Over my head

[SlackTide]

Hello all, I recently purchased a 1999 Ford/Jayco Designer 3230K model motorhome. Mechanically I think we're in great shape - less than 50K on the whole unit.

Otherwise, I think I should have thought a bit more about literally every system on the unit being 25 years old and I'm in no way a mechanic, and only moderately handy.

First issue is water tank stuff. Everything is labeled extremely poorly and there is no "city water" fill valve anywhere around the unit that I can see. Our maiden voyage began last Sunday afternoon, and after an hour at the site, we returned home for various reasons - not the least of which was - that when I filled the tanks with the city water supply, the overflow valves (3 tubes behind the rear passenger dually's) commenced to empty every single drop I had put in. At least I presume that's the case because no water came through any sink or shower faucet. (Apparently our tank level check system is out as well).

I have been unsuccessful finding any drawings or schematics of where the tanks even ARE, much less what I might be doing wrong since I had filled the tanks once before at the house and did not have this problem.

We have many miles to go, but without the ability to maintain water with city hookups, we're dead out of the water.

Thanks!

[Kevin Cooper]

Are you sure the water was coming from the overflow tubes? There should be valves for low point drain that may be open. If you find them and they are not the ones running, put a few gallons of water in the tank, like 5 minutes. Then run the pump and see if you have leaks.

[SlackTide]

Thank you for the response. The "valves" where the water was coming out are three black hose lengths that are molded into whatever is above them. Looks like a 3/8" black garden hose hanging upside down, sort of like cow's udders - all three in a row. Nothing attached to them that could be adjusted.

[Grumpy]

Originally Posted by SlackTide

Thank you for the response. The "valves" where the water was coming out are three black hose lengths that are molded into whatever is above them. Looks like a 3/8" black garden hose hanging upside down, sort of like cow's udders - all three in a row. Nothing attached to them that could be adjusted.

What about above them in a cabinet? That is where the low point drain valves would be.

[Kevin Cooper]

The problem is, you have to give us more information, unless someone else has the same exact RV. 1999, slim chance. Sounds like water tank overflow. Let’s find out. Put 5 gallons +- in the fresh water tank. If it comes out, it is Low Point Drain. If it does not run out, it is fresh water tank overflow. If overflow, it should not drain all the water.
The pump is turned on? It runs, or it does not run? If not running, does it have 12 volts at the connections. Has water come out of any faucet? Does it have any water control system? I’m guessing not. Does the water heater have water in it?
Please give thorough explanation so someone can help you.

[TaftCoach]

Welcome from your neighbor to the south if that's Hico Texas. We used to stop at the city park there on the way north if we were leaving in the late afternoon.

I'm assuming the previous owner didn't walk you through everything to show it was working.

Did the water immediately start draining or did it seem like a tank overfilled and a siphon drained a tank?

[Kevin Cooper]

Can you call whomever you bought it from and ask them for help?

[Kim Gass]

Originally Posted by TaftCoach

Welcome from your neighbor to the south if that's Hico Texas. We used to stop at the city park there on the way north if we were leaving in the late afternoon.

I'm assuming the previous owner didn't walk you through everything to show it was working.

Did the water immediately start draining or did it seem like a tank overfilled and a siphon drained a tank?

Hope you two can get together. Two in person heads may be better than 20 on line.

[Russc25]

Are you sure it's three overflows and not one tank drain, one cold drain, and one hot drain? IE everything's currently set to fully drain it.

[Grumpy]

Can you post a picture of your utility center valves? It's been too long, but it should be the same or very similar to our 2001. The valves had an alpha sequence if I remember correctly.

[TaftCoach]

Originally Posted by Kim Gass

Hope you two can get together. Two in person heads may be better than 20 on line.

Unfortunately they are about three hours north of me.

[Skyline]

Maybe you could find an experienced Mobile RV Tech to do some needed maintenance. While he is there have him flush and sanitize your water system ask questions and take notes.