I need to replace my city water fill valve. Of course owning a Foretravel a standard water fill will not do. It's about 5" in dia. Anyone been down this avenue before, if so what did you use?
Owning a 26 year old coach can be a challenge at times, but at this rate it'll have all new parts in a year or two.
Michael, I and many others have replaced the fill vavle by tapping directly into the fresh water tank with a fitting and a length of tubing to a convenient place. You can then fill the tank directly avoiding the restrictions in the water lines. I can fill my Tank in about 15 minutes, it used to take 45 minutes.
Gary B
Here's a photo of mine, Gary.
jor
Jor, Good job, mine is not so sophisticated. I ran a length of tubing into the upper part of the water bay and put in a check valve like yours and then I use a quick connect. I replaced the fibreglass cover when I was done but I don't know why, it is useless. Sure is a lot more convenient that filling thru the system and having to fiddle with the ball valve under the sink.
Gary B
A few more examples Water Tank Gravity Fill (http://beamalarm.com/Documents/water_tank_gravity_fill.html)
Thanks for the replies gents, but I still need the city fill as mine is leaking.
I'll see if I can incorporate some of you ideas. It maybe touch as my 50 gallon tank is under the passenger twin bed and the fill is on the driverside. I am going to install a gravity fill on that side of the coach though. Good information Berry.
Gary, when I fill the tank I lay down on the floor between the beds turn on the fill faucet and take a mini nap, when I here the overflow, naps over.
Here's a side note.
All the water lines are obove the floor. Only the waste lines are outside along with their tanks.
Micheal, If the leak is at the fill connector it is probably the backflow or one way valve. These are available to any camping store. Before you replace it take a small screwdriver and POP the little plastic tit in it behind the screen strainer. Often times calcium deposits or grit will get into the valve and keep it from closing all the way. I am familiar with your water set up I had a 85 ORED set up the same way.
Gary B
Thanks for the tip Gary. I'll get after it in the morning.
If you look again, could it be you have a standard female hose end standard water fill valve, that has a standard pressure reducer behind it, screwed onto the back of the water fill valve?
Wonder if I would gain that much room in the utility bay if I removed the fiberglass cover? Somehow I have my doubts.
I have a question. Would removing the regulator which is needed only for running on city water hookup accomplish the same quick fill?
Chuck, Removing the regulator might allow a little faster fill but the slow fill problem is due to the restriction in the ball valve under the sink ( if you have one ) that directs water to tank or system. The opening in this valve is a 1/4 inch or so.
You might as well remove the regulator as they are unreliable and clog up with sand, calcium deposits etc. A good external adjustable regulator is much better. I have a Watts regulator that I have used for years.
Gary B
We store hoses on top of the tank (no hose reels - yet.) More room than you'd think
over the tank.