This seems stupid but I can't get a regular garden hose to screw up to the outside city hookup. I have tried various hose ends (plastic and deep threaded brass connectors) but none will thread up tight, i.e. only a few threads. As far as I can tell there are no stripped threads. Any hints?

Also I'm replacing a black plastic faucet that operates with an electric pump. The faucet has a dial with a setting  for tank water (T) and one for city water (C).  I've ordered 2 new faucets from GoWesty and both have the "off" and "T" and "C" stamped on them turned towards the back of the faucet so that one would have to read the settings upside down. You can't mount it in reverse because the sput only flips over in one direction. Do you know if this is this normal situation for a Westy faucet or is it defective? Any info or help would be appreciated. 

Thanks, Kate '85 Vanagon