On The Go OTG4 DBLSOFT Portable Review – 16,000 Grain RV Water Softener

by Curtis Grossi | Last Updated: March 19, 2024

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Intro

The ‘On The Go’ OTG4-DBLSOFT Portable 16,000 Grain RV Water Softener is designed by RV enthusiasts for use by RV’ers and boat-owners, with all the challenges they face taken into account.

The unit uses standard table salt for regeneration, is light and compact, has a carry handle on top of its swivel head for ease of movement and connection, and has a large opening for pouring in the salt.

Its unique patent-pending design features an inlet hi-flow shut-off valve, storage inlet/outlet caps, back-flush adapter, and it includes hardness test strips, a 4’ (1.2m) white drinking hose, as well as a full cradle base for stability.

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This unit can provide up to 40 days of softened water between regeneration cycles, depending on water hardness and volumes used, increasing the lifespan of appliances and fittings by preventing the formation of lime-scale build-up, while giving you improved water taste and odor and better lathering of soaps.

​One thing avid RV’ers know well is that RV parks and campgrounds often have hard water, and that some areas, especially the Sun Belt states of the USA, can have extremely hard water.

By protecting your RV’s water system for pennies per day, the ‘On The Go’ OTG4-DBLSOFT Portable 16,000 Grain RV Water Softener will improve the resale value of your RV when you decide to sell it or trade it in.
​The lightweight, stable unit is easy to set up and store away, making it indispensable to any RV or boat owner who values their investment.

Who is ‘On The Go’

On The Go® Portable Water Softener, LLC is based in Bloomington Indiana and was established in 2004 by a fifteen-year veteran of the water softening industry, along with two executives from the high-tech and auto-parts manufacturing industries.
It concentrates on water softener and de-ionization products for the RV and boating fraternities.

Important Features

1. Double Standard Capacity

The ‘On The Go’ OTG4-DBLSOFT Portable 16,000 Grain RV Water Softener has twice the capacity of the standard ‘On The Go’ Water Softener for longer periods between regeneration cycles. The Double Standard can be expected to soften 500 to 1,600 gallons of water before needing regeneration.

2. Compact and Portable

At only 22” (56cm) high and 9.5” (24cm) diameter, with a stable base plus a built-in carry-handle, and a weight of only 32 lbs (14.5kg) including the resin softener medium, the OTG4-DBLSOFT RV Water Softener really is portable, and easy to store and to handle.

3. Simple to Assemble and Use

The unit comes ready to use, with a simple 5-step setup procedure. It is pre-charged with salt and contains a resin softener medium that should last at least 5 to 8 years if used correctly.
It uses a standard hose connection and requires no tools to connect, disconnect, or open the system.
Back-flushing should be carried out every 3 months, and if done in conjunction with regenerating, it should be flushed before regeneration is commenced.

4. 360-degree Swivel Head and Travel-Friendly Cap and Plug

The 360 degree swivel head on the unit makes it easy to connect and disconnect without having to turn the whole softener. For peace of mind when travelling, the travel cap and plug can be installed to ensure no spillage occurs.

5. Large Mouth and Back-Flush Adapter

The largemouth on the top of the unit allows you to easily refill with salt without spillage or waste.
The inlet high-flow shut-off control valve allows you to use a very slow rinse when regenerating the system, resulting in better water quality and a more softening capacity. A back-flush adapter is included to allow for reverse connection when required.

Water Capacity, Pressure, and Temperature Range

The water pressure and flow rate of the ‘On The Go’ OTG4-DBLSOFT Portable 16,000 Grain RV Water Softener are determined by that of the water supply, but the system’s head can withstand a maximum pressure of 125 psi (8.6 bar).
It can be expected to soften 500 to 1,600 gallons (1.9kl to 6.0kl) of water before needing regeneration.

Water and Salt Consumption

The ‘On The Go’ OTG4-DBLSOFT Portable 16,000 Grain RV Water Softener requires two 26-oz (750g) boxes of common table salt to regenerate. In the presence of extremely hard water, 2 to 4 teaspoons of Super Iron Out should also be used.
The average period between regenerations is about a month, but, depending on water hardness and daily amount used, this could be as little as one to two weeks, or up to 40 days.

The hardness of water leaving the softener should be tested weekly with the water hardness test strips provided with the system until an average regeneration interval is determined.
It is recommended that the regeneration cycle lasts for approximately 30 minutes, so at an average of 3gpm (regeneration takes place at a reduced flow rate), regeneration would consume less than 90 gallons of water.

Power Rating Consumption

The ‘On The Go’ OTG4-DBLSOFT Portable 16,000 Grain RV Water Softener does not contain any electrical or electronic components and does not require any electrical power. Therefore it has no power rating.

Size, Dimensions and Shipping Weight

The ‘On The Go’ OTG4-DBLSOFT Portable 16,000 Grain RV Water Softener has a height of 22” (565cm) and a diameter of 9.5” (24cm). It has a shipping weight (including resin) of 32 lbs (14.5kg).

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On The Go Portable Water Softener Regeneration

Warranty

On The Go® Portable Water Softeners are covered by a limited warranty on materials and workmanship for one year from the date of purchase.
In addition, there is a 30-day customer return and refund (excluding transport costs) policy.

Reviews

Customer reviews for the ‘On The Go’ OTG4-DBLSOFT Portable 16,000 Grain RV Water Softener on Amazon are overwhelmingly positive. Most people were pleased with its performance and found that it delivered on its promises.

One complaint related to a hose fitting breakage and another to the price of the unit while the other two related to performance.
However, if used and maintained correctly, and preceded by a sediment filter if necessary, the unit appears to work very well for most customers.

Refill Kit Instructions For OTG4

Conclusion

The compact, handy ‘On The Go’ OTG4-DBLSOFT Portable 16,000 Grain RV Water Softener is an essential piece of equipment for any RV’er or boat owner who is likely to connect up to water supplies that contain hard water.

It’s small enough that it can be easily stowed away when not required, and easy to set up when it is needed. It is supplied with a cap and plug to ensure leakage doesn’t occur during travelling, and has a carry handle and 360 degree swivel cap for ease of handling when setting up and stowing away.

The large to opening helps make refilling an easy and tidy job, and it runs on common table salt which is easily obtainable wherever you go.
With its high capacity, compact size, and simplicity of operation, this portable water softener is a great choice for people who like to be ‘on the go’ in the great outdoors.
For RV lovers check out our other portable water softeners.

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Curtis is the founder and owner of softeningwater.com. He is the lead guy concerning all the water-softening accessories in this site's guides and reviews. If he is not writing a reviews, guides or any other useful tips, you will find him testing them to find out their suitability. He is passionate about softening water. You will find him extremely helpful and always willing to educate the general populace all there is concerning water and its effects on their health and appliances.