Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks: Newb question about water.

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Newb question about water.

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Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
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Topic: Newb question about water.

Posted By: Green Jelly Bean
Subject: Newb question about water.
Date Posted: 13 Jul 2021 at 6:17pm

We bought a 2016 180 and have done a couple of test runs with it. I’m wondering what is normal for the fresh water system. The tank gauge seems conservative, both in showing the fresh empty and the grey full. How accurate are they and how long can I ignore them at my peril?

The second question is about the pump and pressure tank. While the pressure is adequate the pump seems to run a lot in short bursts any time water is being used. Is the pressure tank really small or is the air bladder suspect?

Thanks for any advice

Scott.

Replies:

Posted By: TheBum
Date Posted: 13 Jul 2021 at 6:21pm

In general, the fresh water indicator is reasonably accurate but don't count on the gray and black water indicators to be.

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Alan
2022 R-Pod 196 "RaptoRPod"
2022 Ram 1500 Lone Star 4x4
Three cats

Posted By: Tars Tarkas
Date Posted: 13 Jul 2021 at 6:26pm

The idiot light "gauges" are notoriously inaccurate. Learn to live without them.

There is no pressure tank. You can add a little one to smooth out the cycles a little bit, but the pump is tough and meant to work like you're seeing. https://smile.amazon.com/Accumulator-Tank-Internal-Bladder-Pre-pressurzied/dp/B08VJ2J824/ref=sr_1_8?dchild=1&keywords=rv+water+pressure+bladder&qid=1626218642&sr=8-8 - https://smile.amazon.com/Accumulator-Tank-Internal-Bladder-Pre-pressurzied/dp/B08VJ2J824/ref=sr_1_8?dchild=1&keywords=rv+water+pressure+bladder&qid=1626218642&sr=8-8

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2010 176
FJ Cruiser

Posted By: poston
Date Posted: 13 Jul 2021 at 6:26pm

Originally posted by Green Jelly Bean

The tank gauge seems conservative, both in showing the fresh empty and the grey full. How accurate are they and how long can I ignore them at my peril?

The gauges are notoriously inaccurate. That said, ours are pretty good, considering the resolution is 1/3 of a tank!

While the pressure is adequate the pump seems to run a lot in short bursts any time water is being used. Is the pressure tank really small or is the air bladder suspect?

It sounds like you have a well at home. The Rpods don't have pressure tanks; the pump is on demand. The pressure is only what exists in the lines, so the pump is going to cycle on and off more frequently than if you had a pressure tank in line.

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--
Jim
Virginia City, Nevada
2016 R-pod 180
2015 Nissan Xterra Pro-4X

Posted By: Green Jelly Bean
Date Posted: 13 Jul 2021 at 7:27pm

Thanks everyone. The learning continues!

Posted By: Colt
Date Posted: 15 Jul 2021 at 3:28pm

You will know the grey tank is full when the shower doesn't drain. At that point it needs almost immediate attention. (You have time to get dressed.)

My grey tank indicator is close enough to be useful.

You'll have to turn off the water and open the commode to verify the black tank level.

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John
'16 R-Pod 180

Posted By: Green Jelly Bean
Date Posted: 15 Jul 2021 at 4:04pm

Thanks Colt.

Just for “fun” we did run out of water and fill the shower. Now we know!

Posted By: TheBum
Date Posted: 15 Jul 2021 at 4:36pm

The drain clogs somewhat easily too. On my last outing I thought my gray tank was overflowing but it was just hair in the drain.

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Alan
2022 R-Pod 196 "RaptoRPod"
2022 Ram 1500 Lone Star 4x4
Three cats

Posted By: Green Jelly Bean
Date Posted: 15 Jul 2021 at 5:01pm

When we dumped the grey tank it seemed to flow fast then take a long time to trickle empty. The shower and sink drains seem clear but maybe the tank drain needs an auger.

Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 15 Jul 2021 at 6:29pm

It's just that there's not much drop so it drains slowly at the end. So that's normal. If you want to get all the water out quickly you can run the right wheel up on a block first.

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1994 Chinook Concourse
1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft
2015 Rpod 179 - sold

Posted By: Green Jelly Bean
Date Posted: 15 Jul 2021 at 8:23pm

Thanks Offgrid. Good to know. Time seems slower when there’s a lineup!

Posted By: JR
Date Posted: 16 Jul 2021 at 7:38am

+1 for offgrid but also there is a vacuum effect when draining the gray water tank which doesn't help either.

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Jay

179/2019