199 American Cruiser - water system info?

[csilos]

Hello. Just purchased a 1999 american cruiser. when I added water to the water tank, water was dripping/gushing out at the bottom (rear and front section of the rv); was hoping someone has any information on how the water system and pipes and tanks are laid out… thanks in advance for your time!

[csilos]

Thank you so much to everyone! I really appreciate all your responses!

[Arizona_Kid]

One thing, the fresh water tank has an over flow at the top to prevent it from being over filled. It can look like it's coming from the bottom of the tank.

[Gene_in_NE]

csilos wrote:
Hello. Just purchased a 1999 american cruiser. when I added water to the water tank, water was dripping/gushing out at the bottom (rear and front section of the rv); was hoping someone has any information on how the water system and pipes and tanks are laid out… thanks in advance for your time!

As "Handbasket" stated, you may have a open tank drain or other low point drain. There are several members that own an American Cruiser. You might try sending a personal message (PM) to one of them on what you might want to look for. Here are a couple links I found doing a search American Cruiser or georgelesley.
Good Luck!

[GizmosMom]

So sorry this is happening to you. Here is a useful RV site (for plumbing/water issues). There are also useful topics in "Beginning Rving" here on this forum.

[Handbasket]

cs, it's a doable DIY job _if_ you're not easily frustrated and are reasonably flexible. Pretty much all threaded connections are lefty-loosy, righty-tighty. If it's like mine, most of the fittings are a bit over 1" wrench size; I bought a cheap large crescent wrench and shortened the handle by half for easier access.

It's worth finding the water tank and checking to be sure the fill connection isn't deranged. Be sure the drain plug is snug in the water heater (1 1/16" socket, probably; lower outside). Also check and see if the water pump runs all the time.

At an absolute minimum, I'd pull drawers and open cabinets. Put some water in, turn the pump on, and use a bright flashlight to see if you can see where it comes out. It _might_ be something simple.

(On edit: You can likely find some basic RV plumbing schematics on-line. Do a search here and webwide with Google.)

Jim, "Preserve wildlife... pickle a squirrel!"

[csilos]

Thank you Handbasket. Unfortunately, I bought from an individual. I don't know anything about vans… so, I put my faith in the seller's honesty. He said he would drive his family in it, and they have no knowledge of any issues. I bought it as-is. What a big disappointment. within 25 miles of purchasing, I had to replace the transmission, the toilet, and had some electrical troubleshooting done bec After I replaced the 2 coach batteries, no power going inside the coach. After the painful unexpected $3,800 repairs later, i discovered the water issue. I'm embarrassed to even admit to being conned… but, it is what it is. I was just hoping I can get some info/schematics or something (don't have manual and can't find anything online)… since the RV guys charges me for troubleshooting - thought maybe I can pinpoint the problem and save some dollars. In any case, thanks for the response! appreciate it very much. sounds like it's going to be an expensive job 😞

[Handbasket]

I really can't tell you any specifics. Some RV's have low point drains for winterizing (check RV owner's manual if you have it); they _may_ have been left open. But it sure sounds like maybe it was exposed to cold weather without being winterized.

You might have a come-back if it was bought from a dealer and supposedly had a pre-purchase inspection or came with a warranty. If it came from a private sale, it was pretty much your responsibility to check things, unless maybe the ad implied 'good condition'. Dunno where you'd be then.

If it froze hard, fixing it will require tracing the lines; access is probably going to be really, really hard. Open cabinets, remove drawers. Locate water pump & tank. Start there. Trace all lines to sinks, shower, water heater, etc. Be aware that freeze damage can split a line, and then it closes up so the damage can be almost invisible. Look really closely with a bright flashlight for lines that appear just as if someone had lightly dragged a lead pencil point along the line. Prepare to test your flexibility and patience.

You may still find the proper type of pipe and fittings at Home Depot or Lowes. I'm not sure they still carry them.

Good luck with it!

Jim, "Support Search & Rescue... get lost!"

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