Quick connect outdoor shower

[smanitou]

I’ve had problems connecting the blue coiled shower hose to the outside shower fitting since we bought the trailer (2017 21C). The hose connector goes part way into the fitting and pops out. I’ve tried oiling, pushing screwdriver in the fitting to loosen up, but the fitting on the trailer doesn’t grab the connector. Picture of the trailer fitting is attached. Any suggestions would be welcome.

[rubicon327]

If it is that stubborn I wouldn’t fight it. I would replace it. They sell the quick connect fitting separately.
https://dwincorp.com/product/quick-connect-valve/

[ritacasita]

Sounds to me like you’re fighting against water pressure. Crank one of the valves open slightly to relieve the pressure and it should pop in. I assume it will go in with no water pressure in the trailer?

[Hawkeye Ed]

Originally Posted by smanitou

I’ve had problems connecting the blue coiled shower hose to the outside shower fitting since we bought the trailer (2017 21C). The hose connector goes part way into the fitting and pops out. I’ve tried oiling, pushing screwdriver in the fitting to loosen up, but the fitting on the trailer doesn’t grab the connector. Picture of the trailer fitting is attached. Any suggestions would be welcome.

I had the same fitting on my Four Wheel Camper that we sold and now there's one on our 5.0. It's a bit of a struggle to connect and disconnect fittings because space is limited.

Here's what I learned. There's a ring around the fitting that you push in to release the hose fitting. I found that pushing the same ring in when trying to insert the hose fitting makes insertion easier.

It's much like the fittings for low pressure gas, for those of you who have that on your trailer. They're not the easiest to work, and sometimes they need to be replaced, but pushing back on the surround ring while trying to insert often does the trick.

Good luck!!

Ed

[C&G in FL]

I agree with RitaCasita and Hawkeye Ed. If I’m going to use the outside shower where I stop, I always insert the QC before pressurizing the water lines and I do so by pushing on the sliding lock ring. And after each use, I squirt a shot of food grade silicon into the socket.

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by C&G in FL

If I’m going to use the outside shower where I stop, I always insert the QC before pressurizing the water lines and I do so by pushing on the sliding lock ring.

If the hand valves are closed on the hot and cold within the spray port enclosure there shouldn't be any water pressure on the quick connect.

[cpaharley2008]

But there could be stored pressure from the last use?

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

But there could be stored pressure from the last use?

True if you are using the hose with an end of line spray valve and don't relieve the line pressure before disconnecting. Shouldn't be an issue if you are using something without a valve like the flex spout attachment.

[cpaharley2008]

Yes, using that flexible spout on the curb side water hookup is very convenient....
https://www.etrailer.com/Accessories...ontent=General

[Perry Butler]

Originally Posted by Hawkeye Ed

Here's what I learned. There's a ring around the fitting that you push in to release the hose fitting. I found that pushing the same ring in when trying to insert the hose fitting makes insertion easier.

Interesting! Not to say that doesn't work for you, but for ours, pushing that ring in makes it harder/impossible to connect. I just push it in without touching that ring. Different strokes I guess.

We've also found it's much, much easier, like other have stated, to push the fitting in if you eliminate the water pressure. I turn off the pump or hydrant valve, open the sink faucet until there is no pressure, and only then insert the fitting.

Enjoy,

Perry

[BruceW]

Just reiterating that the shower quick connect is designed so that the sliding lock collar should be slid back away from the opening to allow the male connector to be inserted without overwhelming force. Just like an air compressor hose or a propane quick connect. If sliding the collar back doesn't allow the male to be inserted, then the female part is probably damaged and needs to be replaced.

[strawbarry]

I removed the cabinet backing inside the trailer and removed the whole faucet. Took it all apart and still could not get to work. the connector just screws on. If I wish to use the shower I will remove the coupler and install a garden hose fitting. Then use a screw on shower head of some design. Have not used it is 5 years.

[Doug2000]

Originally Posted by ritacasita

Sounds to me like you’re fighting against water pressure. Crank one of the valves open slightly to relieve the pressure and it should pop in. I assume it will go in with no water pressure in the trailer?

Turn the pump off, release the pressure at the kitchen tap. At the shower, open the valves with the pump still off, attach the hose, close the valves, turn the pump back on. If you can't get the hose on after eliminating pressure, get a new QD.

[felix2]

I find it diffucult to get my large fingers and thumb in there to release the #^$@! thing. Pressure or not. Maybe if it had smaller faucet handles...

[cpaharley2008]

This thread reminds me to stuff some insulation into the exterior shower for extra winter protection. The trailer has already been winterized.

[UncleTim]

I thought I would post this video in case you have not seen it.

Make sure to watch to the end where Reace talks about tapping out the valve with a screwdriver to un stick a frozen valve.

I hope this solves your issue.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fvUC34g9VY

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by UncleTim

Make sure to watch to the end where Reace talks about tapping out the valve with a screwdriver to un stick a frozen valve.

Sounds like the OP had tried the screwdriver as they noted it in post #1. Hope they figure something out. Worst case a new QC isn’t that much money and easy to replace.

[smanitou]

Thanks for all the input everyone. I think we’re going to replace the quick connect as we’ve tried all suggestions to no avail.

[cpaharley2008]

There is a plastic tool available that opens the quick connect fitting.....https://www.farmandfleet.com/product...%3Eall%20other

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

There is a plastic tool available that opens the quick connect fitting.....https://www.farmandfleet.com/product...%3Eall%20other

Jim: That is made for “Sharkbite” type push-to-connect plumbing fittings. Not made for the quick disconnect fittings on the outside spray port or propane QC on an Escape.