Questions about a 2012 Layton Model 186

[KronosMT]

Hi all, new to these forums, and new owner of a used travel trailer.

So I have been doing research and have figured most of the things I'm supposed to know and do with it as far as maintenance and upkeep. A couple of things I haven't figured out though...

1) It doesn't have tank level gauges/indicators... at least not that I can find. Other than running out of water, how do I check the level of the various tanks?

2) On the left side of the trailer, next to the water heater is a connection for potable water. Below is another connection for a garden hose... white with a small screen inside. Is this a connection for city water, or something else? And how do I verify it?

Thanks for your assistance in advance!

[Woodtroll]

Good evening,

I can't help you with the gauges, but there definitely should be some indicators somewhere. Often they are built into the same panel as the water pump switch. Have you found that yet?

The threaded garden hose connection is indeed your city water connection. The other one is probably to fill the fresh water tank; usually they are behind some sort of door or flap and are a capped pipe about 1" in diameter so that you can insert a hose to fill the tank. You can verify that one by opening the drain on your freshwater tank, run a little bit of water into the tank fill connection, and see if anything comes out the drain.

I do not mean to offend, but based on the questions you are asking it sounds like you could use someone to walk you through your camper and its functions. There are lots of things an experienced person could show you in a couple hours that will save you tons of time (and expense) instead of learning from trial and error. For example, speaking of water systems, there are often valve arrangements that take your water heater "off line" for the winterization process. DO NOT attempt to light your water heater before making sure that your water heater does actually have water in it, or the repairs will cost a small fortune.

The Laytons are good trailers and will serve you well if it has been taken good care of previously.

Good luck!
Regan