The first time I went out in an RV, I got the job of watching the water tank meter – you know, those light up panels on most RVs that go from empty, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, full, and watched for it to hit the 3/4 mark.
Obviously, when doing a water tank solo, that isn’t in the cards, and it is not very practical to run in and out while filling up the water tank, especially if your inlet is on the opposite side from the door.
I used to think I was doing it wrong if I let the water overflow when filling it up, but this is actually the way most people gauge it, when they are filling it to the top. Once it begins to overflow, shut off the water and replace the cap. Sounds easy, right?
With this method, there are a few things to consider.
First, I do use a spray bottle with bleach and spray both the hose ends, faucet, connector and the area around the RV connector it before I start, so I don’t run the risk of cross contamination – call my super cautious, but stomach upsets are not what I want to experience on an RV, especially caused by something preventable.
Make sure you don’t have any lower compartments open near when you do this, because there could be quite a bit of spillage depending on how fast you are to turn it off. Which also means that spillage will get onto your shoes if you are next to the RV, so putting on flip flops and taking off your sneakers is always a smart move, especially if you are just learning about how your water tank will overflow… some will trickle down the site, while others go for the cascading effect!
You can also start reducing the water pressure when you suspect you are getting close to full, in order to reduce the potential water spillage.
Also, there is nothing that says you HAVE to fill your tank to full – it will be extra weight to travel with when you travel, and this will affect your mileage. Many people just fill up with as much as they think they need, and then refill as needed.
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