EASIEST Way To Refill RV Fresh Water Tank Without A Pump

[@smartbottleinc]

We recommend using the 5 Gallon Wolverine Bottle. It rolls up when empty, has 4 brass grommets for hanging, doesn't leak or break, and is made here in the USA!

[@solidstatepowerbox7536]

A siphoning trick I learned 30 years ago, is to just pressurize the source tank by blowing into it and then quickly stick that end (the one you blew into) into the destination inlet. In this case, you stick the airtight hose connection onto the water jug, with the (screw installed) you blow into the hose and then stick it deep into the water inlet of the RV. Once the water starts flowing remove teh screw. The pressure will push the water out of the container and create a siphon draining the water container into the RV. You probably have to keep the water container above the bottom of the hose going down into the RV water inlet, but that is lower than the top of the CRV given you have an 8' length of hose.

[@DrivinandVibin]

Thanks for the info Tito! This info is great for us bc the size of our rigs & tanks.

[@RVwithTito]

No problem guys. Should work great for your small trailer.

[@PhotoAlbert]

Looks like a terrific way to do it Brian! Thanks for the tip! We just recently got our Class C rig and the first time we boondocked we went through our 33 gallons of fresh water within about 2 days! So we have a lot to learn!

[@RVwithTito]

Your not alone there. That's a common learning curve. Here are some tips that may help: www.rvwithtito.com/articles/boondocking-conserve-water

[@miketaylor821]

Good job Tito, I never thought about using my hose bandit to connect to the water jug. Thanks for the idea 💡

[@steveksfc]

I use the 3 way valve for wintering. Open it up with the pump on and it sucks the water out without having to lift the water up. I did extend the clear line so it reaches the bottom of the jug. Saves my back and seems to work faster at refiling the tank. I did add a second valve which I can open and close as needed also.

[@RVwithTito]

+Stephen Keller Cool. Yeah. I've seen others use that method too.

[@shiammi907]

Very nice to see another way in case a pump suddenly goes south ...can even attach a filter to the method. Love!!

[@phonemd1]

I bought a 12 volt pump at Harbor Freight, some hose fittings and clear half inch hoses. and bring the colapsable 5 gallon jugs with me I just put them on the ground and pump it in works great

[@RVwithTito]

Yeah. Im pumping now. I can empty a 5 gal tank pretty quickly.

[@c50ge]

Install a metal truck valve stem (with the valve core removed)on your plastic water can. Much better venting and won’t leak. I’ve used this method on my plastic gas cans for years. WORKS GREAT!

[@RVwithTito]

Great tip! Thanks.

[@TheWoodsOnline]

We do the 12v water pump. Our fresh water fill is on the passenger side near the door. So it’s easy for us just to connect the water pump up to the batteries under the steps. Plus, many times we wouldn’t be able to get the tow car beside the rv like that. But if we could, we would probably get one of those bladders and do the gravity feed off the car and get more water at home me time.

[@klouism1]

Good idea and thank you for listing all the links to where one can get the items. Stay well & happy camping.

[@mrblueskynm3968]

I've struggled with this problem this myself. I tried a 12 volt pump from Harbor Freight. It worked at home, but the pump quickly died during the first attempt at a campsite in the woods. Aarrgg! I ended up rigging something similar to your setup with a funnel and duct tape and got the water in the tank eventually. It was not a chore for the weak. I'll look into the specific items you used in the video.Thanks for sharing!

[@AByrne]

I already had all this stuff and never thought to use it in this manner. You just saved me $100 for a pump and a bunch of back pain.

[@RVwithTito]

Sweet. Glad to help!

[@Markomyt1]

Gravity, not just a good idea... "It's the LAW!"

[@arewethereyet2653]

Nice video. I use a pump and I love it. I bought a water bandit but can't find it. I did the hold it up method because a lot of sites I couldn't get close enough to use my truck to set it on. This is a great method for if and when my pump goes down. You always do a great job on videos, especially the information ones.

[@alanreilly73]

Great tip! I found it a little humorous in the beginning of the video when you said one of the first steps in filling up the RV was to take your jug out and find some water when over your right shoulder behind you was a whole lake/river full of water. Yeah I understand you can't use that water in your RV but it was still kind of funny to me.

[@DeanF]

Yeah TITO! I always struggle with this -usually my wife helps... but now, NO PROB! Thanks Brother!!!

[@RVwithTito]

Awesome! Give it a try. My wife just watches :)

[@markt1054]

Hey Brian - have you thought of using an AquaTank2 water bladder? BPA free with hose fittings on both ends. They come in many sizes all the way up to 150 gallons and you just set it on roof of the SUV, fill it then gravity drain into the RV.

[@RVwithTito]

Somebody else also mentioned that. I'll have to look into it.

[@WA7HOI]

I just carry a couple of those easy to stow and cheap 5 gallon collapsible water jugs. I find two easier to carry than one, because I'm more balanced, with one in each hand. I just put them on my couch in the motorhome, stick out the coach window, one of those cheap $10 hoses, with a syphon valve that you jiggle to get it going (from Camping World), in the upright jug, run the hose out of the window, and into our water fill port. It will syphon 5 gallons in less than 3 minutes!

[@RVwithTito]

+Marty Duke Good idea. I've got a small window near the inlet that I could probably use to do the same thing.

[@leecox1513]

Good point! We don't canoe/camp any longer, but when we did, we took an empty collapsible plastic 5-gallon container with us to transport water from nearby rivers, lakes, etc. Can't remember where I bought the item, but it could be reused over and over, and when empty, it could collapse to be easily stored. Also, very lightweight. I've used the jiggle siphon valve for gasoline; works great. Works with any liquid needing siphoning.

[@smartbottleinc]

We recommend using the 5 Gallon Wolverine Bottle. It rolls up when empty, has 4 brass grommets for hanging, doesn't leak or break, and is made here in the USA!

[@cathyann1601]

Very ingenious! The only problem would be for me to lift the tank. I'd have to get a couple of smaller tanks in place of the big one, but that would work just fine. Thanks for sharing this!

[@raycordero2821]

Great video Brian. I started out using this technique but having the jug on the car roof didn't work great for me. I ended up with the jugs inside my RV next to a back window close to the water tank. I then use a 3 foot hose to siphon the water from the jug to the tank. I have three 6 gallon jugs and they fill my water tank because I usually don't let the tank get more than half empty. No if you come up with a way to refill an RV propane tank without moving the RV we will be set! Ray

[@scottb.innovations4386]

actually if you ad an adaptor to the tank, you can connect an extra propane tank to the system. And it can be sized 20/30/40 lb bottle.

[@raycordero2821]

@@scottb.innovations4386 Agree, bought an adapter last year.

[@brianjordison2910]

I use the winterizing hose that is connected to the pump. It's connected through diverted valves on the same line as the main water tank. It's long enough to reach into the jerry can of fresh water. When the main tank runs dry, I fill the jerry can, divert the valves and put the hose into the jerry can. Good to go. Pump and pressure switch work as normal. I don't lift that heavy jerry can anywhere. I put it on the ground outside. Simple. It works for me.

[@Raven5763]

Nice setup. I do something similar when I move kerosene into my heating oil tank. I have a 13 gallon tank that is hard to move so I experimented with a couple of methods to move the liquid without lifting the tank. I drilled a 1/2" hole at the air supply point and inserted a schrader valve. I used an air compressor at first to move the liquid but later found that it only needs a couple of psi, so now use a bicycle pump, it works with very little pumping.

[@flyinggyros9745]

Hey Brian, great idea. I use a similar system using a Jigger Hose. I have two. One for water and one for gas.

[@RVwithTito]

Make sure you don't get them mixed up :)

[@johnr8476]

I do about the same but I have some fold up steps that's about right to sit the jug on. I'v seen a lot of people use what looks like an air mattress that's made for water, they lay it on top of their vehicle fill it then hook a hose to it and gravity does the rest, look like they held about 20 or 30 gal. don't know what they cost, but I'm thinking about trying one.

[@RVwithTito]

I've heard about those to, but haven't checked them out yet. It could also be a way to create a solar hot water shower too.

[@ronhowes7948]

I use one of these 45 gallon fresh water bladders, and it works great as long as the water source is very close by, you can't drive down the road with it up very fast. I put it on the roof of my tow vehicle, drive that short distance to fill it, and it gravity feeds into my motor home fresh water tank. A great $100 investment.

[@philc.9280]

The few times I boondock and get to a water source with no hose connection or a fresh body of water like a stream I will used an inexpensive and small submersible pond pump that you can get on Ebay or harbor freight for under $15. If its a sink or some hand pump I will use a clean bucket and continually fill it while the small submersible pump fills my water tank with an inexpensive long clear plastic hose of 10 feet or more. Yes you will need a 110 volt that can easily plug to your inverter since the pump is very low wattage. Obviously you'll need an extension cord long enough. This saves my back and arms from lifting heavy water back and forth from the source. I've done this on clean streams with good results if I'm desperate for water.

[@TheEmmauswalk]

Thanks, Tito. It worked.

[@jackkoo1234]

thanks for taking the time to show this

[@thefix2573]

Before I had water at my cabin I used a 25 gallon ATV mount sprayer tank you see farmers using. I had it hooked up to my plumbing so I had pressurized water. Now I keep it under the bed in my RV. My tank holds 40 gallons but having the extra 25 means I rarely run out, I just plug it in to 12V and refill my main tank. I was going to plumb it in to my main tank but if I needed to take it out to go to town and get water I'd have to unhook it. I haven't had to go get a refill yet but I'm going to just put it in the truck, fill it up, come beck and plug it into the 12V and empty it. It also gives me a spare pump onboard and I have the tools to hook up to the portable tank if need be. If I had to choose between mains electricity or running water, I'd choose running water; as someone who has spent time without it.

[@germanevision]

Great and simple idea. Thanks

[@Beeneva]

Hi Tito, where are you in this video looks like a cool spot to stay

[@RVwithTito]

It's called Lone Rock Park in Southern Utah on Lake Powell. It's just about 10 miles north of Page, Arizona. We love it there.

[@rubenpat1193]

Thanks for the video gave me a new idea

[@RVwithTito]

Nice! Good luck.

Brilliant in its simplicity. Thanks Tito!

[@RVwithTito]

You're welcome. I'm now using 5 gal foldable bottles not from smartbottleinc.com. They take up no space in your rig. Check it out. Cheers!

[@1MoreFish]

That you Tito! I have a Fifth wheel that does NOT have a fill area. Instead, it only has one hose connection that serves as both city water hookup or fresh tank fill-up. I guess that's what I get for buying a high-end Cedar Creek fifth wheel! I just purchased the water bandit (still in the package). So I can simply use your idea to connect the hose to my female intake. Thanks!!!!

[@joemama8379]

Good job

[@RVwithTito]

Thanks.

[@crusadersojourn8502]

You can get the little vent valves for the water jugs or gas cans on ebay under "gas can" they cost about a buck a piece

[@RVwithTito]

+Crusadersojourn Thanks. I'll check it out.

[@andychappel2109]

Thanks

[@RVwithTito]

No problem

[@BobTheGod44]

I have a very similar system but the only I did differant was instead of using a screw in the hole to vent the tank, I used a schrader valve like on a tire. Drill a hole, pull the valve through which seals the hole. Take out the internal stem on the valve and just use the screw cap to seal it. Works like a charm.

[@joecamp5026]

Bob Amoroso t

[@RVwithTito]

+Bob Amoroso That sounds like a more elegant solution that I may copy. Sounds like I need to retrofit my container.

[@chartle1]

You can also buy the vent caps they used to have on tanks like this before the had to remove them to protect people that didn't know how to use a gas can. :)

[@haroldfitz5146]

Bob Amoroso - I like your method and will use it. Thanks - Harold

[@Itsthekellyschannel]

I drilled a hole in the top also but I just hold it up and dump it in, only takes a few minutes with the hole, without drilling the hole it took forever.

[@Running_To_Something]

Good tip Brian. Since I have the parts already, it's easy.

[@jjustj]

if you have ever bought a 2.5 gallon fresh water rectangle from grocery store. They have a pull out spout. When done with the water remove that spout with built in valve. Dremel off the outer ring, drill right size hole in plastic water tank shoe goo in place, you now have a vent, better than a screw!

[@dougmanck4149]

Very nice, of course you can't just keep adding fresh water, unless you have huge waste tanks, gotta dump eventually, or drink a lot of water :)

[@arriagada1957]

I use the water tank(6gall) from Walmart and has the air flow thing valve ..it works fine but is can a heavy you have to muscle it up ..!

[@skpjoecoursegold366]

good job..................clever.

[@louisschummer931]

I use a 12VDC bilge pump hooked up to a small hose with an on/off switch, drops right into the water jug. Can empty a 5g/20L tank in a few minutes with no lifting what so ever. Costs less than $15 Cdn and most importantly no lifting of a 40lb water container. Nice idea but i'm done lifting these jugs.

[@Flipping_Assets]

You tow your car with you when traveling?

[@RVwithTito]

Yes

[@cr8ngphenomenal417]

Nice Ingenuity, Tito. Lov'n the way you roll - Great share.

[@wishyouwerebeer]

wow how high is your fill hole off the ground?

[@RVwithTito]

About chest high I think.

[@tradersato]

They sell a retrofit breather hole cap for gasoline jugs. It would obviously work with a water jug just as well.

[@chadmikaels]

This will come handy when I go camping in Algonquin Park in June. There aren't any water hookups, just water stations. How would I use the Drill Pump as in what other pieces do i need besides the drill pump and the jug? I found one at Home Depot for $20.

[@chadmikaels]

actually just found this video...in case anyone is interested. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jaW0l5SVeMlpm68

[@cswamp1]

Hey Tito just curious where were you camping in this video? Looks like a great spot.

[@markwilhelm3892]

He's at Lone Rock Beach at Lake Powell. Near Wahweap Marina.

[@charleshoward9983]

Very good Idea. Great video, thanks for the info.

[@yvonwheel4943]

A solution to more work... While you get your suv and make your hose connections I am already done using the simple "pick up your 6-gallon tank and pour"

[@cliffwendy3765]

Try a vacuum siphon, you don't need to elevate the jug above, it can self-empty. All you do us with your setup just withdraw the water through the hose by vacuum then it comes out all by itself.

[@rvlucky2909]

Nice good job

[@thekellycorner]

Great, simple idea. Thanks for sharing!

[@heatheryohe8874]

Hello 😊 new subscriber here. You have a lot of helpful videos. So bought a travel trailer and have 5 trips scheduled with my girls ( 6 and 10) how do I keep the food cold in the RV frig while traveling to and from destinations? I would prefer not to have to pack everything in a cooler just to put it in the fridge when we get where we are going 😊 any tips or advice

[@moosestanggang]

Use vp race gas jugs has the clear hose on the end goes straight in. You can get 4 5gal with hoses for 97$ shipped on amazon.

[@shueydo]

There are many water containers available with vents. Just do a Google search for "6 gallon water containers with vents". Northern Tools is one that commonly pops up.

[@shueydo]

Or do what this guy does. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jaW0l5SVeMlpm68

[@loriann8298]

Awesome thank you

[@LetsRVtv]

Thanks for the video. That was a great tip.

[@joeboxter3635]

What is best way to put water filter in class C so get fresh water from tank and main?

[@RVwithTito]

Class C is challenging due to lack of external storage space. I would mount a water filtration system below the kitchen counter.

[@dwheeler016]

Good idea

[@raymondergarcia]

Hi Tito, thanks for the tip. Where is the location you filmed this video?

[@RVwithTito]

Lone Rock Campground near Page, Utah.

[@freedomfred6518]

Great video, thanks for making it.

[@RVwithTito]

You are very welcome!

[@richardowens9061]

Pardon the newbie question - because, I don't yet have an RV myself - but, it is my understanding that the sizes of your gray and black water tanks are matched to the size of your fresh water tank - so, when your fresh water tank is empty, your gray and black water tanks are nearing full, right? So, I'm questioning the value of adding more fresh water, when your gray and black water tanks are likely to be nearing their capacities, or how are you addressing that issue at the same time you're addressing the need for more fresh water?

[@RVwithTito]

I don't believe there's a standard. My water tank is roughly 40 gal, black tank: 38 gal, gray tank: 44 gal. When you use water, some goes in the gray and some in the black. Most of it goes in the gray when boondocking (sinks & shower). So you'll run out of water before filling any of the tanks. Of course, each RV is a little different. Hope that helps.

[@eliwol3789]

Very helpful!!!

[@raybell3]

Good information

[@wendybell460]

Very helpful. Thx.

[@craigperry3390]

THANK'S FOR THE INFO. WELL DONE!

[@rudidundas7081]

Tito, for women, a 6 gallon container weighs over fifty pounds! Too much to lift! I use four of the 3 gallon rigid containers with spouts that you can buy at REI. Two of these fit perfectly into the passenger foot area in the backseat of my tow vehicle. So when I travel, I take two or four of them. That gives me a max of easily fillable and liftable containers with 12 gallons of water! No need for pumps, hoses or anything else!

[@alanamadrano723]

I think lifting 50 lbs is a non-issue for most women, myself included. My son is 45 lbs and I regularly lift/carry him. Even airlines allow up to 50 lb suitcases because 50 lbs is a "manageable" weight for most people. I think inability to lift 50 lbs is a personal (or aging) issue, not a gender specific one.

[@EnisudR]

Rudi Dundas you don’t have to fill up a 6 gallon jug all the way

[@Eric12358]

I'll have to be doing this all the time in Mexico. Peeople advise not to use tap water in your fresh tank even for washing dishes etc. So they get 5 gallon bottled drinking water. I have a stool but its 1.5 ft lower than the opening. So I think I'll have to use siphon method from there.

[@MariaTorres-en3kr]

Yes

[@ScotWalt858]

Nicely done!

[@Yukonjackman1]

I am making a solar breaf case that will provide 12 volts to a 12 volt water pump to transfer water from a container to my rv , i will make a video in a few days for all to see.

[@RVwithTito]

Cool. Thanks.

[@Yukonjackman1]

ok added it "A Way To Refill RV Fresh Water Tank With A Pump and solar.

[@Elliswg]

Just go to walmart or amazon buy a siphon hose. It has a ball bearing one end. Take the jug top off, put the end that has a ball bearing on it in the jug. put the other in the Rv or what ever you are filling. Shake the hose back and forth until you see it going, and it will siphon it till empty. I use this to fill my cars. Gas gets cheep I fill four five gallon can and fill my cars easy. Just set the jug on the roof or some thing higher than where ever you are filling. The hose is cheep no work on your part.

[@Markomyt1]

Still have to "Work" to get it higher than the tank you are siphoning to.

[@randyschwartz1841]

Not sure 6 gallons will help ? My Rv has 1 70 gallon take seven trips ?

[@fuzzywigglebutt]

Buy 11 containers?? LOL

[@loveu2222]

I don't get it, there is a drill pump at,home Depot, and takes 5 gallon about 2 minutes

[@bigdan3476]

YOU CAN GET A VENT CAP KIT AT MOST HARDWARE STORES EVEN WALMART A (10) PACK YELLOW FUEL/WATER CAN/JUG VENT CAPS ONLY COST $6.00 AT WALMART. THEY CAN BE USED ON PLASTIC OR METAL CANS/JUGS. ALL YOU NEED TO DO IS DRILL A 31/64" HOLE INTO THE CAN/JUG THEN PUSH THE VENT INTO THE HOLE. CAN BE USED ON EAGLE, CHILTON, BLITZ, BRIGGS & STRATTON, ROTOPAX, GOTT, ESSENCE, SCEPTER, CRAFTSMAN, ANCHOR, RUBBERMAID, KOPLIN, SEARS, WEDCO AND MORE.

[@BOHICA_]

Tractor supply has them in the kit that comes with the large flow tips.

[@stanleyhall788]

I use a pump that fits in my drill and just pump it in. Much easier.

[@lubegarichard7564]

Thks

[@philc.9280]

Probably someone else does this but I physically can't hold my ten gallon jug too long as its around 80 lbs. I found a portable drill pump that runs only $14 on eBay. Take your battery operated drill that you already have to raise the jacks. it can drain 10 gallons in a few minutes. no sore back or straining. Of course I drag that jug on wheels too.

[@johngreenferguson8055]

I'd get a few more of them 6-gal water jugs! 1 trip vs many... LOL

[@fireside007]

aaaa T . . . YOU ~ ROCK ! !

[@dmeyer6994]

Seems like way more work than just using a $25 12v water pump and a couple hoses??

[@RVwithTito]

Yeah. I primarily use a pump now.

[@vincepanico2223]

Thank you Brian

[@Spiffa0]

Fred Armisen's brother

[@RVwithTito]

Don't tell anyone ;)

[@kreteman777]

I wish I had a water fill port like that. The only one my open range light has is for a hose. Took it apart and it's plumbed with half inch line. Way to small to gravity fill. Bummed

[@pearlcaster8287]

And the water has a chlorine taste from the plastic; get a food grade 5 gallon (metal) "jerry can" from Duestch Optic catalogue.

[@golfnut2599]

I don't have a gravity fill outlet on my class a so I guess I'm SOL

[@RVwithTito]

+golfnut I've seen another guy use an inexpensive drill pump (on a cordless drill) and a hose to pump the water into the tank.

[@williammoore446]

Why not just use a Ciphoning hose

[@mikes1796]

I do the same thing, but with a much simpler set up. I have a 7 gal. water container that I bought at Walmart. www.amazon.com/Reliance-Products-Aqua-Tainer-Gallon-Container/dp/B001QC31G6 It already has the air relief hole built in. The other end has a large white cap that has a pour spout that screws into it. I bought an adapter at Home Depot that connects to the white cap spout threads and the other end has hose threads. Same as your set up but with less parts, plus you can carry 1 more gallon of water. 7 gallons might be too heavy for some people, so don't fill it up all the way.

[@RVwithTito]

I'm going to go pick one up today and check it out. Looks like that one may be easier to store. Thanks!

[@TQMouse]

12v transfer pump.

[@RVwithTito]

Yeah. I carry a drill pump now too 😀

[@Eric12358]

I have a motorhome and no toady car. So I'll just use a strangers car in a parking lot! Hope they dont mind.

[@joyce7892]

I wish mine was so well behaved. Mine spits and sputters and even gags. It is very annoying.

[@2-old-Forthischet]

More Wheaties.

[@mikeelder9263]

Here's another good idea. Go get a valve stem (like the kind that goes in a car rim) and drill a 7/8ths hole into the water jug, then fish a line through the hole to the mouth of the jug with one end tied to the end of the valve stem and pull it through to the hole that you drilled. Then remove the Schrader valve from the valve stem. Viola! You have a vent with a cap.

[@FoX0777]

To fill 75-100 gallon water tank your going back and forth with 2 gallon pale 50 times. Seems reasonable and not time consuming at all 🤣

[@Myksgarage]

This seems like a huge hassle. I’ll just drive the coach to the water spigot