Forum Discussion

milo's avatar
milo
Explorer II
Jul 10, 2014

Tapping into the 12v Electrical

Good Morning. Our 5er does not have a gravity flow opening for the fresh water tank fill. So to fill it, I have to hook a hose to the water inlet and select tank fill and find a water spigot to add water to the tank.
My question for all you electrical experts out there ... I have a 12v pump I can use to pump the water into the FW tank. What would be the best way to tap into the 12v electrical that runs under the slideout about 3 or 4 ft away. The wires are covered with that protective corrugated plastic covering. I'm trying to figure out the best way to add wires & a plug so I could plug the pump into it when needed to add water & unplug it when not using it or on the move. Need a type of setup (wiring & plug) that won't get all screwed up from the road elements. Any suggestion on what would be the best way to tap into those wires & what type of plug.

Thanks
Milo
  • Gjac's avatar
    Gjac
    Explorer III
    Jul 10, 2014
    I don't have a gravity fill either. I rigged up an old Sureflow water pump but have yet to use it. I find it easier to use my overflow tube and gravity fill with a 5 gal shower bag. If I was near an unlimited water source like a lake or stream I would use the pump, for 5 gals at a time in a CG its easier to use the overflow tube.
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Jul 10, 2014
    First of all you have a check valve that you will have to bypass,or your going to have to do some serious plumbing work. Pump only pumps one way, tank to faucets.
  • milo's avatar
    milo
    Explorer II
    Jul 10, 2014
    Jack, I had the same idea. Run wires from the battery but it's 30ft from the docking station and I don't want to take the battery out and lug it to the back of the 5er when there are wires 4ft away.
  • Jack_Diane_Free's avatar
    Jack_Diane_Free
    Explorer
    Jul 10, 2014
    I also do not have gravity fresh water tank fill. Must attaché hose. So when dry camping an bring along a 25 gallon plastic tank with tap fitting on the bottom. Hook up a hose and 12v transfer pump attached to battery terminals with alligator clips. Fill the fresh water tank and simply disconnect alligator clips and put pump back into storage. The water tank fits in my pickup bed.

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