Pex Plumbing

[MacDR]

Hello All,
Last June I picked up my 2014 Columbus 340rk and loved ever day last fall I used it. I winterized it and am just getting ready to head to warmer weather for a couple of weeks.. While starting to get it ready I was looking at some of the plumbing and it looks like Pex pipes and fittings..If it does why would I keep only 45 pounds on my inlet pressure for city water?

To make a long question short .. How can I find out if Forest River is using Pex in any of the 2014 units that they build.

[Happy Vibe]

If your trailer is like mine it all looks like pex but: the fittings are plastic, not metal like used in a house, the taps used in the bathroom and kitchen are of very low quality and have a lot of plastic parts that I would not trust above 40-50 lbs pressure.

[Ford Idaho]

Originally Posted by Happy Vibe

If your trailer is like mine it all looks like pex but: the fittings are plastic, not metal like used in a house, the taps used in the bathroom and kitchen are of very low quality and have a lot of plastic parts that I would not trust above 40-50 lbs pressure.

I agree, it is not the Pex tubing that is the problem it IS the fixtures the Pex is hooked to that is the weak link.

[MacDR]

Thanks Guy's.. Makes sense to me now.. I did see some plastic fittings, If I ever have an Issue i'll replace the fittings with metal.
Thanks again...

[caper]

The fitting and fixtures are the weak points. Replaced the faucets for the bathroom and kitchen sinks. The bath room fittings started to leak when water was turned on. The problem was the water was leaking under the fixture and into the cabinet. Took several weeks to find where the water on the floor was coming from. When fixture was removed the inside was plastic pipes that were of low quality.

[Derick441]

If you have any problems with the fittings best thing to do is go to your local hardware store and rent the crimpers and replace the plastic compression fittings.

Sent from my SPH-L720 using Forest River Forums mobile app

[Witch Doctor]

Originally Posted by Happy Vibe

If your trailer is like mine it all looks like pex but: the fittings are plastic, not metal like used in a house, the taps used in the bathroom and kitchen are of very low quality and have a lot of plastic parts that I would not trust above 40-50 lbs pressure.

X's 2 They use plex hose. with plastic fittings. They also use white hose from your F/W tank and the inlet and the head, for the water pump. The fixtures are only held together with o rings. They will blow right off the handles. I was in Pensacola NAS when that storm went through. My 2 low point drains froze and expanded the 90 degree fitting where it exits the unit. That fitting expanded and when it defrosted it never tighten back up. And was filling my underbelly up with water. I open that to drain the water at the inspection area where I seen icicles hanging. What everyone above has said in very true. My units go's in for repair on the 4th. They are going to install some shut off valves in the low point drains inside so I can keep the water out of the exposed section that hangs below the underbelly. So you have 3 weak pts. the fittings, plastic fixtures and some hoses.... Kinda dumb I think. You can't drain your system every night to stop that from happening. It is going to cost them more in warranty work then adding the shut valve off cost when being built.....Also my dealer warned me about how the facets are made and said to spend the money and get replacements at HD. then he said I should be fine to 65 lbs. of water pressure at the CG...... That's another reason these are only 3 season trailers.

[youroo]

Another point to add (Pre shutoff valves) is the Unisulated area of the (O/S shower)! Some units are open to the back in a base cabinet,some are totally hidden. The O/S Shower valves can (Freeze) very easy,if you are going to (Attempt) to winter camp,place Pex shutoff valves before the O/S Shower and (Drain) the hose between the New S/O valve and the Control valves O/S. Then insulate the area around the O/S Shower(Inside & Out).Open the O/S access door and place insulation in there as well. The hole in the side of you unit for the O/S Shower is (8-1/2 x 12) NO isulation and a 1/8 piece of plastic,can we say (Freeze-UP)! Just thought I would bring it up if Members are looking for a needed Project! Youroo!!

[Flagstaffer06]

Had a neighbor that learned this the hardway in his KZ 5er, 2nd trip out, in the middle of the night he heard gushing water, ran to the bathroom to find the handle not screwed down all the way and the over pressure blew the handle and the cartridge sky high with a geyser coming out of his bathroom sink. Of course, no shutoffs so he had to hold the water down with a towel while his wife went outside and shut down the water.

I have been slowly adding some pre-shutoff valves as Youroo mentioned and changing out some fittings with higher quality ones too.

[Herk7769]

I carry the tool, 6 feet of PEX, and an assortment of Sharkbite push-on fittings in my "Plumbing" bag.

[Python15]

Can someone tell me if the Columbus 340rk has the winterization kit with the antfreeze pick up valve?

[Python15]

Good Chris Columbus question.

[Witch Doctor]

Originally Posted by Python15

Can someone tell me if the Columbus 340rk has the winterization kit with the antifreeze pick up valve?

I don't own one but I will stake my name on it that they do? That's a great uit. They even put on the less expensive units.

[Witch Doctor]

The only problem is that they use these cheap fittings not the same you would find in home cons't. The band and connectors are the problem.

[MacDR]

My 340rk does have the pickup unit ..don't know if it is standard equipment..

[MacDR]

Originally Posted by Herk7769

I carry the tool, 6 feet of PEX, and an assortment of Sharkbite push-on fittings in my "Plumbing" bag.

Love the Picts.. Started buying the equipment today.. Thanks for sharing.

[retiredcamper47]

SharkBite fittings are the way to go. No muss or fuss. They work on pex, pvc, and copper lines. I have used them in my previous rv and in my house. No soldering, no crimping, no leaks!

Bob

[B47]

Originally Posted by retiredcamper47

SharkBite fittings are the way to go. No muss or fuss. They work on pex, pvc, and copper lines. I have used them in my previous rv and in my house. No soldering, no crimping, no leaks!

Bob

I have never used these,but have watched their videos plus a segment of This Old House featured them. If you can believe their videos,etc,plus your endorsement,I guess they work well. Their videos show many different types of valves in addition to the fittings.