We bought a new caravan recently and we have your usual water barrel system plus a filling hose with a ball valve that we use on fully serviced pitches.
We have noticed that some setups dispense with the barrel and the hose plugs straight into the water input on the side of the van.
Are these systems compatible?
If I bought the plug in system, could I dispense with bringing my barrel if I'm on a fully serviced pitch?
The system of direct water connection in slightly different to via the aquaroll barrel. in as much as the water in the direct system is at the much higher mains pressure. It will work either way but I personally prefer low water pressure in my van in case of a blow-out or split in the pipe or fitting. Others will have their own preference, it's a personal choice but should any accident happen, the water escape will be on the outside.
Dave.
------------- Never argue with an idiot, they will drag you down to their level and beat you on experience.
Mark Twain.
Firstly, the hose doesn't (or at least shouldn't!!!) plug directly into the van water inlet, the mains pressure is capable of bursting the caravan plumbing joints apart, with consequential flooding!
There are pressure regulators available that reduce mains pressure to safe levels, but do indeed dispense with water barrels, float valves (and external pumps), and these are likely to be the set ups you've seen.
Some people are not comfortable connection their caravans direct to the mains supply, for fear of the regulator failing, and subsequent damage to plumbing and flooding of van! Not sure I've heard of too many cases, but not to my liking, I use the barrel and float valve, AND turn the pump off when vacating the van. A flooded van is a seriously damaged van with a lot of expensive repairs, so I prefer to err on the side of caution - others will disagree.
We use the barrel and float system. Many years ago we were considering the direct connect hose until one weekend we were sitting outside our caravan and noticed water pouring from the under seat locker of the caravan opposite us. No one was there so we went over and turned the tap off on their pitch. When the owners came back and opened their caravan door, a load more water came pouring out. Their pressure regulator valve had failed and the pressure from the mains had blown one of the joints in their pipework so water just kept flowing into their van. After that we decided to stick with the barrel and float set up.
Used a Truma Ultraflow system with built in pressure regulator for years with no issue. Great system.
------------- XVI yes?
As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.
Have used both systems over the years and undoubtedly the direct connection systems are the easiest to use. In theory you don't need the hassle of taking an Aquaroll.
However as we never book a site you tend to have potluck as to whether or not a fully serviced pitch is available so you need the Aquaroll anyway!
As for flooding the caravan, if you have a leak internally then you will get wet whichever system you use.
DaveS1
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Topic: Water intake system
via mobile 18/7/2025 at 7:12pm
