Outdoor Blog

How to Refill a Fresh Water Tank During Camping

Published

5 years ago

August 7, 2019

RVs provide a fun and convenient way to enjoy the great outdoors, while still keeping the comforts of a regular home. Sometimes this means boondocking, or dry camping, for a number of days, meaning time away from any water supply. The fresh water tanks in your RV, camper or trailer fulfill many purposes such as feeding your shower and supplying drinking water, but after a few days, your tanks will start to run out.

Boondocking is defined as staying at free locations in your RV or travel trailer, without access to facilities. It’s also known as dry camping. When boondocking, RVers rely on the facilities within their vehicle only, there are no hookups to water or electricity, so this puts a time limit on your trip. Usually, campers are in National Forests when dry camping, but it also refers to parking in shopping mall car parks, or just empty streets, anywhere where you aren’t connected to amenities.

In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know about refilling your RV fresh water tank, as well as how to keep your system in good shape, and some other useful information about water usage in your RV.

Refilling your RV’s fresh water tank from a faucet

RV’s are a great way to experience the outdoors in comfort.

The easiest way to refill your RV’s tank is from a faucet of some kind, a water hookup, using the water pressure. This way you can simply connect a hose, and turn on the water supply until the tank is full.

The setup you use to refill your fresh water tanks can vary. It depends on the type of RV you own. You may either have two separate connections for hooking up to city water and for refilling your tank, or one single connection with a valve.

Locate a hose. When refilling your RV tank, you should only ever use a specialized RV drinking water hose. These are designed specifically for drinking water meaning they won’t add any strange taste, and of course are safe to use.

Connect the orange end of the hose to the campsite spigot, or alternative water source if you aren’t currently in a campsite. Make sure the connection is stable and secure, you don’t want to deal with any leaks.

Screw the other end (the male end) into the correct connection on your RV. This should be labeled “Potable Water Only”. If you only have one input, as mentioned before, make sure your valve is set to fill the fresh water tank.

At the end of your drinking water hose, you’ll find an orange adapter. This is a Pressure Regulator, and it ensures none of the pipes inside your RV will rupture or burst. Water pressure can be unpredictable, so to avoid damaging your RV, make sure you leave on the regulator at all times.

Turn on the water spigot or faucet slowly and carefully. It’s advisable to have a friend in the interior of your RV to check the Convenience Centre fresh water button, to monitor the filling of the tank.

Your RV should have an overflow valve, so you can’t over-fill the system.

Once your fresh water tank is full, turn off the water at the faucet, and remove the hose at both ends.

Make sure you replace the cap or lid on the water intake, to ensure no debris can get inside.

When you’re using the fresh water tank, you’ll need to turn on your water pump, which isn’t necessary when connected to city water.

Refilling your RV’s fresh water tank using a pump

If you don’t have access to any kind of water hookup, you can refill your fresh water tanks by use of a water pump. This is useful for longer dry camping trips where you may run out of fresh water before getting back to a campground or city water hookup.

You’ll need an eternal container, full of fresh water of course. Many RVers bring a few spare jugs of fresh water on camping trips, in order to extend the period of time they can dry camp.

Connect up your drinking water hose to your RV.

Use a 12v pump connected to your car or van battery, using alligator clips.

Pump the water from your external container into your RV’s Fresh Water Tank, the same guidelines apply here as when you refill using a hookup.

Refilling your RV’s fresh water tank using gravity

This one’s pretty simple, and if you don’t have access to a water pump or a city water hookup, it’s your final option. Without access to an appropriate water outlet, you’ll need to use an independent water source. This could be a jug or any external water receptacle you brought to replenish your fresh water supplies.

The first thing you’ll need is water, for example, a full 6-gallon water jug.

You’ll need to find a way to hold the water source above the inlet hole. We recommend using a car or ladder to carefully climb on top of.

Now simply pour the fresh water inside the hole.

If your water jug doesn’t have a spout which fits inside your water connection, attach your fresh water hose to the RV.

Use a funnel to pour water into the other end of the hose.

Remember, your water source needs to be at a higher level than the inlet for this to work.

This method allows for much more versatility than filling your fresh water tank using pressure, but be aware it also allows more opportunity for debris to get in the system.

Whichever method you’re using to fill up your fresh water tank, one tip is to turn on your water pump and run a hot faucet. You should do this once the tank is partially filled, and this way the hot water tank in your RV will fill as well, giving you an additional 6-10 gallons of fresh water on board.

RV water filters

Any water you use in your RV, be it city water or from your tank, should always be filtered. Its recommended to have a good quality RV Water Filter attached to your hose, so you know all the water entering your system is clean. The best water filters will help to remove any sediment in the water, as well as helping to eliminate strange tastes, and should be changed around every 6 months.

Some RV’s also use separate filters in the kitchen sink, and sometimes the bathroom too, and it’s advisable to change these every 6 months as well.

Sanitize your RV’s Fresh Water System

A little like a home on wheels, RVs can be a outdoorsman’s best friend.

There are a few steps you can take to keep your RV’s fresh water system in tip-top shape and make sure it’s safe to use. Your RV water system provides all the water you use for drinking, showering, and doing the dishes. Unlike your water pipes at home, it’s not safe to assume the system will always stay clean and fresh, so it’s recommended to sanitize your system, to make sure you’re staying safe. If you never drink the water out of your RV’s system, you may think you don’t need to bother sanitizing it. However, if you’re using it for any purpose at all, you should still periodically refresh it.

Contaminated water can be extremely dangerous. Any time you take your RV out of longer-term storage, or you notice a strange odor in the water system, you should take the time to sanitize the system. It’s worth putting in the effort, as it can help you avoid some major health issues that can be caused by contaminated water. Every time you connect your RV to a hookup or refill the fresh water tank in another way, you’re connecting your RV to a new, unknown water source. Although you should always strive to use water you know is safe for your RV, you can never be too careful. Always use a water filter, and sanitize your system when the time comes. At a minimum, you should do it once every 6 months; it’s an important part of your RV’s maintenance schedule.

Sanitizing your RVs fresh water system is easy, but it does take a little time. The most important thing is to make sure you wait long enough that the process has its full effect. You’ll need a good 12 hours to complete the job.

Start by draining the water heater. Locate the drain plug, or petcock, and remove it. Release the pressure valve on top, this will assist with the draining. You should never drain the water heater while it’s hot or under pressure.

Next, you’ll need to locate the low point water line drains, there should be one for hot and one for cold water. Open these up and let the water drain out.

Find the drain for your fresh water tank and empty this too.

Now you can turn on your water pump to force out the last of the water in your system. Don’t let the pump run any longer once the water stops draining.

Close back up all the drains, there should now be little to no water left in your RV’s system.

Take a quarter cup of household bleach for every 15 gallons of water your fresh water tank holds. For example, if your tank is 60 gallons, you’ll need one full cup of bleach.

Mix this with water in a one-gallon container and pour it into your fresh water tank.

After that, fill your tank completely with fresh water (using any of the methods we’ve outlined).

Turn on the water pump in your RV, and open all hot and cold faucets.

You should run the water until you can smell bleach coming out of each faucet, then close them.

If possible, drive around a bit in your RV or motorhome, so the water will move around in the tank to clean it more efficiently.

Then, let it sit for at least 12 hours.

Drain the entire system once more, and then refill your tank with potable water.

As a final step, open all your faucets once again to rinse out any remaining bleach.

You should repeat this process until you can no longer smell any bleach in the system, as you certainly don’t want to ingest any.

Once all these steps are complete, you have a fresh, clean, and safe to use RV water system.

Water conservation

When using your fresh water tank, rather than being hooked up to city water, you’ll be surprised about how quickly it runs out. There are however a few ways you can make your water tanks last longer when you’re out in the wild, and these can make a difference in extending the length of your camping trips.

One of the fastest drains on your supply is the shower. When dry camping or boondocking, make sure you and anyone else using your shower know that water is limited, so be as fast and economical as possible. Another big water-user in your RV is doing the dishes, so this is another area where you should pay attention to your water usage, and conserve as much water as possible. Also, we tend to run the water in sinks or showers before actually using it, to allow it to warm up. You can try to avoid this as much as possible, but when it’s necessary, simply use a bucket or bowl to collect the water that would otherwise be wasted, and use it for a different purpose. You could add it back into the system, or else use it for drinking or cooking. Always turn off the faucet or shower as soon as you can, don’t let the water run for longer than necessary, it’s just needlessly wasteful.

The longer you can make your water last, the longer you’ll be able to camp off-grid for, waiting longer between searching for hookups.

Grey and black water tanks

When you’re at a full or partial hookup site, its advisable to leave the valves closed on your grey water and black water tanks. Instead of letting them drain constantly, open the valves once a day to drain into dumping sites. We recommend emptying your black water tank (toilet water) first, and then the grey water tank (from the sinks and shower). This method will actually help rinse out your hose and keep it clean, lessening the likelihood of bad odors.

Water heater

When using your RV, you’ll likely need hot water at some points. There are two methods you can use to heat your water while camping.

If you’re hooked up to electricity, you can turn on the electric water heater on your convenience panel. You should switch this on about 20 minutes before you need hot water. This method will provide you with about 10 gallons of hot water before it starts to run cold again, which is just enough for a quick shower, or doing the dishes. This is the preferred way to heat your water, as it just uses AC power at the press of a button.

If you’re boondocking or do not have access to AC power for some other reason, you’ll need to heat your water using a Propane Gas Tank. For this, you’ll press the Propane Gas Water Heater button on your console. This heats the water in the same way as with electricity, but just be aware of your limited supply of propane gas.

Final Verdict:

We hope this article has provided you with all the information you might need about your RV’s water system. Having access to a true water supply, with faucets, sinks, and showers, is a huge benefit of camping in an RV. You can refill your fresh water tanks using a water hookup, or alternative faucet. This is the easiest way to fill up, just using the water pressure from the source. Alternatively, if you don’t have access to a hookup, you’ll need to use an independent water supply. These could be gallon jugs, or a water bladder, anything you brought with you to replenish your tank. If you have the electricity, you can use a 12v water pump, and if not, you’ll have to get a little more creative and manually top up the system. In our opinion, the best way to refill your fresh water tanks is via city water hookup, as it’s the most efficient and also the safest.

Some final tips, just to recap:

Try to make sure your water is coming from a reliable source.

Plan ahead; if you know there’s no access to hookups for your trip, bring along some extra fresh water.

Always use water filters, and replace them regularly.

Clean and sanitize your RV water system at least every 6 months.

When manually refilling (using gravity) be careful of debris getting into the system.

Always keep your water hoses in a clean place, try to never let them touch the ground outside, you don’t want to get any soil in there.

If you’re planning a longer dry camping trip, conserve water. Quick showers are key!

If you aren’t going on an extended dry camping trip, it’s not necessary to keep your tanks full all the time. The only thing you’ll gain is lower MPG (miles per gallon) because of the extra weight.

Now you’re ready to enjoy your next camping vacation, and your RV is fully prepared to take you on the road to the next destination. If you’re searching for a new location to try out, check out some of the best camping spots in Florida, you won’t be disappointed.

We wish you safe travels and happy RVing!

Outdoor Blog

BougeRV Showcases Sustainable Innovations at Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2024

Published

1 month ago

June 26, 2024

Jonas Muthoni

BougeRV is thrilled to participate in the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2024, scheduled from June 17-19 at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. As North America’s premier outdoor industry trade show, the event is a convergence of top brands, retailers, and industry professionals showcasing the latest in outdoor gear and innovations. BougeRV’s participation is a perfect example of their commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly outdoor living solutions.

At the head of BougeRV’s exhibit is the Rocky Portable Fridge, a robust and versatile cooling solution designed to meet the demands of outdoor enthusiasts. This innovative fridge features dual-zone capability, allowing it to function simultaneously as a refrigerator and a freezer. Built with heavy-duty materials, the Rocky Portable Fridge is designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor use, including shockproof capabilities up to 40°. The fridge’s efficient energy consumption, coupled with a battery protection system, makes it perfect for off-grid adventures, aligning perfectly with the sustainable ethos of the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market.

The Rocky Portable Fridge also shows off an impressive temperature range from -4°F to 68°F, allowing for precise temperature control. Its smart storage solutions, including a removable divider and basket, ensure that items remain organized and easily accessible. The fridge can be powered by a 12V/24V DC car port, a 100-240V AC wall outlet, or an optional portable power station, providing unparalleled versatility. This adaptability is crucial for modern adventurers who require reliable and efficient cooling solutions on the go.

In addition to the Rocky Portable Fridge, BougeRV is showing several other cutting-edge products designed to enhance outdoor experiences. The CRPRO 30, a compact and high-performance fridge, is perfect for campers and RV enthusiasts. Its advanced cooling technology and robust build make it a reliable companion for any journey. Similarly, the 4000BTU Portable Air Conditioner is tailored for overlanding and camping, offering powerful cooling with user-friendly features such as dual adjustable air outlets and an IPX4 water-resistant design. These products are expected to attract overlanding enthusiasts eager to explore the latest innovations in outdoor living.

BougeRV’s participation in the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market is really and truly about connecting with other industry leaders, exploring emerging trends, and demonstrating their commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly practices. By attending this prestigious and engaging event, BougeRV aims to highlight their dedication to providing high-quality products that cater to the needs of modern outdoor enthusiasts.

For more details about BougeRV and their innovative products, visit the BougeRV website. BougeRV’s involvement in the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2024 highlights their dedication to sustainability, innovation, and customer satisfaction, positioning them as a leading brand in the outdoor industry ready to make a significant impact at this breakout event.

Outdoor Blog

The Evolution of Outdoor Apparel: How Fashion Meets Functionality in the Wilderness

Published

2 months ago

June 2, 2024

Sam Brooks

The wilderness beckons with the promise of adventure, but any seasoned hunter knows that what you wear can make or break your experience. Gone are the days when outdoor apparel was purely utilitarian. Today, fashion and functionality blend seamlessly to create gear that’s not only practical but also stylish. From the latest camouflage patterns to weather-resistant fabrics, let’s explore the evolution of outdoor apparel and how it’s revolutionizing the way we approach the great outdoors.

Camouflage: The Stylish Science of Stealth

Camouflage has come a long way from the simple green and brown patterns of yesteryear. Modern camouflage designs are now a blend of advanced science and cutting-edge style. These patterns aren’t just about blending into the background; they’re about creating an optical illusion that makes the wearer nearly invisible to wildlife.

Contemporary camo gear incorporates a variety of colors and textures to match different environments, from dense forests to arid deserts. This evolution in design is as much about aesthetics as it is about effectiveness, allowing hunters to move through their chosen terrain with confidence and stealth.

The shift towards more sophisticated camouflage patterns also reflects a broader trend in outdoor apparel: the desire for gear that looks good and performs even better. Hunters today want apparel that makes a statement while still providing the ultimate in concealment. Whether it’s a jacket with a sleek, modern design or pants that offer the perfect balance of comfort and camouflage, today’s outdoor apparel combines fashion and function like never before.

Layering: The Key to Comfort and Style

Layering is a critical concept in outdoor apparel, offering both practical and aesthetic benefits. Modern layering systems are designed to regulate body temperature and provide protection from the elements. However, they also offer a chance to showcase personal style. Successful layering starts with choosing pieces that work well together both functionally and visually.

Base layers, for instance, have evolved from simple thermal wear to stylish garments that can be worn on their own or as part of a layered ensemble. These pieces are often made from advanced fabrics that provide warmth without bulk, ensuring that hunters can stay comfortable and mobile. Mid-layers add another dimension of style and functionality, offering insulation while allowing for breathability. Softshell jackets and vests come in many different colors and designs, making it easy to find pieces that suit individual tastes.

Layering can also help you catch different kinds of animals. For instance, when you’re looking for turkey hunting tips, it’s important to look at the best kinds of layering to stay incognito and catch the best birds. Choosing the right layers can make a significant difference in staying comfortable and concealed during long hours in the field.

Footwear: From Trail to Trendsetter

Footwear is another area where outdoor apparel has seen significant evolution. In the past, hunting boots were purely functional, but, today, they still offer these essential qualities but have also become a fashion statement. Modern hunting boots come in a variety of styles, from traditional leather to contemporary synthetic materials, and are available in a range of colors and designs.

The advancements in footwear technology have been remarkable. Today’s hunting boots are designed to be lightweight yet durable, with features like waterproof membranes, breathable linings, and advanced traction systems. These innovations ensure that hunters can move comfortably and safely through any environment. But it’s not just about functionality; the aesthetic appeal of modern hunting boots is undeniable. Many boots are designed with sleek, stylish lines that make them suitable for wearing both in the field and in more casual settings.

High-Performance Gear: Pushing the Boundaries of Innovation

When it comes to hunting, high-performance gear is a game-changer. This is the section where outdoor apparel truly shines, combining cutting-edge technology with sleek design to create products that offer unmatched performance. Performance hunting gear includes everything from moisture-wicking base layers to high-tech outerwear designed to withstand the harshest conditions.

Today’s high-performance apparel utilizes advanced materials that are both lightweight and durable. Fabrics like Gore-Tex and other proprietary blends offer superior protection against wind and water while maintaining breathability. These materials help regulate body temperature, keeping hunters comfortable in a wide range of environments. In addition to these practical benefits, high-performance gear often features ergonomic designs that allow for a full range of motion, ensuring that hunters can move freely and easily.

Sustainable Fashion: Eco-Friendly Choices for the Modern Hunter

Sustainability has become an increasingly important consideration in the world of outdoor apparel. Hunters who are passionate about preserving the wilderness they love to explore are now seeking out eco-friendly clothing options that minimize environmental impact. Eco-friendly outdoor apparel is made from sustainable materials such as recycled polyester, organic cotton, and biodegradable fibers. These materials offer the same performance benefits as traditional fabrics but with a lower environmental footprint.

Outdoor Blog

The Role of Camouflage in Wildlife Photography and Hunting

Published

2 months ago

June 2, 2024

Caleb Cole

Camouflage plays a vital role in the worlds of wildlife photography and hunting, serving as an indispensable tool for enthusiasts and professionals alike. It’s not just about blending into the environment; it’s about becoming a part of it. Camouflage allows for closer interactions with wildlife, ensuring more successful hunts and breathtaking photographs. Here, we explore the key roles camouflage plays in these outdoor activities.

Blending In: The Art of Disappearing

One of the primary roles of camouflage is to help the wearer blend seamlessly into their surroundings. This art of disappearing is crucial whether you’re capturing a stunning image of a deer at dawn or patiently waiting for your prey during hunting season. In wildlife photography, the goal is to get as close as possible without disturbing the natural behavior of the animals. Camouflage clothing, face paint, and even equipment coverings can make the difference between a once-in-a-lifetime shot and a missed opportunity.

For hunters, blending into the environment increases the chances of a successful hunt. Animals have keen senses, and the slightest hint of an unnatural shape or color can send them running. Camouflage gear allows hunters to become virtually invisible. This skill of blending in isn’t just about wearing the right colors; it’s about understanding the terrain, the light, and how to move with stealth.

Reducing the Human Scent and Sound

Another critical aspect of camouflage in both photography and hunting is the reduction of human scent and sound. Animals naturally use their sense of smell and hearing to detect potential threats. Successful hunting trips often hinge on the ability to minimize human presence in these sensory fields. Specially designed camouflage clothing can help mask human odors, making it harder for animals to pick up on your scent.

Similarly, wildlife photographers need to consider their scent and sound output. Even the most visually inconspicuous photographer can ruin a perfect shot if their scent or a stray noise alerts the animals. Using scent-masking sprays and moving with extreme caution are part of the camouflage strategy, ensuring that photographers can get closer to their subjects without causing alarm.

Enhancing Patience and Stealth

Patience and stealth are virtues that every hunter and wildlife photographer must possess, and camouflage gear enhances these qualities. When you’re properly camouflaged, you can afford to be more patient, knowing that you are less likely to be detected. This confidence allows for longer waiting periods in prime locations, increasing the chances of capturing that perfect shot or making a successful kill.

For wildlife photographers, the need for patience is paramount. Animals won’t always show up when you want them to, and sudden movements can ruin hours of careful preparation. Camouflage helps in remaining undetected, allowing photographers to wait silently and still for the right moment. Hunters also benefit from this patience, as it enables them to wait for the ideal shot without rushing and potentially missing their target.

Specialized Camouflage for Different Hunts: Moose Hunting

Different types of hunting require specialized camouflage, and moose hunting is a prime example. Moose are large, elusive animals often found in dense forests and swampy areas. Successful moose hunters understand the need for specific camouflage patterns that mimic the unique environments where moose thrive. Moose hunting clothes are designed to blend into the dark, shadowy forests and marshes, making hunters virtually invisible to these keen-eyed creatures.

During moose hunting season, the right camouflage can make or break your experience. Moose have excellent vision and can easily detect unnatural movements or colors. By wearing appropriate camouflage, hunters can move quietly and position themselves for a clear shot without spooking their quarry.

The specialized gear often includes clothing that covers the entire body, including gloves and face masks, ensuring that no part of the hunter stands out against the natural backdrop. This thorough approach is essential in moose hunting, where patience and precision are key.

Capturing Authentic Wildlife Behavior

Wildlife photography isn’t just about taking beautiful pictures; it’s about capturing authentic wildlife behavior. Camouflage allows photographers to become invisible observers, documenting animals in their natural state without any human interference. This is particularly important for conservation efforts, as understanding genuine animal behavior can inform better strategies for protecting various species and their habitats.

Photographers who use camouflage can get closer to their subjects, often capturing moments that would be impossible to see from a distance. This proximity results in more intimate and detailed shots, showcasing the animals’ daily activities, interactions, and environments.

The authenticity of these images can inspire greater appreciation and respect for wildlife, encouraging more people to support conservation initiatives. By blending into the environment, photographers can witness and document behaviors that might otherwise go unnoticed, providing invaluable insights into the natural world.

outdoorcommand.com (Post 2)

The Evolution of Outdoor Apparel: How Fashion Meets Functionality in the Wilderness

Camouflage: The Stylish Science of Stealth

Layering: The Key to Comfort and Style

Footwear: From Trail to Trendsetter

High-Performance Gear: Pushing the Boundaries of Innovation

Sustainable Fashion: Eco-Friendly Choices for the Modern Hunter