New base feature: Accumulator

[TheNiceFamily]

Hi,

I just go the latest Escape e-mail newsletter and as my 17B hasn't gone into production yet I was quite excited to read about this new base feature.

Can someone please tell me why I should be excited, lol?

 

[Ron in BC]

Depends on who you talk to. I've installed them on every boat and trailer that I've owned. They are a reservoir for pressurized water meaning that even when the water pump is off you can still get a usable amount of water without turning the pump on of having it come on. The pump doesn't have to cycle as much.

Lot's of folks say that they're not worthwhile but those that have them don't agree.

Ron

 

[Donna D.]

Depends on who you talk to. I've installed them on every boat and trailer that I've owned. They are a reservoir for pressurized water meaning that even when the water pump is off you can still get a usable amount of water without turning the pump on of having it come on. The pump doesn't have to cycle as much.

Lot's of folks say that they're not worthwhile but those that have them don't agree.

Ron

I've thought about installing one. Ten years later still don't have one. I think this is an option that isn't necessary but nice to have. Night time flushes is when it would be really nice to have it. To those saying they're not worthwhile, it's possible that's "You can't miss what you've never had."

 

[brroberts]

I like it for less pump run time; therefore, less noise since it’s under our pillows. I’d agree it’s nice, but not essential. It does take up a bit of space and creates two more connections / potential leak points. Ours is the small ShureFlo and has worked well.

 

[iamunique127]

I see a range of prices when I search for an accumulator. Is there one in particular ppl here recommend?

 

[dstreight]

Per the above comments, an accumulator is not mandatory. But, depending on the accumulator's capacity, it does lessen the pump cycling frequency especially for shorter water draws. For longer/bigger uses of water, such as a shower, it won't make much difference. But for all other water draw the difference is definitely noticeable and worthy IMHO.

I installed the Shurflo stainless steel 2-gallon unit in our 15A after we used the trailer several times without it. I tried smaller accumulators before: Pump cycling frequency is relative to the capacity of the accumulator.

Apart of spring 'get the trailer ready for the camping season', the pressure should be checked in the accumulator and adjusted if needed; easy with a small bicycle tire pump or similar as the accumulators have a Schrader valve.

 

[D&L]

I installed the small accumulator. IMO it takes the surging out of the water flow at the faucet.

Dan

 

[alanmalk]

I installed a larger (2 gallon) accumulator. At night I turn off the pump but still have enough pressure for a couple of mid-night flushes. (And headed towards 3.)

 

[diannelgraham]

I also got the newsletter yesterday and saw this new feature. I have to take my trailer up to the factory next month for some after build adds and some minor repairs. I've asked them to give me a price and adding this feature if it's responsible I'll have it done at the same time.

 

[TheNiceFamily]

Thanks everyone! I'm happy that it'll come installed on our 17B - probably won't appreciate it as much as I won't have a before-accumulator/after-accumulator comparison but I'll keep in mind what you're all saying and will be thankful every time I do that third nighttime flush.

 

[splitting_lanes]

I have an accumulator that I haven’t installed yet.

Our pump works after I suck the air out of the pump to get it primed. I don’t know if the accumulator will interfere with me sucking on the kitchen faucet to get the water flowing.

I’ve tried to figure out why we get air in the pump, but gave up after I figured out the work-around to simply suck from the kitchen faucet and once it’s flowing we’re ok until we move.

 

[HABBERDABBER]

That sucks, citizen

It can't hurt to install the accumulator.
I've not experienced your problem, or heard/read of your remedy.
Whatever works!

 

[GinoandLinda]

I never knew these things existed and was never inconvenienced enough to think I needed something like it. Glad to see a new feature on the Escape, though.

 

[Donna D.]

What all is involved in winterizing when you have an accumulator? Do you manually drain it somehow and leave it empty? Pump RV anti-freeze into it? Is there any by pass valves involved?

 

[Centex]

What all is involved in winterizing when you have an accumulator? Do you manually drain it somehow and leave it empty? Pump RV anti-freeze into it? Is there any by pass valves involved?

Whether one winterizes by completely filling the water system with anti-freeze, or completely purging water from the system using air-pressure, the accumulator will be 'covered' in that process.

Typically, there is no 'bypass' associated with an accumulator installation.

 

[Donna D.]

Whether one winterizes by completely filling the water system with anti-freeze, or completely purging water from the system using air-pressure, the accumulator will be 'covered' in that process.

Typically, there is no 'bypass' associated with an accumulator installation.

I use antifreeze, but don't fill the fresh water tank or water heater tank with it. Wouldn't be interested in adding 2 gallons (or to whatever size tank) to an accumulator either. Hummm.

 

[MarkinVan]

We added the small Shurflo accumulator and could not be happier. The biggest difference is that the water pump machine gun sound is gone when the bathroom faucet was opened with a low flow so it wouldn't splash all over or waste water. My wife didn't want me using the water late at night if we had a tent next door because it was so loud. Just a a lot more quiet and pressure control.

 

[SRS]

For those who would like the benefit of an accumulator without the size and weight the IRVWPC water pump controller might be the answer particularly if you already have a trailer. I've been on two trips since installing mine and it really works great. Pump is much quieter and the water flow is just like your facet at home or if your hooked up to city water (no need to use the pump).


Cost is $200 USD including shipping. installation is pretty simple and the website has very good instructional videos. It's worth taking a look if you find the operation and noise of your pump to be less than desirable. The little box on the right side of the photo is the controller



https://www.irvwpc.com/

 

[Centex]

I use antifreeze, but don't fill the fresh water tank or water heater tank with it. Wouldn't be interested in adding 2 gallons (or to whatever size tank) to an accumulator either. Hummm.

Sounds like you're content with your current (sans-accumulator) situation so no need to pursue it. That's the case for me ....

I'm a solo traveler, pump sound has never bothered me, nor has 'pulsing' others have mentioned. IIRC I've replaced one pump in ~20+ years with these systems, so the claim of increased pump longevity due to reduced cycling isn't really a factor for me.

I don't think they add too much complication or risk of problems, and most installs I've seen don't really take meaningful otherwise useful space, but it's not a mod I've ever been incited to undertake.

As always, YMMV, No Worries!

 

[SRS]

Sounds like you're content with your current (sans-accumulator) situation so no need to pursue it. That's the case for me ....

I'm a solo traveler, pump sound has never bothered me, nor has 'pulsing' others have mentioned. IIRC I've replaced one pump in ~20+ years with these systems, so the claim of increased pump longevity due to reduced cycling isn't really a factor for me.

I don't think they add too much complication or risk of problems, and most installs I've seen don't really take meaningful otherwise useful space, but it's not a mod I've ever been incited to undertake.

As always, YMMV, No Worries!

I totally agree with you Alan. I have always been sensitive to some noises and the pump noise on my previous trailer and my Escape always bugged me. More importantly, controlling the water flow was a pain. The main advantage to me is with better control of the water flow, we use less water than before. We mostly boondock so that's a real advantage. I wasn't really sold on the idea the pump might last longer. Maybe, maybe not.