Good Flow Meter For Water Tank Filling

[Yoda]

I did a search and found a little bit, including recommending the one I just broke. So I thought I would ask others if the are having the same issues with these. Amazon is flooded with a lot of brands that all look the same - all china made

I am getting frustrated with cheap plastic that breaks within a year and only a few uses.

I have used the following two brands
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Both worked, but both split the female end after several uses. Both were a bear to get leak free, which is probably why the female ends split. I was only hand tightening too.

In searching I found two with brass female ends. Has anyone used either of these?

https://www.amazon.com/Geevon-Measur...jaz10cnVl&th=1
https://www.amazon.com/Measure-Consu...dDbGljaz10cnVl

Secondary question - hose washers. Is there a brand or type that wont dry out in a year?

Thanks for any help - don't need another bath at the Nautilus panel

Keith

[howson]

Yoda -- I haven't tried either of those metal versions, but will be interested in your results if you get one.

[Jlawles2]

Keith, I'm going to guess the pretty brass parts are just that, pretty parts. where it attaches to the body that does the work will most likely still be PLASTIC as well as all of the internal parts.

So far I am using the Orbit one with a swivel (Think it was a Howard suggestion) https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1 so there is essentially no stress on the meter. My setup is Nautilus-QD-Swivel-Meter-QD (hope that makes sense).

How are you keeping the hose side loads off the meter?

[Yoda]

Keith, I'm going to guess the pretty brass parts are just that, pretty parts. where it attaches to the body that does the work will most likely still be PLASTIC as well as all of the internal parts.

So far I am using the Orbit one with a swivel (Think it was a Howard suggestion) https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1 so there is essentially no stress on the meter. My setup is Nautilus-QD-Swivel-Meter-QD (hope that makes sense).

How are you keeping the hose side loads off the meter?

I have a brass 90 at the Nautilus so it's straight down through the saddle box hole..

[TedS]

Solve the leak instead of breaking the swivel. Maybe the hose end is the source problem.

[Yoda]

Solve the leak instead of breaking the swivel. Maybe the hose end is the source problem.

I think it was the crummy supplied hose gasket - after it broke I found it stiff and dry. That's why I asked about better gaskets.

[Jlawles2]

Yoda Keith, I've had good luck with the round ones from the orbit kit.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Orbit-Ho...7937/100659295 I guess if you could find the same size in a hardware or supply chain store it would be better.

[Scott'n'Wendy]

Yoda -- I haven't tried either of those metal versions, but will be interested in your results if you get one.

Or...in other words...I'd like you to be the guinea pig Keith....lol...


But..I'm curious. What do you guys use a flow meter for? To verify tank capacity? Or for sanitizing to get the right bleach to water ratio?

I just fill until it comes out the overflow. Then I figure it's full.

[Jlawles2]

Scott'n'Wendy Scott, I use the flow meter for several things.

1st filling the fresh tank. This way I know how much is in there and can usually catch it before it starts to over flow.

2nd when camping it's kinda a friendly reminder of how much water we have used.

3rd and probably the most important. is black tank pre charge and flushing. I can put 5 gallons in or 10 gallons in the black tank as a pre charge and know that I have the right amount. When flushing I start with a 10 gallon power flush fill, then a 5-7 depending on if the discharge is colored or clear. keep repeating the 5-7 or even a 10 until the discharge is clear, then precharge with 5-10 gallons as needed for a healthy system.

[trkester]

Scott'n'Wendy I have an Aquatank2 bladder to haul water when needed. It's hard to tell how much is in it just by looking, so I use the flow meter when I fill it to make sure I have enough to fill my tank on the trailer and not blow up the bladder.

Terry

[Cate&Rob]

I think it was the crummy supplied hose gasket - after it broke I found it stiff and dry. That's why I asked about better gaskets.

I keep a supply of soft hose hose end gaskets (the best ones are usually red rubber for some reason). If the connection leaks after moderate hand tightening . . . changing the gasket/washer usually solves the problem. If not, look for damage to the seat on either side of the seal. I have been using the same plastic Orbit meter for years. Be careful of cheap metal in contact with water . . . metal corrodes, plastic does not.

Rob

[Jlawles2]

Now that Rob mentioned Cheap Metal, be careful as not all BRASS is LEAD FREE.

What Is Brass?


Like copper, brass is a non-ferrous, red metal. Unlike the pure metal, however, it is a metal alloy that primarily consists of copper and zinc. Other metals—such as lead, tin, iron, aluminum, silicon, and manganese—are also added to produce more unique combinations of characteristics.

Quick search on "pure brass": https://www.sequoia-brass-copper.com...parison-guide/

[Scott'n'Wendy]

Scott'n'Wendy Scott, I use the flow meter for several things.

1st filling the fresh tank. This way I know how much is in there and can usually catch it before it starts to over flow.

2nd when camping it's kinda a friendly reminder of how much water we have used.

3rd and probably the most important. is black tank pre charge and flushing. I can put 5 gallons in or 10 gallons in the black tank as a pre charge and know that I have the right amount. When flushing I start with a 10 gallon power flush fill, then a 5-7 depending on if the discharge is colored or clear. keep repeating the 5-7 or even a 10 until the discharge is clear, then precharge with 5-10 gallons as needed for a healthy system.

Oh..ok
I'm ok with a few litres overflowing..and I know i'm 100% full.
And for the black tank I prefill by bowlfulls...lol

Your way is much more scientific....but I get by ok.

[Yoda]

And for the black tank I prefill by bowlfulls...lol

Before or after use

Sorry
Do you assume 1 gallon per bowl? I used to do that until I got the flow meter, then I used the blank tank flush to fill quicker. I usually go 10 gallons, then add my 1 cup Dawn and Tied pod from above with the first use

[Yoda]

Or...in other words...I'd like you to be the guinea pig Keith....lol...


But..I'm curious. What do you guys use a flow meter for? To verify tank capacity? Or for sanitizing to get the right bleach to water ratio?

I just fill until it comes out the overflow. Then I figure it's full.

LOL Well I guess I am. I ordered this one today https://www.amazon.com/Geevon-Measur...jaz10cnVl&th=1 Has pretty good reviews.

Ill update when It shows up.

BTW the water tank strapping is doing fine - no issues. Now to start the rigid insulation along with wiring protection (hollow split pool noodles). Then the fun begins with the coroplast.