Setting up in an unexpected downpour of rain was all it took for quick-release hose connectors to become one of hubby’s favorite RV gadgets. Do you use them?
We’ve put them on our drinking water hose and black water rinse hose, and they really live up to their name! Now it takes no time at all to snap hoses into place without the hassle of getting the threading lined up and tightened so that no water leaks. The quick-release hose connectors are also great when we camp in cold weather. It’s so much easier to snap hoses on than fumble with threaded fittings when your fingers are frozen!
We’ve learned a few important things about them that may be helpful to you:
- Many quick-release hose connectors have a water stop feature. Nice idea and useful, but it can be difficult to connect to it if the hose is pressurized.
- The best quick-release connectors are made of solid brass – not brass-colored aluminum or other brass lookalikes. It pays to get high-quality connectors. (The first ones we bought from our local home store lasted less than six months before they corroded and developed leaks.) These are the highly-rated ones pictured above.
- You can get quick-release connectors that are made from plastic. Some people have had good luck with these because they will not corrode. However, the sun can degrade the plastic and cause the connectors to fail.
- A water pressure regulator is a must. Water pressure can vary greatly from campground to campground. Many quick-release connectors are rated for water pressure under 60 psi. If your water pressure exceeds 60 psi you may damage the connector or worse – your RV plumbing lines. This is the one RVtravel.com recommends.
- Quick-release connectors come in varying sizes. Be sure to check the size your hoses require before you make a purchase.
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Heads up re Grey water dump valve. On occasion our 2018 Micro Lite would get stinky with sewer gas. It finally dawned on me that leaving that dump valve open when in a camp long term allowed the stink to migrate from the camp hookup into the trailer through sink and/or shower drains. Not sure if “P traps” or similar are used in RVs but will have to forgo not having to dump every few days. In the past I would try to have a nearly full Grey tank to flush after dumping Black. Our rig came with Black tank flush connection and I use it then chase with the grey dump. Hope this may help the community. Daniel.
I have used quick connects for 15 years or more. They are a god-send for hands with arthritis. I screw a Y onto the faucet, (easy to do due to the size & shape) followed by short hose, regulator, pressure gauge, & hose from hose reel, ALL using quick connects. When not in use, a hose will be connected end to end, and other pieces inter-connected and/or sealed w/ an end cap. When a connector is leaking the seals need to be checked, adjusted, cleaned, replaced, etc. I tried plastic first but the male end would crack or break off too soon. I went to brass and they work better, but have to be careful about mixing brass & aluminum fittings (some alumininum is brass colored) to avoid galvanic corrosion.
I tried QD hose connectors but was NOT happy with them. Using a QD connector reduces water flow as the ID (Inside Diameter) is, at best, 0.5″. There are already multiple “neck down” connections in the PEX tubing and water filtration systems that RVs currently use. Couple that with poor water pressure provided by some campgrounds and “complex” things like taking a shower become a frustrating experience. If an RVer chooses to use these devices I would agree that BRASS fittings are the way to go.
Amen, I’ve never seen a quick disconnect fitting that was the same inside diameter of my 5/8” hose. Of course the inside of the faucet is probably not that big either.
I tried them and did not like them, still a lot of work. If the weather is not cooperating with hooking up water, turn on the water pump and wait it out. We always travel with 1/3 full fresh water, just in case.
You convinced me! I followed your link, ordered them from Amazon, and they arrive Friday. I will install them over the weekend so they are ready to go when we venture onto the road again next month. Thank you! The connection of our water hose to the RV often leaked despite our pressure regulator, making me fill the fresh water tank and run off the pump. Hopefully this solves that problem. Thanks again! Now, can you do something about the increasing prices of diesel pushers? 😉
This could save time if the male connector on the RV side is left on but it has no protection on the road. Is there some kind of cap one can put on that piece? I searched a lot and did not find one. If I have to take it on and off the RV inlet each time we hook up it defeats the purpose.
Some filter kits like the small blue canister come with a short pigtail that you could connect with an extra QD and blank-off cap. On arrival simply click off the the pigtail and click -on your supply hose
It looks like most water hose hookups will still require screwing onto the campsite water line and probably at the rv for most users. It adds more parts to a single hose but does not save any labor. Might help in certain circumstances or when connecting multiple water hoses. I would also be cautious about any brand that does not indicate “lead free” for drinking water.
Keep a small container of plumbing grease to keep O rings lubricated
Mine always seem to leak. Also, it narrows the water line so there’s less water volume in the RV
Unless I’m missing something here, I don’t see how this makes hooking up water at an RV park any easier than doing it the ‘normal’ way.
I agree 100%
The quick disconnect coupler are nice at home but can be something easy to forget at a campground. Plus you still need to screw it onto the water outlet.
I gave up on ALL types of the standard “quick connect” hose connectors, plastic, brass, metal or otherwise. I switched over to plastic Cam & Groove fittings that are far better, more secure and will not leak or come apart. I purchased the Banjo brand from Amazon.
I have had excellent luck with Melnor quick connects. They are a plastic and come with a 2 year warranty which I have not had to use. These have the auto stop feature so you don’t have to turn the water off at the source to disconnect.
I had them years ago. They eventually leaked and I quit using them.
Those look nice. My water hose came with plastic ones which work great. One thing on brass fittings is for drinking water they should say “LEAD FREE.” These do not. I learned that while changing some fittings on my fresh water tank. It it one reason the coiled fresh water hoses use plastic…..and I’m sure they are cheaper, too.
Changes diameter from 5/8″ to about 3/8″.
So, I assume, you have to attach your regulator to the water line, attach the male end of the quick release connector to the end of your regulator and then attach your water hose (with the female end) to the regulator?