Fresh water inlet and draining

[BUSBOZO]

I got my 2 40 gallon fresh water tanks and they are going to be under the bed. I was wondering if it is mandatory to have the exterior fill/vent inlet higher than the fill inlet on the tank for a better gravity fill?

I'm just trying to figure out where I'm going to put the inlet hoses coming into the bus. My bed will kinda be in the way.

Also, those of you that have your fresh water tanks mounted inside your bus.. What are you doing for draining?

[BUSBOZO]

I Was thinking about the pump for draining. That's not a big issue.

You say "switch" to a pressure fill. I know the inlets have city, gravity fill and vent.

I planned on having the city hookup go directly to the pump with a one way valve.

Same with the gravity fill. So basically the gravity fill and city hookup are isolated.
Are you just basically saying use a garden hose to fill the tanks throught the gravity fill?

[BUSBOZO]

Sorry, I meant to say the gravity fill will also have a one way valve and dump into the tanks.

[BUSBOZO]

I haven't got a fill inlet yet. I noticed there are different kinds. Any suggestions on that? Drilling through the 2x4 is not a bad idea either.

[BUSBOZO]

Thanks SMITTY!

[josetann]

Originally Posted by Smitty

http://www.rvsurplus.net/catalog/display.php?product_id=273

That's what I used. I didn't use a separate vent/gravity fill. Rather, I put on a radiator-type hose that serves a dual purpose. Vents fine, and can use it as a gravity fill if I absolutely have to (more often I use it to pour in a bleach solution). Beware, if the hose has a dip where water can collect...it can create havoc when filling. Basically you're putting water in, air can't escape, tank expands, and eventually has to burp (very, very messy). So just be very careful.

You can buy an adapter that will fit on the end of a plain hose, faucet, etc. and then connect a water hose to that. Handy, because a lot of water fill areas will have just a plain hose with the end cut off (so you'd have to use the gravity fill). With the adapter you just fit it over the hose, then connect your regular hose, and connect that to your water inlet. I've only run into one water hose that was too small for the adapter to work (was much smaller than my pinky...dunno what they were thinking).

[lornaschinske]

Originally Posted by josetann

... water hose to that. Handy, because a lot of water fill areas will have just a plain hose with the end cut off (so you'd have to use the gravity fill). With the adapter you just fit it over the hose, then connect your regular hose, and connect that to your water inlet...

Or you can make your own "water thief" (scroll down to find it)
http://www.ccis.com/home/mnemeth/plumbing/plumb.htm