The “On-The-Go” Portable Water Softener system is a unique, patent-pending design that includes a 8000 grain softener, 4 ft white drinking hose, Hardness test strips, Storage inlet and outlet caps, Handle, Back-flush adapter, Inlet Hi-flow shutoff valve and inlet & outlet hose adapters. Easy to use, Perfect for RV’s, Motor Coaches, Houseboats, Yachts, Cottages, and many other applications.

• Low cost portable solution.
- Softens 300 to 700 Gallons per cycle.
- Provides soft water for 7-14 days and costs less than $2 per month to operate for two people.

Flow-Pur’s RV-PRO 10,000 is the most user friendly, competitively priced RV softener on the market today! Features a built-in drain line flow restrictor that provides more effective regeneration, increasing capacity by up to 55%. Custom designed flow valve allows regeneration without having to connect or disconnect from the system. High flow rates up to 4 gpm with low pressure drop. Uses common table salt (not included). Includes hardness strips for testing water.

• 55% more water processed between regenerations.
• Custom designed flow valve allows regeneration without having to connect/disconnect.
• Full cradle base keeps tank more secure than competing open base tanks.
• High flow rates up to 3 gpm with low pressure drop.
• 10,000 grains capacity with full salt dosage.
• Uses common table salt.
• Hardness strips included.
• Uses premium upgrade resin
• Made in the USA
• Compact size: 8.5″ diameter x 20.5″ tall
• Weight: 28 lbs

[Click Here for Winterizing Accessories]

For the RVer in all of us, winter is a time for making decisions. Do we park the RV and prepare it for the harsh winter months ahead, or do we pack it up and flee due south? Many of these decisions are made for us, and don’t require our input. What I mean is, if you already live in a warm climate then winter is not a big issue. If you can take time away from work and travel south in the winter the decision is made for you. If you have managed to save lots of money during your working years, and can afford to travel all year the decision is made. If the children are gone, and you still have money left, the decision is made. Unfortunately, for some of us, we don’t live in a warm climate, we can’t afford to take any more time off of work, we haven’t saved a lot of money, and the kids are still here spending what money we did manage to put aside. So without much input from me, the decision to park the RV and prepare it for winter has already been made.

If the same decision was made for you, whether it’s due to where you live, your job, how much discretional money you have, or where your children currently reside, not all is lost. The big decision has already been made. We’re going to park the RV for the winter. Parking the RV for winter will require some preventive measures so it will be ready to use next spring. You’ll also be glad you did it when you don’t have costly repair bills due to the damaging results of winter. Now the question is how do you prepare it for winter, and who will be doing it? If you’re like me and you enjoy performing the routine maintenance on your RV, not to mention saving a few dollars, the “who” part is answered. As for the “how” part, I have taken a checklist from my “Checklists for RVers” e-book that I feel is the easiest and most effective way to winterize and store your RV.

Before you get started there are a few items you will need to have:

• Non-toxic RV antifreeze (the amount depends on the layout and length of your plumbing lines. 2 to 3 gallons will normally do).
• A water heater by-pass kit, if not already installed.
• A wand to clean out holding tanks.
• A water pump converter kit, or tubing to connect to the inlet side of the water pump.
• Basic hand tools to remove drain plugs.

Now we can winterize the RV water system to protect it from freezing. Be sure to read your owners manuals for unit specific winterizing guidelines. Follow the steps below that apply to your RV.

• If you have any inline water filters remove and bypass before starting.
• Drain the fresh water holding tank.
• Drain and flush the gray and black holding tanks. Clean the black tank with a wand. Lubricate the termination valves.
• Drain the water heater. Open the pressure relief valve, remove drain plug. CAUTION (never drain when hot or under pressure).
• Flush water tank of any contaminants
• Open all hot and cold faucets; don’t forget the toilet valve and outside shower.
• Locate and open low point drain lines. Using the water pump will help force water out, but turn it off as soon as the system is drained.
• Recap all drains and close all faucets.
• By-pass the water heater. If you do not have a by-pass kit installed the water heater will fill up with antifreeze before it goes through the water lines, wasting six or more gallons of antifreeze.
• Install a water pump converter kit, or disconnect the inlet side of the pump (the line coming from the fresh water holding tank) and connect tubing from the pump into a gallon of RV antifreeze.
• Turn the water pump on and pressurize the system. Starting with the closest faucet slowly open the hot and then cold valves until antifreeze appears. Replace antifreeze jug as required.
• Repeat on all faucets from the closest to farthest away. Don’t forget the outside shower.
• Flush the toilet until antifreeze appears.
• Turn the water pump off and open a faucet to release the pressure. Go to the city water inlet. Remove the small screen over the inlet and push in on the valve with a small screwdriver until you see antifreeze. Replace the screen.
• Pour a cupful of antifreeze down each drain. Pour a couple of cups in the toilet and flush into the holding tank.
• If your water heater has an electric heating element turn it off. This will protect the element if the unit is plugged in while being stored.
• Make sure all faucets are closed.
• Consult your owner manuals for winterizing icemakers and washing machines.
• The unit is winterized.

Now that the unit is winterized we will want to prepare the RV for storage. The storage procedures are divided into two sections, the coach storage and the chassis storage. Follow the steps below that apply: Part 1 (Coach Storage)

• Store your unit under a covered area if possible. If not, avoid parking under trees or in areas where grass and weeds will grow.
• If you choose to buy a cover for the RV, be sure it is made of a breathable material. This will help in preventing mold and mildew.
• Chock the wheels front and rear. Leave the parking brake off. If you’re storing a Pop Up angle the tongue downward to assist in snow and water run off.
• Inflate the tires to the manufacturer’s recommended max cold pressure. Cover the tires to protect them from the harmful ultraviolet rays. Place something between the tires and the ground.
• If you do not remove the tires for long-term storage periodically move the vehicle to prevent flat spots on the tires.
• Close all of the window blinds to avoid sun exposure to the carpet, drapes and upholstery.
• Wash the exterior of the unit and clean the interior thoroughly.
• Make sure the awning fabric is clean and dry before storing.
• On a Pop Up make absolutely sure the fabric is clean and dry before storing. This is a good time to check for tears, and repair the fabric.
• Inspect all roof seams, body seams and window sealant for cracks and openings. Consult your dealer for sealants compatible with these materials.
• Service all locks with a graphite spray lubricant. Lubricate all hinges and moving parts with WD 40.
• Turn all LP gas appliances off. Turn the LP gas supply valve off. If you’re storing a Pop Up or Travel Trailer make sure the LP gas regulator is covered.
• Remove the fuse for the LP gas leak detector while the unit is in storage. This will prevent the batteries from discharging. Don’t forget to replace it next spring.
• Insects are attracted to the odorant that is added to LP gas. To prevent mud dabbers and wasps from building nests in and around your gas appliances, cover the refrigerator vent, the furnace vent and the water heater vent.
• Inspect the underside of the unit thoroughly. Look for anywhere that mice or other rodents can get it, and seal as necessary.
• Strategically place mouse and ant traps in and around the unit. Avoid using mouse poison inside the RV.
• Remove all perishables and anything that can freeze.
• Leave doors, drawers and cabinets open.
• Remove all consumables that would attract mice and other rodents.
• Defrost the freezer compartment and clean the refrigerator. Leave the refrigerator doors open and place some baking soda inside to absorb odors.
• Clean the air conditioner filters, and cover the air conditioner.
• Turn off the main breaker and unplug all appliances.
• Remove dry cell batteries in clocks, flashlights and other items.
• The use of Maxx Air products will provide the airflow and ventilation required during storage while keeping the elements out.

Storing Your RV Part 2 (Chassis Storage)

• Check and fill the water levels in all batteries that are not maintenance free.
• Charge all batteries to a full charge. A discharged battery will freeze much quicker than a fully charged battery.
• Remove and clean all battery terminals and posts. Spray the terminals with terminal dressing to protect against corrosion.
• If you plan to start the unit while in storage, and to periodically plug the unit into shore power leave the batteries in the unit. Plugging it into shore power once a month for about eight hours will keep the coach batteries topped off.
• If you put the unit in long-term storage remove and store the batteries where they will not freeze. In either case keep the batteries charged.
• During short-term storage, start the unit monthly and run it with the dash air on for at least 30 minutes.
• If you don’t plan on starting the unit, or won’t be able to start it, buy some fogging oil from a marine supply store to protect the cylinder walls. When the unit is parked where it will be stored, spray the fogging oil into the engine intake downstream from the air filter with the engine at an idle. Complete the same steps on the generator. Follow the manufacturer’s directions. DO NOT USE THIS PRODUCT IN A DIESEL ENGINE
• Fill the fuel tank prior to storage and add a fuel stabilizer. Run the engine and the generator long enough for the stabilizer to get through the system. Follow the manufacturer’s directions.
• If the unit is not in long-term storage exercise the generator at least 2 hours each month. Run the generator at 1/2 rated power. Consult your generator set owners manual for rated loads.
• Change the oil and oil filter on the engine and the generator prior to storage. Acids accumulate in used oil and can corrode engine bearings.
• Check the engine radiator for the proper concentration of antifreeze. Consult your owner’s manual for the correct type of engine antifreeze. Drain, flush and refill the system every 2 to 3 years.
• Drain the windshield washer reservoir or add the appropriate antifreeze solution to prevent it from freezing.
• Perform a full chassis lubrication prior to storage.

This completes the steps that are required to protect your investment when it’s time to park it for the winter.

Happy camping,

Mark

Copyright 2006 by Mark J. Polk owner of RV Education 101

RV Expert Mark Polk, seen on TV, is the producer & host of America’s most highly regarded series of DVD’s, videos, books, and e-books. http://www.rveducation101.com/

RV Water System & Winterizing Setup

Bypassing the water heater can save you money by not having to fill the water heater with antifreeze during winterizing.

A Winterizing Kit allows you to use your water pump to pull antifreeze directly from the bottle.

The Blow Out Plug is screwed into the city water connection and a hand pump or compressor (do not exceed 40 psi) is used to push water from RV water lines.

Over four years ago, Aquatec introduced their patented variable speed technology, the Aquajet RV Series, to an industry that had seen little water system advancement since the 1980’s. Leading RV manufacturers including Monaco Coach, Fleetwood, Airstream, Newmar, Foretravel, and Country Coach were among the first to upgrade their high-end water systems by including the Aquajet RV pumps as standard equipment. Two years later, Aquatec introduced the ES version, an efficiency model designed for smaller coaches and aftermarket installations. For the very first time, RV owners everywhere could enjoy the same upgraded, “just like at home” water system being offered on many of the world’s finest coaches.

Benefits of the Aquajet RV

Greater flow

Aquatec’s patent pending 5-chamber design displaces substantially more water per motor revolution than typical 3- and 4-chamber models currently used in the RV industry. Aquajet RV is the highest-flow diaphragm pump available today.

Higher pressure

The new Aquajet RV pump overcomes the pressure drops caused by today’s sophisticated filtration systems and extensive plumbing systems.

Silent operation

At performance levels similar to competitive pumps, the Aquajet RV will be as much as 90% quieter. This dramatic noise reduction is accomplished though slower speed and superior hydraulic energy transmission.

Smoother flow

Aquatec’s patent pending 5-chamber construction minimizes pulsation found in conventional diaphragm pumps.

No rapid cycling

Aquatec’s patent pending variable speed controller and soft start feature eliminate most of the rapid cycling noise typical of conventional pumps.

Longer switch life

The Aquajet’s proprietary electronic control circuit and integral pressure switch minimize switch arcing during starts and stops.

Easy installation

Aquatec’s universal mounting option allows easy retrofits for virtual plug-and-play performance.

[Click Here for more Details]

Your RVing adventures take you from one scenic campground to the next. But can you be sure the water you hook up to is safe — or the hose isn’t a breeding ground for bacteria?

To make sure your water is always clean, safe, and great tasting, use a Hydro Life filter. While carbon-only RV filters actually promote bacteria growth, Hydro Life’s patented, EPA certified filtration media significantly reduces the number of bacteria.

What’s more, Hydro Life filters remove up to 99 percent of chlorine plus many other contaminants from your water. When using an exterior RV water filter, your shower water will keep your skin and hair softer without irritation.

You can find water filters today made from many different technologies with many different claims.  So how do you know which one is best for you? Let’s look at some facts. Most consumer oriented RV water filters sold today are in a form of activated carbon. Carbon makes for a relatively inexpensive filter but with only a few benefits and some drawbacks. Typically carbon filters will address taste, odor, and chlorine reduction. The problem is since carbon is an organic material, bacteria love to feed off of it. That’s right, bacteria can actually grow on the surface of a carbon filter within a short period of time (usually within 24-48 hours). That is why most carbon filter manufacturers require changing the filter every 3-6 months. Now since carbon does do some good things, Hydro Life does indeed use it in our filters. How then, you ask, can we keep the bacteria from growing? Hydro Life filters have gained world wide recognition because of an additional ingredient used in our filters called KDF®. KDF is a bacteriostatic filter media that has some wonderful benefits. Bacteriostatic means that bacteria cannot exist in its environment, so the carbon is free to do what it does best at without being contaminated by bacteria. Hydro Life RV filters containing KDF and carbon address many contaminants including bacteria, heavy metals, lime/scale formation, chlorine, taste, and odor. All this while lasting up to 4 times longer than typical carbon-only filters. Unlike competing filters, we tightly pack our filters forcing all of the water to interact with the media. This allows better water-to-media efficiency giving you much better performance. All these things combined equal unsurpassed quality in the water you depend on, providing clean, clear water like you’ve never had before.

Now, you can wash your car, truck, motorcycle, house windows, boat, airplane or RV and simply walk away, no drying required!! And, it’s guaranteed, no water spots or your money back!

The CR SPOTLESS De-ionized Water Filtration System gives you the same spot-free rinse system used by new car dealers for years. But, now, at a price you can afford and with the convenience you need to make it work for you!

The de-ionization (DI) cartridges are filled with a mixed-bed of resin beads that are positively and negatively charged. The Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) within typical tap water have either a positive or negative charge. As the tap water passes through the DI cartridges the dissolved particles attach themselves to the oppositely charged resin beads and stay within the DI cartridges. The resulting purified water continues into your hose to provide spot free wash and rinse fro your autos, trucks, boats, RVs, motorcycles, and household windows.
There are several applications for de-ionized water for the residential customer. Here are just a few:

Automobiles and Trucks
Keep your personal vehicles clean and spotless. Just rinse after every wash, or between washes, to remove the dust.

R.V.’s
Imagine the time and effort that you will save by eliminating the need for hand drying these large vehicles. This product will truly reduce your work load.

Boats
Reduce the build up of water lines and deposits while keeping your water craft clean and spot free.

Motorcycles
De-ionized water eliminates the need for store bought purified or drinking water applications on all of that chrome.

Household Windows
Keeping your house windows clean is now significantly less time consuming, and easier. Spotless Water System’s de-ionized rinse will allow your windows to have that professionally cleaned look with a fraction of the effort.

[Click Here for Details On all of the products from CR Spotless]

SHURflo’s New Revolution™ fresh water pump design was created with a unique one-piece diaphragm and internal by-pass, assuring long life and top performance in all plumbing systems. Designed as the next legendary pump to exceed the expectations of our customers, the Revolution™ Pump is constructed for high flow demand, low noise and no rapid cycling. SHURflo’s quality reputation has been built on the reliability and dependability of every pump we build. The 4008 Revolution™ fresh water automatic demand pump is super quiet, thermally protected and can run dry without damage. Mounts in any position.

Features:

• 3 Gallons per Minute
• Self-Priming
• 55 PSI
• Internal Bypass-Low Cycling
• Quiet Operation
• Runs Dry – Thermally Protected
• Built-in Check Valve

[Click Here for More Details]

Now, you can wash your car, truck, motorcycle, house windows, boat, airplane
or RV and simply walk away, no drying required!!

The CR SPOTLESS De-ionized Water Filtration System gives you the same
spot-free rinse system used by new car dealers for years.  But, now, at a price
you can afford and with the convenience you need to make it work for you!

To operate, attach the unit to any hose bib in your home with the supplied
female-to-female hose. Then, attach your hose to the SPOTLESS WATER SYSTEM
male thread hose bib. You must use a flow restricting spray device on the other
end of your hose. Any common garden-type spray nozzle with one of the supplied
restrictor plates or a pressure washer will do.

It is recommended that you use a flow-restriction disc (supplied with unit)
to reduce water flow to 1 or 2 gallons per minute. Next, turn on your water at
your hose bib and proceed to wash and rinse. Make sure you rinse thoroughly as
any soap will tend to leave water spots.

You’ll notice the SPOTLESS WATER SYSTEM de-ionized water will
aggressively remove all soap suds and standing dirt to help you complete a very
clean wash. Now, just walk away and let it air-dry. You’ll be amazed and pleased
with the results.

[Click Here for More Details]

TDI Shoreline Reel Series offers cord and hose reels specifically designed and manufactured for the RV industry.  Currently TDI Products offers several versions from 50 amp power cords, 30 amp power cords and water supply hoses (both potable and dirty water).  The motorized reels feature a design that allows the motor to be mounted in the center of the reel drum.  This unique design not only allows for the compact size but also reduces the manufacturing cost associated with the reel.  All Shoreline Reels^® operate in the same manner. The power cord or hose free spools off the reel. Power cord and hose retrieval is accomplished by pushing a switch, which powers the reels 12 VDC motor.  For the hand crank reel you turn the handle to pull in the cord or hose.

Click For Detailed Product Information Motorized Fresh water Hose Reel – 40′ hose Get rid of the hastle and mess of storing your fresh water hose. TDI Products Motorized Hose Reel has 40′ of FDA APPROVED kink free drinking water safe hose. Price:  $276.75	Click For Detailed Product Information Motorized 50 Low Profile Amp Power Cord Reel – 34′ Cord TDI Products Motorized Power Cord Reel has 34′ of power cord and 4′ installation pigtail. Price:  $606.25
Click For Detailed Product Information Motorized 50 Amp Power Cord Reel TDI Products Motorized Power Cord Reel has 34′ of power cord and 4′ installation pigtail. Price:  $606.25	Click For Detailed Product Information Motorized 50 Amp Detachable Power Cord Reel Motorized reel for boats, trailers, and RV’s with a detachable power cord. Price:  $175.50
Click For Detailed Product Information Motorized 30 Amp Power Cord Reel – 40′ Cord TDI Products Motorized Power Cord Reel has 40′ of power cord and 4′ installation pigtail. Price:  $285.75	Click For Detailed Product Information Black/Gray Water Series Motorized Hose Reel – 20′ Hose Now you can have all of your hoses organized on reel systems. This new product was developed in response to consumer demands for reels that retract and store the sewer hoses that are connected to macerator pumps. Price:  $236.25
[Click Here for the Full-Line of TDI Shoreline RV Reels]

The CR SPOTLESS De-ionized Water Filtration System gives you the same spot-free rinse system used by new car dealers for years. But, now, at a price you can afford and with the convenience you need to make it work for you! Shipping & Handling is included in price.

[Click Here for More Details]

Now, you can wash your RV, car, truck, motorcycle, house windows, boat, airplane and simply walk away, no drying required!! And, they guarantee it, no water spots or your money back!

Deionization is a method used most often by laboratories to produce purified water on demand. All naturally-occurring water contains dissolved mineral salts. In solution, salts separate into positively-charged cations and negatively-charged anions. Deionization can reduce the amounts of these ions to very low levels through the process of ion exchange. Cations are removed by cation exchange resin. It replaces sodium, calcium, magnesium, and other cations with hydrogen ions (H+). This exchange produces acids which must be removed or neutralized by anion exchange resin. Two general types of anion resin are used for deionization: weak base resin and strong base resin. Weak base resin adsorbs strong acids, while strong base resin exchanges chloride, sulfate and alkaline anions for hydroxide ions (OH-). The hydrogen ions from the cation exchange process combine with the hydroxide ions from the anion exchange process to form water (HOH or H2O). Because the deionization process is so effective, the water quality is usually measured by the water’s resistance to electric current (in OHM-cm). The end result is purified water that won’t leave mineral deposits – water spots – on your car!