Out-of-the-box fresh water system thoughts...

Jarlaxle · 03-04-2010, 07:58 PM

I recall seeing older trailers with a pressurized-air water system. The more I think about it, the more I think it's a good idea. It is a steadier pressure than an electric pump, can be pressurized by a portable compressor or (last resort) a hand pump in a pinch. It simplifies pummbing and eliminates mounting a big, heavy pump.

So...why OWULDN'T this be a good idea, anyone?

Mulelover · 03-04-2010, 08:15 PM

So how would the system work if you just wanted to use a hand pump, say for a shower? I like the idea of simple. The less mechanical stuff I have to deal with the better. I am going to use a hand pump in the kitchen. Still haven't figured out the shower yet.

Jackie

Jarlaxle · 03-04-2010, 08:29 PM

I DON'T want a hand-pumped water system. Yuck. I meant it ccould be pressurized with a hand pump, like a tire.

GoneCamping · 03-04-2010, 08:40 PM

You think a compressor and associated hardware is going to weigh less than a pump? The SureFlo 12v electric pumps are smaller than a 2 liter bottle of soda, weigh only a couple of pounds, takes a simple inlet and outlet, and runs "on demand" so that pump only runs when you open the tap and it senses pressure loss on the output line. Total cost for one of these is only $60 at Northern Tools it just doesn't get any simpler than that. I suppose if you want to reinvent the wheel that is your choice, but this makes it so simple I can't see doing it any other way!!

lornaschinske · 03-05-2010, 12:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoneCamping

Y...The SureFlo 12v electric pumps are smaller than a 2 liter bottle of soda, weigh only a couple of pounds, takes a simple inlet and outlet, and runs "on demand" so that pump only runs when you open the tap and it senses pressure loss on the output line. Total cost for one of these is only $60 at Northern Tools...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/SHURF...Q5fAccessories

This one is a 3.7gpm. &59 plus free shipping.

Oh and I came across a link to these $125 tankless water heaters. Came off a post from a food cart that has one and they love it.
http://cgi.ebay.com/PROPANE-TANKLESS...item45efb09690

the_experience03 · 03-05-2010, 01:31 AM

I have a pressurized air system and I like it. It has two advantages as I see it. First, it's dead silent. My water tank is right beneath my bed so I really appreciate that it's quiet, plus I didn't have to run 12v all the way back there. Second, I don't need a bypass to hook to a city water connection. I can actually pressurize my system using the city water connection while refilling it like a giant accumulator. Not having a pump also means no winterization is required.

Mulelover · 03-05-2010, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jarlaxle

I DON'T want a hand-pumped water system. Yuck. I meant it ccould be pressurized with a hand pump, like a tire.

Sorry, didn't mean to offend!

Jarlaxle · 03-05-2010, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoneCamping

You think a compressor and associated hardware is going to weigh less than a pump? The SureFlo 12v electric pumps are smaller than a 2 liter bottle of soda, weigh only a couple of pounds, takes a simple inlet and outlet, and runs "on demand" so that pump only runs when you open the tap and it senses pressure loss on the output line. Total cost for one of these is only $60 at Northern Tools it just doesn't get any simpler than that. I suppose if you want to reinvent the wheel that is your choice, but this makes it so simple I can't see doing it any other way!!

The air compressor I would use is no larger than a softball. (I have a 30,000lb GVWR, weight is essentially a non-issue.) It's also more consistant pressure than an electric water pump, and as The_experience posted, it's silent, unlike the often-raucous water pumps. (Even when running, quieting an air compressor is pretty easy.) It's one less thing to winterize. And, quite frankly, I consider it vastly more reliable.

Jarlaxle · 03-05-2010, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mulelover

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jarlaxle

I DON'T want a hand-pumped water system. Yuck. I meant it could be pressurized with a hand pump, like a tire.

Sorry, didn't mean to offend!

Not offended at all--just wanted my intentions to be clear.

Jarlaxle · 03-11-2010, 07:07 PM

Pressure drops, the air compressor turns on & pressurizes the tank, just like an air-brake system. For smaller amounts of water, the compressor won't have to run at all. Unlike most water pumps, the compressor can, if necessary, run constantly for hours with no issues.

putterspitt · 03-11-2010, 08:40 PM

I had that same setup in a concession trailer. Compressor that is. Dont forget to install check valve inline if you do.

Jarlaxle · 03-21-2010, 09:46 PM

Yeah, I can see where forgetting that would SUCK...

the_experience03 · 03-21-2010, 10:12 PM

Don't make the mistake of pumping more air in when you really should be adding more water to the tank either. I did that...once.

Jarlaxle · 03-21-2010, 10:25 PM

What did you blow up?

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