Gravity is getting stronger for me too. I have the same unit as you. I am not an expert, but I think the main difference between the units is the bigger one will go longer between recharges. I think the output from the 8,000 and the 16,000 one should have basically the same level of softness, so sending soft water from the first 8,000 unit thru another 8,000 unit would not help. If going to the smaller one is what is needed due to gravity, then I think settling for more frequent recharges would be the trade-off.

bjoyce wrote:

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You would have to plumb the softeners in parallel to make this work. A friend did this with water filters, making two "Y" sets out of plastic pipe, one to split the water coming from the source and the other to bring the two back together afterwards.

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 Bill ... I totally see how a parallel set up would work, each 1/2 sized unit would get 1/2 the water, so equal performance to one larger unit.  

My "series" connected logic was that the first unit would do most of the softening and as it depleted the second one would begin to carry the load.  It is a straight forward chemical reaction, so initially, the first one would be providing "soft water" to the second one ... which wouldn't react with already soft water.  But as the first one began to soften less, there would be more unsoftened water to reach the second one and the reaction to further soften the water would be gradually transferred to the second one.  At least that's my amateur logic.  Plus a series hook up would be WAY easier ... so it is the path of least resistance.  What do you think of my rationale?

-- Edited by RonC on Saturday 23rd of February 2019 02:56:13 PM

I think I have arrived at my solution. I'll just buy two 8,000 grain units and use them one at a time ... when it comes recharge time, I'll do both and repeat the cycle. That will reduce the strain on my back, but still provide the same interval between recharges, and a whole lot less plumbing to set up and tear down. Thanks to those who gave me their thoughts ... as I digested that input, a dim light bulb lit up (they are all dimmer these days ) and I came up with the "one at a time" thing. Thanks!

-- Edited by RonC on Saturday 23rd of February 2019 03:09:32 PM

-- Edited by RonC on Saturday 23rd of February 2019 03:25:19 PM

vannchan wrote:

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I like your solution.

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"... solution..."

Pun intended?

Rob

Second Chance wrote:

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vannchan wrote:

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I like your solution.

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"... solution..."

Pun intended?

Rob

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The pun was not intended when I wrote it, but now that you mention it...why yes, of course.

A better solution may be to just keep the bigger unit and have the wife move it for you.😇

Excuse me, the water in my rv usually red in color and comes with a foul smell and odd taste. Is that hard water?

Natalie, Is this always from the same water source or different sources. If it's from different sources the issue is likely in your coach. If it is from the same source it is likely the water source and a softener will not work very well, you need a rust removal system. I had this same issue at my home and a rust removal system worked wonders. There are folks on the Internet that specialize in RV water systems. I would find one and talk to them. One way to test the water source is to take some water at the source and leave it in a clear glass overnight. If there is "rust" in the bottom in the morning it's the water source. If not, it's likely something in the coach. Good luck.