HiI purchased an Evergreen IGO C183RB Pro travel trailer a month before I found out that the company closed its doors and went out of business. I've had some issues that requiring fixing on the trailer, been trying to do as much as possible myself, since the manufacturer's warranty has terminated with the business closing.One of the major issues I found is that the Water pump is losing prime and short cycling whenever the fresh water tank level goes below 1/3. I confirmed that the pump was working correctly and that there is water in the fresh water tank when I ran my tests so I put out the bucks to bring the trailer into a RV service center.I was just told that Evergreen made a design flaw in the fresh water pick up line and that it wasn't low enough to access the water in the bottom 1/3 of the tank. Their recommendation was to lower the fresh water pickup line but that would mean taking it out of the heated and enclosed trailer underbelly leaving it exposed to the elements.I don't want to do that for a variety of good reasons, so does anyone have any insight on possible options? I'm trying to fix this if possible and would appreciate any help especially since Evergreen is closed and there is no customer support at all. Dealer is the one who told me to take it to this RV service center so no additional help is available there.Thanks

Your pump pickup is probably in the side of the tank, maybe as far down as possible to the bottom, or maybe not!!!If your FW tank drain is in the bottom of the tank, tee into it and move the pump pickup to that point. Many trailers have this problem. Made worse by small tanks, so you notice it sooner!! Also, not level or slight tilt to the pickup side.You, or service place, may still need to slice or open up the bottom to do this, but will have to for anything around the pickup. Others have added a weighted hose that extends into the tank to try to get as much water as poss. I think, if your drain is easily accessible, a tee in is the best.I have done this on previous trailers, and have never had a problem with the "elements" affecting the water supply. Camped in 20 deg temp without freezing. If worried about freezing, foam it in!!

So what am I missing? Just because you lower the line doesn't mean you have to loose your heated and enclosed underbelly.

It was the RV Service Rep who told me that they would have to expose my fresh water pickup line to the elements in order to fix the situation. I'm wondering if there is another way to push the line further down into the tank and splice it from where it is presently connected to the pump without exposing anything or having to pierce my heated and enclosed underbelly.

Tucquala hit it. On my P/U I Tee'd into the bottom drain line to get as much water out of the tank as I could.You'll have to get into the underbelly to access the pickup line. If you unscrew the pickup fitting maybe you can add a hose nipple, hose, and brass or stainless clunk weight to the inside, in effect making a bulkhead fitting. You can repair the cut in the Coroplast with Gorilla tape.I've heard RV manufacturers keep the pickup off the bottom to prevent the pump from picking up any debris that may get into the tank.

Thanks a lot guys, I'm going to try the Tee option to resolve this issue.Your help and advice is much appreciated!

Design Flaw in Fresh Water Pickup Line New Trailer

15 Replies

Benaroo
Explorer
Aug 05, 2016
Thanks a lot guys, I'm going to try the Tee option to resolve this issue.

Your help and advice is much appreciated!
mbopp
Explorer
Aug 05, 2016
Tucquala hit it. On my P/U I Tee'd into the bottom drain line to get as much water out of the tank as I could.
You'll have to get into the underbelly to access the pickup line. If you unscrew the pickup fitting maybe you can add a hose nipple, hose, and brass or stainless clunk weight to the inside, in effect making a bulkhead fitting. You can repair the cut in the Coroplast with Gorilla tape.
I've heard RV manufacturers keep the pickup off the bottom to prevent the pump from picking up any debris that may get into the tank.
Benaroo
Explorer
Aug 05, 2016
It was the RV Service Rep who told me that they would have to expose my fresh water pickup line to the elements in order to fix the situation.

I'm wondering if there is another way to push the line further down into the tank and splice it from where it is presently connected to the pump without exposing anything or having to pierce my heated and enclosed underbelly.
nickthehunter
Nomad III
Aug 05, 2016
So what am I missing? Just because you lower the line doesn't mean you have to loose your heated and enclosed underbelly.
TUCQUALA
Explorer
Aug 05, 2016
Your pump pickup is probably in the side of the tank, maybe as far down as possible to the bottom, or maybe not!!!

If your FW tank drain is in the bottom of the tank, tee into it and move the pump pickup to that point. Many trailers have this problem. Made worse by small tanks, so you notice it sooner!! Also, not level or slight tilt to the pickup side.

You, or service place, may still need to slice or open up the bottom to do this, but will have to for anything around the pickup. Others have added a weighted hose that extends into the tank to try to get as much water as poss. I think, if your drain is easily accessible, a tee in is the best.

I have done this on previous trailers, and have never had a problem with the "elements" affecting the water supply. Camped in 20 deg temp without freezing. If worried about freezing, foam it in!!

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Design Flaw in Fresh Water Pickup Line New Trailer

15 Replies

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