Fresh Water Tank Reinforcement - 220RK

[Yoda]

Yoda . . . WOW Keith, that’s a lot of info . . . slow down LOL!

Back to basics. Standard Pex pipe, fittings and clamp rings are simple and the least expensive alternative. You do need a good crimper designed for 1/2” Pex. Adding elbows to route around things does not introduce as much restriction as you would expect. I routed lines around the path I need to keep clear for eventual furnace removal. I was expecting flow restriction in a run that now has 4 elbows where previously there were none. No noticeable flow restriction . . . I can’t really explain why.

I will add that I am not a fan of sharkbite fittings. Stupidly expensive and (in my experience) more likely to leak than a simple crimp ring Pex pipe connection.

Rob

TedS

Thanks Rob and Ted.
As HD has limited stock I may run to Farmington NM to see what is available in the pex and fittings. What you telling me makes a lot of sense. I get frustrated and Rob says I need to slow down
The Pex crimp too; here is limited to what HD has (Apolio) posted above) and the reviews on the ratchet one are not that good. Rob - may I ask what you have? Ted do you have a recommendation?

Supposed to rain tomorrow so off to get supplies. While I am doing this I am trying to get the subdivision irrigation system up and running, and finish planting my garden - I got to have my Brandywines

So have a cold one of your choice and laugh at me going nuts. I was under the trailer again this afternoon and I think it may be somewhat easier than I thought, depending on how flexible the pex is. I ran it before for my new addition on my house , but left the connection up to the plumber. I know not to force the bends

Keith

On edit - are there any good videos on how to do the clamp crimps. I have watched a few and the all seem different in some ways, so don't know what to trust
Also what clamp should I get from my post or should I get a different one?

[Cate&Rob]

Yoda Hi Keith,

I have posted the attached before, but in this I show the tools (and parts) that I use. I have been tempted to get a "one handed" Pex ring crimper, but manage to keep getting by with the one that I have. It does not release until the crimp ring is properly compressed . . . I would think this is an important consideration for any crimp ring tool.

Rob

Plumbing Tools & Parts.pdf

[Country Campers]

This is the tool kit I purchased a while back and have been using, it has worked and held up great.
https://www.amazon.com/iCrimp-Cinch-...a-490791548289

You can get 1/2" rings as well. Cheaper than the box stores.

Brian

[TedS]

Yoda I have the Sharkbite Pincer PEX clamp tool. It does what I need it to do. Grip, hold, clinch. Have had no rachet problems.

[ncitro]

Yoda not sure if this is in stock at your Home Depot but this is the one I have which is similar to Robs:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Apollo-3...1096/202640984

[Yoda]

Yoda Hi Keith,

I have posted the attached before, but in this I show the tools (and parts) that I use. I have been tempted to get a "one handed" Pex ring crimper, but manage to keep getting by with the one that I have. It does not release until the crimp ring is properly compressed . . . I would think this is an important consideration for any crimp ring tool.

Rob

[ATTACH]n112519[/ATTACH]

Thanks for posting that again - I went looking for it yesterday, but my search ability is not stiller - lets just say it......

Looks like I get another tool out of this

How is that crimp tool in tight spaces? Looks about 12" long and about 3" wide
Thanks again
Keith

[Yoda]

LOL I love this place. Anytime I need a new tool everyone loves to help LOL

I think my local Ace has the Sharkbite Pincer PEX clamp tool and HD has the Apallo, but reviews are mixed - especially on the construction, but it is cheaper. Brian I also like thatiCRIMP, but cant wait a week to get, but will look locally for it

After sleeping on it the only fitting I need to fix right now is the lower water tank one. The low point drains are out of the way of the axles.

Thanks for the help in parting me from my money, but this is actually one tool I should have.
Keith

[ncitro]

Yoda regarding reviews, keep in mind you're not using it on a job site or to do a whole house. For a few on the camper you should be fine. I've got both the shark bite and Apollo (one at home and one in the rig) plus one of the big compression ones for the copper rings. I think any would hold up to what you're doing.

[Yoda]

Its all Ted's Fault! TedS

Parts is parts

At several stores I tried several brands, and got the 3 handled Sharkbite one. Its a bit smaller and once we figured out what the third handle was for (easing ratchet closing using one hand) It was the best fit for my small hands. Also got the Pex-B fittings I needed, clamps and thread sealant so I should be good to go.. Now maybe I should read the instructions on how to use the tool?.

Of course now that I have the parts it is going to rain

Thanks Folks
Keith

[TedS]

Yoda Keith, enjoy! Got a PEX tube cutter?

[Yoda]

Yoda Keith, enjoy! Got a PEX tube cutter?

LOL Yep! - actually 2

[Bigdog3162]

LOL I love this place. Anytime I need a new tool everyone loves to help LOL

I think my local Ace has the Sharkbite Pincer PEX clamp tool and HD has the Apallo, but reviews are mixed - especially on the construction, but it is cheaper. Brian I also like thatiCRIMP, but cant wait a week to get, but will look locally for it

After sleeping on it the only fitting I need to fix right now is the lower water tank one. The low point drains are out of the way of the axles.

Thanks for the help in parting me from my money, but this is actually one tool I should have.
Keith

I've been using PEX for over 20 years and plumbed two houses with it. Very good stuff. I have the full crimp set but I also have this tool for very tight spaces and it really helps. Sometimes you cannot get the 2 handle crimper where you need to be, or don't have the handle swing space, or you really need to get flat up against a wall or object and cannot get the 90 degree crimp angle. You tighten it with a regular socket set and your socket extensions and swivels can give you more range for challenging situations. It is a very simple design, and works on 3/4, 1/2 and 3/8 I think, never used 3/8. You just unscrew bolts and flip it around like you need. Tightening the bolts all the way sets the copper crimp ring to stop at the correct crimp depth. I just looked online and could only find a few photos of this but I'm sure any commercial plumbing supply has them. Big box stores may have them. Good luck!

[Yoda]

Well this should close this thread out until I can fill and test. I replaced the plastic 90 (post 7) and moved the blue poly line under the sewer pipe and the the side of the water tank.

The brass fitting set a bit deeper than the plastic one. I cut the pipe just past the fitting. There was enough slack in this line to gently push it back and fit it over the sewer pipe. Yes I did pull the false wall and check first, for once The hardest part was the final closure of my new crimp tool - took more force that I thought it wood. It was a tight space though.. The third handle was great for the initial tightening.



New pipe routing (see post 7 for old) I will add protection from abrasion when I do all of the electric too. I have som pipe insulation somewhere, or use a pool noodle.

Now to install the center hangers and the axles

[Jrider]

Last fall when I picked up our new trailer, I found the fresh water tank would not hold more than 2/3. The fresh water tank was cracked where the breather/overflow line was attached near the top of the tank. Tank was replaced. It was already winter when I received that trailer back. This spring, once the weather would allow, I pulled the coroplast down to check on the work. I found they had left the breather/overflow tubes in the underbelly, and like you found there was no support to keep the tank from sliding side to side. I could see like you mentioned that the breather lines could come in contact with the wiring and framework if the tank slid. I attached wood blocks at each end, with a 1/4" space, to hopefully keep the tank in place. I will need to open the belly up again and recheck the strapping holding the tank.