Water Pressure in 2013 Redwood 36FL

Oregonbound · 05-30-2013, 04:21 PM

Hi all. We have been in our new 36FL two weeks now. Things going well....no major problems, some minor issues e.g) W/D hoses reversed so shrunk a few shirts

It's an adjustment but think things are going to be fine.

The biggest issue we have is low water flow at shower, sinks, etc.. It is barely acceptable. Our dealer recommended and we installed a fixed pressure regulator at 45 psi which also likely reduces flow. They stated that over time, 50-60 psi could lead to leaks. However, I have read that Redwoods are tested at 110 psi and that many folks are doing fine with a 50-60 psi regulator or more (or not using a pressure regulator and using a pressure gauge at each stop to measure the parks pressure)

I was planning on installing a 55 psi pressure regulator specifically designed to not affect flow but wondering what other people's experiences/recommendations are? Is 50-60 psi (or more?) doable in the long run I.e. have people had leaks at those pressures? Are there folks who have never used pressure regulators without problems? Thanks

5th_Time · 05-30-2013, 04:51 PM

Ian, congratulations on the new FL. There is ample discussion of this subject on the forum. This was discussed in detail just a few weeks ago. If you use the search button above, I'm sure you will find some interesting threads.

Tall-Pines · 05-30-2013, 06:17 PM

In general I do not use a regulator but one of the campsites we were in had very high pressure like 80-90 psi so I did use the regulator on that occasion.

If you do use a pressure regulator, use a Hi-Flow version.
There is one from Camping World that is $13, all brass and set for 50-55 psi.
I had an older version that was NOT hi-flow and set for 40-45 psi and water pressure and flow were horrible so I quickly dispensed with that thing.

Ian

j1251b · 05-30-2013, 06:45 PM

WE have a 2012 36RL and use a water pressure regulator we got from Home Depot. It is made for use in a house put works great for a fifth wheel. It is fully adjustable and is pre-set to 50psi. It gives you hi volume and low pressure. We been using it for two years now and works great. It cost about $22.00 and you will need two fitting for your hose and water source.

rcflame · 05-30-2013, 08:14 PM

We also use a house pressure regulator set at about 55 lbs. We used this on our Carriage for several years and have had it on the Redwood for almost a year with no problems. I wouldn't go without a regulator even if I had checked the park pressure before hooking up. You can get a pressure surge in a line that can hit 100 psi or more. A house type regulator doesn't reduce the water flow like some of the RV ones do.

Oregonbound · 05-30-2013, 09:59 PM

Thanks. We have a Home Depot nearby. Do you recall the brand or model #?

rcflame · 05-30-2013, 10:15 PM

I didn't get mine at Home Depot. At the time I was looking, non of the home improvement stores in our area had them, and I couldn't even find one at a plumbing supply store without them ordering it. I bought mine online at (http://www.rvwaterfilterstore.com/Pr...Regulators.htm).

COLJDM · 05-30-2013, 10:26 PM

Did you remove the faucet screens and clean out the manufacturing residue? We found particles of "stuff" in the kitchen faucet and bath faucet. Also, did you check the water filter in your storage basement to ensure one was installed and if so is it clogged with "stuff" due to manufacturing process. The only issue we have with our 36FL regarding water pressure is the kitchen faucet and it is being replaced by Redwood (part on order and should be ready by this Saturday). One other issue it the outside shower hose connection, I cannot get the hose to connect so I will get our local Redwood dealer to look at that this Saturday as well.

j1251b · 05-31-2013, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oregonbound

Thanks. We have a Home Depot nearby. Do you recall the brand or model #?

Here is the info on the regulator at home depot
Watts 3/4 in. Cast-Bronze FPT x MPT Pressure Regulator Valve

Model # N45BU M1

Internet # 100157000

Store SKU # 111388

Buddy · 05-31-2013, 12:17 PM

I can make it with little pressure or water, I was in the Navy on the USS Constellation (CVA 64) and had to conserve.

0nTheRoad · 05-31-2013, 06:27 PM

When I hook up I have a Y connector with a regulator w/Gaugeon one side, before I hook up the hose for the rig I liik at the pressure gauge to see how much pressure there is. If itregistersin the acceptable range I just hook into the side without the regulator and use that side for an extra hose. If the pressure is too high I hook into the regulator for the rig.

Even without the regulator the pressure isnt spectacular and sometimes just pitiful! Some on the forum have discussed changing the shower head but I havent done that yet.

Oregonbound · 06-03-2013, 09:40 PM

Thanks very much!

Oregonbound · 06-03-2013, 09:49 PM

I ended up getting an adjustable pressure regulator with high flow. Pressure/flow at shower and sinks much improved. Appreciate all the feedback

Of note: Our neighbor stated that the RV park's pressure was 60 psi so I probably would not even need the regulator. I hooked up the pressure gauge and sure enough the pressure was at 60 psi. However, as I watched the gauge, it spiked twice to 80 psi and got as low as 45 psi - all within a couple of minutes. I hooked up the pressure regulator, set it to 55 psi and, after a satisfying shower, slept soundly knowing I made a good purchase.

RifRaff · 06-03-2013, 10:49 PM

We have the same issue, kitchen sink takes 15 sec. to fill a 12 ounce drinking glass. Finally got bath sink acceptable. Shower is hard to wash hair water pressure so low. On the prep for delivery, bath & Kitchen sink stopped up with RV ANTIFREEZE, I CLEANED, while shower ran slow / never improved, after 5 outings and still SLOW.

AS I LEARN MORE about how to fix issues, REDWOOD IS LOOKING BETTER AND BETTER.

Adamsvr · 06-04-2013, 08:19 AM

RifRaff, don't know what model Redwood you have, but in the RL or RE, check to see if your water supply line is not kinked under the mattress.

**Dave&Ginny** · 06-04-2013, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adamsvr

RifRaff, don't know what model Redwood you have, but in the RL or RE, check to see if your water supply line is not kinked under the mattress.

The only water supply line under the mattress goes to the washer in the RL

**Dave&Ginny** · 06-04-2013, 09:24 AM

I'm not sure what it's called but there is a "sight glass" coming from the fresh water tank line that goes to the pump. There is a fine screen in there that could get clogged. I'd try taking that apart and see if it helps with the water pressure for the times you're using the pump.

RifRaff · 06-04-2013, 05:15 PM

Check check and check, BTW GRAINGER has a 3/4 in water pressure regulator with gauge, $83.00, VERY VERY COMPACT. INPUT HIGH HAS 150 psioptput max 60.
Herb

RifRaff · 06-04-2013, 05:19 PM

Never have had need for the water pump yet, always stayed in state park. June 26 is freedom day. DW & I hitting the road for extended trip, at least for US. 2000 mile trip may not be much for others, but BIG DEAL FOR US. We won't see GRANDSON for a MONTH, YIKES!
Herb
BTW STILL STAYING IN STATE PARKS, LOL, LOL.Edited by: RifRaff

Adamsvr · 06-04-2013, 06:34 PM

This thread caused me to check our flow rate, which was very low too; however, 55PSI at the hose bib. Found the culprit. It was the internal water filter - clogged.

To take the water filter out, I had turn off the hose faucet, then bleed the water from the convenience center hose to relieve the pressure, and unscrew the water filter. Works like new now.

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