PEX Advice

[Bexar]

Replumbing my 60 Teadewind and I see two types of pex connecting systems , copper ring & stainless crimp on. Is one better than the other?
Thanks

[SailorSam205]

Both work well. Might be easier to get tools into tight spots with the steel crimp version (you don't have to get the tool around the pipe). I think it is a bit easier to get the crimp versions off if you need to. Depending on how many fittings you need, you could also consider the SharkBite style push on fittings.

[TG Twinkie]

I used "Flair It" fittings. Less expensive. No special tools required.

[CBWELL]

I have used the stainless crimp rings/pex on several Airstream projects aand have had excellent results. Easier to get into tight places thank the other style. Have used "shark-bite" as well, expensive but easier to remove if needed. I would go with the crimp rings if I was U.

[Isuzusweet]

I would go with neither system.

I used the Wirsbo Uponor system/PEX A. The piping is expandable, so it will expand to five times its size with no cracking. The fittings are also freeze proof and the tool required is easily rented from your local Pex A dealer.

http://www.uponor.ca/residential-plumbing.aspx

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fquNtx4uyaU

No leaks at all, and no expensive fittings to buy that may eventually leak.

Cheers
Tony

[Bubba L]

I second the Wirsbo Uponor. Installed a complete system on the 66 without issues or leaks. You can expand the pieces and reach into tight spots to install. The battery operated tool is a bit pricey, but money well spent. Good luck. Bubba

[lewster]

Three for Wirsbo........you will find that its the BEST for tight formations in your trailer, and you can run it with no connections far longer than the others.

Good luck!

[Chatthayer]

Sharkbite slip on copper connectors have worked great over 4000 miles, and are the easiest to deal with in tight spots

[NorCal Matt]

A fourth vote for Wirsbo. I’ve used it quite a bit in building projects, though not in a trailer. Another reason other than those listed is that the fittings themselves remain close to the nominal dimensions and the tubing expands over them. Other brands have to make the fitting fit inside the tubing, greatly reducing the water flow.

[Chatthayer]

The white plastic slip-ons work great too. I used half pvc and half copper

[perryg114]

I would go with brass connections with either stainless crimps or the copper rings. With the old PB tubing, the plastic fittings would break but the hose was fine. PEX where it is under a constant bending load at the fitting will fail no matter what. Plastic fittings will relax over time and the hose will come off, especially on the hot water side. ALL modern plumbing systems are designed to fail in about 20yrs. Copper was too good so they decided to make it paper thin so it would fail in less than 20yrs. I have some M series copper in my house which is paper thin. It is full of hole. L series is what you want for copper.

Perry

[AlinCal]

This is funny....I am a licensed plumber and own the wirsbro tools and have used it to pipe several large homes with great results, however I do not think it's the best for a trailer repipe as others here do. The expansion tool is difficult to get in tight spots for one, you cannot go tight fitting to fitting as said although I don't really see the need to, the fittings being freeze proof? Not so sure and the cost of the tool for those that don't allready own it.
For about $80 you can buy the Shark bite stainless ring crimping tool plus rings, fittings and pipe in red or blue at any Home Depot.
I went this way when doing my trailer and prefer everything about it for an RV application.
just my 2c.

[Bill M.]

The only type PEX crimping I have used is the stainless crimp rings. That system has worked well for me in my trailer. Get a good cutter. A clean, square cut is essential.

[CBWELL]

The Wisboro looks great!! Except, there is no way to take things apart if you have to, and in a trailer that happens once in awhile. With the stainless crimp rings, you can cut them off and take the fitting off, just as you can remove shark bite fittings. Also, the tool for the crimp ring system is very inexpensive. Easy to carry with you in the tool box, with fittings that you might need.Just my own ideas.

[perryg114]

I am sure a licensed plumber put the cheap M series copper in my house but it did not last 20yrs. I have had several corrosion related failures and a rub through from Romex rubbing on the pipe. Wire was not even marked but the copper wore through because it was too thin. I have seen several instances where plastic hose type connections have failed when the plastic parts loosened up over time. A major problem with plastics is that they creep and suffer stress relaxation over time. Soft plastics like PEX and the plastic PEX fittings are subject to this. If you have high water pressure, you will find this out. Everything that was built in the last 50yrs is designed t fail. Yes if everything is perfect, you might be ok. We won't know how PEX will do after 20-30yrs in service for a while.

Perry

Originally Posted by AlinCal

This is funny....I am a licensed plumber and own the wirsbro tools and have used it to pipe several large homes with great results, however I do not think it's the best for a trailer repipe as others here do. The expansion tool is difficult to get in tight spots for one, you cannot go tight fitting to fitting as said although I don't really see the need to, the fittings being freeze proof? Not so sure and the cost of the tool for those that don't allready own it.
For about $80 you can buy the Shark bite stainless ring crimping tool plus rings, fittings and pipe in red or blue at any Home Depot.
I went this way when doing my trailer and prefer everything about it for an RV application.
just my 2c.

[AlinCal]

Perry sorry for your trouble, am I to blame for some reason?
I have never used Type M copper in a water system though.

[perryg114]

Sorry, Alan. You are not to blame.

Perry

Originally Posted by AlinCal

Perry sorry for your trouble, am I to blame for some reason?
I have never used Type M copper in a water system though.

[Isuzusweet]

Originally Posted by CBWELL

The Wisboro looks great!! Except, there is no way to take things apart if you have to, and in a trailer that happens once in awhile.

Just cut off the white plastic collar and off the fitting comes, or attach a detachable fitting.....pretty simple.

Cheers
Tony

[AlinCal]

Try it sometime, its a bear to get off even with the ring gone. Remember you are expanding the pipe just to get over the fitting in the first place.

[Isuzusweet]

Originally Posted by AlinCal

Try it sometime, its a bear to get off even with the ring gone. Remember you are expanding the pipe just to get over the fitting in the first place.

Had to do it a few times and found no problem?

Cheers
Tony