RV water pressure regulators: Fixed flow rate or adjustable?

[Neal]

I've been using adjustable water pressure regulators since I started RVing in 2017. I've been through probably a half dozen as they seem to not be "adjustable" and are poor quality. For example today I know the spigot is high pressure but the regulator is showing 20 psi. I have a water pressure tester to put on the spigot but didn't use it, that would require walking all the way around to the pegboard bay

I went to Amazon to put a new Valterra adjustable regulator in my cart and stumbled upon the fixed flow rate version. I've known of these but thought they were fixed at around 40 psi. Now I see there are multiple versions such as one for 50-55 psi and ones for lower psi ratings. As my KOA is right next to a camping world I figured I'd stop in there and take a look at what they had. They had the two items in my Amazon cart so I figured I'd pick up the fixed flow rate one that's 50-55 psi as that's the pressure I like to run.

​

Also of note is I put my water pressure regulator behind the water reel. I believe there is pressure lost from the spigot to the RV so setting something like 50 psi at the spigot is not going to be 50 psi inside the coach.

So far I am pleased with the fixed rate water pressure regulator. The results within the coach are as expected.

Valterra adjustable regulator:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003YJLAIK/?tag=rvf01-20

Valterra fixed flow 50-55 psi:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003YJJHI0/?tag=rvf01-20

Valterra fixed flow 40-50 psi:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006JRJ5L8/?tag=rvf01-20

 

[AbdRahim]

Answer is yes? I use fixed for short stays and the expensive one on long stays.

 

[Rosy]

The adjustable Valterra looks like the one we have. No complaints with it so far. Have to get my wife to turn on a tap in the trailer then adjust to get a flowing pressure of 50 psi as the static pressure from the tap is fixed. I put mine right off the tap so it protects all my stuff.

 

[redbaron]

The cheap rv units are ok for occasional use. I have always permanently installed a watts regulator right after the hose reel.

This is a picture of my regulator with a flushable sediment filter in front of it.

I keep this regulator set to 40psi, as I prefer to run off my tank and utilize auto fill functions.

 

[JRW-NAW]

I use both fixed and adjustable regulators. I use this one most of the time:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DYVT3FQ/?tag=rvf01-20

The best pressure regulator I've had was a Watts which unfortunately got left at a camp site...

 

[ARD]

I use an adjustable Watts Regulator with Gauge (263A-LF). It's pricey, but works great. I usually set mine to 60 PSI if the pressure is there.

263A-LF Regulator, Stainless Steel Oil Filled Gauge, Stainless Steel (s/s) Parts Kit

Check out the deal on 263A-LF Regulator, Stainless Steel Oil Filled Gauge, Stainless Steel (s/s) Parts Kit at RV Water Filter Store

www.rvwaterfilterstore.com

 

[Rosy]

Do we know what the RV lines are typically rated for? Should this be in a manual somewhere?

 

[ARD]

Do we know what the RV lines are typically rated for? Should this be in a manual somewhere?

Typically they recommend around 40-50PSI. I've been running 60 PSI for last 5 years and I don't have a problem. I lose pressure with all the quick connects, water softener....

Good article.

What Should My RV Water Pressure Regulator Be Set At?

 

[redbaron]

60 psi is ideal and what I used to set to until I purchased an rv with Autofill tanks. With Autofill, you use your fresh tank and have consistent pressure all the time.

Since the water pump will only engage when pressure drops below a certain point, I have set my pressure gauge to a very low setting forcing the water pump to be the primary source.

If I didn't want the water pump to be the primary source I would keep mine set to 60psi.

 

[ARD]

until I purchased an rv with Autofill tanks. With Autofill, you use your fresh tank and have consistent pressure all the time.

When I had my DS, I always used my water pump too until the last year or so. Thanks for reminding me. I've been using city water on the LA, but after I read your post I turned on my water pump and turned the autofill on. I'm thinking they need some exercise.

 

[redbaron]

When I had my DS, I always used my water pump too until the last year or so. Thanks for reminding me. I've been using city water on the LA, but after I read your post I turned on my water pump and turned the autofill on. I'm thinking they need some exercise.

I changed my settings to auto refill at 20% so that I cycle my tank water more often. Next time you are at NIRVC or Newmar you may want them to change it. You can always use the top off to refill at anytime.

The standard settings where 85%, which left a lot of water in the tank.

 

[AbdRahim]

When I had my DS, I always used my water pump too until the last year or so. Thanks for reminding me. I've been using city water on the LA, but after I read your post I turned on my water pump and turned the autofill on. I'm thinking they need some exercise.

I think you are right about the exercise. On my old Forester, the pump would begin to leak, if it was nott used for extended periods. When I started using it every7 month the leak went away. I think like many motors with seals, if not used, the seals dry out. I usually keep the FW ~ 2/3 full, then every month or so use up the water by running the put. This keeps relatively fresh water in the tank and keeps the pump working nicely. Supposedly, the washer will run better using the pump ( I think it is rated at 60 psi), when park water pressure is low.

 

[Neal]

As a follow up several months after installing a fixed pressure (55 psi) water pressure regulator, four thumbs up!! This is definitely the way to go, the water pressure has been perfect at all places that can supply decent water pressure. Not having something to fiddle with is also a good thing. After switching to this it's also apparent to me that if you have an adjustable water pressure regulator, it should be set ONCE and never touched again. Once you establish your desired water pressure such as 55 psi it doesn't matter if your source is over your set value then your set pressure will always be used. Having to adjust a water pressure regulator at any and every campground is incorrect. Set your pressure when you are lucky to have a source pressure above your set point and then it should never need to be touched again which I don't think people realize. Water pressure regulators are not something that need adjustment. Once set it's set.

 

[RangeMaggotBob]

I also have an adjustable one like in the OP's first pic. Piece of crap as far as I'm concerned. Mine will not stay at the adjusted flow; constantly fluctuating. I've tested it at various locations. After buying, I immediately went back to the fixed rate one. Works perfectly and fairly cheap. Set at 40lbs. as instructed by somebody I can't remember. I'm really surprised at the one who set at 60. Maybe newer RVs w/pex piping or something?

 

[RangeMaggotBob]

As a follow up several months after installing a fixed pressure (55 psi) water pressure regulator, four thumbs up!! This is definitely the way to go, the water pressure has been perfect at all places that can supply decent water pressure. Not having something to fiddle with is also a good thing. After switching to this it's also apparent to me that if you have an adjustable water pressure regulator, it should be set ONCE and never touched again. Once you establish your desired water pressure such as 55 psi it doesn't matter if your source is over your set value then your set pressure will always be used. Having to adjust a water pressure regulator at any and every campground is incorrect. Set your pressure when you are lucky to have a source pressure above your set point and then it should never need to be touched again which I don't think people realize. Water pressure regulators are not something that need adjustment. Once set it's set.

Absolutely correct! Thank you!