pnichols wrote:
I'm no TC'er ... but it seems like for treks like that in the photos above one would want an over-kill chassis so weight was - for all practical purposes in at least dry conditions - not an issue.
Wouldn't a ton truck chassis increase water carrying capacity significantly even though camper weight didn't require a ton chassis per se ... assuming one could find low-down places to carry the water on the rig? Perhaps long, shallow-depth water tanks could be mounted up in between the frame members on either side of the driveshaft? I've read of one Class C owner who was able to increase water carrying capacity to 150 gallons with external tanks mounted up and under their small motorhome in this way. Of course in off-road conditions plastic potable water auxiliary tanks mounted up and under this way should have aluminum or steel protection plates on their bottom sides.
Our current built-in water capacity is only around 45 gallons carried in a concealed tank that's mounted right down on the floor in the coach interior environment. However, I'd prefer built-in water capacity of at least double that amount, but as of yet have not added the auxiliary tank(s) for it.
Here's a link to various size RV water tanks for building in - some of the 25 gallon to 35 gallon configurations look very interesting:
http://www.plastic-mart.com/category/33/rv-water-tanks
When I first started putting my project together, back in 2008, and my goal was to provide solutions to many of the critical needs of long term boondocking, without replenishing. One of the critical factors, was water. Picking the right truck camper, with substantial capacity for potable water was important. With this, I added two additional potable tanks. When I began my ongoing adventure, I had the capacity of 190+ gals of potable water. While my truck was capable of carrying all of the weight of my camper/supplies/personal belongings, I realized that with simple conservation techniques I am able to forgo filling the two auxiliary tanks and still last for 6 to 8 weeks before replenishing supplies and fuel. So, I have only filled my two auxiliary tanks completely, twice. In the years I have been on the road, I have learned that water availability is much greater than I had ever imagined and large quantities of grey water is an important consideration in disposal. So, I just do with less and conserve more. My methods are considered extreme, by some, but many follow my tips in how to conserve too. Rather than put more emphasis on how to carry more, I would revisit in how one can conserve more.
b
