21 replies to this topic

[FAW3]

Some thoughts:

 

1:  Check the orientation of your plastic manifolds and ensure they are mounted fittings/ports DOWN.  This helps them drain.

 

2:  On my Hawk I had freeze damage to a three port manifold and replaced with a couple of brass tees and nipple fittings.  Easy to find and much more rugged.

 

3:  For working on the water heater remove the exterior mounting screws and you can easily gain 2-3” of front side working room.  Easy to push back into place afterwards.

Edited by FAW3, 14 May 2023 - 07:12 PM.

[ivebenjamin]

I have a 2020 Hawk front dinette and after a particularly cold winter I checked the water system and indeed found  the plastic water manifold (5 port) had a leak when I pressurized the system. Understand that I did the prescribed method of draining all the water prior to storage.  I called FWC and the Parts Dept and they said these manifolds are a know failure point and are vulnerable to leaks after freezing. The manifold seems to split at the molding seam.  I am trying to figure out a different way of building a better manifold maybe out of PEX or something similar. 

AWG_Pics is correct, the only way to deal with this is to take the front panel off for best access. 

 

I would appreciate ideas for any alternatives to the cheap plastic manifold that comes installed. Don't want to go through this again.

Hi Gumbus and all. New to the site and just became the proud owner of a 2014 Fleet camper! Love it thus far. Noticed a small leak under the sink and found it is coming from this (see photo). Are these the manifolds you're speaking of? Again, noob to camper and hope to learn to fix these things myself.