Water Softener For Fiver

[JBurg]

I found some neat stuff that the Class A guys are doing to soften their water, but I'd like to hear some feedback from the fiver crowd. I was really hoping I could mount something next to the water filter of our DRV, but it seems like that may not be an option as most of these units are quite large. I don't want something that will be on the floor of our basement as we have the sliding storage tray (love that thing) and I would like to continue using it.

So, thoughts?


2015 Ram 3500 Laramie Longhorn CC LB Dually. Cummins, Aisin, 4X4, 4.10 gears. Max towing-28,750. Max payload-5,436.
2016 DRV Mobile Suites 41RSSB4

[paz]

Portable water softeners are available in several sizes. The smaller ones are lighter and easier to handle, but they have to be recharged more often.

We have an On the Go 16,000 grain unit that is pretty big. The reason we picked a larger unit is because we spend winter in Florida where the water is pretty hard and I didn't want to have to recharge as often.

Because of the periodic recharging, I recommend not putting the water softener in with the water filter where it may be hard to get to. I have to recharge the water softener every 2 to 3 weeks, whereas I only have to change out the water filter every 6 to 8 months. I just sit the water softener on the ground under the wet bay. I drain the water softener and put it the into the basement next to the wet bay for transport.

[JBurg]

Thanks for the reply.

Something I forgot to mention, we won't be heading to warmer climates until January, so freezing will be a concern. Otherwise putting something outside would be completely acceptable.


2015 Ram 3500 Laramie Longhorn CC LB Dually. Cummins, Aisin, 4X4, 4.10 gears. Max towing-28,750. Max payload-5,436.
2016 DRV Mobile Suites 41RSSB4

[paz]

You could hook up the water softener right inside the storage compartment next to the wet bay. It would still be easy enough to remove for recharging. You would need a couple of holes through to the wet bay to run hoses. I would also consider using stainless steel braided, flexible hoses to hook it up to reduce the chance of a hose cracking or bursting inside the storage compartment.

[JBurg]

I would not have thought of the flexible hoses, good call.


2015 Ram 3500 Laramie Longhorn CC LB Dually. Cummins, Aisin, 4X4, 4.10 gears. Max towing-28,750. Max payload-5,436.
2016 DRV Mobile Suites 41RSSB4

[JBurg]

We went with a unit from On The Go, their 8,000 grain portable softener. It takes 26 oz to recharge, and right now I'm thinking we might recharge once a week. Not sure yet. For now I simply hooked it up like normal, but I'll need to think of some kind of mounting system to put it in the basement for winter. Haven't decided how fancy I want to get just yet.

Having the softener is fantastic. Our water went from "hard" (which appears to be just about the middle of the testing scale with their test strips) to "soft." In just a couple of gallons. The dishes look much better coming out of the dishwasher, and the appearance of the glass surround on the shower is significantly cleaner.

When I mount the unit inside I'll provide more updates.

[Selah]

If your going to be in freezing weather you will want a heated water hose anyway. Just get one long enough to make several wraps around the softener or use a separate heat tape for the unit.
During the recharge process you will want to place the softener where the discharg goes into the sewer hookup. Especially on grass. Salt water is not good for most plants.