The last big test.

[Rich Thomas]

Well, since I bought my Motor home late last fall ( AKA The Palace). I've been bringing it back to a fully functional and reliable unit. We have camped a few times but have never had the need to be self sufficient so I hadn't  needed to worry about the water supply and related components; we just used bottled water and the parks facilities. Now that summer is on the horizon I decided now's the time to dig into it. The tank was bypassed for winter and I knew the the gas worked okay I had all that checked shortly after buying it so, no worries there. I plumed in the tank and checked for leaks all was well and the tank lit fine and as far as I can tell it's a go. I put about 1/2 gallon of bleach in the fresh water tank and filled it as well. we had never used it but it all checked out. found the water pump had been changed and was as new so I was happy with that. Well. I can now say all systems are go and the Palace should serve me well. My only concern is the fresh water tank and how well I sanitized it. The tank is 24 gallons and I  put in a 1/2 gallon of bleach and ran it through the system. I  drove the MH around town and then left it in the tank over night. Is this sufficient ?. I still plan on using bottled water for drinking and cooking but showers and flushing will come from the tank or city line. Any way I'm happy the Palace is up to snuff

[Russell E Johnson]

That is wonderful that the Palace is shaping up so well.  I would say that after 24 hours your tank and water system is sanitized, now comes the time consuming part of getting the stench of chlorine out of the system.  Best wishes for safe travels and hope for many enjoyable times.

[Lakota Wolf]

On the half gallon of bleach, you should be good,,,, Bleach is some good stuff and as you stated,, you left it over night and thats a plus.  On every trip when I put water in my holding tank, I fill only quarter full (dont want to drag extra weight), and I always add 2 cap fulls of bleach, just to maintain the tank.

[Jimco_W001]

Hi Rich, I think you have done more than needed if your not drinking the water.

[Jim Stoltz]

1/2 a gallon of bleach in 24 gallons is enough to kill just about anything. The rule of thumb I use is a cup (8 oz.) per 10 gallons. For a 24 gallon tank that would be around 19 oz. You put in 64 oz so you're good.

When I first got mine (it had sat for 5 or 6 years) I did this: I open up all the faucets until I smell bleach and then let it sit overnight. Then I flush it really well. I don't drink the water, either - I use it for flushing, bathing, dishes - but I did drink it once in a pinch and I'm alive to tell about it.

I found that the ickiest part of mine was the fill tube that ran from outside the camper to the tank. It was FULL of mold and mildew. I replaced it before I put the water system to use.

[Rich Thomas]

Greetings All, Thanks for all the replies on this thread. First trip out with a 100% working Motor Home. We had a super time out at the lake. This was a very special weekend for my son and I. Our outing was put together to celibate my sons Girlfriends graduation from Ohio University. My son and I along with her family including maternal grand parents had a wonderful time at a little park here in South East Oh. called Lake Snowden. The park is ran by Hocking College from Nelsonville Ohio.  It was awesome to have hot water and not having to trek off to a smelly shower house for a cold shower. My next few projects are to replace all the rubber in the engine bay ( hoses, belts and so on. I'm thinking new valve cover gaskets will also be in the near future as well, but I have to say I'm grateful that the PO's was so willing to keep this Motor Home in the kind of shape they did.