Did GD start using PEX tubing in 2024’s

[RVwino]

I read about the all the issues with plumbing leaks due to GD using flexible vinyl tubing instead of PEX. Does anyone know if GD stopped using the vinyl stuff and went to PEX in 2024?

 

[Hoopy Frood]

It's my understanding that the problems arise because they try to mix PEX and flexible tubing. Still an ongoing issue I believe.

 

[ajg617]

I have both in my 310.

 

[Second Chance]

GD has used PEX for a very long time. Our 2016 Reflection was mostly PEX. As mentioned above, the issues arise when flex hose and PEX are married - and especially when the fittings are plastic. It's usually the fittings that crack and leak.

Rob

 

[WhittleBurner]

When I replaced our water pimp I had read that it was not recommended to use pex to hook up to the water pump. Apparently pex is too stiff which can vibrate with pump running making a lot of noise. So at that point they recommend using the flex tubing.

 

[RVwino]

Rob, What I’m reading about on this site and others is a number of people replacing a bunch of their water lines with PEX. If it still needs to be done on the latest models, well… that would be something I would like to avoid. -Cliff

 

[RVwino]

Marcy & Gary, That makes sense to me. But I was reading about the vinyl tubing in multiple locations — not just at the pump. -Cliff

 

[geotex1]

They are still using 1/2" vinyl tubing on 1/2" PEX fittings, which are not compatible. The problem now has an easy resolution thanks to Flair-it. They've made an adapter that allows you to connect 1/2" vinyl, properly, with their compression fittings for PEX. They work great! You cannot switch everything out to 100% PEX, particularly the water pump connections. Problem 1, PEX likes to be well-supported to remain leak-free. Problem 2, rigid connection at the water pump makes outrageous noise. This is why water pump silencing kits, made for years and years, have been vinyl tube with proper adapters to 1/2" NPT.

FWIW, if you read about my damaging leak Problem, it had zero to do with PEX connections or use of Flair-it fittings to mate PEX and vinyl. What was leaking was the Nautilus panel's water inlet connection with no pooling where our GoVees would have detected it. It trickled right down the wet bay panel and GD had atrocious cutouts for the black tank connections through the floor. The vinyl flooring was curled upward, and the stream of water went right past the curled vinyl and to the OSB. Not detectable at hookup side, not detectable by sensor, and no visual because it was under the vinyl and not on it...

 

[downsc123]

They are still using 1/2" vinyl tubing on 1/2" PEX fittings, which are not compatible. The problem now has an easy resolution thanks to Flair-it. They've made an adapter that allows you to connect 1/2" vinyl, properly, with their compression fittings for PEX. They work great! You cannot switch everything out to 100% PEX, particularly the water pump connections. Problem 1, PEX likes to be well-supported to remain leak-free. Problem 2, rigid connection at the water pump makes outrageous noise. This is why water pump silencing kits, made for years and years, have been vinyl tube with proper adapters to 1/2" NPT.

FWIW, if you read about my damaging leak Problem, it had zero to do with PEX connections or use of Flair-it fittings to mate PEX and vinyl. What was leaking was the Nautilus panel's water inlet connection with no pooling where our GoVees would have detected it. It trickled right down the wet bay panel and GD had atrocious cutouts for the black tank connections through the floor. The vinyl flooring was curled upward, and the stream of water went right past the curled vinyl and to the OSB. Not detectable at hookup side, not detectable by sensor, and no visual because it was under the vinyl and not on it...

You have a link to those adapters by chance?

 

[Hoopy Frood]

Here's an example from Supply House: https://www.supplyhouse.com/Uponor-Wirsbo-LF4585050-1-2-ProPEX-x-1-2-PB-to-PB-Coupling-Lead-Free-Brass?utm_source=google_ad&utm_medium=shopping_neutral&utm_campaign=Shopping_Neutral_New_users&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw-uK0BhC0ARIsANQtgGM46tyPL6TAoz9OqVw5Qu2UkSatdbbaF9N5xdl8cf-Wl5uRCtTdOC4aAgRqEALw_wcB

 

[geotex1]

You have a link to those adapters by chance?

The Flair-it compression adapter to fit their standard PEX compression fittings:

https://pantherrvproducts.com/06325/

You can also use the polybutylene-to-PEX fittings, with appropriate cinch rings, as Hoppy linked for PEX-to-vinyl transitions too. I have both, and really because of availability at time of need. I actually prefer the Flair-it ease.

 

[downsc123]

The Flair-it compression adapter to fit their standard PEX compression fittings:

https://pantherrvproducts.com/06325/

You can also use the polybutylene-to-PEX fittings, with appropriate cinch rings, as Hoppy linked for PEX-to-vinyl transitions too. I have both, and really because of availability at time of need. I actually prefer the Flair-it ease.

I understand the adapter that hoppy linked that is used when the cheap plastic tee at the pex to flex transition cracks. What connects to the other end of that flair-it adapter. Doesn't look like pex. Thanks

 

[geotex1]

Did you look at the second picture on the Panther site? It shows the adapter being used on a standard Flair-it elbow for PEX. Flair-it is a compression-style connector.

 

[downsc123]

Did you look at the second picture on the Panther site? It shows the adapter being used on a standard Flair-it elbow for PEX. Flair-it is a compression-style connector.

Yes, so that compression fitting with work with half inch pex then - no clamp needed?

 

[RVwino]

Response from Domingo Brito ([email protected])

Hi Cliff,

Thank you for your interest in Grand Design! We appreciate you reaching out. We are now using brass fittings throughout the unit. We have also used more PEX over flex however there are areas we weren't able to use pex. Thee are a couple tight spots in the plumbing that we weren't able to get away from using flex but it is now very minimal.

 

[geotex1]

Yes, so that compression fitting with work with half inch pex then - no clamp needed?

That is correct. I'll see if I can grab a photo when I get home. Flair-it is the original "tool-less" fittings for PEX. You just don't hear about them because they cannot be used for rough-in plumbing by building code. However, just like John Guest fittings, they're used regularly in exposed applications like beverage center hookups, for instance.

 

[downsc123]

That is correct. I'll see if I can grab a photo when I get home. Flair-it is the original "tool-less" fittings for PEX. You just don't hear about them because they cannot be used for rough-in plumbing by building code. However, just like John Guest fittings, they're used regularly in exposed applications like beverage center hookups, for instance.

Thanks, that would be appreciated. Seems like these are the perfect fit for a quick repair when you are out using the RV (never get a leak at home where all the tools are).

 

[ScottK]

I've bought a bunch of adapters here: https://pantherrvproducts.com/plumbing/fittings/
Note you've got to piece together the parts you want, and I have mistakenly bought the wrong combination before, but at least the parts are all pretty inexpensive.
Here's a great video showing how to use them: https://youtu.be/8Whp1PIJ9S4?si=DkAw9kggmjUfo5Wj
You'll want one of these too: https://www.amazon.com/Flair-16390-...858873&sprefix=flare-it+wrench,aps,163&sr=8-6

 

[IBEW Sparky]

So far (knock on wood) I've only had 1 minor leak at T fitting where the flexible tubing attached. It was on the flexible hot water line coming from the water heater where it attached to the plumbing system behind the Nautilus Panel. I was at a Grand Design Owners Rally in Myrtle Beach SC this past March and GD service techs were on site. They took care of the leak, cutting off the cinch ring on the flexible hose, trimmed off about an inch of tubing and used a stainless steel hose clamp to make the repair. They said the hose clamps work better than the cinch rings on the flexible tubing. They even gave me a few extra clamps to put in my toolbox.

 

[geotex1]

Thanks, that would be appreciated. Seems like these are the perfect fit for a quick repair when you are out using the RV (never get a leak at home where all the tools are).

Sorry! I forgot to upload these.