How can I secure my potable water access?

[X New Yorker]

So... I pretty much lock-up everything (I live in the city and hail from NY), and it is driving me nuts that it seems the only thing not locked on my Interstate is the potable water access. I think the water I will use it pretty important and I have already had to tell a couple of gas station attendents - hands off! Not to mention my biggest fear is some nut or kid playing pranks will put something in there.

I think safe water is pretty important, but apparently Airstream doesn't as the dealer could not find a solution for me with them. Any suggestions or ideas?

Thanks

[55AS]

Locking cap?

[55AS]

Marine Style Water Fill

[Eagle & Bear]

A locksmith will be able to put a locking cover on your fill tube.

[UKDUDE]

There was a similar thread a while back:
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f240...ty-116084.html

[drboyd]

http://www.inlandrv.com/catalog/images/14725.jpg

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by X New Yorker

I think the water I will use it pretty important and I have already had to tell a couple of gas station attendents - hands off!

Part of the problem there is that the fuel filler is hidden, so someone who doesn't know Sprinters will reach for the thing that looks like a fuel filler. The best answer for that is to put a label on the side of the van that says "Water Only" right over the fresh tank fill.

Not to mention my biggest fear is some nut or kid playing pranks will put something in there.

Not as bad as someone adding sugar to the fuel (does anyone still do that as a prank?) because you'd have to add a lot of sugar to a 26-gallon water tank to make the water undrinkable; all you'd have to do to fix it is pour Kool-Aid powdered drink mix in as well, drive a mile or two over a bumpy road to stir thoroughly, and you're all set!

But seriously, I second BambiTex's recommendation; unlike drboyd's suggestion, BambiTex's is almost a direct bolt-in replacement and doesn't require doing any cutting on the side of your van. Be sure you get at least three keys; one to put on the keyring with each of your van keys, and one to keep twist-tied to your freshwater hose with a piece of wire so it's there every time you fill your tank.

[toskeysam]

Just tried to order the Marine Style cap.....out of stock. They are supposed to email me when it is available.

[Gnorts]

Originally Posted by toskeysam

Just tried to order the Marine Style cap.....out of stock. They are supposed to email me when it is available.

Search marine suppliers for the same item. West Marine, Defender, Fisheries Supply. It's made by either Perko or SeaDog.

Here's the SeaDog product page:

Sea-Dog : Quality Marine, Industrial and Rigging Hardware

[Boxster1971]

The PERKO “locking insert” #0525DPOBLK is the only locking device that will work on the Interstate's water filler. It is available from Amazon and other sources. I have one and it does work OK, just I bit tricky to remove. It requires a bit of finesse.

http://www.amazon.com/Perko-0525DP0B.../dp/B00144AIAI


- - Mike
2013 Lounge EXT on 2012 Sprinter

[EddieTheWire]

so has anyone actually installed the stainless Marine Style Water Fill that was suggested by BambiTex and seconded by Protag? It looks like a nice product, but how simple to install? Can it be done completely from the outside of the Interstate?

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by EddieTheWire

so has anyone actually installed the stainless Marine Style Water Fill that was suggested by BambiTex and seconded by Protag? It looks like a nice product, but how simple to install? Can it be done completely from the outside of the Interstate?

Haven't installed one, but I'd say you probably need some inside access, if only to connect the fill port to the tank's filler tube. I don't think there's enough slack in the filler tube to pull it out to make the connection.

[Bikerbill]

Yup Perko is the way to go. Intact I have one that I removed when I traded off my Airstream last year. Have not taken the time to post it for sale. If you are interested, send me a private message.