Are water pressure regulators and hose elbows necessary?

[Whistleroo]

Are water pressure regulators best used all the time as a precaution to avoid over-pressure damage, or best used just when too-high pressure is noted? I bought one factory preset at 40-50psi, is that appropriate?

Is the purpose of the hose elbows to prevent kinking of the incoming water supply hose? Are they important?

The Camco brass requlator and elbow have a lead safety warning and I am wondering if plastic versions are a better alternative. In fact the Camco pressure regulator also states for outdoor use only, likely indicating it is not for drinking water.

[OntFF]

The lead warning are thanks to California's Prop 65 (IIRC) - anything with any degree of lead in it must be labelled. There's literally tons of brass/bronze fittings in municipal and private water supplies - the amount of lead leached out, while not zero, isn't meaningful in most circumstances.

As for the pressure reducer and elbow - I put the pressure reducer on the 'far' end of the water hookup, before my hose; and the elbow takes strain off the city-water hookup at the trailer, by letting the hose hang straight down.

I've been at some parks/campgrounds where they specifically suggest pressure reducers (KOA in Niagara Falls Canada runs at close to 100psi, if I remember right!) - but if it generally matters or not? No idea - I do it because I always have done it, and it's never served me wrong..

[norty1]

Many municipal water supplies have pressure up to 100 lbs. Not all but why take a chance. I always put one on my fresh water line. Once I had a few connections leaking in back of my utility cabinet and it was because the hose supply had 80 lbs of water pressure. I forgot put the regulator on. Fixed the leaks by putting the regulator on.

[craigav]

I generally use my regulator all of the time, however with low pressure it shouldn't be needed. I will caveat that as I have seen some campgrounds that have low pressure in the evening but very high pressure at other times, so a regulator would be best for those situations.

The elbow for the hose will allow the hose to stay closer to TV, reduce stress at the connection (some, not a lot), and keep the hose from kinking when the pressure is very low. I always use my elbow. ~CA

[Happy wife / happy life]

I use mine all the time. Cheap insurance. I also connect mine at the faucet. That
way my hose and portable water filter won’t get abused. : edit— I also use the 90 at the trailer inlet.

[Jagiven]

I use a 90 degree elbow right at the TT water connection. I have observed it takes a lot of stress off the plastic fitting. It also reduces the risk of kinking the hose, or some kid running by and snagging it and damaging the fragile plastic connection.

Pressure regulator, If you are connected to an unknown water source, I would always use it. It is cheap insurance against unexpected pressure spikes.

[Markb5900]

I use both also all the time.
Was at a place a couple days ago, they warned me to use one because their pressure was 140!!

[JimD]

I've read that older rigs (not sure what years) should be regulated to 40-50 pounds. Newer rigs can handle 50-55. Using a regulator should be done at the source, meaning the water spigot. This helps the hose and inline water filters (if used).

I carry a pressure gauge so I can see if I need to install my adjustable regulator. I previously used inline non-adjustable regulators but had flow problems.

I also use hose quick connects on everything so I can easily hook up what I want.

[ARoamer]

I'd say a regulator is a must have. My 2020 pinnacle has had the pex crimp fittings start to drip at 50 psi. I re crimped the easy to reach ones and set an adjustable regulator to 45 psi on the cg faucet.

[PaulB12]

I put my whole house regulator at the tt, then use hoses rated at 160 psi(yes they exist).
I have found the regulator too easy to leave behind, ask me how I know.
PaulB12

[Marine71-76]

Funny...years ago, went camping with DW's sister & brother-in-law. Mentioned to DBIL about the water pressure regulator and he blew it off. Two days later water was gushing out under his unit. Yep, he blew a line.

We have the brass regulators and actually keep several on hand. We have used plastic and it didn't last one season - cracked.

[Midnightmoon]

I'm going to add one more to your "must haves" water list in addition to the regulator and brass elbow. I highly recommend a brass Y connector with separate shutoff valves for your connection on the the campground supply.

https://www.amazon.com/Camco-Stainle...381219086&th=1

It serves several purposes for me. First, I like the ability to simply turn the quarter turn valve on the Y to shut of the water when we are going to be away from the RV for any length of time. Second, the second available output really comes in handy at times for running the black water flush, hosing down a muddy bike, kid, pet, etc. without having to disconnect the main supply line. And third, I keep my regulator permanently installed on one side of it so that as mentioned above, I don't leave it behind. (Not that I would ever admit that happening......LOL)

[Scott]

Originally Posted by Midnightmoon

I'm going to add one more to your "must haves" water list in addition to the regulator and brass elbow. I highly recommend a brass Y connector with separate shutoff valves for your connection on the the campground supply.

https://www.amazon.com/Camco-Stainle...381219086&th=1

It serves several purposes for me. First, I like the ability to simply turn the quarter turn valve on the Y to shut of the water when we are going to be away from the RV for any length of time. Second, the second available output really comes in handy at times for running the black water flush, hosing down a muddy bike, kid, pet, etc. without having to disconnect the main supply line. And third, I keep my regulator permanently installed on one side of it so that as mentioned above, I don't leave it behind. (Not that I would ever admit that happening......LOL)

I'll add a fourth reason for a Y. To release the pressure on the hose before you disconnect it from the trailer/spigot. It saves you from getting wet.

[Happy wife / happy life]

Just ordered the “ Y “ . Great reason’s for being on the” must have “ list. Thanks for suggestions/reasons.

[norty1]

I always manage to dribble some water on my shoes!

[craigav]

Speaking about "Y" connections, I purchased one of these over ~10 years ago. It has the ability to do what the Y can do and also allow you to connect a hose very close to the RV. I still plan to open the package and use it one of these days... lol ~CA

[TaftCoach]

One more note the elbow is easier to spin on.

My connection system involves the elbow at the TT side and a Y at the water connection. Everything else is via quick connects.

[Tunce the traveler]

Originally Posted by PaulB12

I put my whole house regulator at the tt, then use hoses rated at 160 psi(yes they exist).
I have found the regulator too easy to leave behind, ask me how I know.
PaulB12

I might have yours if you’ve traveled in California. People leave all kinds of things behind. BTW you haven’t seen my portable gas grill by any chance have you? It was only 2 trips old

[JFlightRisk]

Originally Posted by craigav

Speaking about "Y" connections, I purchased one of these over ~10 years ago. It has the ability to do what the Y can do and also allow you to connect a hose very close to the RV. I still plan to open the package and use it one of these days... lol ~CA

Same here. I thought it was a good idea at the time.

[Murff]

Originally Posted by norty1

I always manage to dribble some water on my shoes!

Are ya sure it's water?

Murff