Mobile Water Tank setup....need a little help

**KirkH** · 02-25-2018, 11:12 PM

Originally Posted by 3Crowns

UPDATE*** I moved the tank to the middle of the bed and was able to put the pump on the ground. Still not working like it should.

The best way I can describe it is the water comes out in a flow that is not steady, almost like it's "gulping", so possibly this is back to the transfer pump not being sufficient enough. I also made my vent hole bigger thinking that might create more of a constant flow, no dice. Back to square one....any thoughts? I appreciate the ideas so far.

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The check valve will keep the pump primed and stop the gulping.

**KirkH** · 02-25-2018, 11:14 PM

Here's a video explaining how the check valve works

YouTube

**3Crowns** · 02-26-2018, 12:05 AM

Originally Posted by KirkH

Here's a video explaining how the check valve works

YouTube

Awesome! That helps a lot. I believe I found one, 3/4in brass one at Lowes. Now the fun part of getting the adapters and fitting it all together. Can this connect right to the outlet side of the pump and then to the hose and out to the PW?

Mobile Water Tank setup....need a little help-img_3208-jpg

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**KirkH** · 02-26-2018, 01:19 AM

Originally Posted by 3Crowns

Awesome! That helps a lot. I believe I found one, 3/4in brass one at Lowes. Now the fun part of getting the adapters and fitting it all together. Can this connect right to the outlet side of the pump and then to the hose and out to the PW?

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That one will not work because it is push-to-fit for indoor plumbing.

You need one with NPT threads, like this one:

Water Source Brass Check Valve, 1 in. at Tractor Supply Co.

Also you want to put the check valve on the suction end of the system , so before the pump.

**Mantilgh** · 02-26-2018, 10:49 AM

Originally Posted by 3Crowns

No sir, there is venting in the top hole.

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I think you are creating a vacuum. You need for air to be able to enter the water tank by either cracking a plug open a little or drilling a small hole.

**3Crowns** · 02-26-2018, 05:39 PM

Well, no luck with the check valve either. PW works for about 15sec, then looses pressure. I'm thinking that I may have to get bigger diameter hoses, currently I'm running a 3/4in supply hose out of the tank and to the pump and then a 3/4 in hose to my PW. There is also a 1in hole drilled into the top hole on the tank for venting.

The problem just seems to be not enough water is getting to the PW fast enough. Maybe I need to get a stronger pump.

I'm at a loss, despite seeing many other guys on YouTube with my exact setup that work flawlessly.

Thoughts?

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**sudsmobile** · 02-26-2018, 11:06 PM

It's your pump. It's bad. Get a Shurflo 12v on demand. $60 on Amazon. I run this off a 100 gallon tank to a 2.6gpm Subaru powered gas pressure washer. Never had a problem supplying water even running the pressure washer for 10 minutes straight. It only runs when there's demand, so only when you pull the trigger.

SHURFLO 4008-101-A65 New 3.0 GPM RV Water Pump Revolution, 12V - - Amazon.com

**3Crowns** · 02-27-2018, 08:51 AM

Originally Posted by sudsmobile

It's your pump. It's bad. Get a Shurflo 12v on demand. $60 on Amazon. I run this off a 100 gallon tank to a 2.6gpm Subaru powered gas pressure washer. Never had a problem supplying water even running the pressure washer for 10 minutes straight. It only runs when there's demand, so only when you pull the trigger.

SHURFLO 4008-101-A65 New 3.0 GPM RV Water Pump Revolution, 12V - - Amazon.com

Excellent, that sounds like just what I need. 60 won't break the bank so I'll get it ordered and let you know how it works. Hopefully like it should.

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**JCCarCare** · 02-27-2018, 10:10 AM

From my own experience, I would say try this:

Shorten the hose from the drum to the pump, as well as the hose from the pump to the pressure washer. Many truck skids with a water tank, pump, pressure washer, generator, etc.. are set up with shorter hoses from drum to pump to pressure washer. The hose from the pressure washer to your sprayer is where you can add length if you need it. If you have a long hose for each step, mixed with a weak pump you will run into issues. The check valve statement have already been made and is a great idea.

-Stronger pump might help as well if you have already check your barrel and hoses for holes.
-If you are good with creating things, I would find a way whether doing the cheap way and using wooden pallets and mount your barrel on top of 1-2 pallets (make it slightly higher to then where your pump is) then shorten your hose from the barrel to the pump, and mount your current pump (or new one) next to the barrel.
*Basically your making your own detailing skid.

**sudsmobile** · 02-27-2018, 01:31 PM

In my experience, with a good pump like that Shurflo it won't matter. My 100 gallon water tank is mounted 10" above the floor of my trailer, the pump is connected by 6' of hose dropping about 4" along it's length. The output is connect with 4' of hose to a Y that feeds my pressure washer and a short length of hose for filling buckets and bottles and washing hands. I have no other items in the run, no check valves, etc. We can run the tank completely dry with this setup. As long as water will flow to the pump, it should work without fail. Anything else is adding unneeded complication to what should be a very simple setup.