Forum Discussion

lamopar's avatar
lamopar
Explorer
Apr 25, 2018

Do you keep water in your tanks when traveling??

When we had our axles aligned the shop pointed out my water tanks were touching my axles. We changed the springs which helped but now I am concerned about traveling with water in the tanks. It is nice if we need to use the bathroom but then I don't want a problem. Just wondering if others carry water when traveling or keep them dry? We hare heading out on a 7,000 mile trip in a month so we are prepping a lot on the trailer. I added 1" angle bars under the two water tanks to hold them up as there was only straps there from the factory. Just curious what everyone else does when traveling? Thanks.

Mod Edit: Fixed typo in subject

29 Replies

  • Use to only carry just enough for 'potty breaks' on way to destination....then fill upon arrival

    Changed that routine when we showed up expecting to fill up and CG main water line had broken ------- week for repairs/testing of water before water could be used.

    From that day forward.......TANK IS FULL before we leave.

    That was 11 yrs ago.
  • I pretty much travel with full tanks. I will draw off the tanks and refill them when empty at the next opportunity, so the tanks never sit more than 2 weeks with water or dry.
  • Thanks for the input. I did forget to mention my TH has two 75 gallon fresh water tanks in it. It sounds like most people at least carry some water so I think that is a good bet for us. I believe we will have hook ups at every site we go to so adding a bit should not be a problem if needed.
  • We always carry our freshwater with us, it's only 25 gallon tank. I like my water from home.
  • Ten years with the rig and I carry them full all the time. Does not make any difference in fuel consumption(35 gallon tank) and I'm not waiting any where to fill them up with a slow hose when I get there.
  • We travel with at least 1/3 of a tank of fresh water - for the purposes mentioned. If we're going to stay someplace that doesn't have sewer connections, we'll finish filling it up before we pull in and set up and run off the tank/pump to measure and conserve what goes into the gray tanks. About 4 - 5 times a year, we put 1/4 tank of clean water with Borax crystals and dish detergent in each of the waste tanks before hitting the road. This is called the "Geo Method" of cleaning the waste tanks. We've not had any issue with sagging tanks, though - even when the fresh tank is full.

    Rob
  • We have always carried the fresh water tank about half full. 10 yrs on same trailer and no problem.
  • When we had trailers we carried a few gallons just for the toilet if need when traveling , if it was a trip from home to a campground or campground to campground with hookups or a park with a community water supply we would have empty tanks when traveling it was more of a weight issue and not wanting water sitting in the tank not being used. We do the Same thing now with a TC but definitely more for weight now ,but If boondocking or dry camping we will carry a half tank . Your trailer should be able to carry a full tank of water and some tanks are more like a bladder they are plastic but expand when full , At least the ones I have had over the years
    Mike
  • It all depends. There were times when I had my full 100 gallon tank full, other times I only had 20 gallons. If I am dry camping for extended period and I can't fill it up nearby I take it with me. If I were going 7,000 miles I probably wouln't want to carry all the water all the time if I could help it.