Outdoor Blog
How to Refill a Fresh Water Tank During Camping
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
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
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
Gear You Should Snag for the Great Outdoors This Season
Outdoor enthusiasts know that having the right gear can make all the difference. Whether you’re hiking, camping, hunting, or engaging in any other outdoor activity, quality equipment ensures not only safety but also a better overall experience. As we head into a new season, it’s time to refresh your gear collection with essential items that will enhance your adventures. In this article, we’ll explore five pieces of must-have outdoor gear, focusing on both practicality and comfort.
Shooting Glasses Are Essential for Outdoor Adventures
If you’re heading out for a shooting range session or a hunting trip, investing in a quality pair of shooting glasses is non-negotiable. Eye protection is critical when engaging in any activity involving firearms, and shooting glasses are designed to keep your eyes safe from potential hazards like debris, shell casings, and even harmful UV rays.
Shooting glasses are a key safety measure that helps shield your eyes from impact and glare. The lenses are typically made from high-impact resistant materials that can endure tough conditions, making them a must-have for hunters, target shooters, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Beyond safety, these glasses often come with polarized lenses to improve visibility in various lighting conditions. By incorporating shooting glasses into your outdoor gear, you’re ensuring not only better safety but also improved performance during your time in the wilderness.
What Should You Look For During Black Friday Hunting Gear Deals?
One of the best times to stock up on essential outdoor gear is during Black Friday. Black Friday hunting gear deals provide an opportunity for hunters to snag high-quality items at significantly reduced prices. Whether you’re after apparel, backpacks, or specialized equipment, Black Friday sales often feature steep discounts on top brands that every outdoor enthusiast should take advantage of.
This sale season is ideal for upgrading your hunting wardrobe and stocking up on essential gear that may normally be out of your price range. From weather-resistant jackets to durable boots and base layers, hunting gear can be pricey, and Black Friday is the perfect time to invest in the best equipment. By keeping an eye out for deals during this shopping period, you can save money while ensuring you’re well-prepared for your next big adventure.
Multi-Tools Are a Must-Have
Want to know the most versatile pieces of gear you can carry? It is a multi-tool. Whether you’re camping, hiking, or hunting, having a tool that can serve multiple functions is a game-changer. Multi-tools come equipped with a variety of features such as knives, screwdrivers, pliers, and scissors, all compactly housed in a single device that easily fits in your pocket or pack.
The practicality of a multi-tool is hard to beat. It allows you to tackle unexpected tasks, from cutting rope to repairing gear, all without needing to carry a full toolbox. When you’re out in the wild, you want to be prepared for anything, and a multi-tool ensures you’re ready to handle small emergencies or make quick fixes with ease.
Insulated Water Bottles Can Improve Your Outdoor Experience
Staying hydrated is one of the most important aspects of any outdoor activity. Whether you’re embarking on a long hike or spending hours in a hunting blind, having an insulated water bottle can make a difference. Insulated bottles have features that help to keep your drinks at the desired temperature for a long time, which is especially useful during extreme weather conditions.
These bottles maintain the temperature of your beverage—whether cold or hot—so you can enjoy refreshing water in the summer or a warm drink during chilly morning hunts. Insulated water bottles are also typically made from durable materials, meaning they can withstand the rigors of outdoor use without breaking or leaking. Investing in a high-quality insulated bottle ensures that you stay hydrated and comfortable throughout your outdoor excursions.
Durable Backpacks Can Enhance Your Outdoor Experience
A good backpack is the cornerstone of any successful outdoor trip. When you’re out in nature, you need a reliable, durable pack to carry all of your gear comfortably. Look for backpacks that are built to withstand harsh conditions, provide ample storage, and have ergonomic designs that distribute weight evenly to prevent strain on your back and shoulders.
Modern outdoor backpacks come equipped with multiple compartments to help you stay organized, as well as specialized features like hydration bladder compatibility, rain covers, and reinforced straps. By investing in a durable, well-designed backpack, you’ll have the capacity to carry everything you need—whether it’s extra clothing, food, or hunting gear—while maintaining comfort during long treks.
Outdoor Blog
Are You Ready for Autumn Adventures? How to Prep for an Unforgettable Outdoor Fall Guys Trip
As autumn rolls in, the great outdoors beckons with its crisp air and colorful foliage. For those gearing up for an adventurous Fall Guys trip—think hiking, camping, and maybe some deer hunting—the preparation is half the fun and all the necessity. With a myriad of activities to choose from, how do you ensure your fall excursion is not only exhilarating but also safe and comfortable? Here’s a step-by-step guide to making the most of your outdoor escapades this fall.
Choosing Your Adventure
First things first: deciding what type of fall outdoor activity tickles your fancy. Are you looking to conquer trails with breathtaking autumn views, or are you gearing up for a weekend of tranquil camping beside a glistening lake? Perhaps, the thrill of tracking and observing wildlife is what you’re after.
Each activity demands a different approach and preparation method. Start by defining what your fall guys trip looks like. Is it a quiet escape into the wilderness, a challenging hike, or a dedicated hunting expedition? Once you’ve nailed down the type of trip, you can start tailoring your prep list to match the demands of the activities you’ve chosen.
Plan a Camping Trip
If camping is on your agenda, meticulous planning is essential to enjoy both the spontaneity and serenity of nature without a hitch. When you plan a camping trip, think beyond just a tent and a sleeping bag. Consider the overall length of your trip, the climate of your chosen destination, and the size of your group. Are you venturing into bear country? If so, bear-proof containers for your food and trash are a must.
What’s the weather forecast? Ensure your gear is appropriate for colder nights and unpredictable weather patterns. A well-planned camping experience means securing the right campsite, bringing sufficient food and water supplies, and ensuring you have the necessary permits. Also, be aware of the leave-no-trace principles to keep your environmental impact to a minimum. Planning with precision ensures you’re free to relax and revel in the beauty of the season without unnecessary interruptions.
Gear Up for Deer Hunting
For many outdoor enthusiasts, fall is synonymous with deer hunting season. If this is the core of your guys trip, gearing up appropriately cannot be overstressed. Your deer hunting gear is your ticket to not only success but also safety. Start with the basics: a reliable hunting rifle or bow, suitable ammunition, and a quality scope or binoculars for spotting your target.
Clothing is next on the list; opt for layers that can easily adjust to changing temperatures and are also camouflaged to blend in with the fall environment. Don’t skimp on a good pair of boots—comfort, warmth, and durability are key when you’re on the move. Also, essential gear like a hunting license, deer tags, a first-aid kit, and even a GPS or compass should be non-negotiable items in your pack. Remember, the right gear not only enhances your chances of a fruitful hunt but ensures you can do so safely and responsibly within the ecological balance.
Map Your Route
Mapping your route is crucial whether you’re hiking, camping, or hunting. This involves more than just selecting a trail or a campsite; it means understanding the terrain, noting water sources, identifying potential shelter spots, and being aware of exit points in case of emergencies. Topographic maps, GPS devices, and even mobile apps can be incredibly useful tools for this.
Spend time familiarizing yourself with the area through these resources, and always carry a physical map and compass—you never know when technology might let you down. It’s also a good idea to inform someone about where you plan to go and expected return time is a safety must. Properly mapping your route not only helps in avoiding getting lost but also maximizes your interaction with nature, letting you find those hidden spots that make a trip memorable.
Prepare Physically and Mentally
The physical demands of outdoor activities, especially in the unpredictable weather of fall, should not be underestimated. Start conditioning your body weeks in advance, particularly if your trip involves strenuous activities like long hikes or hunting. Cardiovascular exercises, strength training, and hikes with a loaded backpack can prepare your body for the exertion to come.
Equally important is mental preparation. Familiarize yourself with survival skills, such as how to start a fire, basic first aid, and how to stay calm in unexpected situations. A physically and mentally prepared adventurer is more likely to enjoy the trip and handle potential challenges effectively.
Pack Smart
The final step in preparing for your outdoor trip this fall is packing. Since fall weather can be highly variable, layering is key. Include a moisture-wicking base layer, an insulating middle layer, and a waterproof outer layer. Besides clothing, pack essential gear tailored to your activities—this could include a sleeping bag rated for colder temperatures, waterproof bags to keep gear dry, cooking equipment, food supplies, and safety items like a whistle, flashlight, and multi-tool. Be mindful of the weight and volume of your pack; every item should justify its place in your backpack by being essential or serving multiple purposes.
Outdoor Blog
BougeRV Showcases Sustainable Innovations at Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2024
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.
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