Fresh water tank

[toshu]

We have used our fresh water tank once since getting our new 2011 Rockwood 2604. When we did, my wife got sick and swears it was from the water.

We are heading out again Sunday, and will be dry camping so we need to use the FW tank again.

I am curious to hear what people do for an initial FW tank disinfection/cleaning, and what if anything is done on subsequent uses.

[buzzards27]

Originally Posted by toshu

We have used our fresh water tank once since getting our new 2011 Rockwood 2604. When we did, my wife got sick and swears it was from the water.

We are heading out again Sunday, and will be dry camping so we need to use the FW tank again.

I am curious to hear what people do for an initial FW tank disinfection/cleaning, and what if anything is done on subsequent uses.

I used swimming pool "shock" from litehouse pools. Our 25 gallon tank takes about 1/2 teaspoon.

[brianb]

I "shock" or disinfect the tank early in the season with a tablespoon of pool/spa chlorine. Sodium dichloro-s-triazinetrione dihydrate. I fill the tanks with water (and chlorine), turn on everything for a bit, and then let it sit for an hour or two. Then drain, refill with fresh water, flush, and then final drain. I used to use bleach but it smelled and was a pain to wash out.

Then on future fills, from non chlorinated sources, I toss in a 1/2 teaspoon of dichloro and fill the tanks. This should be sufficient to kill any critters.

While onsite we drink mostly gallon bottles of water or soft drinks. Use the tanked water primarily for washing, tooth-brushing, etc.

[MtnGuy]

Check out post #6 here: http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...tank-8813.html

[bikendan]

plain old bleach for over 25 years of dry camping.

[Wildwood1]

we never drink the water from the TT water tank. just cant seem to trust it. my wife always brings a container of our house water for drinking!

[buzzards27]

Originally Posted by bikendan

plain old bleach for over 25 years of dry camping.

If you like bleach you'll love shock, try it. No bleach aftertaste. A small amount goes a long way.

[E.S.P.]

Twice per year...
1) Mix 1/4 cup BLEACH with 1 gal H2O for every 15 gal of H2O tank capacity
2) Add solution to tank and fill until full with fresh H2O
3) Flush lines until you smell bleach at each source
4) Top off tank until full with H2O
5) Let rest for a few hours
6) Drain system
7) Flush with fresh H2O
8) Drain system
9) Final flush with fresh H2O

GOOD TO GO!!! Nothing between trips unless it sits for an extended period, never a problem. Use a good quality water filter and replace once a year.

[MtnGuy]

Originally Posted by E.S.P.

1) Mix 1/4 cup BLEACH with 1 gal H2O for every 10 gal of H2O tank capacity

I have read 1/4 cup bleach to 15 gallons of water.

I also drive the camper around some after filling the tank, to make sure the bleach solution mixes well, and to make sure bleach solution splashes on the top of the tank. I will do a quick drive through the hood during the rinse, also.

[E.S.P.]

Originally Posted by mtnguy

I have read 1/4 cup bleach to 15 gallons of water.

I also drive the camper around some after filling the tank, to make sure the bleach solution mixes well, and to make sure bleach solution splashes on the top of the tank. I will do a quick drive through the hood during the rinse, also.

You are correct, it is per 15 gallons. Post has been edited.

Driving around with the bleach solution will definitely get things a bit cleaner.

[MovinSue]

This is "sorta" related:

My FW tank swallowed the 7" end plastic hose from my FW Fill hose accessory. The fill tank accessory is a little add-on piece that screws onto your fresh water hose--has a switch to start/stop water flow into the tank and guides water into the tank--about $4 at CW. The clear plastic hose piece recently came apart from the rigid plastic "business" end. I cannot see it or reach it with my fingers so it's either lodged somewhere in the neck or dropped down into the tank.

Anyone have any experience with this; will the hose provide a breeding ground for growth of undesirables or get in the way of any working parts? Does it require intervention or is it a non-problem?

[brianb]

Originally Posted by MovinSue

This is "sorta" related:

Anyone have any experience with this; will the hose provide a breeding ground for growth of undesirables or get in the way of any working parts? Does it require intervention or is it a non-problem?

If it's just a small hollow tube I wouldn't think it would cause much trouble in the fresh tank. It shouldn't clog anything, and when you sanitize the tank it would be sanitized as well.

[MovinSue]

Thanks for your opinion. I suspect it will not create havoc and bedlam but always like to have another great mind weigh in. Nothing like this ever happened to my equipment before and I have never read of it in other Forums--so it is reassuring when other experienced RV'ers think it will not be a problem.