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Manage Your OP13 Water System

This guide covers the potable, grey, and black water systems, plus how to drain or winterize—perfect for your camping needs.

Stay hydrated and clean on your off-road trips with the OP13 2025’s water system! This comprehensive guide provides in-depth setup instructions, operational tips, maintenance advice, winterizing procedures, and troubleshooting strategies to manage the 60-gallon potable, 17-gallon grey, and 11-gallon black water tanks effectively. Based on the official 2025 OP13 Owners Manual (Pages 27-30), this guide enhances your experience within the OP13’s compact 230” setup mode (70” x 60” main bed and 75” x 30” bunk). Let’s dive into keeping your water system running smoothly!

 

System Overview

The OP13 2025 water system is designed for efficiency and reliability in off-grid conditions:

  • Potable Water Capacity: A single 60-gallon tank provides fresh water for drinking, cooking, and washing, stored under the floor with a checker plate guard for protection.
  • Grey Water Capacity: A 17-gallon tank collects wastewater from the kitchen sink and bathroom shower, located beneath the chassis for easy dumping.
  • Black Water Capacity: An 11-gallon tank holds toilet waste, featuring a sealed compartment to minimize odors.
  • Water System Components: Includes a 12V electric pump for water delivery, manual shut-off valves for each tank, and quick-connect fittings for the kitchen and bathroom.
  • Hot Water: The Truma Combi Eco Heater and Hot Water System (propane and 12V-powered) supplies hot water to the kitchen sink, bathroom sink, and shower, with a 2.6-gallon internal tank.

System Specifications

  • Pump Pressure: Delivers 3.5 gallons per minute at 35 PSI, sufficient for the OP13’s compact layout.
  • Tank Materials: High-density polyethylene tanks resist corrosion and UV damage.
  • Drain Valves: Low-point drains with quarter-turn valves for easy access.

Setting Up Your Water System

Initial Setup

  • Filling the Potable Tank: Locate the blue-labeled fill point on the driver’s side. Use a potable water hose to fill the 60-gallon tank, avoiding overfilling (stop at 58 gallons to allow expansion). Check the control panel’s water level gauge to confirm.
  • Connecting to Fixtures: Attach the quick-connect hose from the potable tank to the kitchen sink and bathroom shower/sink. Ensure a firm connection—listen for a click and tug gently to verify.
  • Hot Water Activation: Turn on the Truma Combi Eco via the control panel thermostat, setting it to hot water mode. Allow 15-20 minutes for the 2.6-gallon tank to heat to 120°F-140°F, ideal for showering or dishwashing.
  • Safety Check: Verify all shut-off valves are open (counterclockwise) and the pump switch is on. Test the system by running the kitchen tap—expect a steady flow within 5 seconds.

Operational Tips

  • Water Conservation: Limit shower time to 5 minutes (using 2-3 gallons) and rinse dishes with a spray bottle to extend the 60-gallon supply for 3-5 days with 2-3 people.
  • Grey/Black Tank Usage: Empty the 17-gallon grey tank after 2-3 days of sink and shower use, and the 11-gallon black tank after 3-4 toilet flushes, at approved dump stations.
  • Pressure Management: If water pressure drops, check the pump strainer (near the tank) for debris and clean it with a brush.

Performance Details

  • Potable Supply: Supports 2-3 campers for 3-5 days with careful use, depending on cooking and hygiene needs.
  • Hot Water Efficiency: The Truma Combi heats water using 1-2 lbs of propane per day, making it economical for off-grid camping.
  • Efficiency Tips: Use a low-flow showerhead (included) and collect grey water in a basin for reuse (e.g., rinsing gear).

Maintenance and Care

Regular Maintenance

  • Tank Inspection: Check the 60-gallon potable, 17-gallon grey, and 11-gallon black tanks monthly for cracks or leaks, especially after rough terrain. Clean the exterior with a damp cloth to remove dirt.
  • Pump Care: Remove and clean the pump strainer every 2 months by unscrewing the cap, rinsing with water, and reassembling. Lubricate the pump motor annually with silicone spray to prevent seizing.
  • Valve Checks: Inspect shut-off and drain valves quarterly for stiffness—apply RV-safe lubricant if needed. Replace rubber seals every 2 years.
  • Hot Water System: Flush the Truma Combi’s 2.6-gallon tank annually with a vinegar solution (1 cup per gallon) to remove mineral buildup, then rinse thoroughly.

Seasonal Maintenance

  • Spring Prep: After winter storage, sanitize the potable tank with a bleach solution (1/4 cup per 15 gallons), let sit for 4 hours, and flush with 10 gallons of fresh water. Test the pump and hot water.
  • Fall Shutdown: Drain all tanks and lines before storage to prevent freezing—use the low-point drains and open faucets.

Winterizing Your Water System

  • Drainage Process: Turn off the pump switch, open all drain valves (located under the chassis), and run each faucet until dry. Empty the grey and black tanks at a dump station.
  • Antifreeze Protection: Add 2-3 gallons of non-toxic RV antifreeze to the potable tank, run the pump through all lines (sink, shower, toilet) until pink fluid appears, then drain excess. Repeat for grey and black tanks if storing with waste.
  • Post-Winter Reactivation: Flush the system with 10-15 gallons of fresh water per faucet, sanitize with a bleach mix, and rinse until odor-free. Inspect hoses and fittings for winter damage.

Troubleshooting

  • Pump Won’t Start?
    • Cause: Low battery (<12.2V), clogged strainer, or tripped breaker.
    • Fix: Charge the 3 x 135Ah lithium batteries, clean the strainer, and reset the breaker on the control panel.
    • Prevention: Maintain battery charge and clean strainer monthly.
  • No Hot Water from Truma Combi?
    • Cause: Empty propane tank, low 12V power, or scale buildup.
    • Fix: Check propane level, ensure >12.2V, and flush the tank with vinegar if heating is slow.
    • Prevention: Service annually, use filtered water.
  • Leaking Fittings?
    • Cause: Worn O-ring or loose connection.
    • Fix: Turn off the pump, retract the quick-connect ring, replace the O-ring (spares included), and tighten securely.
    • Prevention: Inspect fittings after each trip.
  • Low Water Pressure?
    • Cause: Air lock or partial clog.
    • Fix: Bleed air by opening a faucet, clean the strainer, and check tank levels.
    • Prevention: Keep tank 1/4 full, avoid kinks in hoses.

Master your OP13 2025 water system and enjoy clean water on your adventures! Contact 925.215.7315 or info@opuscamper.us for support.