Water tank filling mod

[rjniles]

A modification I made to more easily fill my fresh water tank. I installed a 1/2" threaded 3 way ball valve in the area of my water pump. I connected the input to the valve to the outside hose connection. One of the output ports I connected back to the water pump, the other output port I connected to the old breather hose to the fresh water tank. I cut a hole in the bulkhead wall of my front storage box to access the valve handle. The old filler hose now acts as the breather hose and I can still fill the tank with that hose.

With a hose connected to the RV, I reach the valve thru the storage box and turn to the fill position. It will fill my tank in 4-5 minutes (will depend on water pressure).

I used PEX pipe with SS cinch rings for the connections(I own the tools and connectors). You could also SS 1'2" FPT faucet connectors.

Trying to figure out how to post a picture.

[CharlesinGA]

rjniles wrote:
My RV has a gravity fill port but when I stick a hose it it to fill it constantly burps and spews water back from around the hose. This mod eliminates all of that.

You should be using an adapter on the hose that fits into the fill neck. This allows air to exit as you fill.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0006IX850/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fab_Eh9FFb72K8EAF

This way you don't risk bursting the tank, dislodging the fill neck hose (happened to me) or damaging the tank mounts.

Charles

[mobeewan]

rjniles wrote:
My RV has a gravity fill port but when I stick a hose it it to fill it constantly burps and spews water back from around the hose. This mod eliminates all of that.

Mine did that too. My tank filler neck hose is visible inside the sink cabinet and connects to the tank top through a hole in the floor. I checked for kinks and everything was a smooth curve. The problem was the water was accumulating in the fill hose. The air in the tank also couldn't escape through the vent tube fast enough so air burped back up through the filler neck hose as the pressure air compressed in the tank.

I solved the problem by replacing the clear 1/2 inch vinyl fill tubing i used with a piece long enough to make it all the way into the tank. I no longer had water backing up into the tank filler neck hose. As the tank fills, air in the tank comes out the vent and up the filler neck hose without burping water out the tank fill opening. When the tank is full I hear gurgling just before water runs out the tank fill connection indicating the tank is full.

[bigorange]

rjniles wrote:

My RV has a gravity fill port but when I stick a hose it it to fill it constantly burps and spews water back from around the hose. This mod eliminates all of that.

Sounds like a blockage in air relief/overflow line...I had similar issue and resolved once the blockage was removed.

[Bobbo]

rjniles wrote:
My RV has a gravity fill port but when I stick a hose it it to fill it constantly burps and spews water back from around the hose. This mod eliminates all of that.

Turn down the water flow a little.

[MitchF150]

Wow.. So glad my 2019 Rockwood has a regular fresh water hose fill up front where the tank is. My water flow at home is 5 gallons in 30 seconds (I timed it and that's how fast it fills a 5 gallon bucket from the hose?)

On an empty tank, with a 55 gallon cap, I just let it fill for about 4 minutes, and it's full enough for me and has not overflowed or not taken the flow at that rate?

All the other water hookups is at the rear of the rig, (city water, water pump, filter, etc.)

No issues with using the rigs fresh water storage and water pump.. Really have not even hooked up city water to it yet... Just like using the tank with water I carry.. ha, ha... Just a weekend camper so no big deal..

Good luck! Mitch

[ksg5000]

This might have come in handy in the first rig I rented which was a real PIA to fill .... in hindsight I suspect there was a kink/blockage in the air bleeder valve.

[wopachop]

Think of your fresh water tank like a balloon. Dont want to crack and pop it. In colder weather make sure to fill as slow as you can. If you are filling up at a public spot dont feel rushed. Sounds like your original tank vent has either failed....or....you crank the fresh water input full blast and the tank cant vent fast enough. Thats how people balloon their fresh water tank to the point it will lift your floor up. Bend the metal mounts. All types of badness.

[rjniles]

bukhrn wrote:
Lately I've been seeing quite a few posts about mods & different ways to fill the fresh water tanks, some, Like this one seem to be a lot of work, makes me wonder, do I have the only MH with a gravity fill port, remove the cap, stick the hose in the hole, turn the water on?
I have a friend with what appears to be 2 city water connections, but one of them is to fill the tank.
I thought all RV's came with a way to fill the tank. :h

My RV has a gravity fill port but when I stick a hose it it to fill it constantly burps and spews water back from around the hose. This mod eliminates all of that.

[rjniles]

Thanks for the info on photo posting

[Dusty_R]

Our new '88 Mallard and new 2001 Itasca both had a gravity fill port. Out 2014 does not. I built one using 3/4" PVC pipe and a 1/4-20 stainless threaded rod.

Dusty

[Lwiddis]

My TT’s gravity fill works fine and I’m not in a hurry.

[bukhrn]

Lately I've been seeing quite a few posts about mods & different ways to fill the fresh water tanks, some, Like this one seem to be a lot of work, makes me wonder, do I have the only MH with a gravity fill port, remove the cap, stick the hose in the hole, turn the water on?
I have a friend with what appears to be 2 city water connections, but one of them is to fill the tank.
I thought all RV's came with a way to fill the tank. :h

[Lwiddis]

I’m nervous about filling fresh water quickly and look forward to your pictures.

[IAMICHABOD]

rjniles wrote:
Trying to figure out how to post a picture.

Follow the instructions In This Link to fully understand how it is done,very easy to use.