A Not So Colossal Mod

[dieselguy]

I decided to install an accumulator tank on the fresh water circuit to cut down on the cycling say late at night in the John or washing up afterwards when camping at a site W/O water. It does allow water flow for a bit before the pump kicks on, but it also makes the pump run longer filling the accumulator back up once it uses the stored volume of water. A trade-off I hadn't put much thought to. Anyways, I removed the plastic partition behind the convenience center, rolled two rings and padded them with adhesive backed foam, mounted them to the rear storage compartment wall, then spliced into the pressure line off the pump. I just hadn't put the partition back on in the last photo.

[Rondo]

Nice Job! I may have to think about that myself especially since we may be going to Q again this year!

[NCFischers]

I did that last year and like it.

[tweber502]

Looks great! Have been thinking about doing this to our rig as well but was wondering if there are any special steps that need to be taken when winterizing at the end of the season. Seems like the accumulator tank would take quite a bit of the pink stuff. Also might be overkill but I like to use compressed air to purge the water system before pumping in the antifreeze and not sure how this would be done. Tim

[Ozz]

Nice job... as always. You do good work.

[DQDick]

Nice clean looking job!

[dieselguy]

Tim Weber ... I anticipated the winterizing issue with the "pink stuff". Although I usually just blow my lines out, I bought one of these 1/2" quick disconnect tees that sticks in the 1/2" quick disconnect by 3/4" NPT fitting in the bottom of the accumulator should I go the "pink stuff" route. All I have to do is release the tee from the accumulator and cap it with a quick disconnect cap.
http://www.menards.com/main/p-2276606-c-12709.htm

[tweber502]

dieselguy, thanks for the explanation and link. One additional question, once the 'T' is released from the accumulator and capped is it fair to assume the tank gravity drains so no further care needs to be taken there? Thanks for your patients, I have messed with a great deal of projects on all of the RV's that we have owned but am very unfamiliar with this project. Tim

[dieselguy]

Tim ... before disconnecting the tee ... with the pump off or the campground fresh water disconnected just open any faucet on your rig. The water pressure in the accumulator will drain away on its own. When you remove the fitting from the bottom, a quart or so may still work its way out depending on the size of the bladder inside as it doesn't fill the entire cavity.

[Lenny K]

I've been thinking about this mod also and thanks for posting the pics. Is that a water filter you have installed in your last picture? What lines did you hook that up to?

[tweber502]

dieselguy, thanks greatly for the information. I believe this is a mod that may very well find its way into the Monty in the near future. Also thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. After your explanation it makes sense that the tank pressure would force the remaining liquid out with an open faucet and no other source of pressure supplying the system. Tim

[dieselguy]

Lenny ... I spiced into the line right behind the convenience center that supplies city water to the fiver. You can see them dangling behind the shower drain a bit to the right. I temporarily removed the filter as I can't completely remove the plastic wall with it in place. If I do need to isolate the accumulator should I do the "pink stuff" winterization (I usually blow my lines out) ... removing 4 screws on the inboard part of the plastic partition will allow access without removing the entire partition. I guess one could cut a hole in the plastic partition and make an access plate as well.

[Lenny K]

Thanks Kansas. This leads me to another question. Is your water filter on the outside of the partition?

[dieselguy]

Lenny ... yes it is. I just hadn't put the partition back on when I snapped the photo as I wanted to let it sit overnight to check for any leaks. When I winterize, all I have to do is remove the filter which I trash at the end of the season anyway, replace the bowl, and blow out the system.

[Mudchief]

Nice job. Thanks for the information I have been wanting to do that just did not know where to mount it.

[Lenny K]

You sure have been a busy project guy looking at your basement Kansas..lol. So, another question as looks like in your picture you have a water pressure regulator hooked up at your city water inlet. Did you have to support it so as not to put too much strain on the inlet and what make regulator is it?

[dieselguy]

It's a Watts adjustable regulator made for a stick house installation. I got it at Lowes along with the hose fittings to make it work as well as the gauge. It flows way more than the garden hose RV regulators. Yes I did make an aluminum L bracket to support the regulator. It's fastened to the convenience center wall. You can just make it out under the inlet fitting on the regulator. The 90 degree drop for the hose connection was a Wally World item I got a few years back.