Having an RV means having amazing freedom that you don’t find in many places. That said, it also means a lot of responsibility. This is where the RV water pressure regulator comes into play.
You see, if you’re going to invest in an RV, you will want to take good care of it, meaning some maintenance work is required. It also means there are certain things you should know before ever setting out on your first camping trip.
One of these things is how to properly use your RV water system.
For the most part, an RV water system is simple enough, and this leads many people to believe they can hook up to the campground water and get their trip started without a care in the world. Unfortunately, doing this can lead to problems. RV water lines are quite delicate, and water pressure that is too high will quickly damage these lines, leaving leaks that are often difficult to track down and repair. The aforementioned RV water pressure regulator can help with this.
Do I need a water pressure regulator for RV?
Many people wonder if an RV water regulator is really necessary. Maybe they’ve camped for years without one and never had a problem before, or perhaps they just aren’t keen to spend money on more camping gear. We understand this point of view, but we also disagree wholeheartedly.
Water pressure in campgrounds can be finicky. It can be extremely high, extremely low, or fluctuate between the two. On top of that, the pressure in a campground can change from one site to the next, or even from one season to the next.
This makes it impossible to know when you might hook up to a water source that could cause damage, making an RV pressure regulator a priceless tool that should be used each and every time you hook up to a water source.
What are the best RV water pressure regulators?
Now that you know how important it is to control your RV water pressure, it’s time to look into purchasing a camper water pressure regulator. But how to even begin narrowing down your options? We recommend the regulators listed below.
Camco RV Inline
This is the simplest RV water pressure regulator we know of. It doesn’t include a gauge or a way to adjust the flow. Instead, it holds a consistent and safe flow of 40–50 PSI.
It’s made of brass and is completely lead-free, so it’s safe for drinking water. That said, some people do have issues with leaks from the threads of this particular model, so we recommend having some Teflon tape on hand to fix that issue.
Because it’s so simple, this is the cheapest option on our list, but it is also durable and functional, making it a good investment—if a small one.
Camco 40064 Brass
Another great option from Camco, this regulator is also brass and drinking water-safe. It works just as well as the regulator mentioned above, and this one even includes a gauge that allows you to see where you stand in terms of water pressure.
This option does cost a bit more than the simpler version at the top of the list, but we think that built-in gauge is worth the extra cost. We also find that this RV water regulator is much less likely to leak around the threading, something we will gladly pay extra for.
Renator M11-0660R
Finally, there is the Renator water pressure regulator. This particular model is absolutely fantastic, featuring everything you could want from such a tool.
Not only does this regulator have a built-in gauge, it’s also completely adjustable, allowing you to set the pressure where you need it. We love how easy it is to install, adjust, and read. We also like the fact that it fits most water connections nice and tight, and is made with a durable lead-free food-grade material.
This is a more expensive option for sure, but definitely has the features to match the higher price tag.
How do I adjust my RV water pressure?
Of course, if you choose one of the adjustable RV water pressure regulator options above, you’ll need to know how to adjust it to suit your needs. The good news? It’s incredibly easy.
Some adjustable water pressure regulators come from the factory set at 45 PSI. That said, you will want to double-check this before turning any water on.
If you find that the pressure inside the rig is too low, you may be wondering how to increase water pressure in the RV. Simply use a flathead screwdriver to move the screw in the side of the regulator to adjust the pressure. Just be sure you know your rig’s water pressure limitations so you don’t set the pressure too high.
What is the best water pressure for my RV?
Not sure where to find out about your RV’s water pressure limit? Generally speaking, the max water pressure in an RV is 50 PSI for older rigs and 60 PSI for the newer trailers and motorhomes out there. Stick to these limits and you should avoid any damage caused by high water pressure.
How do I know if my RV water pressure regulator is bad?
Sometimes you will have RV water pressure regulator problems. When this happens, you will likely know right away because a bad regulator will usually cause low or no water pressure in your RV, and replacing the regulator will fix the issue right away.
That said, there are other things that could cause no or low water pressure in an RV, so be sure to check the following as well:
- Clogged, kinked, or cracked hose — Fix by removing the kink or clog, or replacing the hose altogether.
- Dirty water filter — Fix by cleaning or replacing the filter.
- Clogged mesh at the inlet — Fix by cleaning the mesh.
- Clogged regulator — Fix by replacing the regulator.
If none of these are the culprit, the issue may be one with the water supply rather than the rig itself.
If you will be in the same campground often or for an extended amount of time, you might consider adding aerators to your faucets and changing to an aerated shower head such as an Oxygenics model. This will help make the pressure feel stronger as it exits the faucet.
FAQs
Need to know even more about RV water pressure regulators? Below are some of the most frequently asked questions and their answers.
How do I use an RV water pressure regulator?
As mentioned before, camper water pressure regulator should be used every time you connect the RV to an outside water source. In order to ensure the regulator does its job properly, you will need to clean and properly maintain it, replace it when necessary, install it properly, and—in the case of an RV adjustable water pressure regulator—make sure it is adjusted to the correct PSI.
How do I install an RV water pressure regulator?
The proper RV water pressure regulator location is between the water source and the freshwater hose. This ensures the pressure is correct before it ever even enters the hose. Simply twist the regulator onto the spigot and connect the other side to the water hose.
How do I remove an RV water pressure regulator?
Removing the regulator is just as simple as installing it. Just twist and remove the freshwater hose, then twist and remove the regulator from the tap. Pliers can be used to remove a regulator if it is being particularly stubborn, but this should be done carefully so as not to damage it.
What does the “PSI” mean?
PSI stands for pound-force per square inch. It is a way of measuring pressure and is usually used in discussions of water pressure and air pressure.
Hopefully this article has given you a better understanding of water pressure regulators for your RV. Put these tips to use and you can camp in comfort, knowing your RV water system is safe from high pressure no matter where you’re hooked up.
Want to learn more? Learn everything you need to know about your RV Water Hose.
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