Water supply to caravan

expc
expc Forum Participant Posts: 15
edited June 2018 in Caravans #1

I have recently taken advantage of sites where service pitches are available.

I am canvassing opinion on whether a Aquarol ballcock controlled system or direct feed to the water inlet is preferred, and what limitations or hazards have been experienced.

Comments

  • Simon100
    Simon100 Club Member Posts: 666
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    edited June 2018 #2

    Personally I use the 'ballcock in an aquaroll' method because I don't trust the pressure reducer which the direct feed system uses.

    Caravan pipework can't cope with mains pressure and if the reducer fails the caravan internal pipework might be overwhelmed.

    I am sure that others will come back with positive comments about using a reducer, never had a failure in years of use etc, but I would rather be safe than sorry.

  • onepjg
    onepjg Forum Participant Posts: 282
    edited June 2018 #3

    +1

  • Cornersteady
    Cornersteady Club Member Posts: 14,431 ✭✭✭
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    edited June 2018 #4

    +2

    You will have to carry an aquaroll anyway and also if the pitch supply fails, or freezes up, you can still get water from somewhere else.

    Apart from not getting the aquaroll out I can't see many advantages.

    Extra word, a blue extension pipe is useful and flat pack pipes take less space, also carry a set of different connectors as each club site uses different ones.

  • KeefySher
    KeefySher Forum Participant Posts: 1,128
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    edited June 2018 #5

    We use the direct connection, not had any problems. If worried about water getting into the van whilst out, you can turn the tap off.

    We have done more serviced pitches in the winter than at other times and never had a problem with water freezing.

    Another aspect is connecting drainage, this article may be of use:

    https://caravanchronicles.com/2013/05/26/connecting-your-drainage-on-serviced-pitches/

    The pipes fit one inside the other and are bungeed onto the chassis leg behind the axle.

    No need for aquaroll / waterhog or waste master/fiamma waste container, less junk to carry.

  • DSB
    DSB Club Member Posts: 5,677 ✭✭✭
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    edited June 2018 #6

    I use the ball cock in the aquaroll system.  Mainly because I have always done it this way and that I like the security of knowing the 'main water pressure' outside the van.

    We've recently swapped our hoses from the standard type to the flat 'foldable' type pictured below.  Much easier to wind up and store.

    David

  • richardandros
    richardandros Club Member Posts: 2,684 ✭✭✭
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    edited June 2018 #7

    David - I have used these in the past but have found, that because they are under constant mains pressure when the ball valve shuts off, they tend to  swell and eventually burst - especially in hot weather.  Have reverted to the standard semi-flexible pipe, which whilst not as easy to store, works without a problem.

  • Cornersteady
    Cornersteady Club Member Posts: 14,431 ✭✭✭
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    edited June 2018 #8

    as I said I think it would be good if the club standardised itself on the connector needed, at Edinburgh you needed a male to male connector, that's the thing bottom left on David's photo, other sites we've been onto you had to supply the screw in tap connector (bottom middle) while others it was already there. 

  • KeefySher
    KeefySher Forum Participant Posts: 1,128
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    edited June 2018 #9

    Interesting observation.

    Another aspect with the plastic snap connectors is they don't weather very well. Worth investing in brass connectors, including the tap connectors.

  • Unknown
    Unknown Forum Participant
    edited June 2018 #10
    The user and all related content has been Deleted User
  • JayEss
    JayEss Forum Participant Posts: 1,663
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    edited June 2018 #11

    Aldi were selling a small water container for 9.99 recently and I picked one up when they were reduced to 7.99. There's a filler hole on the side in a suitable place for a ball cock system but we've not tried it out yet. If all fits as expected we will probably use this instead of our large aquaroll on service pitches. 

    https://www.aldi.co.uk/adventuridge-23l-jerry-can/p/081645197336100

  • Navigateur
    Navigateur Club Member Posts: 3,880 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    edited June 2018 #12

    Thinking outside the box, Aquarolls (and other trade names) can be filled from any tap without an adaptor if one abandons the hose concept and uses a short length of plastic waste pipe that is big enough to slide over the tap outlet and small enough to fit in the container.

    The de-luxe version has a bit of string through a small hole at one end so it can be tied to the tap to avoid being bent over holding it for a minute or so.

  • EasyT
    EasyT Forum Participant Posts: 16,194
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    edited June 2018 #13

    I noted that a number of reviews complained about the screw caps leaking. Probably poor finish on the molding.

    One commented: Just needs a TRIM
    I bought one which is now completely watertight. To make sure the one you buy does not leak, all you need to do is trim the plastic flashing from around the filler necks with a sharp knife, NOT the cap. You are only getting rid of the ragged edges, so don't go mad. Once this is done it should be fine.

    Which is what I would have done Jay

  • JayEss
    JayEss Forum Participant Posts: 1,663
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    edited June 2018 #14

    Ours doesn't leak at all ET. We haven't used it on a service pitch yet but we did use it at a festival where we usually take a full barrel with us to let us set up and get more water when the initial rush dies down. No sign of leaks even when carried full in the back of the truck for 50 miles or so. 

    It was an impulse buy and I didn't read reviews first laughing

  • EasyT
    EasyT Forum Participant Posts: 16,194
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    edited June 2018 #15

    Double Post

  • KeefySher
    KeefySher Forum Participant Posts: 1,128
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    edited June 2018 #16

    Available on some sites from enterprising Wardens. Cash only no cards, no VAT. tongue-out

    Or position the container such that the stream from the tap reaches the orifice of the container. Blokes are probably best equipped and competent to do this tongue-out

  • KeefySher
    KeefySher Forum Participant Posts: 1,128
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    edited June 2018 #17

    An enterprising member / warden could easily produce a 'flasher' as known in the polymeric moulding industry. Take a used large hacksaw blade to a grinder wheel, be it post fixed tyre or angle grinder, present the middle end of the blade to the corner of the wheel and produce a 'V' slot. Wrap other end of blade in gaffer tape to form a handle.

    Re-use otherwise scrap material. Environmental concerns addressed. Skills updated. Cash only, no cards, no VAT.

    Win win.tongue-out

    To operate place the 'V' flat side down against the surface with 'flash' on it, push forward, viola, job done. 

  • eurortraveller
    eurortraveller Club Member Posts: 6,830 ✭✭✭
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    edited June 2018 #18

    Water supply to Caravan - just discard rose from end of spout, pour water into on board tank. 

  • trellis
    trellis Forum Participant Posts: 1,102
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    edited June 2018 #19

    Not after a skinfull they're not !😂😂..

  • Cornersteady
    Cornersteady Club Member Posts: 14,431 ✭✭✭
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    edited June 2018 #20

    what's that writing round the large hole under the handle - 'pour from other end'

  • expc
    expc Forum Participant Posts: 15
    edited June 2018 #21

    Thank you all.

    Mixed opinions and additional enterprising options. 

  • Cornersteady
    Cornersteady Club Member Posts: 14,431 ✭✭✭
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    edited June 2018 #22

    Good that you posted back, now it's your choice as it's your van and money, let us know what you decided on?