Water Tank Fill Question

dowgars · 12-22-2011, 11:22 AM

My water tank is fairly hard to get to in order to see the water level as I fill it. I know I can buy a float with an exterior readout but it's expensive. 1) Can the valve next to the tank that opens and closes the water intake pipe be left open all the time since their is a cap at the exterior hose fill? The only reason why not that I can think of is if their is a vent in the line. 2) If it can be left open couldn't I open the faucet at my sink and just fill the tank until the water runs out the faucet? (Pump off). Probably some simple reason why I can't do this but I'd like to hear your comments. Thanks, RD

Viejo · 12-22-2011, 12:16 PM

Your post didn't state what brand/model of van you have so this may not apply. On my rig there is a switch valve near the tank that is in one position for using the water pump and another for city water supply and filling. I can see how much is in my tank, but it also has an overflow tube that will spit water out underneath the van when the tank is full+. You could just fill it until water spills underneath. It will probably do that before coming out a faucet.

Ford_6L_E350 · 12-22-2011, 02:38 PM

My van also has an overflow. I fill it until it is running on the ground and then stop.

If I don't stop right away, it just keeps running on the ground.

Mike

dowgars · 12-22-2011, 03:43 PM

Thanks for your replies. I have a 2009 E 350.
I don't know of a switch but I have a valve handle like under any modern sink. Can that be left open all the time so that when a hose is attached outside to fill the water tank and then removed and capped off (outside) the pump could be then turned on without closing that valve on the filler side of the tank?
Also it seems your saying I can use the hose filler outside and when the tank is full it will overflow outside the van and I shouldn't have any overflow problem inside the van.
RD

dowgars · 12-22-2011, 03:49 PM

So Mike Do you open and close the valve near the tank (inside van) or do you leave it open all the time and just close off your hose inlet (outside)? Thanks

**Gooseberry** · 12-22-2011, 04:02 PM

I need to close mine or I do not get any pressure at the sink if I dont.

dowgars · 12-22-2011, 04:06 PM

Hey Kelly: That's what I was afraid of. I would still have to get to it. I'd like to know if this is true for others. I suspect their is a air vent in there. I can go out and try it but like I said it's a pain to get to with my set up.

Ford_6L_E350 · 12-22-2011, 04:44 PM

Sorry Dick, that is the way it is. Open the valve to fill the tank, close the valve to get pressure. Otherwise (valve open) the pump will pull from the bottom of the tank and pump into the top of the tank, same place the city water goes into the tank.

Mike

dowgars · 12-23-2011, 08:30 AM

Thanks: Looks like a float kit in my near future. Angel told me where she got her's in Brea. At least I'd know when I absolutely need to get to the valve to fill.

ANZAC · 12-23-2011, 08:36 AM

I don't understand your issue, do you want to ensure it is full or ensure it doesn't overflow?

My system is dead simple. Hook up water to inlet. Turn valve to fill, close valve either when you see it full or when it runs out the overflow under the van.

To fill manually, open cap o top side of tank and fill through there.

To use city water, don't turn pump on, hook water up, use it.
To use tank water, turn pump on. Basically either one will pressurize system.