How to Refill a Freshwater Tank During an RV Trip

There are numerous opportunities to refill your RV's freshwater tank while on the road.

One of the great conveniences of having an RV is the freshwater system that supplies water for cooking and bathing. Due to the limited supply of the tank, freshwater needs to be replenished regularly when the unit is not set up in a campground with hookups. There are numerous places to refill a freshwater tank during an RV trip.

Things You'll Need

• Freshwater supply hose
• Pressure regulator valve
• Sanitizer
• Clean cloth

Instructions

1. Locate the freshwater intake valve before you start the trip. This will be a female connection mounted on the side of the RV's exterior, along the bottom edge or inside a small exterior door.

2. Locate a freshwater supply. Many gas stations and truck stops offer RV dump stations and provide access to fresh, potable water. If there is not a dump station and you are just filling up, ask if you can fill your freshwater tank before you pump your gas. If they say no, go elsewhere. Most will grant permission if you make it clear they will lose the gasoline sale if they refuse. Many campgrounds will allow you to fill your tank for a small fee if you are not staying with them.

3. Attach the male end of the freshwater hose to the pressure regulator and screw the regulator into the female connection of you freshwater tank.

4. Clean the water-supply spigot with the sanitizer, inside and out. Wipe clean with the cloth and attach the hose.

5. Open the supply spigot and fill the tank. If your RV is not equipped with a water-tank gauge or you cannot view the water level in the tank as it is filling, listen for the water to stop running, indicating that the tank is full. Close the value and disconnect the hose.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose a hose specifically rated for freshwater supply, and use a pressure regulator to protect the RV's plumbing systems from damage. Also, always sanitize the supply spigot before you use it.

• Some places will have a freshwater supply spigot that is not threaded. Make an adapter by cutting off a short piece of hose about six inches from the male end and attach a hose clamp to the cut end. Attach the clamped end to the spigot and twist the male end into the female end of your freshwater supply hose.

• Use caution with questionable water sources, such as radiator filling stations, as the water may not be potable.

References

• New RVer: What You Need to Know About RV Fresh Water Systems
• Vagabonders: Finding Fresh Water for your RV

Resources

• RV Basics