Roadtrek Water Issues

This video is about Roadtrek Water Issues

[@paulkravitz4306]

A new Flexible transmission funnel works great

[@maitrecorbeau3338]

I just bought a 1992 Roadtrek. I love your channel and many of your ideas will come very handy.

[@byronbrasher8118]

be there done that

[@sinsarity]

I have watched a couple of your videos so far. Thank you for being thorough but concise with your explanations. Very informative so far as I am also interested in purchasing a Roadtrek.

[@RoadtrekRich]

Thanks of the comment, Ashley S. If you have any questions, I'll do my best to answer them.

[@KODoch48]

Your videos are intuitive and creatively inventive! I come from a family of 10 with a mother who could create anything with perfection and a father who invented parts on the stealth bomber! Needless to say ... I appreciate your unique vision, that I in turn can envision, especially since I’ve been searching for my “perfect” fit RV that I narrowed to the Roadtrek. That’s how I found you! As a last (admittedly side) thought ... I “glimpse” one of my brothers in your demeanor ... I know, it might sound weird, but you’re eerily similar in look/abilities/insight! Thanks for your videos!

[@RoadtrekRich]

Hi KO-Doc48. Thank you for the comment. Wow, sounds like you come from great lineage. I have a lot of people who have said similar things, that I seem familiar, like someone they know. I'm not sure what to attribute that to. I hope you find the rv that fits you. I have just begun my 3rd year with my Roadtrek and have several updates planned as we move into the warmer seasons. Over the time I have had the van, something unexpected has been gradually happening. I kind of call it the ZEN of the van. It's kind of a frame of mind. Thinking in terms of this little environment, what to bring on board. Changing my menu, diet, in positive ways. Clothing, bedding, utensils, tools, electronics, lighting, all kinds of common, everyday things that I really gave no particular consideration to before the van. And since I have a regular static home as well, all this van ZEN stuff spills over and affects what I do and how my thinking has changed in that environment as well. While this was not something I could envision before the van, it is a positive side effect. I think the van provides a great contrast between what I really need and use in the van compared to all the duplication and unused stuff in the static home. I keep emptying drawers, boxes, closets, donating things, giving them to people who don't have them or can use them. It brings a sense of peace I really can't describe yet. It may sound odd but I have this thought that there is a certain "noise" in all the stuff we have accumulated around us. Some people have a knack for minimizing this "noise". Others, like me, don't. And so as I become aware of this, I can take steps to lower this "noise" and "quiet" things down. This of course is not audible noise but noise in the mind, clutter which has a way of manifesting itself in all the tangible objects I accumulate for no particular reason or worse without any thought. I just mention this because, like I said, I didn't expect the van to have this kind of an effect. It's welcome. I think I am benefitting. I am really happy with the change the van has inspired in my diet. I'm taking in a higher quality of nourishment. I will just say this. The Roadtrek has had some very unexpected effects on the way my mind works that are calming, peaceful and provoke me to look differently at material possessions in such a way as to ask "do I possess these things or do they possess me?"

[@KODoch48]

Roadtrek Rich - Thanks for the response! I totally "get" what you're saying, and have said the EXACT same words, "do I own my things, or are they owning me"! My husband and I retired a year and a half ago, and began the moving process about three years ago from our family home of 3K sq. ft. on a half acre of landscaping! A LOT of work as one ages, and we are even in great shape (of course ... All that labor -Lol!) It was definitely an emotional downsizing journey, but we are goal setters and envision our outcomes! We sold our home, went from that to a 1500sf apartment in our city while we searched for our perfect retirement home at the beach, from the "Great Northland" we'd lived for 50 years! We found it ... 4000 miles away in a highrise and 1175sf! We couldn't be happier with our choice; took about 2 years to find! So yes, understand both your lifestyle changes and your "spiritual" connection! Right now, the entire planet is in a spiritual adjustment ... Glad you are finding the experience rewarding! Looking forward to watching more of your videos! On another subject mentioned about the hall shower, I prefer that idea as well, as most of my RV Living will be parked somewhere I can use an indoor bathroom. But still want to have a toilet/shower available! However, what about using a large collapsible plastic tub and cutting a small hole to line up with your floor drain? A flat rubber washer siliconed on outside of the hole would keep water directed to the drain, and clean-up would be contained? Just a thought.

[@RoadtrekRich]

Sounds like you are finding your"grove". Like you, I find this takes me more time than some. I try to set goals and some sort of a plan to achieve them. On the subject of the shower and making changes to it, my question is what is sought to be accomplished? I have been a designer for most of my life so maybe that colors my perspective. The shower in the Roadtrek is a marvel, I think it has a couple of patents. But there are a lot of people who look at it and don't care for it. I think this is because it is a departure from the generally accepted. When I behold a design that departs from the norm, breaks new ground, I try to think in terms of what the designer was trying to achieve, their goal. And then look critically at the creation and decide whether, imo, they achieved that. Two things here. 1. I use the shower exactly as it was designed to be used. At least I think I do. 2. In order to use it the way it was intended, I have a different set of things I do using this shower than those using the shower in my static home. I guess what I'm saying is I conform to the needs of the Roadtrek shower rather than try to conform the Roadtrek shower to what I have in my static home. I hear the expression, "it is what it is" a lot but in this case, that is an apropos statement. In its design and function, I don't see anything that could be taken away nor do I see the need to add anything. As far as clean up, the little floor in the van gets soiled so a shower serves as an opportunity to clean this surface. The floor is essentially a steel reinforced, fiberglass shower pan with a drain to a holding tank.

[@angelaburnett6053]

Stupid Question. Just bought 2015 Roadtrek SS Agile and previous owner didn't use a lot of things. The shower/Toilet/Sink area is just like the day it was purchased, however, we cannot get any water through the sink or shower faucet. We have water flowing in the kitchen sink just fine and water in our tank - any ideas

[@RVingLiveTheDream]

We have a 210 popular. It has the same water fill, but we also have a water fill in the bin behind the driver's door. Maybe you can check to see if you have one in that bin. Filling it there requires a hose or a funnel and it a pain. Happy travels :-)

[@vidguy007]

I use a collapsable plastic 5 gallon water bag. Hang it above the filler, put hose in the opening.

[@RoadtrekRich]

I'm going to try that. Sometimes I really overthink things. That's why it is wonderful to get great suggestions from others and how they have created simple effective solutions. Thank you for the great suggestion !

[@charlottebassett7971]

I have seen people use a 20oz coke bottle. Looks like this worked well. happy travels

[@RoadtrekRich]

Thank you for the comment Charlotte.

[@karenr67]

Clever....we use Gatorade 1 gallon jugs for coffee water. They have a nice handle on them too. I have never seen Coffeemate sold in our area that are hooked together.

[@RoadtrekRich]

Hi Karen R, thank you for the comment. That sounds like a good plan, too. I'm going to look for them being that they have a handle is a nice addition. If they fit where I keep mine, I might change over to those. The coffeemate ones don't have a handle.

[@angelaburnett6053]

Another stupid question... The 2015 Roadtrek SS agile came with a Becker Map Pilot - any experience with this unit ? cannot get it working either

[@RoadtrekRich]

Hi Angela Burnett, I don't have experience with that. Maybe do a youtube search of the device. That usually gets me the info I need when something stumps me. Or go to the becker website and input the model number to get a copy of the user manual. Also, there is a site on google that archives user mauals. I've found lots of very dated manuals there for things I lost the manual for. Just search user manuals or becker user manuals more specifically.

[@cam-bo11]

How inconvenient to hsve your water porthole inside the van. In Washington state we're fortunate to have rest stops with free water spigot, which is where I fill up, and I make quite a mess, especially when it gets full and starts to backflow out. Your funnel is a fantastic idea, tho. Perfect fit on both ends.

[@mertonchun9775]

An awesome, very useful idea. Makes me change my mind about having a humungous 5G container, which I have to bleach out/sanitize anyway.

[@RoadtrekRich]

Hi Merton. Thank you for the comment. Smaller container = More flexibility, imo. The clear bottle is easy to see if it is clean. Also, sunshine does a good job of sanitizing. Think Ultraviolet Light. I rinse and let air dry, in sunshine before refilling.

[@tracy3066]

Thanks for the tip! Now I need to find someone who drinks coffee an uses that creamer so I can get their empty containers when there done with it. The bottles are perfect for the cabinet! Are those 2pks purchased from a place like Sam's or Costco? Please keep the videos coming! I don't have my Roadtrek left but I'm trying to learn as many tips as I can while I'm waiting for it!

[@RoadtrekRich]

Hi Tracy, Yes, I get those big jugs at costco. I'm going to do a video about how I went about searching for and buying a Roadtrek. I will especially focus on the mechanical parts because breakdowns are the things that will sideline any vehicle. Hopefully it will help people who don't have a lot of experience buying vehicles get valuable info. We all get excited when we believe we have found the vehicle we are looking for. That excitement can sometimes cause us to overlook many issues that may be present in the "dream" vehicle. Dreams and nightmares. When buying a vehicle, both should be avoided !

[@kokomo5794]

Hi Rich, Thanks for your videos. I have a 92 190 versatile. I can't find the hot water heater. I don't know if it has a bot water heater. Does your van have one, and if so, where is it located? Thanks

[@RoadtrekRich]

Hi koko mo2, thank you for the question. Yes my van has a water heater and a furnace. The best way I can tell you is to go about 25:20 on this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/bmjde5WjqbeNq8U. If you have a water heater, it is behind a door like the one I open at that point in the video. I can't say where it would be on your 1992. It might be on the right rear, like mine, but I have seen the water heater installed in a variety of locations. That louvered door is the give away.

[@mertonchun9775]

Rich, I just bought 2 -1G water bottles for $0.99 each! Don't even have to empty out the bottles of 'whatever', and the bottles fit OK below the cooktop. Try that!

[@RoadtrekRich]

Hi Merton, thanks for the suggestion. Sounds like a good one. What kind of gallon water bottles? Just the stuff at grocery stores?

[@spiritualangel824]

Lol that is an overflow lol

[@RoadtrekRich]

It's kind of an akward set up but I'm working with it.

[@tomgerth414]

hey Roadtrek Rich, I have a D190P, 1999 model, just got working through kinks! I put 5 gallons of water in my tank (mine is accessible at the back door)... went inside, turned on the pump... could hear gurgling but no water when I opened the spigot. Do you have to prime it somehow? Maybe I need to put more water in? I just subscribed, I suspect your site will have a lot of good info for a newbie like myself!

[@RoadtrekRich]

Hi Tom Gerth, In a properly functioning system, you should hear the whir of the pump. Make the sound ummmm with your lips closed and that's close to what the pump sounds like. 5 gallons of water will only fill your hot water tank if there isn't any water in the system like when someone has done a "winterize". Also, you need to leave the spigot open like you are doing. Be sure to leave a hot water one open because you need to be sure the water is pumping into and through the hot water heater. Put a towel or something around the faucet because as the pump purges the air it burps air and water out the faucet and can make a mess. Your water tank holds 34 gallons of fresh water. Here is a link ot the original sales brochure of your vehicle.www.roadtrek.com/brochures/ Lots of fun and useful info, I refer to mine often plus it's just fun to see one so professionally displayed. Before you use the tank for real it's a good idea to "sanitize" it. I use a little bleach, fill the tank drive around empty the tank a couple of times and then one final rinse and empty before filling with fresh. There should be a drain fitting with a little about 1 inch dia. cap on it. Mine is next to the gate valves to dump the tank. Also, let some water with the bleach in it run through the hot and cold of the shower and the sink and then the rinse water too. Just so you don't get a chlorine taste in the water. I don't use tank water for anything but cleaning. I carry drinking water separately in clear bottles so I can visually be sure it's okay.

[@tomgerth414]

@@RoadtrekRich thanks for the great info! I didn't even think about the hot water tank, guess I better check the shutoff valve. I'll do that. Yes, I'm hearing that sound for sure. Just no water coming out. It sounds like, from what you are saying, if I put much more water in there, it will move to the faucets more quickly. I guess I just wasn't being patient enough. Thanks for the tip on the "burp"! I'll make sure I put some towels down.

[@tomgerth414]

@@RoadtrekRich well RR, I put almost 15 gallons of water in my tank. Turns out I don't have a hot water bypass. I turned on both spigots, turned on the pump. The pump is running... I can hear faint gurgling water... but nothing comes out. Any other ideas? I'm puzzled.....

[@RoadtrekRich]

@@tomgerth414 Under the door of the long compartment, outside, on the driver's side of the vehicle, at the rear of the compartment is the hookup circuit for city water. there are two or three valves there. They are ball valves which means they only turn 90 degrees. Ignore this if you know how ball valve works. Connected the knob is a ball with a hole in it. So depending on if the oval handle's long side is parrallel to or perpendicular to the water line it is installed in determines whether it is open or closed. Open is parallel, closed is perpendicular. I don't know if that would cause the issue but maybe if they were set to city and you are trying to use the pump, it wouldn't be able to draw water from the fresh tank. I think they set it up that way so city water doesn't run into the fresh water tank and overflow. But as fas as 15 gallons in the tank, that should be plenty. Look at those valves in the storage compartment. If someone "winterized", they may have left them open to city. Mine has a little cap on the hose connector but I'm sure that is something that could've easily been lost over time. I think you can buy one at the camping store if you don't have one.

[@tomgerth414]

@@RoadtrekRich Thanks, I will check that today! I've also read about ways to prime the pump by turning on the city water first. I'll try a few things. What an adventure!

[@UCVibes]

Why not take a short piece of garden hose and Siphon the water from the bottle in?

[@RoadtrekRich]

I think you've got something there, UC Vibes ! I'm on it like white on rice. Video to follow.

[@KODoch48]

I understand the pull to innovate the less taxing approach, but when one is aging, especially in the case of the “involuntary exercise” of muscles (weight lifting in this instance) shouldn’t necessarily be avoided, especially if it is a 5 minute work-out, combined with achieving a dexterity (level the water flow)! If one is not inclined to daily dedicated “exercise,” think twice before eliminating what I equate to the “park at the far back of the parking lot .... EVERY time” as an “equalizer”! 😉

[@miket9830]

that's not how you fil tank, you hookup your water hose to outside inlet like you were at campground and turn the t valve and it will fill itself. you will know its full when you get water back out the port you were fooling with the one other thing to do is turn off battery water pump inside.

[@DHMenke]

Hi, R.R., or, R-Squared. It's now 4 years since you made this KZbin video. Duh, you know that. My wife and I just bought a 1998 Roadtrek 190 Popular in pristine condition with fewer than 100K miles. The previous owner is a good friend of ours and she did keep it in perfect condition, and sold it to us at a very reasonable price. She has bought a new, larger RV, but not a RoadTrek. She still loves her Roadtrek, but wanted something new. I'm a retired college professor (astrophysics) in Tucson, Arizona; my wife teaches 2nd grade and is near retirement. The previous owner is a widow older than I am and financially well off. She likes taking her grandkids on RV trips. She splits all the travel with her own sister, so that works out well. I have reviewed several KZbinrs, like you, who have shared information about their own RoadTreks, but without disrespect to them, I find your "shows" the best. For me anyway. My wife may like videos done by women, because, well, I am looking for tips and hacks, and she's looking for cutesie stuff to make it cozy. Thanks for sharing. - Dr Dave, Tucson.

[@RoadtrekRich]

Hi Dr. Dave, Congrats on the Roadtrek. They are getting very hard to find at any price. Thank you for the kind words. It's true that I don't have "cutesy" stuff type videos. I do have many that involve coziness and comfort. Diesel furnace for warmth, generator for air conditioning, and the tools to make some very delicious food. That is my favorite...preparing and presenting simple, sumptuous eats and drinks using the minimum of equipment. I just did French Style No-Bake Cheesecake Mousse Shots for people at work. This week I'm doing Apricot Honey Fromage on Buttery Sugar Cookies. I like figuring out how I'm going to produce better-than-restaurant quality, ready for prime time dishes, drinks, desserts at a fraction of the cost, in less time, in this mobile living environment without dragging around all the kitchen gear we have today. My grandmother did it, so did my mom. My great grandmother did it in a covered wagon on the way from Missouri to Montana. I look for "frontier era" recipes and ones, especially from Scandinavia...that's where my grandma's cinnamon bun recipe came from and it's better than anything I've had from a bakery...years ago, Starbuck's morning bun was close but they have since opted for volume, not quality. Preparing and serving myself beautiful food, sitting feet from the beach looking at birds, watching the sun rise or set, sitting in a reclining captain's chair...well, to me, that's warm and fuzzy even when it's cold and drizzly.

[@DHMenke]

@@RoadtrekRich I have to do some more watching to "catch up." I have no idea what you are doing with leather. And don't tell me. Ha ha. - Dr Dave.

[@RoadtrekRich]

​@@DHMenke Okay, nothing specific...I'm not ready to do that yet. As a species, we have allegedly been here for a long time and most of that time has been spent either finding something to eat or some shelter from the elements. Our relationship with the other species on the planet has been intertwined. Leather or perhaps more accurately, hides have been something we as a species have made use of. As a designer, I mostly observe. Then I ask questions. When the universe answered, leather, I just went with it. So far this exploration is interesting, educational. I'm using skills I haven't used for decades but it's more about what I'm thinking about.

[@rayrowe2664]

trans fluid funnel is better

[@RoadtrekRich]

Hi Ray. Thanks for the comment. Yes, I think you are right. I'm going to get a brand new trans fluid funnel since the one I have is probably contaminated with trans fluid. Thank you for the great suggestion !