Community Forums

Dogpatch · 08-02-2014, 09:06 AM

I just bought an adjustable water pressure regulator for my 01 Beaver.

What's the max pressure I should set it at 60-65 PSI?

Skip426 · 08-02-2014, 09:13 AM

Big warning in my water bay , max 60 psi, I have the adjustable set at 40.

MSHappyCampers · 08-02-2014, 09:14 AM

Personally I would go for 50 PSI. JMHO!

Gary RVRoamer · 08-02-2014, 10:39 AM

I have mine set for 62 psi. RVIA specs now require a system pressure test at 85 psi (if I remember correctly), whereas it used to be 60. I don't recall when the standard changed, but it was at least a dozen years ago.

Your onboard water pump is factory set to run at 40-45.

Dogpatch · 08-02-2014, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary RVRoamer

I have mine set for 62 psi. RVIA specs now require a system pressure test at 85 psi (if I remember correctly), whereas it used to be 60. I don't recall when the standard changed, but it was at least a dozen years ago.

Your onboard water pump is factory set to run at 40-45.

Does that mean even if I dial the pressure up by the pressure gauge, my pump will still hold it at 40-45?

Bob&AnnaMari · 08-02-2014, 11:15 AM

You may want to check your city water input. Our coach came with an integrated pressure valve which was set to around 55. But, it worked on a restriction basis versus a true pressure regulator basis. Our water pressure in the coach was awful.

I drilled out the water restriction and epoxied a vent hole so that I had a straight pass-through. Then I bought one of the Watts 3/4 inch home units that came factory set for 55 pounds. I have not changed it and feel comfortable with the pressure in the coach.

I point this out since you may have a similar setup on your city water input and just adding another regulator in front of the one in the coach will have no effect on the water in your rig.

All your plumbing is pex pipe with brass fittings so you should be good for at least 65 psi. But, why push it if a lower pressure will work?

No, your pump will not hold a lower water pressure. All that rating means is that it will stop when it reaches the indicated pressure. If your pump is original you should hear it cycle on and off when you turn on a faucet. (I am basing this on the behavior of our 2003 Beaver Patriot.)

Glenn and Kathy · 08-02-2014, 11:15 AM

The water pump will only pump at the pressure set, but when on city water you will have whatever pressure you set on your regulator.

Glenn

bdickson · 08-02-2014, 11:54 AM

I set my Watts regulator at 40psi and have plenty of pressure for showers etc.

nomad297 · 08-02-2014, 11:59 AM

I keep my rig hooked up at home at 110psi. I've never had a problem. I'm a plumber and I know everything in the system can handle pressures well in excess of this. Have you ever noticed your temperature and pressure relief valve bleeding off water? Well, that means that your system pressure has exceeded 150psi. Did everything explode? I didn't think so.

Bruce

ahicks · 08-02-2014, 07:53 PM

Good point! We used to test systems with full shop air pressure, maybe 100 psi?

Another good point is regarding what you think you need? If you're happy with your pressure at 40psi, fine! No need to run higher just because you can. OTH, if your pressure seems dismal, there shouldn't be any trouble taking care of it. The coach's system should handle the increased pressure fine. Just don't get it so high it will blast a cup out of your hands when you turn the water on...

Dogpatch · 08-02-2014, 08:59 PM

I'm in the restoration business and I've seen a LOT of waterline systems fail once the PRV fails and the water pressure hits over 100 psi. The weakest link in the chain will always be the first to go. Personally, I would never push it to find out. At 100 psi, I find my hoses are bulging at the connections outside. Before I bought my regulator with gauge, that's when I realized I should have one and most that you can't adjust are set at 45psi. Too weak for me.

I'd just like to see my city water normal like my house. Around 60-65 psi. It stands to reason that the RV pump will only pressurize to factory setting. Rarely am I ever having a shower using the pump but could if I had to. We're usually hooked up to City water when camping. That's when it's nice not to have to run around the shower to get wet. It's great to have pressure to rinse the soap outta your hair.

Thanks all.

Fred1609 · 08-02-2014, 10:17 PM

We have a Watts adjustable regulator and keep it at 45 psi. Anybody ever notice that there is a reducer on the shower at the handles. Anybody take it out or drill it out?

Peddler · 08-03-2014, 07:39 AM

I have a Watts set at 55 but the biggest improvement was getting rid of the inline hose Camco filter and going to a whole house 5 gpm filter.
All the pressure in the world won't help if the flow is restricted. That's why the cheap regulators don't work, they restrict flow rather than regulating pressure.

Clay L · 08-03-2014, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fred1609

We have a Watts adjustable regulator and keep it at 45 psi. Anybody ever notice that there is a reducer on the shower at the handles. Anybody take it out or drill it out?

I did, but with more cold water flow I had to open the hot water faucet more for a good shower and that used the hot water a lot faster. So I went back to the restrictor.

Even with me taking a "marine/navy" shower I was running out of hot water when the incoming cold water was on the chilly side.