12 years full time, no softener no real issues, no rust stains no smelly water, We do have a whole house filter and we pour all water we consume through a Berkey filter even bottled water.
I'm glad that's worked well for you for so long Ray. We did that for a while ourselves. But we ran into some areas that had really bad water and decided to kick our water filtration up a notch. It has worked well for us since we did that. And our use of the water softener is not for water filtration. It helps take out the hard minerals in the water that makes our skin feel so much better when showering and washing. And it also helps prevent mineral buildup in our RV pipes and faucets. We feel that it has been one of the best RVing purchases that we have made thus far.
I do regeneration every 40 days on average. Usually you will notice water spot start showing up on silverware about that time. I use 2 containers of salt and I add 2 tablespoons of powdered Iron Out also
Good video Duane, I have the Pro+Aqua 16,000 grain softener with the Pro+Aqua 2-stage filtering system. The filtering system also serves as the brine tank with the filter remove, But I do reverse the flow on the tank when I do the regeneration. Safe Travels.
Isn't it though? We feel the same way. It has made our RV travels so much better. There is a lot of hard water out there at campgrounds. But when you soften it you enjoy showers more, your drinking water is better, it makes cleaning anything better, etc. And it's much better for your RV's plumbing. Thanks for sharing your experience Susan!
During the regeneration process seems like a waste of water to flush it. Is it ok if that water during the drip and full pressure flush to just spray on the grass?
We don't have a water softener. I have a whole house 3 stage filter system. We also use a Berkey for drinking and ice cubes. I'm not sure if we need a softener after the micro filtration we have.
A good way to find out for sure Roy is to buy a water hardness test kit and sample the water coming out of your RV faucets a few times. The test kits are pretty cheap, easy to use, and they will tell you what you need to know. I had the same thoughts myself but we notice a big difference in the water quality now since we are using the water softener.
Hi Ron. The unit that we have is made by "On The Go" and we got it on Amazon. Here is the link where you can learn more about it including the cost - amzn.to/3oYFmAM As I said in the video it's one of the best pieces of RV gear that we have bought so far.
Glad it was helpful Globemaster. Our water softener is one of our favorite buys for RVing. A lot of campgrounds have hard water, so it's a real pleasure to keep our water quality consistent wherever we travel. And besides it helps keep everything in your RV water system working properly and lasting longer. What's not to like? :-)
Thanks for your video but your explanation as to how a water softener works is a little weak. It's basically an ion exchange system. The resin beads grab the calcium ions and replace them with sodium ions. That is why you need to rinse the beads of the collected calcium periodically and recharge them with sodium ions.
Good question Mike. It may help some, but the main reason anode rods are used is to prevent galvanic corrosion that leads to rusting out the metal of the water heater tank. So soft water may no doubt be better for all of your RV appliances including the water heater, but it's not a major factor in preventing anode rod decay.
I always keep my water pressure regulator at the faucet. In fact, mine is attached to the faucet first and then my first water filter is attached to the pressure regulator. From there my water hose goes to the input side of the water softener. On the output side of the softener is another hose that leads into the fresh water connection on my motorhome. I like having my water pressure regulator and water filter first in line at the faucet so that all water leading into the water softener has already been adjusted for pressure and put through a filtration as well. It seems to work for me.
They both a fine job. It's just that the 16,000 grain softener can go longer between recharges than the 8,000. We actually have the 8,000 softener and it works fine for us. We like it because it doesn't take up much room as we travel. And we can usually go about 3 weeks between recharges.
If you leave a water softener in the sun for an extended period it might affect the outside to some degree, but the actual operation is what goes on inside the unit. So I doubt that sun exposure will make much difference in its day to day operation. But it might affect the temperature of the water that passes through it if it is in the hot sun for a long time each day. You might consider trying to position it in the shade for that reason if you can.
Good question Bob. The water softener instructions recommend to drain the salt water from the regeneration into a drain or a gravel bed if possible. So yes, you need to take some precautions when parked on grass.
Actually I think I forgot to cover that subject so thanks for bringing it up. You can test your RV water weekly if you like and when the Parts Per Million readout is greater than 80, you should regenerate the unit. But personally, you will begin to feel the water change as you use it over time. So you can often know when it is time for regeneration even without testing the water. At least that has been my experience.
Duane, great information. I'm new (so new that I haven't taken possession of my 42' Columbus 389FL just yet - end of June) to full-time RVing and want to do it right. If it is just me and my RV, how "big" of a water softener do I need? I see where some are 12,000 grain and others 16,000, but none of that means anything to me. Also, typically for full-timers, how often to you have to regenerate with the salt? Thanks!
Hi Randy. We use the standard size "On The Go" water softener (8,000 grain) and it works well for us as a couple. I doubt you would need the larger version. The standard size is easier to stow for travel and not as heavy to work with when setting up. I find that I regenerate the softener about every 3 weeks or so and that seems to work fine for us. Of course, it all depends on the amount of water you put through the softener. So for a single person you may be able to go longer. But I have to say that we really love our water softener. We wouldn't be without it now. I hope this helps.
@@RVInspectionAndCare Thank you for your response. One other quick question. My Columbus has "whole house" filtration as you mentioned. I've been told it takes a KW-1 filter. Does that sound familiar to yours?
Here are a couple of links to videos I've made about RV water filters too - ua-cam.com/video/XnOeuKtd59E/v-deo.html and ua-cam.com/video/kTrOgcvj71s/v-deo.html I hope that helps.
We have a Berkey water filtration that we use when we are at RV parks . Question I have is if we have a water filter setup like you have with the water softener , do we still need the Berkey ? We have a whole coach water filter in our wet bay . I haven’t been using any of the blue in-line filters. I do notice the Berkey works fine for a couple of days then slows way down on filtering. I guess the hardness is clogging it up .
My friend was laughing at me cause in biology class we had those strips you put on your tongue to see if you can taste a chemical. I tasted everything. DC has hard water, so I might get this.
Hi Rick. It's small enough that it fits in the back of our Honda CRV very easily, and it's super easy to setup and store away. I think it's one of the best RV accessories that we have bought over the years. Thanks for watching!
@@reberhardt Not really. They provide a plug for one side of the softener and I added an on/off valve on the other side that I got at Home Depot. So I just turn off the valve on the one side, and install the plug for the other side of the softener and I'm all set to go. I do put it in a plastic bucket as we travel just in case, but I have never had it leak yet.
Great video as usual. Have been looking into getting one and know more convinced. Also another note. I have been watching your videos when I purchased my 2012 Thor Hurricane 32a. Since I had a hard time to get an inspector for my time frame. I got your inspection checklist and use it for me personal inspection. It was very helpful and thank you.
That's great to hear HWGR! If you are ok with it, would you mind sending me a testimonial by email for the ebook since you enjoyed it so much? That would be very much appreciated. All the best to you on your RV travels!
Probably the best way is to send it by the contact form on my website at www.rvinspectionandcare.com BTW, let me know if you have a website or YT link that you would like for me to use in return. Thanks so much!
12 years full time, no softener no real issues, no rust stains no smelly water, We do have a whole house filter and we pour all water we consume through a Berkey filter even bottled water.
I'm glad that's worked well for you for so long Ray. We did that for a while ourselves. But we ran into some areas that had really bad water and decided to kick our water filtration up a notch. It has worked well for us since we did that. And our use of the water softener is not for water filtration. It helps take out the hard minerals in the water that makes our skin feel so much better when showering and washing. And it also helps prevent mineral buildup in our RV pipes and faucets. We feel that it has been one of the best RVing purchases that we have made thus far.
I do regeneration every 40 days on average. Usually you will notice water spot start showing up on silverware about that time. I use 2 containers of salt and I add 2 tablespoons of powdered Iron Out also
It sounds like you have your water softening needs figured out pretty well. Thanks for watching and leaving those tips in your comment!
Good video Duane, I have the Pro+Aqua 16,000 grain softener with the Pro+Aqua 2-stage filtering system. The filtering system also serves as the brine tank with the filter remove, But I do reverse the flow on the tank when I do the regeneration. Safe Travels.
Nice 👍 That sounds like a great system.
We just bought the On the Go water softener. What a game changer!
Isn't it though? We feel the same way. It has made our RV travels so much better. There is a lot of hard water out there at campgrounds. But when you soften it you enjoy showers more, your drinking water is better, it makes cleaning anything better, etc. And it's much better for your RV's plumbing. Thanks for sharing your experience Susan!
Duane, between your video and the comments, you've answered every question and concern I had. Many thanks, buying one today!
That's awesome Kim! I'm glad the video was helpful. Enjoy your new RV water softener. I hope you like it as much as like ours. :-)
During the regeneration process seems like a waste of water to flush it. Is it ok if that water during the drip and full pressure flush to just spray on the grass?
You can do whatever you want with that water. Just keep in mind that the drip water will have lots of salt in it from the regeneration process.
Thank you for sharing. Just what I need with all the hard water out west.
Oh yeah! We spend a few months in Arizona every winter and the water here is VERY HARD! So I know what you mean. We so love our water softener. :-)
Another helpful video! Thanks for taking the time to post such great videos!
Glad it was helpful Tammy. Thanks for watching!
We don't have a water softener. I have a whole house 3 stage filter system. We also use a Berkey for drinking and ice cubes. I'm not sure if we need a softener after the micro filtration we have.
A good way to find out for sure Roy is to buy a water hardness test kit and sample the water coming out of your RV faucets a few times. The test kits are pretty cheap, easy to use, and they will tell you what you need to know. I had the same thoughts myself but we notice a big difference in the water quality now since we are using the water softener.
You can use test strips made for Aquariums. They're cheap and measure GH and KH.
Thanks for the sharing that tip Jimmy.
Duane that looks like cats meow. Did I miss the manufacturer, cost and best location to purchase? Thank you for all your support! SAFE TRAVELS
Hi Ron. The unit that we have is made by "On The Go" and we got it on Amazon. Here is the link where you can learn more about it including the cost - amzn.to/3oYFmAM As I said in the video it's one of the best pieces of RV gear that we have bought so far.
Very good info. We have a water softener for our home but did not know we could have the same option for our Class A RV. Thank you
Glad it was helpful Globemaster. Our water softener is one of our favorite buys for RVing. A lot of campgrounds have hard water, so it's a real pleasure to keep our water quality consistent wherever we travel. And besides it helps keep everything in your RV water system working properly and lasting longer. What's not to like? :-)
Thanks for your video but your explanation as to how a water softener works is a little weak. It's basically an ion exchange system. The resin beads grab the calcium ions and replace them with sodium ions. That is why you need to rinse the beads of the collected calcium periodically and recharge them with sodium ions.
Thanks for watching and giving us the technical explanation.
I have a 2022 Cruiser MPG 2500 BH. Does anyone know where the water pump is located?
Sorry Ty. I can't help with this issue. If all else fails call the manufacturer for some guidance.
Duane, will the water softener help with slowing or stopping the corrosion of the anode rod and the water heater as a whole?
Good question Mike. It may help some, but the main reason anode rods are used is to prevent galvanic corrosion that leads to rusting out the metal of the water heater tank. So soft water may no doubt be better for all of your RV appliances including the water heater, but it's not a major factor in preventing anode rod decay.
where in line does the pressure reducer go ? or do you still need one ? thx
I always keep my water pressure regulator at the faucet. In fact, mine is attached to the faucet first and then my first water filter is attached to the pressure regulator. From there my water hose goes to the input side of the water softener. On the output side of the softener is another hose that leads into the fresh water connection on my motorhome. I like having my water pressure regulator and water filter first in line at the faucet so that all water leading into the water softener has already been adjusted for pressure and put through a filtration as well. It seems to work for me.
@@RVInspectionAndCare ok Thank you for clearing that up totally appreciate it
Which is better the 8000 grain or 16000 grain
They both a fine job. It's just that the 16,000 grain softener can go longer between recharges than the 8,000. We actually have the 8,000 softener and it works fine for us. We like it because it doesn't take up much room as we travel. And we can usually go about 3 weeks between recharges.
I am in the desert, do I need to keep it out of the sun?
If you leave a water softener in the sun for an extended period it might affect the outside to some degree, but the actual operation is what goes on inside the unit. So I doubt that sun exposure will make much difference in its day to day operation. But it might affect the temperature of the water that passes through it if it is in the hot sun for a long time each day. You might consider trying to position it in the shade for that reason if you can.
Great top video! Does the salt water kill the grass or stain the ground?
Good question Bob. The water softener instructions recommend to drain the salt water from the regeneration into a drain or a gravel bed if possible. So yes, you need to take some precautions when parked on grass.
Did you say when to clean or how you know when to clean?
Actually I think I forgot to cover that subject so thanks for bringing it up. You can test your RV water weekly if you like and when the Parts Per Million readout is greater than 80, you should regenerate the unit. But personally, you will begin to feel the water change as you use it over time. So you can often know when it is time for regeneration even without testing the water. At least that has been my experience.
@@RVInspectionAndCare Great thanks for replying so soon
How much salt is needed?
My water softener only requires a single box of salt that you buy at the grocery store each time I recharge it.
Duane, great information. I'm new (so new that I haven't taken possession of my 42' Columbus 389FL just yet - end of June) to full-time RVing and want to do it right. If it is just me and my RV, how "big" of a water softener do I need? I see where some are 12,000 grain and others 16,000, but none of that means anything to me. Also, typically for full-timers, how often to you have to regenerate with the salt? Thanks!
Hi Randy. We use the standard size "On The Go" water softener (8,000 grain) and it works well for us as a couple. I doubt you would need the larger version. The standard size is easier to stow for travel and not as heavy to work with when setting up. I find that I regenerate the softener about every 3 weeks or so and that seems to work fine for us. Of course, it all depends on the amount of water you put through the softener. So for a single person you may be able to go longer. But I have to say that we really love our water softener. We wouldn't be without it now. I hope this helps.
@@RVInspectionAndCare Thank you for your response. One other quick question. My Columbus has "whole house" filtration as you mentioned. I've been told it takes a KW-1 filter. Does that sound familiar to yours?
Yes Randy, you can just type in "kw-1 water filter" on Amazon and you can find those replacement cartridges there.
what about a water filtration system to
Here are a couple of links to videos I've made about RV water filters too - ua-cam.com/video/XnOeuKtd59E/v-deo.html and ua-cam.com/video/kTrOgcvj71s/v-deo.html I hope that helps.
We have a Berkey water filtration that we use when we are at RV parks . Question I have is if we have a water filter setup like you have with the water softener , do we still need the Berkey ? We have a whole coach water filter in our wet bay . I haven’t been using any of the blue in-line filters. I do notice the Berkey works fine for a couple of days then slows way down on filtering. I guess the hardness is clogging it up .
My friend was laughing at me cause in biology class we had those strips you put on your tongue to see if you can taste a chemical. I tasted everything. DC has hard water, so I might get this.
LOL Isaiah .... Sounds like you might be the perfect consumer for this product. Thanks for watching!
How do you travel with a water softener?
Hi Rick. It's small enough that it fits in the back of our Honda CRV very easily, and it's super easy to setup and store away. I think it's one of the best RV accessories that we have bought over the years. Thanks for watching!
@@RVInspectionAndCare we have a fifth wheel. Do you empty it before storing?
@@reberhardt Not really. They provide a plug for one side of the softener and I added an on/off valve on the other side that I got at Home Depot. So I just turn off the valve on the one side, and install the plug for the other side of the softener and I'm all set to go. I do put it in a plastic bucket as we travel just in case, but I have never had it leak yet.
Great video as usual. Have been looking into getting one and know more convinced.
Also another note. I have been watching your videos when I purchased my 2012 Thor Hurricane 32a. Since I had a hard time to get an inspector for my time frame. I got your inspection checklist and use it for me personal inspection. It was very helpful and thank you.
That's great to hear HWGR! If you are ok with it, would you mind sending me a testimonial by email for the ebook since you enjoyed it so much? That would be very much appreciated. All the best to you on your RV travels!
@@RVInspectionAndCare what is correct email and I will do that. Thanks
Probably the best way is to send it by the contact form on my website at www.rvinspectionandcare.com BTW, let me know if you have a website or YT link that you would like for me to use in return. Thanks so much!