what water pressure regulator (city water) do you use?

[jeeplj8]

I have the Camco blue plastic water pressure regulator that looks like this:
Camco RV ABS Water Pressure Regulator | Mobile Home Parts Store

came with the camper in the box of Camco goodies they give you. Most of initial camping was in MO State Parks where we did not have water hook-up so running off the 12v pump.

What I have noticed is that when I do have full hook-up there is LESS pressure when running city water through the regulator pictured above.

I don't really want to trust my inside PEX tubing to my ability to adjust the water pressure at the city tap, but the little piece of blue plastic does not induce much confidence either.

Curious what others have used.

[schneidermccn]

Hi Bought a hi flow regulator from Camping World After my wife complained of low water psi in shower. This really seemed to help. Cost about 20 bucks.

[Oaklevel]

We have the adjustable regulator with the gauge its pricey( $50) but I like to know whats going on & I can adjust it.

[ependydad]

$90 adjustable water pressure regulator from RV Water Filter Store. I found the same thing as you- my water pressure left a lot to be desired with the cheapo ones. They worked, but I have long flowy hair that will make your womens jealous and I need a good shower. )

[jeeplj8]

Originally Posted by ependydad

$90 adjustable water pressure regulator from RV Water Filter Store. I found the same thing as you- my water pressure left a lot to be desired with the cheapo ones. They worked, but I have long flowy hair that will make your womens jealous and I need a good shower. )

T-M-I

[ependydad]

Originally Posted by jeeplj8

T-M-I

Just sayin- staying this beautiful takes work and investments.

[VinceU]

Originally Posted by jeeplj8

I have the Camco blue plastic water pressure regulator that looks like this:
Camco RV ABS Water Pressure Regulator | Mobile Home Parts Store

came with the camper in the box of Camco goodies they give you. Most of initial camping was in MO State Parks where we did not have water hook-up so running off the 12v pump.

What I have noticed is that when I do have full hook-up there is LESS pressure when running city water through the regulator pictured above.

I don't really want to trust my inside PEX tubing to my ability to adjust the water pressure at the city tap, but the little piece of blue plastic does not induce much confidence either.

Curious what others have used.

I quit using them years ago, they all work by restriction, needed or not. Cuts water pressure and flow to all high volume uses.

Specs:Pex tubing can easily handle in excess of 100 psi.
Normal water pressure in City Water systems all over the land other than in ground pump is 50-60 psi max. Its set by the water towers you've seen everywhere with town names on them. Height is constant so is pressure output. Most campgrounds provide maybe 40 psi service.

The water heater relief valve on outside access are set by factory to al least 125psi opening pressure. That is the only system relief available in any RV.

Why speed 20-90 bucks for something that is really clever marketing by RV supply houses?

BTW older systems of plastic pipe is safe to 400 psi cold and 125 psi hot (180F).

Like I've said, haven't used one in years, never saw a plumbing failure due to high shore pressure, have you?

[RPAspey]

I have used one on one of our few full hook up trips. I placed it at the post spigot, and ran our wind hose to the camper. The next morning I couldn't understand how one side of the camper was in a rain shower and the other was dry. My hose split. I figured the pressure must have creeped up overnight due to a cheap regulators. I threw out the regulator with the hose. never used one since, but only use the premium hoses now with burst strength of 125 psi. haven't had a problem since.

what I subsequently learned is that cheap regulators don't regulate pressure without flow. They need the differential pressure created by flow thru their orifice to regulate. The premium regulators will have a diaphragm and a vent to atmosphere as a pressure reference. they are also adjustable by varying spring pressure on the diaphragm. Thus the major price difference between cheapo and a good one.

[bob213]

I believe in the "good" regulators like the Watts 263A. If you don't want to spend the money for one or just don't see the need for one, at least take the precaution of turning off the water if you leave camp. Had a fellow camper come back to find water running out the doors when he didn't. Not a pretty sight.

[kevinC]

I have a Camco high flow and wouldn't be without it. I realize the tubing and fittings carry a psi rating greater than water systems. I never used a regulator until we blew the toilet valve in half at an Oregon state park. It took us two days to find an RV dealer, bought a new valve and a regulator. No problems since.

[KyDan]

We also have a Watts Adjustable 263A Regulator,
2" diameter 0-160 gauge, 4-4.5 gpm from the
RV Water Filter Store: Standard Filter Canisters for Whole RV

I googled all over the place a couple years back and these guys had
the best price. I could find the regulator for a little less elsewhere but when
I added the gauge and the 2 brass hose adapters that come with it, the price
was more elsewhere.

I know it's pricey but if you're gonna be at this a while you'll be glad to
have it. We used the little in-line brass type sold at many RV stores and
even the RV isle in WalMart but it was low flow AND it often let the pressure
creep up over nite or just between use of water. When we turned on a
faucet or flushed there would be a big whoosh of water then low flow.

The whole idea of a regulator is to regulate NOT let the pressure creep up!!

They now have a stainless oil filled gauge for $10 more. I wish I had that.
My gauge is black painted and it's starting to rust behind the glass from
being out in the rain.
Oil filled gauge won't do that.

One caveat-- it's real easy to disconnect the hose and put it away and
then stow your power cord and your chocks etc etc.... and forget to
get your regulator off the camp ground spigot!!

Don't leave it hanging there for the next guy!!

[ependydad]

Originally Posted by KyDan

Don't leave it hanging there for the next guy!!

I've decided that hoses are cheap. :-) I bought a 4' section of hose that I'm leaving always hooked up in my water closet with the Watts regulator always hooked up. I'll hook and unhook my hose to the campground water source from there. That way, I should never forget it!

[bend302]

Originally Posted by KyDan

We also have a Watts Adjustable 263A Regulator,
2" diameter 0-160 gauge, 4-4.5 gpm from the
RV Water Filter Store: Standard Filter Canisters for Whole RV

I googled all over the place a couple years back and these guys had
the best price. I could find the regulator for a little less elsewhere but when
I added the gauge and the 2 brass hose adapters that come with it, the price
was more elsewhere.

I know it's pricey but if you're gonna be at this a while you'll be glad to
have it. We used the little in-line brass type sold at many RV stores and
even the RV isle in WalMart but it was low flow AND it often let the pressure
creep up over nite or just between use of water. When we turned on a
faucet or flushed there would be a big whoosh of water then low flow.

The whole idea of a regulator is to regulate NOT let the pressure creep up!!

They now have a stainless oil filled gauge for $10 more. I wish I had that.
My gauge is black painted and it's starting to rust behind the glass from
being out in the rain.
Oil filled gauge won't do that.

One caveat-- it's real easy to disconnect the hose and put it away and
then stow your power cord and your chocks etc etc.... and forget to
get your regulator off the camp ground spigot!!

Don't leave it hanging there for the next guy!!

OK, Dan, what PSI do you set the unit to for good performance yet safe for plumbing?

Bill

[ependydad]

Not Dan, but I keep mine at 45psi.

[rracer5]

Originally Posted by ependydad

Just sayin- staying this beautiful takes work and investments.

OH, BOY!!!!! I know what you mean. I remember all the care I put into my hair in the '70's (ahem).

[KyDan]

I've got mine on 30 but we don't shower in the trailer. That number is
a little low for best "performance".
I'd say 40.
Some CGs -especially in the mountains- can have twice that pressure.

[bob213]

I set mine to 55 psi without any problems. I also put it on the CG spigot so my hose is protected.

[jeeplj8]

a bunch of men talking about hair care - what is this world coming too?

I am somewhat leery of running "naked" without any restriction. I know that our city water is around 70psi. It is rumored to be higher than most around and the city requires restriction devices in new homes.

trying to decide on the watts 263a or going with one of the cheaper brass gauges and restrictor. In the event the campground pressure is low enough, would run without, but you dont know until you get there.

[bend302]

When we arrived at our campground in Florida on Jan 1, I hooked up the MH and de-winterized. Then I jumped into the shower and realized I had left off the pressure regulator. Just for fun, I let DW shower before I added the regulator. Big mistake now she wanted that kind of water pressure all the time. I am close now but no cigar. (Hi flow regulator from CW ($20) and an oxygenics ($40) shower head.)

Later I discovered a Winnebago owner and a Holiday Rambler owner who admitted to the same mistake. The Winnebago blew out the kitchen water filter seal and the HR owner had to get a professional to repair a broken water connection.

The Georgetown? No problems. My conclusion is that Georgetowns aren't put together too badly after all.

Bill

[mjones12]

I use the brass regulator with the adjustable gauge from CW. I run it at 60 psi (if that much is available) with no problems. Since we both shower in the mornings, I'm thinking of dialing it back to 45 or so for the remainder of the day, when pressure isn't all that important.