Forum Discussion

bedpan's avatar
bedpan
Explorer
Jun 10, 2015

Hard to Fill Fresh Water with Gravity Fill

Just picked up our new 2015 Starcraft 18BH. Had our first weekend in it and all went well. Some learning to be done but overall no major issues.

I sanitized and the fresh water system prior to leaving as per the manual and online guides (drain, bleach water, soak, drain, rinse..). During the fill cycles I find it pretty tough to fill using fresh water tank using the gravity fill. Although the manual says there is an options to fill via the pump I don't think it applies to my trailer as there is no water line that connects out of the pump back to the tank.

So filling via the gravity feed appears to be my only option. Using a hose (drinking quality of course) holding it in the gravity feed hole about 50% of the water comes pouring back out. I bought one the fill adapter for the hose with the shut off, and soft plastic tip. Even with that water still pours back out. Getting just the right angle and flow rate I can keep most of the water going in. This is not a big deal if I am running off a city water hose, it was a real challenge to pour the bleach water in without spilling all over. The larger issue will be if I am trying to put in bottled water of some sort.

Any thoughts or suggestions? I can post some pictures if required? I was wondering if I should cut in a by pass so I can fill using the city water tank? Any risks in doing so?

Thoughts, answer, solutions all appreciated!

I am new so be gentle ;-)

thanks,

Mike
  • F1bNorm's avatar
    F1bNorm
    Explorer
    Jun 10, 2015
    I've had the same problem on 3 different RV's. The solution for all three (plus my buddy's rig) has been the same.

    The typical commercial, hose end attachment, like a Camco is too short. Either replace the clear hose with a longer piece or cut the nozzle off a 1/2" garden type hose. I use a cut-off washing machine hose. The idea is to get the fill hose further down the gravity feed. Try 3-4 feet and cut it back if too long.

    Norm
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Jun 10, 2015
    Check routing of fresh water tank vent line..........if it sags, has bends, is kinked etc. air can not escape from tank as water goes in.

    Hard to fill a tank when it doesn't vent properly.

    Also check that fill hose routing.......it should be a straight shot to tank with no sags/dips either
  • the_bear_II's avatar
    the_bear_II
    Explorer
    Jun 10, 2015
    Are you going by the monitor panel to show how full the fresh water is or can you see the tank to verify how full it is. The monitors aren't always accurate.

    You may be overfilling the tank, the tank will bulge and force the water back out the fill tube.

    Best method is to use the fill adapter and run the water at a slow rate while you do other things. Check on the progress every few minutes.

    You should hear sputtering from the filler tube as the tank nears full.

    Or If you can see the tank watch as the water fills and stop just shy of full.

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