Couple questions regarding onboard water system and pump

[Jevy]

Hey everyone,

I'm starting to think about putting a water tank under the bed of my trouble and would like to see if you guys can help me a little. I will try to get a tank that I can mount underbody somewhere near the center of the axle. Let's say I went with a 15-20 gallon tank and I wanted a pressurized system. Do the pumps mount inline of the water line leaving the tank going to the discharge or is the pump typically mounted on another part of the tank and pressurize the system? I'ld like to set it up so that when we get to camp I can pressurize the tank via a switch on the trailer and have on demand water whenever needed and the pump will only run as it loses pressure due to water being discharged. Just curious what I need to have to make it work tank and pump wise. I got the plumbing part and filling part figured out. Just trying to determine what else I need to include so it goes together with a clean install.

Any info is greatly appreciated.

 

[JKJenn]

Hey everyone,

I'm starting to think about putting a water tank under the bed of my trouble and would like to see if you guys can help me a little. I will try to get a tank that I can mount underbody somewhere near the center of the axle. Let's say I went with a 15-20 gallon tank and I wanted a pressurized system. Do the pumps mount inline of the water line leaving the tank going to the discharge or is the pump typically mounted on another part of the tank and pressurize the system? I'ld like to set it up so that when we get to camp I can pressurize the tank via a switch on the trailer and have on demand water whenever needed and the pump will only run as it loses pressure due to water being discharged. Just curious what I need to have to make it work tank and pump wise. I got the plumbing part and filling part figured out. Just trying to determine what else I need to include so it goes together with a clean install.

Any info is greatly appreciated.

I think (and I am just getting my arms around this myself) I am going to try a set up like this - feedback welcome!

Water In:

1. Gravity water fill
2. Strainer
3. Pump
4. RV tank

Water Out:

1. RV tank
2. Pump
3. Regulator
4. Water out hatch or spray port
5. Camp Chef Triton

 

[Jevy]

ok does the pump mount inline with the tank or does it have it's own connection point to the tank and pressurizes the entire tank? If so that would mean there's three ports on the tank. First is source water into tank, second port for pump to pressurize the tank, and third is the water output. Does that sound right???

 

[JKJenn]

Not an expert still learning, but there are only 2 connection points and a drain, I believe to an RV tank. Here is one set-up diagram:



I am still learning and mostly getting info from searching on RV water set-ups. Here is an article that seems like a simple explanation. Also try searching diagrams.

 

[jessejman]

You can pressurize the tank (normally with air, I think) but the easier solution is to buy a pump that only runs when it needs to. My system is a 14 gallon tank with the pump mounted in-line (and pretty close to the tank). When we stop for the evening I hook the hose up via a standard brass hose quickconnect and turn the pump on. The pump operates for a few seconds as it draws water from the tank and pressurizes the hose. When I open the hose nozzle to fill bottles or shower, the pump automatically kicks on to maintain pressure in the hose. I guess it has some sort of pressure switch but I don't know for sure.

The only thing missing from the diagram above is the vent for the main water tank. Also, if you need it, you can design the pump to use it to fill your tank. My system doesn't do this but with some quick mods and assuming I could get pretty close to a water source, I could do it.

Hope that helps -Jesse

 

[Aspen Trails Trailers]

You need, water tank with three fittings. Fill on upper side of tank, drain on lower/bottom of tank, vent at upper side of tank away from the fill and on the normal highest level. Block the vent the pump will stop. From the tank drain connect to a Shurflow on demand pump and run it to what ever accessories you have. I put a switch on my Shurflo due to off roading can break lines, drain the tank and then the pump tries to run. With a switch, you do not have to worry about it draining your tank driving down the road. Most RV's have a switch for their on demand pump.

That is about as basic as it gets. Not real tough to figure out, just lay it out on the floor, decide where to put things. The pump can be mounted pretty much anyway you want, on its side, upside down. Be sure your vent is above the water tank, and that your fill is high enough to keep it from draining out the fill on steep climbs.

I would stay away from pressurizing the water tank.

Bob