Newbie Question On Fresh Water Hose

Stingingfork · 09-20-2012, 11:38 PM

I just purchased a 2006 Surveyor SV264 and it's my first RV. I didn't come with any startup supplies except for the waste water hose which I'm thinking I will replace and the 30 amp electrical cord but my question is which size hose should I purchase, the 1/2" or 5/8" diameter or does it matter. Also what is the minimum length I should get so I can use it at any of the camp grounds that have the full service camp sites? Are the fittings I've seen advertised at the RV sites which come as either 45 or 90 degrees and are labeled as hose savers useful in keeping the hose from kinking?

**Terier** · 09-20-2012, 11:52 PM

Either size hose would work but I would opt for the 5/8". The minimum length can vary. I do carry a second hose in case I need a longer hose. Replies to this question may vary because it comes down to how far the water supply is away from the trailer. I have yet to need a second hose but for some members it's the opposite.

dimurrrw · 09-21-2012, 12:13 AM

Two short hoses, that can be coupled together if needed, will save coiling and uncoiling a single long hose. Use of the fittings will place less stress on the city water inlet by keeping the hose closer to the side of the trailer. I like the 90 best.

RvBill3 · 09-21-2012, 04:51 AM

The other thing you need is a pressure regulator to attach to the campground faucet before your hose. This keeps the pressure from bursting pipes in your RV. There are many different ones, some adjustable, some with gauges. Do not buy the cheapest one. They don't work well. One marked "high flow " rather than "standard ". See Camping World's website for several options. You can also find them at many Walmarts.

Typically your want to keep pressure around 40 psi or less.

Wiscampsin · 09-21-2012, 12:37 PM

I'd get 2 short 5/8" hoses. That way you're sure you'll have enough hose just in case. Good point on the water pressure regulator mentioned above. You might want to get an inline water filter too, blue torpedo type from Walmart is what we use. FYI we hook ours up like this: campground water spigot -> pressure regulator -> filter -> water hose -> 90 degree elbow -> camper. The reason I recommend the blue torpedo water filter is in case you're at a campground without water hookups at your site you can still use the water filter on the campgrounds fresh potable water hose when filling your onboard water tank.

Stingingfork · 09-21-2012, 03:12 PM

Thanks everyone for the great responses. I will definitely pick up the water filter and 90 degree hose saver to go along with the two 5/8" hoses. Thanks again!

**Herk7769** · 09-21-2012, 04:03 PM

The PEX plumbing inside your camper has an inside diameter of 1/2 inch.

Garden hose is measured by ID or inside diameter.
So a 5/8 inch ID hose has an outside diameter of 3/4 inch and a 1/2 inch hose has an OD of 5/8 inch. There is no advantage to buying a 5/8 inch ID hose if your camper has 1/2 inch ID plumbing. I tried 3/8 inch coiled water hose and while there was no taste (IMO) imparted by the coiled hose, the volume loss was unacceptable to me and I went back to the white hose (pressure was fine just low flow).

IMO - 2 25 foot lengths of 1/2 inch potable water (usually white) hose will most likely be all you need.

ironj · 09-21-2012, 05:01 PM

Might i suggest some various hose mending supplies as well.....cheap insurance....

punkaccountant · 09-21-2012, 05:13 PM

Most of our camping is at state and national campgrounds and we have to fill up on our way in. I get 5/8" because it will fill up faster. I also carry various lengths because sometimes we are close to a faucet and I can just stretch my hose and fill up the tank eliminating jugs. Currently I have 1-50' and 1-25' but there have been a few instances when I wish I had longer. So at the end of the day it all depends on your camping style. If you are only at full service sites then I would get 2-25' 1/2" diameter hoses. I've never had the need for the elbows even when at a full service site.

On edit, sorry I just saw Herk's post and didn't realize when I typed this that he recommended the same length and size.

Whisky · 09-21-2012, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stingingfork

Thanks everyone for the great responses. I will definitely pick up the water filter and 90 degree hose saver to go along with the two 5/8" hoses. Thanks again!

pressure regulator, PRESSURE REGULATOR - don't forget the PRESSURE REGULATOR !!!!!.....Bill

DDC · 09-21-2012, 06:37 PM

I use two twenty five footers, mostly only need one I like to use the 90 elbow to, I have never used a pressure regulator I have had more experience with too low a pressure in campgrounds.

**Herk7769** · 09-21-2012, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DDC

I use two twenty five footers, mostly only need one I like to use the 90 elbow to, I have never used a pressure regulator I have had more experience with too low a pressure in campgrounds.

I have 3 different regulators in my plumbing bag (including a 50 dollar adjustable one with a pressure gauge) and now use none. 99.9999% of the time; LOW pressure is the villain. Make SURE you have a good "newer" filter. Most campgrounds have well water and some are VERY silty.

lonewolf · 09-21-2012, 07:23 PM

I never use a regulator and never will as most of the plumbing in the newer units is pecks and will handle a lot more pressure than any CC's will have.

PBallie1602 · 09-22-2012, 05:38 PM

My starter kit came w/ a Valterra Standard 40-50 psi water pressure guage. I'm sure this is one of the cheaps ones some members are warning against, but it also seems like some very seasoned campers are saying not to bother w/ it at all?? So confusing!!!

ironj · 09-22-2012, 06:35 PM

i have a fancy one with a gauge and a cheapy camco....i usually just stick the camco one on, and i have rarely had issues with low pressure/flow....if the pressure aint worth a crap i take it off.....a lot of times its the filter that causes a lot of pressure loss tho...

honestly i am more concerned with if i have extra hose ends and mending supplies....i have had TWO hoses start leaking on me this year...and they were BOTH new!!! that is frustrating!! the only thing more frustrating than that is realizing you need 30ft of hose and you only have 25ft! LOL

Whisky · 09-23-2012, 05:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PBallie1602

My starter kit came w/ a Valterra Standard 40-50 psi water pressure guage. I'm sure this is one of the cheaps ones some members are warning against, but it also seems like some very seasoned campers are saying not to bother w/ it at all?? So confusing!!!

where's the confusion ?

"some very seasoned campers" won't be the one re-plumbing your water supply lines should they burst - you've got it - use it (even if it's one of the "cheap ones")

seems like a no brainer.....Bill

comfun1 · 09-23-2012, 08:08 AM

I used to have a ten foot hose that worked most places and I didn't have a lot of extra on the ground. I now carry two twenty fives. I always use my regulator, it will only lower pressure when the pressure exceeds it's rated capacity. Put the regulator on the hose bib rather than on your camper.

punkaccountant · 09-23-2012, 08:52 AM

Telling a newbie that they may not need a pressure regulator is very bad advice IMO. I always use a pressure regulator. It doesn't hurt anything and it protects your lines from bursting. Do a search in this forum and you will find posts from folks who did not use one and the consequences. The advice in those posts from "seasoned campers" was to use a regulator.

PBallie1602 · 09-23-2012, 09:06 AM

I'm definitely going to use it! I'm an overly cautious A type, I was more worried if my cheap starter kit one was good enough or if I needed to spend money on a better one. Two more weekends and I get to take the Dollhouse out for the first time!! Kids/football, jobs- pooh! Always ruining my fun.

punkaccountant · 09-23-2012, 09:58 AM

I just use a Valterra standard pressure regulator. It states it is lead free which is important to us. I believe the Camco regulator stated it contained lead which is why I opted for the Valterra. I can spend more for more expensive ones that can be serviced but these have always worked for me. Get a couple because you will forget one at some point.

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