Setting Up Water On Your Pop-Up Camper

Setting up a water system in a pop-up camper can be a daunting task, especially for first-time camper owners. The process involves understanding the different water systems available, such as freshwater and wastewater systems, and their respective tanks and connections. It is essential to refer to the camper's manual to determine the capacity and specific services available for your model. This guide will provide an overview of the steps and considerations to help you successfully hook up the water system in your pop-up camper.

Understanding water tank types

When it comes to pop-up campers, there are a few different water tank types and systems to be aware of. Firstly, it's important to know that not all pop-up campers have water systems, and that's perfectly fine. If your camper does have a water system, it may only have a freshwater system, or it could have both a freshwater and a wastewater system. The freshwater system provides clean, drinkable water, while the wastewater system deals with dirty water from various sources.

Freshwater systems typically have a tank, and you can either fill this tank or bypass it and connect directly to a city water supply. When filling the tank, you can use a hose to connect to a freshwater inlet valve, usually located on the shore side or driver's side of the camper. Make sure to use a designated freshwater hose, which is usually white or blue, to avoid contamination. You can also fill the tank using a large container with a spout, either bought or homemade.

Wastewater systems consist of two separate tanks: greywater and black water. Greywater tanks hold water from activities like doing the dishes, brushing your teeth, or showering, and usually come from the kitchen sink or shower. Blackwater tanks, on the other hand, hold water from the toilet and are considered highly unsanitary, so they must be handled with care and emptied separately.

When it comes to tank sizes, pop-up campers typically have tanks ranging from 5 to 15 gallons, but newer models may have tanks as large as 30 gallons. It's important to consider your water usage and the number of people using the camper when deciding on a tank size. Additionally, the location of the tank can impact the balance and tongue weight of the trailer, so it's crucial to choose an appropriate spot.

Connecting to a city water supply

Locate the Freshwater Inlet: The freshwater inlet on your pop-up camper is typically located on the shore side or the driver's side. This inlet will have a female hose fitting, designed to fit a male fitting from a clean water hose. Ensure that you use a designated freshwater hose, which is usually white or blue, and is food-grade to prevent bacteria.

Connect the Hose: Attach the male fitting of your freshwater hose to the female inlet on your camper. The other end of the hose, which should have a female fitting, will connect to the campground's spigot or water source. Make sure you use a hose specifically intended for freshwater to avoid contamination.

Use a Water Pressure Regulator: It is highly recommended to use a water pressure regulator when connecting to city water. The water pressure at campgrounds can sometimes be too high, and a regulator will help prevent damage to your plumbing pipes. This is an important step to avoid costly repairs.

Consider a Water Filter: Investing in a water filter is a good idea when connecting to city water. It will help improve water quality, reducing hard water issues and improving taste. A water filter is an inexpensive way to ensure that you have access to clean and better-tasting water during your camping trip.

Follow Basic Precautions: Always use designated hoses specifically for freshwater to prevent contamination. Do not use standard water hoses or pocket hoses, as they may not be food-grade and can harbour bacteria. Additionally, be mindful of the water source and avoid connecting to non-potable water supplies.

By following these steps, you'll be able to safely and effectively connect your pop-up camper to a city water supply, ensuring a steady and clean water source for your camping trip. Remember to refer to your camper's manual for specific details about your water system, and always practise good hygiene and sanitation when dealing with water.

Filling up fresh water tanks

Filling up your fresh water tank in a pop-up camper is a straightforward process, but it's important to do it correctly to avoid flooding or contamination. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Firstly, locate your fresh water tank. In some pop-up campers, this may be underneath the camper, while in others, it could be in a different location. Check your camper's manual to find out the exact location and capacity of your fresh water tank. Knowing how much water the tank can hold is crucial for refilling and maintenance.

Once you've located the tank, you'll need to connect a hose to the tank's inlet valve. This is usually located on the shore side or driver's side of the camper. Ensure that the hose you use is a designated freshwater hose, typically white or blue in colour. These hoses are food-grade and designed specifically for filling freshwater tanks or attaching city water connections. Do not use a standard water hose, as it may contain bacteria.

When connecting the hose, make sure the fitting matches the inlet valve. The camper's freshwater inlet typically has a female hose fitting, which should fit a male fitting from the clean water hose. The other end of the hose, which connects to the water source, should be female.

If you're filling up at a campground, you can usually find a water fill-up area or a designated spot on the campground map. You can also fill up your tank at home using an outdoor hose spigot. If you're filling up from a public water source, it's recommended to use a water filter to improve taste and address hard water issues. Additionally, using a water pressure regulator is essential to avoid damaging the plumbing pipes inside the camper.

Once you've made the connections, you can turn on the water source and start filling the tank. Always monitor the filling process to avoid overfilling and potential flooding. When the tank is full, disconnect the hose and securely close the inlet valve.

Remember to sanitise your freshwater tank at least two to four times a year, especially when you're preparing for the camping season and when storing the camper for winter. This will help prevent any odours or bacteria build-up due to irregular use.

Switching between water sources

Firstly, understand the two basic water systems in your camper: the freshwater system and the wastewater system. The freshwater system provides clean and drinkable water, while the wastewater system deals with greywater and black water. Greywater refers to water from activities like doing the dishes, brushing your teeth, or showering, while black water is the dirty water from your toilet.

Now, when it comes to switching between water sources, there are a few options. If your camper has a connector for city water, you can choose to use that or fill up your freshwater tank. The city water hookup bypasses the holding tank, and you can simply connect a hose from the campground's spigot to your camper's freshwater inlet. Make sure to use a designated freshwater hose, usually white or blue, and consider using a water pressure regulator to avoid damaging your plumbing pipes.

On the other hand, if you don't have access to city water or prefer to use your freshwater tank, you have a few options. You can fill up your tank at home or at a campground's water fill-up area before your trip. Additionally, you can purchase portable water containers or collapsible water jugs and fill them up at a spigot or a designated water fill station. Just remember to use potable water and a freshwater hose when filling up your tank to avoid any bacterial issues.

It is also important to note that some pop-up campers have the option to fill the onboard tank from the city water connection or use an external tank to fill the onboard water tank. This may require some valving adjustments, and you may need to refer to your camper's manual for specific instructions.

Lastly, remember to regularly clean and sanitize your freshwater tanks, especially before and after the camping season, to prevent any odours or bacterial growth. This will ensure that you always have access to clean and safe water, regardless of the water source you choose to use.

Sanitation and maintenance

Freshwater System:

Firstly, identify your freshwater system. This system provides clean and drinkable water. It is typically connected to a freshwater inlet, which is located on the shore or driver's side of the camper. Use a designated freshwater hose, usually white or blue, to connect to the inlet and the campground's spigot. Do not use a standard water hose as it may not be food-grade and can contain bacteria.

Wastewater System:

Your wastewater system consists of two components: greywater and black water. Greywater includes water from activities such as doing the dishes, brushing your teeth, or showering, and usually comes from the kitchen sink or shower stall. Blackwater, on the other hand, is the dirty water from your toilet, which should always be handled with gloves and treated with extra care.

Tank Capacity and Maintenance:

It is imperative to know how much water your tanks can hold. Typically, pop-up campers have tanks ranging from 5 to 15 gallons, but newer models may have tanks up to 30 gallons. Clean and sanitize your freshwater tanks at least 2 to 4 times a year, especially when de-winterizing and winterizing your camper. Additionally, always use a water pressure regulator when hooked up to city water to avoid damaging the plumbing pipes.

Filling and Emptying Tanks:

When filling your freshwater tank, you can either use a city water connection or a large container with a spout. If using a city water hookup, ensure there is a check valve to prevent water from flowing into the tank unexpectedly. To fill the tank, connect the freshwater hose to the inlet and the campground's spigot. When emptying your tanks, both freshwater and wastewater tanks should have a plug or cap that can be opened and closed. Use a specialized hose to connect to an RV dump station, site sewer drain, or portable wastewater storage.

Preventing Flooding:

Always ensure your sink faucet is functional and properly connected. Check for leaks in the lines, and make sure the drain plug on the outside is open to prevent flooding. Additionally, be cautious when using the water system for the first time, especially if the previous owners did not use it, as there may be underlying issues.

Additional Tips:

• Use a water filter to improve water taste and address hard water issues.
• Install a pressure regulator to control water pressure and prevent potential hose damage.
• Download the owner's manual for your specific camper model to understand the unique features and requirements of your water system.
• Reach out to the manufacturer or dealer for additional support and guidance if needed.

By following these sanitation and maintenance guidelines, you can ensure a safe and pleasant experience with your pop-up camper's water system.

Frequently asked questions