Understanding Vintage Camper Trailers' Intricate Water Systems

Vintage camper trailers, like modern RVs, have water systems that can operate as self-contained units. These systems are made up of three tanks: the freshwater tank, the grey water tank, and the black water tank. The freshwater tank holds clean drinking water, the grey water tank holds wastewater from sinks and showers, and the black water tank collects sewage from the toilet. To access freshwater, you can either use a water pump or connect to a city water source. When camping without hook-ups, a water pump draws water from the freshwater tank and pressurizes the plumbing lines to deliver water to faucets and fixtures. On the other hand, connecting to a city water source bypasses the tank and provides immediate access to clean water. Maintaining and troubleshooting these water systems is essential to ensure a safe and pleasant camping experience.

Water sources: city water or gravity-fill

Water sources for vintage camper trailers can be broadly categorised into two types: city water and gravity-fill.

City Water

City water is a municipal water supply, which in the case of RV parks, can refer to water pulled from a local well and distributed via underground mains to campsite spigots. City water bypasses the water tank in the camper trailer completely and provides a continuous pressurised water source. This is similar to how the water supply works in houses.

Gravity-Fill

Gravity-fill, on the other hand, is more like an emergency fill option. It involves filling the water tank with a water bottle or a non-pressurised source. This can be useful when camping in the middle of the desert, for example. A separate pump needs to be used to suck the water out of the tank and push it to the uses.

Comparison

City water is a more convenient option as it does not require filling up the water tank and provides a continuous water supply. However, it is not always available, especially when camping in remote locations. Gravity-fill, on the other hand, offers more flexibility in terms of water sources but requires filling up the water tank and using a separate pump.

Choosing a Water Source

The choice between city water and gravity-fill depends on various factors such as the availability of a nearby spigot, the weight of the trailer, and the quality of the water source. If you are camping in a remote location without access to city water, gravity-fill is the only option. If you are concerned about the weight of your trailer, you might choose to fill your tank with gravity-fill before arriving at your campsite. Additionally, if the quality of the city water is questionable, you might prefer to use gravity-fill and filter the water before it enters your tank.

Water pumps: how they work and why they're important

Water pumps are an essential tool for transferring water from one place to another. They are used to move water from a lower level to a higher one, and can be powered by electricity, gas, diesel, or solar energy.

Water pumps work using a spinning wheel to convert potential energy from pressure into kinetic energy. The water is pumped from a lower elevation to a storage area, where it is kept until it is needed. The water is then released from the storage area at a higher elevation, allowing it to travel to its destination.

Types of Water Pumps

There are two main types of water pumps: centrifugal pumps and positive displacement pumps. While both types are designed to continuously move water, they work in different ways.

Centrifugal Pumps

Centrifugal pumps use a rotating impeller to draw water from below the surface of a body of water. They are commonly used in municipal water systems to pump water to homes, and are also used to pump water from wells. Centrifugal pumps are compatible with pneumatic systems and work well with thin liquids. They offer high flow rates and are used in various water system applications, especially for agricultural purposes.

Positive Displacement Pumps

Positive displacement pumps deliver a fixed amount of water through mechanical contraction and expansion of a flexible diaphragm. They are very efficient because they remove air from the lines, eliminating the need for bleeding. These pumps are ideal for liquids with high viscosity and the presence of sensitive solids.

Water pumps are important because they enable us to access clean and safe water in our homes. They are also used in a variety of applications, such as irrigation, firefighting, drinking water supply, and hydroelectricity generation.

Maintaining Your Water Pump

To keep your water pump in good condition, it is important to clean debris from the pump and the intake screen regularly. The water pump should also be replaced if it is broken or worn out.

Water tanks: fresh, grey and black water

Water is an essential part of any camping adventure. Vintage camper trailers, like modern RVs, have water systems that supply potable water to various fixtures, including kitchen and bathroom sinks, toilets, and indoor and outdoor showers. The water system in a camper trailer can be broken down into sources (or supply) and uses (or demand).

Freshwater Tank

The freshwater tank holds potable water, which is water that is safe to drink. This is the water that comes out of your taps for cleaning dishes, showering, and drinking. The freshwater tank is usually filled via a labelled fill port on the off-camp side of the trailer, opposite the main entry door. When hooked up to a continuous water feed at a campsite, the freshwater tank is bypassed, and water is supplied directly to the fixtures.

To fill the freshwater tank, a garden hose can be connected to the gravity-fill port. This port can also be used to fill the tank with a water bottle or jug when a continuous water source is not available. The water should enter the tank as high as possible to maximise the fill capacity. The freshwater tank also requires an air vent tube to allow air to enter the tank as the water level drops, and a water-out port connected to a pump to draw water from the tank to the fixtures.

Grey Water Tank

The grey water tank holds wastewater from sources other than the toilet, including the kitchen sink and bathroom sink. Soapy water, toothpaste, dust, and dirt rinsed down the sink drain all end up in the grey water tank. Grey water tanks are not always present in vintage camper trailers or used campers, so it is important to check your trailer's configuration.

Black Water Tank

The black water tank holds wastewater from the toilet, including solid waste. This tank requires more attention and maintenance than the grey water tank due to its contents. It is important to use single-ply toilet paper and regularly flush the black water tank, adding water to the toilet bowl before flushing to ensure proper dispersal of waste and toilet paper in the tank.

Emptying and Maintaining the Tanks

The frequency of emptying the tanks depends on usage and the number of people using the trailer. A general guideline is to wait until the tanks are about two-thirds full before emptying. When emptying the tanks, always start with the black water tank, followed by the grey water tank, as the cleaner water can help flush out the sewer hose. Always empty your tanks at a designated dumping station, and ensure that you follow the correct procedures for connecting the sewer hose and opening and closing the valves.

Water filters: what they filter and why they're vital

Water filters are an essential component of any RV water system, removing impurities that affect the incoming water's texture and taste. They are typically installed in a compartment underneath the RV or under the kitchen sink and must be replaced regularly according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Water quality standards vary significantly from region to region and campground to campground, so some form of water filtration is vital to ensure safe drinking water and a pleasant taste and texture.

There are several types of water filters available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the most common types:

• Reverse Osmosis (RO) Filters: These filters use high pressure to force water through a semi-permeable membrane, leaving contaminants behind. They are highly effective at purifying water but can be expensive and produce wastewater.
• Mechanical Filters: These filters physically remove sediment, dirt, or particles from the water using a barrier. They can range from a basic mesh that filters out large debris to a ceramic filter with an ultra-fine pore structure for removing pathogenic organisms.
• Absorption Filters: These filters use materials like carbon to absorb contaminants. Carbon, for example, has a large internal surface area filled with nooks and crannies that can trap chemical impurities.
• Ion Exchange Filters: These filters exchange the ions in the water with other ions, such as sodium or hydrogen ions. They are effective at removing hardness-causing ions like calcium and magnesium.
• Adsorptive Media Filters: These filters use materials like activated carbon to adsorb (bind) specific substances onto their surface, including heavy metals, organic compounds, and other impurities.

When choosing a water filter for your vintage camper trailer, it is important to consider your specific needs and budget. No filter can eliminate all contaminants, so understanding what each filter can and cannot do is crucial. It is also essential to read labels carefully and verify the manufacturer's claims through independent sources.

Water heaters: how they work and why they need regular draining

Water heaters are an essential component of vintage camper trailers, supplying hot water to sinks and showers. They are usually powered by propane and come in various sizes, typically ranging from 6 to 10 gallons. Some water heaters also have an electric option, allowing for greater efficiency and flexibility.

How They Work

Water heaters in vintage camper trailers operate similarly to those in homes but on a smaller scale. They use propane or electricity to heat water, providing hot water for showers, dishes, and other tasks. The heating process can be done via propane, electricity, or engine heat.

Why Regular Draining is Necessary

Regular draining and maintenance of your water heater are crucial to prevent issues and ensure its longevity. Here's why:

• Preventing Damage: Draining the water heater, especially during winter or when the camper is not in use, is essential to prevent mold, mildew, and potential damage to the unit. Water left in the tank can freeze, causing irreparable damage.
• Maintenance: Just like your home water heater, camper water heaters have built-in safety systems to prevent water from getting too hot or building up excessive pressure. Regular draining and maintenance ensure these safety features function correctly.
• Efficiency: Draining and properly maintaining your water heater can help improve its efficiency. Removing sediment build-up and checking the anode rod help optimize performance and conserve propane.
• Hygiene: Sanitizing the water heater and the entire water system is crucial for safe drinking water and hygiene. This is especially important if you plan to cook or wash dishes using the water supply.
• Winterization: During winter or when storing your camper, it is vital to drain the water heater and clear its lines. This process, known as winterization, helps protect the water heater and pipes from freezing temperatures and potential damage.

By following these maintenance tips and regularly draining your water heater, you can ensure its proper functioning and extend its lifespan, making your camping experiences more comfortable and enjoyable.

Frequently asked questions