What do you consider a MUST for a Phoenix Cruiser

I agree with gandalf42.  An accumulator tank was a great addition to our PC.  I installed our tank 9 years ago.  If there is room, request a 2 gallon tank.  That is our size which runs the pump at logical intervals.  The pump runs very quiet because the 2 gallon tank dampens the vibrations from the pump to the pipes.

Ah HA!  That is a needed item for us now. Mrs V got a high efficiency showerhead that mixes air with the water to reduce use but keep a good feeling flow. Works great, but the water pump now cycles like a cat purring.   

What pressure did you pre-charge at?

What pressure did you pre-charge at?

You ask a very good question.  It's been a long time since I installed our accumulator tank but I recall debating between 15 and 20 psi, settling in at 17.5 psi.  I have since been reading other people setting it over 20 psi.  I don't know what the right psi should be.  I really should determine the right psi, lift the bed platform, and set it proper for a 40 psi pump....assuming the pump stops at 40 psi.

I am really in the dark on this one.

I agree with gandalf42.  An accumulator tank was a great addition to our PC.  I installed our tank 9 years ago.  If there is room, request a 2 gallon tank.  That is our size which runs the pump at logical intervals.  The pump runs very quiet because the 2 gallon tank dampens the vibrations from the pump to the pipes.

How does having an accumulator tank effect winterizing (blowing lines clear with air compressor) if at all?  Thanks so much!

Madonna

Good question, I use antifreeze instead of blowing out the lines.  But, I wonder how adding an accumulator will affect things?  I added an accumulator on our rig last summer and it improved the pump noise.  But I never thought about winterizing it.

Since accumulator tanks are pressurized they should self drain when the drains are opened. Suspect it doesn't hurt to have them in a vertical mounted position to ensure draining.

Since accumulator tanks are pressurized they should self drain when the drains are opened. Suspect it doesn't hurt to have them in a vertical mounted position to ensure draining.

Thank you. Will ask for that.

Quote from: gandalf42 on February 01, 2018, 01:49:02 pm

Since accumulator tanks are pressurized they should self drain when the drains are opened. Suspect it doesn't hurt to have them in a vertical mounted position to ensure draining.

Thank you. Will ask for that.

Actually, the accumulator drains out 99.99999% of the water regardless of the orientation.

Think of it like this.
- Imagine a glass jar filled with water.
- The lid on the jar has two holes.
- Place a large balloon inside the water-filled jar with it's end passing out through one of the holes in the lid.
- Blow air into the balloon.
- Water shoots out the other hole.
- Keep blowing in air until the balloon completely fills the jar.
- 99.99999% of the water is now out of the jar regardless of orientation.

An accumulator is just that.  With it pre-pressurized to the right PSI inside, you can see the balloon called a bladder, inside pressed against a perforated metal grate-like screen.  That screen prevents the bladder from popping out the opening.  The shape of the tank and bladder together assures that all the water gets forced out.  Any residual water remaining inside the accumulator is exceptionally minute with no concern of freeze damage.

I would let Phoenix determine the best orientation of the tank in the limited space they might be working with.

If your PC has room, I recommend a 2 gallon tank.  We have a 2 gallon tank and it's pump-cycling intervals seem perfect.  When full, the tank holds roughly one gallon of water and one gallon-volume of compressed air.  I am really guessing wildly on a 50/50 air to water ratio, stated only to help visualize how it works.

Regarding tank pressure. I tried 18 psi and now have it at 25 psi with a 2 gallon tank. Which is better or correct beats me. I haven’t been on a trip with it at 25 so I can’t say much. We head to Death Valley next month and see what we think of the difference if any.

Ron, we just got under the wire with adding the accumulator.  That is when we found out they had starting building our RV.  Very excited!!

It’s a great upgrade.  One of the best upgrades I’ve done under 60 bucks. Would be cheaper but some jobs require 2 beer time outs.  It is an upgrade I should have done sooner.