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Savage68 · 07-11-2014, 02:35 PM

The replacement tank from VTS for my 74 Argo has the same size inlet, but it is over a few inches, so I sourced a 1.5" dia. flexible hose and that took me to an auto parts store and a radiator hose.

Can anyone see any major flaws in using that for the water inlet for the tank?

It's an 11' hose which ends up in a S curve. Hose clamps will work great.

btw, I am in a very small town so local options are limited.

Inland RV Center, In · 07-11-2014, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Savage68

The replacement tank from VTS for my 74 Argo has the same size inlet, but it is over a few inches, so I sourced a 1.5" dia. flexible hose and that took me to an auto parts store and a radiator hose.

Can anyone see any major flaws in using that for the water inlet for the tank?

It's an 11' hose which ends up in a S curve. Hose clamps will work great.

btw, I am in a very small town so local options are limited.

Rubber hoses will put a rubber taste into the water, VERY QUICKLY.

Andy

idroba · 07-11-2014, 02:44 PM

You probably would be ok but not sure about that. The farm and ranch supply store south of town in Hamilton may have a larger clear vinyl reinforced water lines you need. Ace also has that kind of thing, often. Rangtash Brothers RV in Missoula would also have water inlet tubing in drinking water quality type.

Savage68 · 07-11-2014, 03:06 PM

Tried the clear, too stiff, which is why I ended up with corrugated rad hose. It is a severe bend.
You mean Murdoch's? They provided the springs for my DIY Rockguards but little else.
Ace has been supplying most of what I've needed, Missoula is an hour away, far side of the moon.

Minno · 07-11-2014, 03:28 PM

Do you plan on drinking the water? Or washing dishes, brushing teeth, etc? Then get a "safe for drinking water" hose. They are not that expensive. Here's one source:

Flex Fill Hose

If you google "RV Water Fill" you'll get other hits as well.

My 2 cents.

Chris

Savage68 · 07-11-2014, 03:33 PM

Close but no see gar.
But thanks for the tip, it needs to be 11 inches.

Just out of curiosity, what makes a brand new rubber rad hose a bad choice, I am wondering about the why?

Savage68 · 07-11-2014, 03:42 PM

My apologies, it was feet, not inches

Egg on my face...

Savage68 · 07-11-2014, 03:46 PM

And then I have 9 feet leftover....

Minno · 07-11-2014, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Savage68

Close but no see gar.
But thanks for the tip, it needs to be 11 inches.

Just out of curiosity, what makes a brand new rubber rad hose a bad choice, I am wondering about the why?

Beacause they are not rated for drinking water. So, who knows what chemical will leach out of the rubber into your fresh water. Personally, I would not use a rad hose for drinking water.

Savage68 · 07-11-2014, 05:00 PM

Got it, thank you.

idroba · 07-11-2014, 05:04 PM

If you don't want to make the hour trip to Missoula, on the far side of the moon, call Rangtash Brothers parts department and have them send you a piece. All of the parts people there have a lot of experience and are very helpful.

And I live only 2 1/2 hours from Missoula, and have gone there for nothing more than lunch....LOL. But that's me.

Savage68 · 07-11-2014, 06:37 PM

I have to go to the missoula VA fairly often, so I know the route well, but it kills the better part of a day, so yes, thanks for the advice, I'll call and see what I can get.

RickDavis · 07-11-2014, 07:27 PM

I have used a radiator hose on mine for years, no problems, no taste that I have noticed

Savage68 · 07-12-2014, 06:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickDavis

I have used a radiator hose on mine for years, no problems, no taste that I have noticed

I was wondering if I was the first person to ever think of it.

Gearheart · 07-13-2014, 03:37 PM

You know, it's not like the water is standing in the hose leaching flavours & pollution from the rubber. It goes through the hose to fill the tank and that's all. It ought to be OK.

gwchitty · 07-13-2014, 04:26 PM

I used ribbed pool hose from the big box store.

Bill

helmsman · 07-13-2014, 04:34 PM

Hello Savage68:

I've used a radiator hose in that position (for more than 40 years), longer than the original hose lasted.

Rick Davis and Gearhart are correct. The only time that radiator hose comes into contact with the fresh tank water is when it's being filled. A few seconds at most. I too have not had any taste transferred from using the radiator hose as a filler hose.

When I was new to airstream trailering two members of the club had contracted Giardia from filling their tanks while passing through a small town, but that wasn't caused by using a radiator hose as the filler hose.

r carl · 07-13-2014, 06:59 PM

You should be able to form a clear vinyl hose with a heat gun.

dannydimitt · 07-13-2014, 07:19 PM

Have used radiator and heater hoses for a variety of things including drinking water applications over the last fifty years with no problems ever encountered .

Inland RV Center, In · 07-14-2014, 07:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by helmsman

Hello Savage68:

I've used a radiator hose in that position (for more than 40 years), longer than the original hose lasted.

Rick Davis and Gearhart are correct. The only time that radiator hose comes into contact with the fresh tank water is when it's being filled. A few seconds at most. I too have not had any taste transferred from using the radiator hose as a filler hose.

When I was new to airstream trailering two members of the club had contracted Giardia from filling their tanks while passing through a small town, but that wasn't caused by using a radiator hose as the filler hose.

Not exactly.

When the trailer is in motion, the water splashes into the filler hose.

But, to each his own.

Andy