Fresh Water Tank

[bpaolini]

Below is a picture of my fresh water tank after I removed it from my 1967 Caravel. My question concerns the 2 copper lines that are connected to each other by a plastic line. The plastic line appears to be a previous owner alteration of some kind, and possibly the copper lines are also. The tank was connected to the outside fill spout and the water pump. I have no idea what the other 2 lines are for. There is no hole in the floor for any drain or overflow line. Can someone shed some light on this for me?

[thenewkid64]

The flexibable line WAS clear when installed. If you look along the front edge of the couch/dinette ther was a slot that the tube was visible thru.

This is the way you check the water level in your tank

[bpaolini]

Thanks so much for the quick reply. I would never have guessed the purpose of this plastic line. I'll have to get a new one I can see through. Thanks again.

[Inland RV Center, In]

bpaolini

Please be advised that the original fresh water tank was gray in color, and failed extensively.

Airstream replaced many thousands of those tanks, in warranty.

I am amazed that any still exist.

Andy

[rluhr]

Hi Bpaolini!

You're automatically a member of the "Happy Caravel Owner's Club" just by virtue of having a '67 Caravel. Congrats! See our posts under the 1965-1968 Caravel forum.

My 68 Caravel has a replaced fresh water tank. The new tank does not have a gauge for water level, which is a real nuisance when boondocking. I plan to add one. For now, I and another Caravel owner have to remove the cushions, put a flashlight on the side of the tank, and rock the trailer to see how much water we have left. So I'd seriously look into a nice gauge when you put in the new tank.

Just downstream of the tank my new plumbing has (in this order):

(1) a valve to divert the tank water to the dump, which exits the trailer through a hole in the floor;

(2) a blow-out plug in the water line. This allows me to connect an air compressor to blow out the lines.

(3) a shut-off valve for servicing, or emergencies (I've used this several times already when adjusting the water pump).

(4) a small water filter

(5) the water pump

(6) a small Shurflo accumulator (or pressure tank). This smooths out the flow and reduces pump cycling. I got it for about $37 via Camping World online.

It's all connected with plastic plumbing and there are quick-disconnects in the appropriate places.

Just FYI in case you are re-doing the plumbing at the same time.

-- RL

[bpaolini]

Many thanks to everyone for the info on the water tank. I filled it with water and didn't notice any leaks but it sounds like I should replace it before I put everything back together. Funny, but I thought this would be one of the few items I wouldn't have to replace. O well, I really am having a lot of fun working on this old classic and I really appreciate the information I'm getting from this forum. Airstream owners are great people.