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Compact drinking water hose

rhyno
rhyno Member Posts: 393
in Products and Accessories
Storage space is everything, so does anyone have any recommendations for a lightweight and compact water hose? There are several out there but it is hard to tell what's good with reviews all over the place. 
2021 T@B 400 BD, 2021 Lexus GX 460, Kansas City MO
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Comments

  • AirBoss
    AirBoss Member Posts: 740
    Ditto...Zero G. Much preferred over traditional hoses.
    2020 T@B 400 "OTTO" (build date 08/19)
    Factory Victron Solar; Norcold 3-way fridge
    '04 Chevy Tahoe Z71 DinoKiller
    San Diego, CA
    www.airbossone.com
    https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/owen-ashurst/shop


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  • 4ncar
    4ncar Member Posts: 1,072
    X3 for zero G!
    TV- '16 Chevy Colorado LT Crew Cab-DuraMax
    2018 320S Outback
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  • Verna
    Verna Member Posts: 6,876
    X4 for Zero G!
    Verna, Columbus, IN
    2021 T@B 320S  Boondock “The T@B”
    Towed by a white 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 Supercab, 3.5L V6 Ecoboost “The Truck”
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  • DougH
    DougH Member Posts: 1,110
    Me too.  

    Think I bought it at Northern Tool where they had both the regular kind and the drinking water kind. 
    2021 Jeep Gladiator, 2021 tiny toy hauler, Austin TX
    Former steward of a 2017 T@B S Max

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  • ontheroad
    ontheroad Member Posts: 489
    Yup saw one being used by a former T@bber and we knew immediately it was " the cat's meow"... Thinking of adding a second one too!
    Former 2017 T@G Max XL
    2021 T@B Boondock CS-S
    2018 Nissan Pathfinder
    Ontario, Canada
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  • 4ncar
    4ncar Member Posts: 1,072
    ontheroad said:
    Yup saw one being used by a former T@bber and we knew immediately it was " the cat's meow"... Thinking of adding a second one too!
    I have 2 @ 25’. Never needed the second one as yet in 3 seasons, but, better safe then sorry.
    TV- '16 Chevy Colorado LT Crew Cab-DuraMax
    2018 320S Outback
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  • TomCanada
    TomCanada Member Posts: 294
    Opted for a standard camco hose.  The zero-G look great but a ton of people have issues with leaks etc.  Read the reviews on Amazon..
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  • 4ncar
    4ncar Member Posts: 1,072
    @TomCanada: in three seasons, I have had a total of...zero leaks.
    TV- '16 Chevy Colorado LT Crew Cab-DuraMax
    2018 320S Outback
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  • Horigan
    Horigan Member Posts: 862
    The zero-G hoses don't like to be constantly pressurized, so in an RV environment they should be fine, assuming you're not full timing it.
    Rich
    2019 T@b 400
    2025 Toyota Highlander 2.4L Turbo
    Bellingham WA
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  • Denny16
    Denny16 Member Posts: 5,431
    I have and use the Zero-G hose, works great.  But I do not pressurize the hose for more than a few days at a time, and then not all day long.  When camping, I have the water in in morning, off during the day (unless cooking), and on for a few hours in the evening and off after dinner.
    cheers
    2018 TaB400 Custom Boondock,  Jeep Gladiator truck, Northern California Coast.
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  • AirBoss
    AirBoss Member Posts: 740
    Leave it pressurized often. No issues, no leaks.

    Did manufacturer recommend against constant pressurization?

    Don't put a ton of faith in Amazon reviews. Rely more on SME'S...you know...folks on here! ;-) 
    2020 T@B 400 "OTTO" (build date 08/19)
    Factory Victron Solar; Norcold 3-way fridge
    '04 Chevy Tahoe Z71 DinoKiller
    San Diego, CA
    www.airbossone.com
    https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/owen-ashurst/shop


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  • Dalehelman
    Dalehelman Member Posts: 2,414
    edited December 2020
    I replaced the stand 1/2” hose years ago with this polyurethane air hose. I adapted the ends with brass garden hose male and female ends from Lowe’s as well. Some inquired if the inside diameter was large enough for adequate water flow. The answer is yes even in the shower. If you check the inside diameter of the water supply lines you will find they are about the same size.


    1/4-in Kink Free 25-ft Polyurethane Air Hose https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-1-4-in-Kink-Free-25-ft-Polyurethane-Air-Hose/3303484
    1. Hash  T@B Fun
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  • Horigan
    Horigan Member Posts: 862
    AirBoss said:
    Did manufacturer recommend against constant pressurization?


    My hardware store gave me that recommendation, presumably based on customer feedback...
    Rich
    2019 T@b 400
    2025 Toyota Highlander 2.4L Turbo
    Bellingham WA
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  • ontheroad
    ontheroad Member Posts: 489
    @4ncar...maybe we need to park deeper into the site or pivot the clamshell...lol
    Former 2017 T@G Max XL
    2021 T@B Boondock CS-S
    2018 Nissan Pathfinder
    Ontario, Canada
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  • Denny16
    Denny16 Member Posts: 5,431
    FYI, a 1/4-inch air hose is going to have a 1/4” opening, and the water lines in the TaB are 1/2” (inside diameter).  So the air hose is going to pass less gallons per minute of water, than a 1/2” supply line would.  Going from a 3/4 hose bib connection to a 1/4-inch supply line is going to restrict the flow, but increase the pressure, which is released in the 1/2-inch pipes in the TaB.  
    Cheers
    2018 TaB400 Custom Boondock,  Jeep Gladiator truck, Northern California Coast.
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  • dsfdogs
    dsfdogs Member Posts: 640
    I switched to the Zero-G after only a couple outings three years ago, where I had to fight with the white drinking hose in the dirt. Life is too short! I keep it pressurized/turned on unless away from camp. I use one at home and have had issues after dragging it over rough concrete as the fabric covering wears then a leak forms. For camping, to keep the hose clean and avoid it laying on the ground near sewer hook ups with full service sites, I started to keep the drinking hose and gear in a 5 gallon bucket. I just pull out the amount of hose needed, the rest stays coiled inside. I bought a separate black hose with nozzle and bag and store it with sewer gear.
    Debbie in Oregon
    Sold 2023 Tab 400
    Sold 2018 T@B 320S

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  • TomCanada
    TomCanada Member Posts: 294
    Thanks folks for the voices of confidence in the ZeroG - I'm sure it's a great product.  My fear stems from the reviews where 6%-10% of people are reporting leaks - and that's just of the people who actually left a review (I surmise that most people for whom this thing leaks after 6-12 months don't bother with a review..).  That's too high for me for an expensive product..  though if you're one of the lucky 90%, I'm sure this is an amazing product - because if it hasn't leaked, people love this and give it 5 stars very consistently!  Personally I'll opt for a cheapie that I can replace three times over for the cost of the probably-good-but-possibly-not fancy one..

    50' Zero-G: $64
    50' Camco hose: $18

    Here are the reviews of those small percentage who this hose didn't work well for.  The 1-star reviews can be quite insightful :)  I just don't personally want to roll the dice on this - but it's tempting as it sounds like an awesome hose otherwise..

    https://www.amazon.com/product-reviews/B014M9PEXC/ref=acr_dp_hist_1?ie=UTF8&filterByStar=one_star&reviewerType=all_reviews#reviews-filter-bar
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  • JeffroNC
    JeffroNC Member Posts: 366
    After trying to roll up and stow one of the stiff white hoses on a cold morning or two, I got a Zero G.
    I heated it, froze it, and generally beat the heck out of it for over 200 nights this year without any problems.
    2019 T@B 400 BDL 2017 F150 3.5L Ecoboost
    Jeff & Amy
    Now in Manistee, MI

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  • Dalehelman
    Dalehelman Member Posts: 2,414
    Denny16 said:
    FYI, a 1/4-inch air hose is going to have a 1/4” opening, and the water lines in the TaB are 1/2” (inside diameter).  So the air hose is going to pass less gallons per minute of water, than a 1/2” supply line would.  Going from a 3/4 hose bib connection to a 1/4-inch supply line is going to restrict the flow, but increase the pressure, which is released in the 1/2-inch pipes in the TaB.  
    Cheers
    The water lines in our Tab are in fact 1/2” pex, but the supply lines that feed the faucets toilet and shower inside diameter is much smaller. Most RV water fixtures also have flow restricted to help conserve water.

    The first picture shows a flow restricter which has actually been drill out a little larger. The second shows the supply line compared to the 1/4” air hose.

    1. Hash  T@B Fun
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  • Sharon_is_SAM
    Sharon_is_SAM Member Posts: 10,061
    @Dalehelman - so, if the water pressure is already down regulated and the supply to the faucet and the faucet outlet are flow restricted, are you saying that it does not matter what size hose delivers the water to the TaB?  
    Sharon / 2017 T@B CSS / 2015 Toyota Sienna Minivan / Westlake, Ohio
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  • Tampakayaker
    Tampakayaker Member Posts: 558
    TomCanada said:
    Thanks folks for the voices of confidence in the ZeroG - I'm sure it's a great product.  My fear stems from the reviews where 6%-10% of people are reporting leaks - and that's just of the people who actually left a review (I surmise that most people for whom this thing leaks after 6-12 months don't bother with a review..).  That's too high for me for an expensive product..  though if you're one of the lucky 90%, I'm sure this is an amazing product - because if it hasn't leaked, people love this and give it 5 stars very consistently!  Personally I'll opt for a cheapie that I can replace three times over for the cost of the probably-good-but-possibly-not fancy one..

    50' Zero-G: $64
    50' Camco hose: $18

    Here are the reviews of those small percentage who this hose didn't work well for.  The 1-star reviews can be quite insightful :)  I just don't personally want to roll the dice on this - but it's tempting as it sounds like an awesome hose otherwise..

    https://www.amazon.com/product-reviews/B014M9PEXC/ref=acr_dp_hist_1?ie=UTF8&filterByStar=one_star&reviewerType=all_reviews#reviews-filter-bar
    Currently on Amazon the 50 foot zero g is $39 and the 50 Camco is $25.

    The 25 foot zero must be out of stock most places and it's listed as $62.

    Most of those bad reviews are from a few years ago.  Maybe they have made them sturdier?
    2006 RAM 1500 4 door, 2016 T@B 320 MAX S 
    Tampa FL
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  • Dalehelman
    Dalehelman Member Posts: 2,414
    edited December 2020
    Sharon_is_SAM said:
    @Dalehelman - so, if the water pressure is already down regulated and the supply to the faucet and the faucet outlet are flow restricted, are you saying that it does not matter what size hose delivers the water to the TaB?  
    I am saying the water lines are larger than the fixture supply lines. So that more than one outlet can be used at one time. Without effecting flow or pressure to either. The reason for using 1/4 air line was that takes up less space which the OP was looking for. It is also self coiling even cold weather. Just saying it has worked well for us.
    1. Hash  T@B Fun
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  • Denny16
    Denny16 Member Posts: 5,431
    edited December 2020
    Using smaller connecting hose from 1/2 PEX supply line to the faucets 3/8” connection line is standard practice, even in houses.  This allows for a more constant water supply.  You start with larger pipes and go down in size as you branch out.  You do not normally have a smaller diameter pipe feeding water to a larger pipe, this creates a flow restriction where you do not want it. 

     The RV park water supply is normally 3/4-inch to the hose bib, feed from a 1-inch main.  So water flows from larger pipes to smaller pipes as it is distributed.  This allows for a more constant pressure at the end of the line. 

     Using a 1/4 inch supply to the trailer can result is less flow of water to the trailer, and if some one is taking a shower, and you turn in the cold water in the galley, the person in the shower is going to be unhappy, when the water suddenly gets hotter, as the cold water flow is reduced by the galley cold water faucet being turned on.

     I will continue to use standard plumbing practice of using a larger supply line, as the trailer was designed to have.  Larger size pipe is greater flow at lower pressure, and smaller pipes have less flow, but greater pressure as they restrict the flow from a larger pipe behind them.  Ideally, you could use a 3/4 hose to connect the TAB.  
    cheers
    2018 TaB400 Custom Boondock,  Jeep Gladiator truck, Northern California Coast.
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  • SweetlyHome
    SweetlyHome Member Posts: 336
    I've used the Camco, ZeroG, and hose similar to the Camco that I purchased at West Marine.  Wish I could identify the specific brand name.  I'm currently using the 50' ZeroG but not thrilled with it.

    Some of the problems with the ZeroG is likely the 50' length, both the others are 25'.

    For ZeroG:  
    • The unrolled length often kinks when in use restricting flow until I work them out.
    • It is heavier to start and more so when is water trapped in it as it is difficult to impossible to get all the water out of it without fully unrolling it.
    • As an engineer I'm leery of the aluminum fittings seizing on brass valves etc.  
    • I'm also not fond of the large size of these fittings.  I can no longer close and lock the T@B city water connection with the hose installed.  
    • The woven cover picks up dirt much more readily and is harder to wipe off than the other hoses.
    That being said I had originally purchased the West Marine hose to extend the Camco one that came with the T@B.  It quickly took the place of the Camco.  The West Marine hose is not as stiff, particularly when cold. It kinks less frequently than the Zero G, easier to drain, and has just the right stiffness to make coiling easy.

    I'm thinking about returning to the Marine hose, never again on the Camco.

    Your mileage may differ. 

    Jupiter, Florida~T@B 400, with 2018 Toyota 4Runner

       
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  • VictoriaP
    VictoriaP Member Posts: 1,496
    edited December 2020
    @SweetlyHome Interesting. My 25’ has never had a kinking issue, BUT...neither has my 75’ ZeroG knockoff that I use around the house. That one has been known to tie itself in knots because I simply dump it into an empty planter for storage when I’m done and usually yank it out as one big lump instead of coiling and uncoiling it neatly, but even then it doesn’t restrict the flow by any noticeable amount.

    As with everything else, choices are good, because people have different preferences. Personally, I’ll never go back to dealing with regular hoses, the traditional style one I use at dump sites for flushing is only 10 feet and is still way more annoying and bulky to store than the ZeroG type.
    2019 320s BD Lite, white with blue (“Haven”)
    2015 Subaru Outback 3.6r (unsafe 200lb tongue weight limit until 2020 models)
    2020 Subaru Outback XT
    Pacific NW
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