1st time buyer - 31 vs 35 ft trailer?
We are planning to get a 5th wheel trailer soon and are debating between a trailer that is 31 ft and one that is 35 ft length. It's our first time pulling a 5th wheel trailer so we are leaning to...
Forum Discussion
frenchmr wrote:Veebyes wrote:
With dry camping in mind one of the most important things to have is water capacity. So many only have 60gal freshwater which is next to useless. Figure on 8-10 gal per person per day without being crazy frugal with it. Next is battery bank capacity. 2 group 27 12V batterys just don't cut it. Cram as many amp hrs as can be fitted in the battery area.
I think we'll have to be more restrictive than 8-10 gallons per person per day, with 7 people we wouldn't even last 1 day. Most of the new trailers with a bunkhouse that sleep 7+ in the 35 ft length seem to be 45-60 gals of fresh water, but do have a lot more capacity for grey water and black water.
For example, the Hideout 308BHS has 43 gals of fresh water, 78 gals of grey water, and 39 gals of black water. I don't understand how you could fill up that much grey and black water if you only have 43 gals of fresh water.
Either way, should we just look for used 5th trailers that might have more fresh water capacity? Or should we try to find a water storage option that we could fit in the bed of the truck to add to the fresh water capacity?
Someone recently posted a link to a 60(?) gal bladder on Amazon along with a 12v transfer pump. Put that in the bed of your soon-to-be 1t, and you're good to go. :B I'm sure you could even find bigger ones, if you look, but then you're getting into weights. Frankly, with the lighter weight rigs you're looking at now, a SRW 1t would be fine as far as payload goes. Also, if you're going to have a "chase car" one, or more, of your kids might want to ride with Auntie instead of the truck. :B She could also carry some of the "stuff" that might be in the truck.
As for power, at minimum, get a couple 6v golf cart batteries and a good 100-200w solar panel and charge controller. If you've got some bucks to burn, look at building a Li battery pack from Nissan Leaf battery modules. NOT cheap, but you can get double the amp hours in half the weight and space of 2 6v batteries. Life expectancy is longer, too, and no maintenance.
Lyle
