Filling the fresh tank

Gravity fill

A large fill hose lets water enter while a separate vent lets displaced air escape. Route both continuously without kinks or low traps. The vent/overflow must not create a siphon, admit road spray or dump where it damages the van.

Pressurized fill and city water

City-water pressure can exceed camper component limits. Use a rated regulator and backflow/check protection. Do not pressurize a gravity tank unless the tank system is explicitly designed for it; a blocked vent can swell or collapse a tank.

Clean fill practice

Use a dedicated potable hose with capped ends; never share it with wastewater gear. Wipe the spigot, flush the source briefly, keep hose ends off the ground and avoid cross-connections. Carry thread adapters and a known-good shutoff.

Questionable sources

Ask where the water comes from and whether it is treated. Use source-specific treatment: sediment prefilter for dirty water, certified contaminant reduction for known chemicals, and validated disinfection for microbes. Surface water is an emergency source requiring a robust multi-barrier plan, not a casual hose fill.

Build rule

If you cannot reach it, isolate it, drain it and explain its pressure/temperature or water-quality job, it is not ready to hide behind a wall.

CHAPTER CHECK

• I can explain the purpose and failure mode of each item in this chapter. • I know which manufacturer limit or water-quality claim controls my choice. • I added the valve, access, drain, measurement or maintenance task to my drawing/checklist.