Tanker22
Lakehurst Nj
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I've been advised that it is better not to travel with a full water tank. It saves on fuel, strain on the engine and brakes. My question is what options do I have for filling up on the road when I get closer to my destination if I am dry camping. Any help with be greatly appreciated.
Tanker22
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Johnworth914
USA!
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Joined: 04/27/2012
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Sometimes rest areas on highways have water. Flying J and other gas stations that specifically cater to RVers. State & Municipal parks.
If your destination is popular with RVers there may be a water fill there.
Alaska is next! Still trying to fit the pontoons to the RV so We can get to Hawaii!
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pulsar
Lewisville, NC
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Moved from Forum Technical Support.
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PackerBacker
Montreal (Qc) Adirondacks (NY) Myrtle Beach (SC)
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We often travel with full water when we know that we will be boondocking; we did the same with our previous rv's (trailers). I never understood the reluctance to travel with a full water tank.
Eric
2009 Holiday Rambler Admiral 33SFS (34' 3")
2008 Jeep Liberty - North Edition (4x4 auto)
FQCC/Camping Quebec, KOA, Good Sam, Coach-Net
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Johnworth914
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PackerBacker wrote:We often travel with full water when we know that we will be boondocking; we did the same with our previous rv's (trailers). I never understood the reluctance to travel with a full water tank.
40 gallons @ 8.35 pounds/gallon = 334 pounds. That's why a lit of folks don;t want to drive around with a full tank of water. Why carry all that weight--especially if there is water where you are going.
Typically, we will carry enough water to be able to use the bathroom and sink while on the road, but no more. When we get where we are going, we fill up.
Now, it's a different story if I know there is no water where we are going, then I may fill at home.
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bsinmich
Holland, MI
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If we have full hookups we only carry 15-20 ga. if we know we are going to some place with horrible water we will fillup and not use the bad water. (Geneseo, IL has the worst water we have ever found). Since it takes a long time to fill up a 75 gal tank we may also fill higher if we are unsure of our location. Location of the water tanks can make a big difference in how safe it is to load up prior to a trip.
2003 Newmar Mountain Aire, Workhorse W22, 2008 Saturn Vue, Falcon 5250, & US Gear Unified Tow Brake
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camr
Winnipeg
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My reason for not traveling with a full water tank is from the old "asking for trouble" scenario. It would be a safe bet to make the statement that there has not been one trailer manufacturer who has never had a tank drop from the belly due to poor installation, age of unit, etc. Increasing there weight is the best way of increasing the chances of this happening to you. IMHO, running with full tanks is like pulling a trailer at 80 mph. It's asking for trouble.
-Cam
Cam, Heather and Abby Aussie (Austalian Shepherd)
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PackerBacker
Montreal (Qc) Adirondacks (NY) Myrtle Beach (SC)
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Johnworth914 wrote:PackerBacker wrote:We often travel with full water when we know that we will be boondocking; we did the same with our previous rv's (trailers). I never understood the reluctance to travel with a full water tank.
40 gallons @ 8.35 pounds/gallon = 334 pounds. That's why a lit of folks don;t want to drive around with a full tank of water. Why carry all that weight--especially if there is water where you are going.
Typically, we will carry enough water to be able to use the bathroom and sink while on the road, but no more. When we get where we are going, we fill up.
Now, it's a different story if I know there is no water where we are going, then I may fill at home.
My assumption is that when boondocking, there is no water at our destination.
... Eric
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MichDoc
Michigan
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When we were boondocking, we would look for a small bar or restaurant and tell the owner that we were looking for a place to get lunch, or have a beer, and to fill up our water tank. We never had one fail to offer us the water as they were also going to make some money off of our purchase.
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MaxThrust
Sierra Vista, AZ
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I would think twice myself about filling my 110 gallon water tank with 900+ pounds of water. My fresh water tank is just behind my front landing gear. That's a ton (1/2 ton...lol) of weight at that location. I generally travel with 25 gallons or so in case I need it on the road.
When I had my 26' pull behind with the 40 gallon tank I usually filled that one up prior to leaving, but I camped in different locations then.
Mike 
My computer beat me at chess, but I beat it at kick boxing!
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