Water Regulator

[#1footballfan]

I have a 2019 Dutch Star 4369. We just got to a new camp and the water pressure is not very strong. I have our water regulator and right after that the water filter and then the hose. The regulator is set at 60 and wanted to know if I could increase it but did not want to hurt the coach. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

[scottramer]

In theory, yes, you could increase it. The pex tubing is rated at a 160 PSI and the braided flexible water line that's also used in the coach, depending on the manufacturer can be is rated up to 200 PSI.

The biggest problem you have is the crimp fittings that could come loose with all the movement going down the road. With that said, if you have poor water pressure coming out of the parks hook up, increasing the pressure on your regulator it's not going to change anything.

 

[jaydee325]

Please clarify what "water pressure is not very strong."

If the campground water pressure is low, then your regulator will not raise pressure above that which the campground spigot provides.

Sounds like you are running two filters, one on the hose and the installed one on the coach? That is not helping pressure from the campground either. I suggest removing the hose filter and see if pressure improves. You could also just use your hose to fill the water tank and use the onboard pump if that is better.

 

[scottramer]

By the way, I typically fill my tank and use the pump because I have better pressure from the pump vs the park water that is regulated down to 60 PSI and running through a water filter and water softener after the regulator.

 

[Oregon Camper]

I have a 2019 Dutch Star 4369. We just got to a new camp and the water pressure is not very strong. I have our water regulator and right after that the water filter and then the hose. The regulator is set at 60 and wanted to know if I could increase it but did not want to hurt the coach. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

I carry a gauge to check the pressure when hooking up. If it's mot over 70 psi I don't use the regulator at all. They're restrictive. They manage pressure but limit your volume.

 

[#1footballfan]

Please clarify what "water pressure is not very strong."

If the campground water pressure is low, then your regulator will not raise pressure above that which the campground spigot provides.

Sounds like you are running two filters, one on the hose and the installed one on the coach? That is not helping pressure from the campground either. I suggest removing the hose filter and see if pressure improves. You could also just use your hose to fill the water tank and use the onboard pump if that is better.

I am running two filters like you said. I will remove the one from the hose and see what happens. When we pulled into our space yesterday the guy told me their water pressure was at 100psi. Said if I had a regulator to use it. I currently have it set at 60-62.

 

[Kevin D Pem]

I too only fill with a hose and use the pump!

That said, any restrictions are affected by water pressure! Filters are a restriction. You will have less flow through the filter at 60 psi, and more flow at 100psi.

Ringing any bells yet???

Put the regulator after the filter, for higher flow rate.

 

[DKRITTER]

We also check water pressure when we hook up, it seems 40ish psi is about normal. For almost everything it's sufficient. We also fill the fresh water tank so we have the pump as needed. When either of us take a shower we use the water pump for example we have been happy doing it this way for years.

 

[Stuart W]

We also check water pressure when we hook up, it seems 40ish psi is about normal. For almost everything it's sufficient. We also fill the fresh water tank so we have the pump as needed. When either of us take a shower we use the water pump for example we have been happy doing it this way for years.

I understand the thought of no WPR if when you test the reading is less than 40PSI. I just want to share my observations over the years, I have found that some parks water pressure can fluctuate through out a stay by 30 or 40 psi, night vs day, lawn irrigation running, 40% park capacity vs 90% capacity. A good pressure regulator does not effect water flow below its settings and should not reduce volume only pressure. For me it’s good insurance. I prefer the adjustable type with a built in gauge set at 60psi.

 

[team bradfield]

We Always fill tank and use the pump, Always consistent

 

[Neal]

I'm done with adjustable pressure regulators. They are horrendous IMHO. I use a fixed regulator now for over a year, inline aft of my water hose reel and it's fixed to have a max of 50-55 psi and I've restored sanity ever since.

Amazon.com

 

[Stuart W]

I'm done with adjustable pressure regulators. They are horrendous IMHO. I use a fixed regulator now for over a year, inline aft of my water hose reel and it's fixed to have a max of 50-55 psi and I've restored sanity ever since.

Amazon.com

What is it that caused issues with adj type

 

[Neal]

What is it that caused issues with adj type

I don't think they were accurate nor ever adjusted properly. I was constantly concerned or felt I had too much restriction and probably never saw over 30 psi regardless of the adjustment. If you think about it, a restrictor, designed for a set PSI, is all you need. You just need something designed to keep you below a max. Why should we "tinkerers" have to adjust a PSI? I think most RVers operate with too low a PSI as well or put their pressure regulators in the wrong place. The pressure at the spigot is or can be far different from aft of the reel IMHO. Typical hose length is 35-50ft.

 

[Neal]

Let me give an example as to why measuring at the spigot is wrong.

Let's say we're using 200 feet of water hose. How much pressure loss would there be? And yes, I'm a mechanical engineer and I know this can be calculated but that was 1400 years ago and I'm not doing it! Soooo, agree that at 200 feet it's going to be lower than the spigot? Where do I care that the pressure is under 60 psi, my upper limit for my coach? At the coach plumbing.

Do I care about blowing a hose? No, they are cheap, typically rated to 150 psi, and easy to replace. If it blows it was going to blow, it had a defect already.

So this is why I personally measure my pressure, i.e. using a fixed regulator, at the exit of the hose reel up against the wall zip tied to be secure. And I don't have to worry about it freezing like you may have to with fluid filled regulators. Why manufacturers don't install these off the line I don't know. Sure would be a good idea to protect plumbing.

 

[Stuart W]

I agree, it’s primarily due to frictional loss as the water passes through the longer hose. You have to wonder why the rv industry doesn’t just install regulators