RV Water System Accessories: Enhance Your Camping Comfort and Efficiency
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Ah, the open road! But before you set off on your next RV adventure, let’s talk about your rig’s water system. RV plumbing can be a bit of a puzzle, and it often needs more care than other components. Luckily, there are plenty of upgrades and accessories to make managing your water system a breeze.
Why Upgrade Your RV Water System?
- Prevent leaks in your plumbing
- Fill your freshwater tank in a snap
- Enjoy cleaner, better-tasting water
- Make dumping black water quicker and cleaner
- Say goodbye to wrestling with hoses and connections
- Have water even when you’re off the grid
- Extend your off-grid adventures with the right gear
Essential Accessories for Your RV Water System
Potable Water Hose
A food-safe, lead- and BPA-free potable water hose is a must for filling your freshwater tank. After all, this is the water you’ll be drinking, showering in, and cooking with. We recommend carrying at least 25 feet of hose to accommodate varying campground layouts.
Pro tip: Store your hose by screwing both ends together to keep it clean, and dedicate it solely to potable water.
Water Pressure Regulator
RV plumbing is designed to handle water pressure between 40-60 PSI. City water often exceeds this, so a water pressure regulator is crucial to prevent damage to your system. This handy gadget screws right into your potable water hose.
Water Tank Filler with Shutoff Valve
If your hose won’t fit into your RV’s water inlet, a water tank filler is just the ticket. It helps fill your tank quickly and efficiently, without the air bubbles.
90-Degree Hose Adapter
This nifty connector screws into your RV’s city water fill tank, reducing strain on your hose and preventing kinks. It’s a small upgrade that can extend the life of your hose.
Water Bandit
Ever encountered an oddly sized water spigot at a campground? A water bandit has a flexible connection that allows your potable water hose to fit virtually any outlet.
Inline Water Filter
An inline water filter can significantly improve the taste and quality of your drinking water. These disposable filters attach directly to your potable water hose and typically last an entire camping season.
Upgraded Shower Head
Stock RV shower heads are notorious for being low-quality and inefficient. Upgrading to a new shower head designed for RVs can help conserve water and improve your shower experience.
Dedicated Cleanout Hose
You’ll want a separate hose for cleaning out your sewer hose and maintaining your water tanks. Choose one in a different color or style from your potable water hose to avoid mix-ups.
Sewer Hose Kit
A good sewer hose kit makes dumping your black water tank easier and more sanitary. Opt for a high-quality kit with thick sidewalls and tight connections to prevent leaks.
Pro tip: Store your sewer hose by screwing the two ends together to keep everything clean and contained.
Sewer Hose Support
This accessory keeps your sewer hose in place and helps prevent mishaps at the dump station. It’s especially useful for long-term camping spots.
Advanced Upgrades and Replacement Parts
12V Electric Water Pump
A reliable 12V water pump is essential for off-grid camping. Most pumps are built to last, but proper winterization and maintenance are key. If you need a replacement, check out our guide to the best 12V water pumps for RVs.
Accumulator Tank
An accumulator tank connects to your 12V water pump, reducing cycling and saving electricity. Some RVs come with one pre-installed, but if yours doesn’t, it’s a worthwhile upgrade for boondockers.
Water Tank Level Monitoring System
Factory-installed tank monitoring systems often have a short lifespan or give inaccurate readings. Upgrading to a newer system with external sensors can provide more reliable information about your tank levels.
Black Water Expansion Tank
For serious boondockers, a black water expansion tank can greatly extend your off-grid adventures. This portable tank holds waste water when there’s no dump station nearby.
Electric Water Heater Conversion Kit
Tired of wrestling with a finicky pilot light? An electric water heater conversion kit lets you switch to electric heating, which can be cheaper and more convenient than propane.
Water Heater Bypass
This simple upgrade allows you to bypass your water heater, making it easier to drain and winterize your RV.
Toilet Hand Sprayer Kit
A hand sprayer kit can help keep your RV toilet clean and fresh. Some RVs come with these pre-installed, but if yours doesn’t, it’s an inexpensive and useful upgrade.
Understanding Your RV Water System
Your RV has two main water systems: fresh water and waste water. The fresh water side includes your fresh water tank, 12V pump, and city water inlet. The waste water side consists of your black and gray water tanks and drain piping.
Filling Your Fresh Water Tank
If city water is available, simply connect your potable water hose to the inlet. Use a water pressure regulator to prevent damage from high PSI.
Using Fresh Water Off-Grid
When boondocking, your 12V water pump delivers pressurized water from your fresh water tank. To prime the pump, open each faucet one at a time and let the water flow until all air is released.
Maintaining Your RV Plumbing System
Modern RV plumbing systems use reliable, sanitary PEX tubing. Older systems may use polybutylene piping, which breaks down over time. As your RV ages, consider upgrading to PEX piping.
Connecting PEX to Older Piping
If a leak springs up, you can replace the damaged section with PEX tubing using a universal compression fitting or transition fitting.
Replacing Waste Water Connections
Waste water flows through ABS piping, just like in a house. You can find replacement parts and fittings at any hardware store.
Upgrading Fixtures
Most RV fixtures are household-compatible, so you can easily upgrade to higher-quality faucets and shower heads.
Extending Your Off-Grid Adventures
To stay off the grid longer, consider these accessories:
Black Water Expansion Tank
This portable tank allows you to dump your black water tank without heading to a dump station.
Gray Water Transfer Pump
This pump lets you transfer excess gray water to your black water tank, extending your stay.
Composting Toilet
A composting toilet uses no water, turning your black water tank into a second gray water tank. Plus, it’s eco-friendly!
Plumbing Maintenance Tips
- Only flush water, waste, and toilet paper down your drains.
- Avoid flushing: food scraps, grease, oils, chemicals, formaldehyde, and pine oil.
- Flush drains frequently with lots of water to prevent smells.
- Use biodegradable tank treatments if needed.
- Dump your black water tank more frequently in hot weather, but always wait until it’s at least 1/3 full.
By taking care of your RV water system and investing in the right upgrades, you can ensure a smoother, more enjoyable camping experience. Safe travels!
