Can you help tell me what this is?

[drbotts]

Hey everyone,
My name is David and my wife Tanaia and I are the new owners of a 1976 Argosy 20’. We are in the process of remodeling and this is our first airstream, first RV, and we are quite excited about it.

I want to ask a quick question before we begin posting some progress pictures on another thread.

(Apologies for the image being sideways, I’m figuring this out)..

This is an image under the bathroom cabinet, where the water begins to really come together and go various directions. This airstream had two burst pipes and we are replacing all the Copper we can get to with PEX. (I’m about halfway through pulling out all the copper).

In this image, can you help me understand;
1. I’m assuming this is where campground water comes into the trailer when you hook up?
2. Is that large piece a regulator?
3. What is the purpose of the black line that returns back out of the trailer, seen in this image? It’s like a black drain hose.. but I don’t understand it’s purpose.
We are trying to preserve as much of the original interior as we can. As such, this area is hard to reach.
4. Is it typical for remodelers two add in some kind of filteration from this water source? It’s going to be tough going if so, and I’m just curious if someone has a recommendation if we should or should not add a filter somehow on this source.

We’ve removed the factory water heater and air heater. We’re placing a new water heater under the couch in this 20’ model. Running PEX everywhere we can get to.

Thanks in advance for any advice!
David

[DremStremer]

You are correct, the large piece is a pressure regulator for the incoming water supply. The black hose looks like it is attached to a pressure relief valve. If to much pressure builds up in the water pipes the valve opens and water will drain through the black hose.

[Hittenstiehl]

With regard to the photograph sometimes it is an iPhone thing and the orientation in which it was taken. Sometimes it's a sizing issue and if you make it slightly smaller it'll stay oriented correctly.