Congrats! You’ve bought a new RV, and after a quick tour, you’re sent on your way to enjoy the great outdoors. So, what did they teach you about the RV’s hoses? For most people, the answer is: “next to nothing.”
In truth, your RV uses RV hose for a ton of important daily activities. Don’t you think it’s about time you learned what each of the hoses are for?
Here’s the Top 5 Secrets Every RV Owner Must Know About RV Hose:
Secret #1: There Are 5 Types of Hoses – and They Should Never Meet
Your RV uses a variety of hose which are not interchangeable. They are:
Water Hose
Propane Hose
Sewer Hose
Flushing Hose (Gray and Black Tank)
Exterior Shower Hose
Each of the RV hoses has a specific purpose and should be kept in tip-top shape at all times.
Secret #2: Your Sewer Hose – The First Hose to Replace
Whether you have purchased your RV new or used, odds are, you will want to replace your sewer hose. Most units use inferior hose as a cost-cutting method. New sewer hose is inexpensive and comes in a variety of sizes. Full-time RVers usually carry at least two lengths of sewer hose, since the distance between your unit and your dump can vary.
After sewer hose, the next likely upgrade is your sewer hose fitting. Fittings come in a variety of shapes and sizes, including elbow angles and basic donuts. Donuts seal the gap between your hose and the dump connection. RV parks may also want you to keep your sewer hose off the ground. If this is the case you will need a caterpillar like structure, which lifts the hose off the ground and keeps it from moving around. These are called sewer supports and are available at any Camping World, and many Walmart stores.
Secret #3: Your Water Hose Is Sacred
Your water-supply hose is number one on your list of priorities. Keeping your water hose away from your sewer hose, or any other contaminated area, is key to your health.
Your water hose should be a drinking-water-safe hose. True water hoses are made of government-approved materials, which are safe for drinking water.
Hoses come in different diameters and lengths, and you may want more than one. In some cases, a long hose will help you reach a distant source to fill your water tank. In other cases, a long hose might get in the way. Carry a variety of options in the storage area of your rig. One of the most popular choices, in regards to RV water hose, is the ability to connect a water filter to the hose before it connects to the RV. This enables you to filter water before it enters your tanks.
Want to limit or increase your water flow? Water hoses come in various flow ratios.
Always keep your water hose clean, inside and out. Remember, you ingest everything that comes through this hose, so be careful.
Secret #4: Your Propane Hose Might Be On Crack!
Okay, not actually on crack, but it DOES crack more frequently than people think. Take the time to inspect your propane hose, and its fittings, on a regular basis. Many campers find themselves in trouble when the nights get cold, and their propane doesn’t work. Cracked hose is unsafe and can cause an uneven flow of propane.
Another important and often overlooked issue with propane is that propane tanks must be re-certified every few years. If your tanks aren’t up-to-date, a propane station will refuse to fill them. Don’t wait until you are desperate, or you might be forced to buy something new. Check your tanks and hose every season to make sure everything is safe.
Secret #5: Flushing Hose Lives A Solitary Life
Your flushing hose is used to wash out your sewer hose, plus any connections to the black or gray tank. It should never be used for potable water, and it must be kept separate at all times from your drinking water hose.
Far too many RVers toss their hoses into one storage bin, only to fish them out later. Once these hoses are stored together, cross-contamination becomes a serious concern.
There are several ways to keep your hoses separate. If your rig does not already include an RV hose reel or hose carrier, you may want to consider getting one. These units help keep your hose neat and tidy while you travel down the road.
When it comes to RV hose, you can find almost everything at a Camping World store or on Amazon.com. You can update your hose, buy RV hose carrier, buy a new RV shower hose, or grab some propane hose fittings all without leaving your home. Just be sure to know the size of your fittings, and the length of hose you need, before you order.
What RV hose do you find the most challenging? Is there a product you love or hate?
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