Install an under bench water filter

David&Paulene · Member

Install an under bench water filter

Peter_n_Margaret · Guru

Your van manufacturer is screwing you there. Where else?
One pump is enough.
There is no point in filtering the water going into the tank. Some bugs can happily grow in the dark, especially when the water gets warm which it will do.
A high capacity twin replaceable cartridge filter does not cost an arm and a leg. www.ebay.com.au/itm/254511885638 add a couple of fittings and you are in business for well under $100 with top quality filtration.
Couple of hours DIY and then replace the cartridges once per year or so. I pay about $25 for the 0.5um carbon silver one (on line) and $2 for the sediment filter.
Cheers,
Peter

Dougwe · Chief one feather

Welcome to the gang David and Paulene, enjoy here and out in the playground.

I would get it fitted during build. The extra faucet would probably actually be a drinking fountain tap but not sure why another 12 pump would be required. My 12 pump does all water taps and drinking fountain. I had one fitted during build with it's own filter under sink BUT make sure you can get cartridges from any supplier. My builder used a filter that I have to send away to get a cartridge. So far I haven't seen one anywhere else.

I usually filter all water into tanks using a BEST filter but as we speak I am hooked up to bore water so running through a triple filter system before entering the aluminium teepee then the under sink one again so I can drink it.

Keep Safe on the roads and out there.

Peter_n_Margaret · Guru

Dougwe wrote:
The extra faucet would probably actually be a drinking fountain tap .

I would not install an extra tap. Filter all the water, including the shower.

A standard pump has plenty of capacity to do this.

The filter can be anywhere in the line after the pump, even under the floor if protected from rocks, that's were mine is.

Cheers,

Peter

-- Edited by Peter_n_Margaret on Tuesday 1st of December 2020 03:59:19 PM

David&Paulene · Member

Thanks for the quick response and the link. Guess we'll do it ourselves later. The van is still in the planning stages and get to pick our colours around Christmas. Not sure if we will go for Leather or pretend. We have seen bad pretend leather peel away in other supposed quality furniture.

travelyounger · Guru

No I recommend a seperate water pump with its own pump and water filter and a two way valve so you can keep it for drinking only or use if necessary for shower and sinks with the standard 2 x 90 lt tanks.

The best way if you are fussy with the h20 like I am is to have a totally seperate 65 litre with pump and filter in stainless or food grade plastic therefore less chance of putting poor quality water in with the drinking water

cheers

erad · Guru

I would install the filter system outside the caravan, not under the bench. Under bench locations are difficult to get at normally, and when you replace the filters, they dribble water inside your van. I mounted just one filter on the gas bottle frame and remove it when travelling (if I remember). Access is easy and I had 2 screws from which the filter housing hangs. I also use the filter when filling the caravan tank if the water is suspect.

Radar · Guru

David&Paulene wrote:
Is it best to have an under bench water filter fitted when building our van or have it done later? and should water be filtered when filling the tank also?
We have been quoted by the builder Network RV that they will need to install another 12v pump and seperate faucet which will cost $695.

My only real negative about fitting the filter under the bench is where the builder placed the unit, it was easy for them but very awkward to replace the filter as there really is limited area in a very busy cupboard.

Anything you can place under the caravan is a winner to me.

That reminds me I must dig that water pump out from that small awkward cervis below sink cupboard and mount it under the caravan.

Possum3 · Guru

Sorry guys but I am a no filter person - Raised on tank and bore water, move the back of my hand slowly across edge of dam to move the floaties and sheep pills before pushing my face in to have a drink.

Nowdays have a Brita filter jug of water in fridge with carbon filter, also boil water for tea and coffee. If water is potable I put it in tanks, have been known to isolate one tank for kitchen use, if available water has "Taste". I reckon if it's good enough for the locals then it's good enough for me.

We always have a couple of 15 litre water bottles (from Coles) in the back of the Patrol as a just in case - normally bring them back home again.

Whenarewethere · Guru

I have no issues with tank water, even in Sydney, best water straight off the roof even with the wildlife. But water in the car I am pretty fussy.

Bobdown · Guru

Hi David and Paulene,

Get an under bench filter and tap installed at the time of build, should be minimal cost for that alone, they don't take up much room and are easy to change filters.

No second pump required unless you want to install a 3rd tank purely for potable water, then a pump is required. we only fill a few water bottles and the kettle.

Water can be filtered while filling with a 'Best' filter or a twin filter, if you are not sure if potable or not, there is no need to filter shower and dish water.

Cheers Bob

Radar · Guru

Possum3 wrote:
Sorry guys but I am a no filter person - Raised on tank and bore water, move the back of my hand slowly across edge of dam to move the floaties and sheep pills before pushing my face in to have a drink.

Nowdays have a Brita filter jug of water in fridge with carbon filter, also boil water for tea and coffee. If water is potable I put it in tanks, have been known to isolate one tank for kitchen use, if available water has "Taste". I reckon if it's good enough for the locals then it's good enough for me.

We always have a couple of 15 litre water bottles (from Coles) in the back of the Patrol as a just in case - normally bring them back home again.

Thats the one.

Our preloved caravan had the filter in it in when we got it. Just another weight adding accessorise.

oldbloke · Guru

Not sure i would worry. Perhaps a filter attached tge hose when you fill the tanks if you have concerns. 99% of CVPs provide potable water.

Dhutime · Senior Member

We have a separate tank, tap and pump to service the drinking water, with a under the sink filter . Works well for us. The filter is easy to replace no drips plus the water tastes like rain water. I also never use a filter when filling this tank or the other two which are used for showers and sink .

Derek Barnes · Senior Member

We have an external double filter which we connect between the caravan inlet and the tap. We can also connect the filters when filling the water tanks. We find that it is very easy to change the filters. The manufacturer recommends changing the filters often.

The filter on our home fridge, on the other hand, is mounted behind the fridge and has never been replaced in 20 years!

I would always opt for an easily replaced filter rather than having the filter mounted under a bench.

Nevd · Senior Member

I'd assume the second pump would be for a dedicated drinking water tank. Quite a few manufacturers using that system for offroad vans now.

David&Paulene · Member

Thanks everyone for your thoughts. We've decided that $700 will buy a lot of bottlers of water and we will possibly install something later.

JayDee · Guru

Possum3 wrote:
Sorry guys but I am a no filter person - Raised on tank and bore water, move the back of my hand slowly across edge of dam to move the floaties and sheep pills before pushing my face in to have a drink.

Nowdays have a Brita filter jug of water in fridge with carbon filter, also boil water for tea and coffee. If water is potable I put it in tanks, have been known to isolate one tank for kitchen use, if available water has "Taste". I reckon if it's good enough for the locals then it's good enough for me.

We always have a couple of 15 litre water bottles (from Coles) in the back of the Patrol as a just in case - normally bring them back home again.

We are like you Possum. Also drank much water from the dams etc when a young lad.

We also carry 2x15 litre bottles for drinking and at times for tea/coffee.

Coromal has 2 x 85 litre which can last us for up to 10 days plus when bush camping.

Jay&Dee