Water Pump noise

[Oakmont95409]

We were dry camping and the panel showed 3 red lights lit for fresh water. Does this mean we were 3/4 full or empty? The pump made the kind of noise that suggests we were out of water yet there seemed to be enough to flush the toilet but the water spurted when turned on at the sinks. When we went to dump the tanks, there was no pressure and nothing emptied. Any idea what's going on?

Also noticed a loose hose not connected to anything in the outside compartment where the plumbing is located. Exterior of hose looked like Reynolds wrap.

Jackie & Michael
Still learning about our 2016 Sunseeker

[badboy267]

3/4 full. And the black and gray water tanks will not have pressure, they will just flow from gravity.

[Oakmont95409]

Thanks for your response. So if we had 3/4 of a full tank of water, why did the pump continue to run after flushing the toilet? Shall I conclude the pump needs repair?
Appreciate your experience.

Jackie

[Flybob]

Could be a couple of things. Check the antifreeze winterizing valve ( on inlet of pump to make sure it is fully closed and not drawing in air. Until you run the air out of the lines and HW tank, you will get some spitting. and the pump can try to compress the air. The lights on all gauges indicate how much is in the tank 3 lights = 3/4 full. If the black and grey tanks were almost empty, and they may not drain anything when the valve is open. You should dump the waste tanks ( especially black) when close to full to insure good cleaning flow. If necessary add water prior to draining, You want a good woosh when you open the valve.

[Oakmont95409]

I'm hoping some of you experienced folks can educate us on complications of dry camping and how to avoid mishaps like our water pump continuing to run loudly even though the fresh water tank was 3/4 full. We also got a low voltage warning after turning on the furnace. Is it normal to get such a warning after one and a half days? Or might we have a serious voltage issue? On an unrelated note, I imagine I used up the hot water [only holds 6 gallons] washing dishes. Does the hot water tank refill when the 6 gallons have been used? Do you use your showers when dry camping? This is only the 2nd time we have dry camped. We're about to forego any more stays without hook ups.

Jackie Reinhardt
2016 Sunseeker GTS 2430S

[Flybob]

You can dry camp and have fun, but you have to change how you do things. The furnace fan uses a lot of battery. If you are running the furnace, you will most likely need to charge every day either via solar or a small generator. If you plan to dry camp often, you should also get two good deep cycle batteries ( not what came with the TT). As you use hot water, it is continually replaced in the WH by cold water which needs to be heated. If you are going to shower, you need to take Navy showers. There is an on off valve on most shower heads. Get wet and shut off water while you soap up. Then rinse off. You can not enjoy a long hot shower as you do at home. If your unit does not have LED's in the interior lights, I would look at replacing them. Incandescent bulbs use a lot of power. Your water pump will run for a while when you first turn it on as it fills the 6 gal WH. Then it should shut of. To wash dishes, use a small amount of Hot water in a wash tub to wash. Then use another tub of water to rinse. If you have a sink sprayer, do not use it when dry camping.

[Jeff_and_Abby]

Originally Posted by Oakmont95409

Thanks for your response. So if we had 3/4 of a full tank of water, why did the pump continue to run after flushing the toilet? Shall I conclude the pump needs repair?
Appreciate your experience.

Jackie

This could be a trivial thing ... if there is any air in the water lines, the pump will run and run. When first bringing up pump-based water, bleed all the air out of the cold water lines. Toilet and shower included. Outside taps as well, if applicable. Do this before you leave civilization if possible, to be that extra bit stingy with power and fresh water.

[Awilson]

Originally Posted by Oakmont95409

We were dry camping and the panel showed 3 red lights lit for fresh water. Does this mean we were 3/4 full or empty? The pump made the kind of noise that suggests we were out of water yet there seemed to be enough to flush the toilet but the water spurted when turned on at the sinks. When we went to dump the tanks, there was no pressure and nothing emptied. Any idea what's going on?

Also noticed a loose hose not connected to anything in the outside compartment where the plumbing is located. Exterior of hose looked like Reynolds wrap.

Jackie & Michael
Still learning about our 2016 Sunseeker

As someone said earlier it sounds like you are suck air at the winterizing valve. It not only needs to be closed but it needs to be capped. I replaced a pump to learn that lesson. The other time it really was a bad pump that could not get primed and stay primed to pump water. I also learned that when running the furnace to leave the fan running as it takes less electricity to run the fan nonstop than to constantly keep starting the fan.

Alan