of water heated on the camp fire in a 5 gal bucket and just drop the pickup line into it.
I could also add a propane water heater to the shower line later if needed.

 

[njtaco]

A typical RV supply pump has at least one, if not two check valves to keep city water pressure from backfeeding the on-board fresh water tank.

The city water supply also has a check valve to keep the pump from emptying the FW tank out on the ground, and to prevent contamination of the city water supply.

If you install a "bypass" around the water pump, you can fill the FW tank with a (food grade) hose at any potable water supply. Just make sure the tank is vented well, so the pressure doesn't pop the tank.

 

[Prybry]

A typical RV supply pump has at least one, if not two check valves to keep city water pressure from backfeeding the on-board fresh water tank.

The city water supply also has a check valve to keep the pump from emptying the FW tank out on the ground, and to prevent contamination of the city water supply.

If you install a "bypass" around the water pump, you can fill the FW tank with a (food grade) hose at any potable water supply. Just make sure the tank is vented well, so the pressure doesn't pop the tank.

My city water supply line does not have a check in it... I'm using the faucet valve and by pass valve to isolate it... to keep the water from shooting out the side of the camper:Wow1:

I would only open the by pass to allow city water to get to my rear mounted bib.

I also expect to use the rear hose bib as a drain port since its close to the pump and in the lowest end of the pressurized line.

 

[OlympiaFJ60]

For the city water side, add one of THESE. It has a built in check valve and pressure regulator. The pump I have has a built in check valve.

 

[Prybry]

Ok, new question, water filter before or after pump?

I'm thinking about adding a filter cartridge to the water line for better taste...
Do I suck the water thru the filter with the pump or push the water thru the filter... ie. filter before or after the pump?

The filter I'm looking at will handle the flow rate so that is not a issue. I'm also installing a screen in the line feeding the pump for stopping sediment.

 

[dhackney]

I'm thinking about adding a filter cartridge to the water line for better taste...
Do I suck the water thru the filter with the pump or push the water thru the filter... ie. filter before or after the pump?

The filter I'm looking at will handle the flow rate so that is not a issue. I'm also installing a screen in the line feeding the pump for stopping sediment.

Both of our filter systems specified in the install instructions that they be downstream of the pump.

We use a Pura UV system to filter to 4/10ths of a micron and sterilize the fresh water inbound and outbound of the tank. You probably won't need the sterilization if you are always filling from U.S. municipal supplies.

I would definately include a sediment filter upstream of the pump.

You will never regret having the filter after you change the filter cartridge the first time. It can be a pretty ugly, sobering sight.

 

[whatcharterboat]

The filter I'm looking at will handle the flow rate so that is not a issue. I'm also installing a screen in the line feeding the pump for stopping sediment.

Just to clarify a little further.

It's not the flow rate of the pump that's a problem. It's the restriction of the filter and the effect that has on the pump. A pump may have a "head" 5 times its "lift". In other words it may only be able to suck up from a point 2 metres below but can push upto 10 metres above it. So the suction side of the pump is not anywhere as powerful as the pressure side.

hence

Both of our filter systems specified in the install instructions that they be downstream of the pump.

And yes, always use a strainer mainly to protect the the pump Mesh type with a clear window is normal for ease of cleaning and durability and for obvious reasons always locate it where it's easy to get at. Usually they come with your pump as an option anyway.

Regards John.

 

[whatcharterboat]

IMO These Whale's are the ultimate if you can get hold of the system 15 piping and accessories to go with it. The strainer doesn't have to go on the pump as shown either and can just as easily fit on the tank at the pickup point if that's a more serviceable location.

Click the link for some of the System 15 bits available. Piping comes in 3 colours too which is really convenient . Red / hot, blue / cold and green for extra filtered drinking water (or what ever you like). No leaks is best feature though.
http://www.bla.com.au/index.php?fn=...8&eId=10&sId=e2e9ae2753f82a4ee60c413050e403b0

 

[Prybry]

Pressure side makes sense

Just to clarify a little further.

It's not the flow rate of the pump that's a problem. It's the restriction of the filter and the effect that has on the pump. A pump may have a "head" 5 times its "lift". In other words it may only be able to suck up from a point 2 metres below but can push upto 10 metres above it. So the suction side of the pump is not anywhere as powerful as the pressure side.


hence

And yes, always use a strainer mainly to protect the the pump Mesh type with a clear window is normal for ease of cleaning and durability and for obvious reasons always locate it where it's easy to get at. Usually they come with your pump as an option anyway.

Regards John.

Thanks John,
That makes sense... I'll plan on the filter being on the pressure side for sure now. The strainer will be in the hose connection at the wall of the camper.
That way I can check it every time I hookup the pickup hose.
Prybry

 

[Prybry]

Wow cool campers!

IMO These Whale's are the ultimate if you can get hold of the system 15 piping and accessories to go with it. The strainer doesn't have to go on the pump as shown either and can just as easily fit on the tank at the pickup point if that's a more serviceable location.

Click the link for some of the System 15 bits available. Piping comes in 3 colours too which is really convenient . Red / hot, blue / cold and green for extra filtered drinking water (or what ever you like). No leaks is best feature though.
http://www.bla.com.au/index.php?fn=...8&eId=10&sId=e2e9ae2753f82a4ee60c413050e403b0

John, those are the coolest off road campers I've ever seen!
Thanks for the links, they will give me more ideas for my rig...

 

[Mickldo]

IMO These Whale's are the ultimate if you can get hold of the system 15 piping and accessories to go with it. The strainer doesn't have to go on the pump as shown either and can just as easily fit on the tank at the pickup point if that's a more serviceable location.

Click the link for some of the System 15 bits available. Piping comes in 3 colours too which is really convenient . Red / hot, blue / cold and green for extra filtered drinking water (or what ever you like). No leaks is best feature though.
http://www.bla.com.au/index.php?fn=...8&eId=10&sId=e2e9ae2753f82a4ee60c413050e403b0

I'll second this John. We use the Whale pumps and System 15 piping on our boats at work and in our race car trailers we build.