Replacing water inlet vavle

[ondaroadagin]

Greetings all! During our near decade full timing we've replaced our cheap water pressure inlet valve multiple times and have seen others do the same as well. Is there a better constructed replacement available? So much money wasted on a cheap product with a short usable lifespan.

[aftermath]

Sorry but I can't help you. I don't know of any options for this rather important device. My 25FB is a 2006 that I purchased in 2009. I had to replace mine in 2021 because it had developed a leak inside the wall. It was easy to get to, easy to replace and since I did it myself, didn't cost me an arm and a leg. I will admit that the first replacement wasn't working correctly. I had little water flow through it so I replaced the replacement. My replacement is still working, so.....the first one lasted 15 years and now this one is going on 4 years. The one in between didn't "wear out", it was defective from the start.

Sorry to hear you have had so much trouble with yours. I am interested in following your thread.

[Keys Dave]

I'm from the boat and yacht side of recreational fun and we have a similar situation. While it would not cover the existing opening without some sort of cover plate, Groco and perko both make shore water inlets. You might have to add a separate internal or external pressure reducer. That's your choice.

[richard5933]

If durability is what you're after, I'd agree that a DIY option may be your best bet. I've never been a fan of combination devices, like this one which is both the water inlet and the pressure regulator. Separate those out and you'll get more durability and the ability to fix only what breaks, not the whole thing.

Get a good quality solid metal water inlet, and then combine it with an external pressure regulator. I'd suggest this one - we've had our for years and it works great.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I'd suggest combining it with a 90-degree fitting to prevent the weight of the regulator sticking out too far, especially once the hose is attached.

https://www.amazon.com/YELUN-Connect...1zcF9hdGY&th=1

[Fungus]

Originally Posted by richard5933

If
I'd suggest combining it with a 90-degree fitting to prevent the weight of the regulator sticking out too far, especially once the hose is attached.

Or place the regulator on the spigot. Last week, the pressure at Cumberland Mountain State Park caused a water filter to explode. Moving the regulator to the spigot from now forward.

[NO NOIZE]

Many others have experienced the same issue multiple times.

This thread has some alternatives:

https://www.airforums.com/forums/f44...ge-208266.html

[silverlabs]

I've experienced the same thing. I guess I've replaced maybe 3-4 on my rig over the last 10 years and several on customers as well. The Shurflo assembly is junk, to the point of no longer including a new gasket as well. Look into AirKrafters and they are coming out with a stainless steel model to be released in December. No info on price etc, but whatever it is bound to be better than the Shurflo. The AirKrafter on will not have a built in regulator (which is what breaks on the Shurflo) and supposedly will come with quick release connections as well. Hope this helps.

Chuck

[nelsonh]

Originally Posted by ondaroadagin

Greetings all! During our near decade full timing we've replaced our cheap water pressure inlet valve multiple times and have seen others do the same as well. Is there a better constructed replacement available? So much money wasted on a cheap product with a short usable lifespan.

I've done a fair amount of searching around the web on this topic for the same reasons as everyone else, it's a low quality plastic assembly prone to breaking. Mine hasn't yet, but only because we've just recently acquired the trailer and it hasn't had many outings.

The good news is there is a much better quality version of this fitting coming soon from the folks at Airkrafters (their site currently says coming in December...does not say what year ...).

Like all of their other products, it appears to be very well engineered, all stainless steel, and expensive:

https://airkrafters.com/product/nlet/

[ondaroadagin]

After removing the water inlet/ pressure valve assembly I unscrewed the white pressure valve from the back, and pried out the one way rubber flapper and fittings. Before inserting the replacement new style all stainless valve sans pressure regulator into the center hole, I needed to saw off flush the 4 screw mounts that held the p.regulator to the back, and used a Dremel tool to open the whole just enough to screw the regulator fully flush with faceplate face. Next, I screwed and tightened the backing plate of the new regulator onto the valve threads locking it to the back of the faceplate tightly.

I purchased a short run braided water hose to prevent any further pressure on the connecting PEX line and connected a brass 1/2" union that screwed on one end into the pex line, and connected the other end to the back of the new inlet valve.

Finally, I water tested the system and enjoyed decent pressure we've never experienced. From now on, all water pressure regulation will take place at the spigot connection with an add-on valve. Now we should eliminate the need to constantly replace a poorly designed product!

[ondaroadagin]

This is the link to the replacement water inlet valve.

[ondaroadagin]

Amazon screenshot

[Wayne&Sam]

HUh. 18 years of Airstreaming and we've never had this problem.

[ondaroadagin]

Many of us have. Congrats!

[Mollysdad]

Originally Posted by richard5933

I'd suggest this one - we've had our for years and it works great.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

That's the exact one I use, although I put mine on the park barb to protect my hose. First I use a "Y" valve if for no other reason to provide some grip to attach to the spigot. Then my hose looks like a science project because I use quick connects everywhere. Because they remain on the hose there's no leaks from damage to the washers. I can also swap out any part/filter/hose without unscrewing. Finally, this fitting remains on the water inlet. I found it 20 years ago, and it just flat works.

If you see them at shows, grab one. "Kwik Link". Looks like they no longer offer the 'angle' version, but the 90º link may clear just fine.

[Toornburg]

Airkrafters is coming out with a drop in replacement in late Dec. all stainless.

https://airkrafters.com/product/nlet/

Have purchased the Airvent/registers from them and Sean is great to work with.

[trailerKat]

We never hook up to city water. Fill your water tank (sanitize twice a year) and never worry about excessive pressure or leaking issues from broken valves or pipes.